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I was in my favourite city recently, Los Angeles, and experienced one of Hyatt’s new Andaz hotels for the first time: Andaz West Hollywood. I’d heard such great things about Andaz Liverpool Street in London, but was still not fully able to imagine how the famed 70s “Riot Hyatt” on Sunset could be transformed into a high-end travelers retreat.

I was very pleasantly surprised. There were so many things I loved about Andaz West Hollywood!

For starters, the check-in experience was fantastic. Throughout my many travels, I don’t think I’ve ever gone out of my way to tell anyone how much I enjoyed check-in – let alone write about it. Andaz has a new check-in concept. When you enter the hotel you notice there is something missing – a front desk!

nstead of standing there wondering what to do, as you might envision me doing, I was quickly greeted by an Andaz Host who sat me down in a comfy leather sofa and asked me if I’d care for a drink. Of course I did! I’d been travelling! My husband and I sat down to a lovely glass of wine each (with a big pour might I add) while the same gentleman checked us in using a small computer-like device. This was such a nice change from the norm!

No standing impatiently at the counter with luggage in tow.

In no time, we were whisked to our room where we were please to learn that Andaz has not jumped onto the nickel-and-diming wagon that some hotels are still on. So many things that guests are used to paying for – but annoyed by – are complimentary at Andaz.

For instance, all non-alcoholic mini-bar beverages are complimentary! Also complimentary, is Wi-Fi. Nice! Logging in was hassle free on both our iphones and my laptop.

As we were shown to our room we were also invited to return to the lobby for complimentary happy hour each evening, and told that coffee, fruit and croissants would be waiting for us (again – complimentary) in the lobby every morning. We were in heaven! It’s funny how nice touches like these can make you feel so welcome, and at home!

Naturally, after enjoying a second glass of wine during happy hour, we wanted to stick around Andaz. Why leave a place that had made us feel so valued? We decided to invite some friends and enjoyed some fabulous Southwestern French cuisine at RH.

Dinner at RH was a huge highlight for sure! Everyone at the table was wowed by their meal. The mushroom soup was amazing, and the chocolate cake is something we are all still talking about. My husband tried the duck confit (per the Manager’s recommendation) and he thought it was amazing. It’s no surprise this was an over-the-top dining experience; RH’s Executive Chef, Sebastien Archambault, has showcased his talents at several Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe.

Try Andaz West Hollywood for yourself and, like me, you’ll feel like a guest in someone’s home.

Or, if your favourite city happens to be the Big Apple, try out one of Andaz’s great new hotels in New York that are opening soon: Andaz Wall Street (opens January 2010) and Andaz Fifth Avenue (opens spring 2010).

I know I’ll be there.

Check out some more photos of this gorgeous hotel in Los Angeles:

Sitting Area at Andaz West Hollywood

Exterior of the Andaz West Hollywood in L.A.

RH Restaurant at Andaz Hotel in L.A.

Pool Area at the Andaz West Hollywood

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Ayurveda (ethnic medicine) tourism has emerged a major tourism segment of Kerala, a green narrow strip at the southern-most tip of peninsular India. It’s because none of the 28 states in India has as much a strong Ayurveda traditions as Kerala has.

Visitors, both overseas and inland, who go to Kerala usually, make an all-in-one trip that lasts 15-21 days as 14 day Ayurveda treatment is usually the minimal necessary course to cure many ills like obesity, psoriasis, eye problems, strengthening body immunity, raising vigor and virility etc. Many orthopedic problems which allopathic system has less to offer are treated here.

The best season to enjoy Ayurvedic treatments is during the South-West Monsoon beginning from June 1 to October This time you have a double advantage of enjoying a revitalizing Ayurveda treatment and the magic of monsoon. Kerala has 12,000 Ayurveda treatment units and 14 reputed and big Ayurveda Houses that have indoor treatment facilities spread across the State and outside. SLS Tourist has them categorized so that you get the best that suit your pocket

SLS tourist has numerous tailor-made tours to suit your needs. If your idea is not cure but rejuvenation, 4-5 days would suffice and another 5 days to scoot around and enjoy the many unique attractions this state has to offer.

A backwater cruise with a bit of fishing and swimming thrown in , a night in a secluded forest resort, a night up on a tree top dwelling in close communion with nature, a day with a local farmer, sampling the farm-fresh vegetables and spicy food and ethnic toddy, are just some of numerous options you could go in for. SLS tourist arranges local-stay with reputed families.

Those desirous of deriving simple pleasure of seeing the scenic splendor of this amazing land get it arranged for them as SLS Tourist has a wide network in India, Asia, and major world spots.

This small state has almost everything except a snow-rain. Alluring waterfalls, serrated wooded hills, rocky hillocks, dozens of rivers and numerous streams, a very long sea coast, rolling hills of midland, hundreds of tea-coffee-spices plantations, long stretch of rainy season, a mind-boggling network of temples, churches and mosques, rich folk arts and above all, hundreds of kalaris (martial art gyms) where good looking sinewy youths practice and swarthy beautiful womenfolk who had been subject of much lyrics and poems by great poets and song writers bring sunshine to your hearts.

A visit to this land is worth every penny you spend.

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The map shows worldwide distribution of Dengue Fever. Blue: Areas infested with Aedes aegypti. Red: Areas with Aedes aegypti and recent epidemic dengue fever.

WorldNomads.com’s roving medical expert Dr. Erik McLaughlin MD discusses Dengue Fever, its symptoms and the?preventative measures travelers can take when visiting at risk areas.

What is Dengue Fever?

A recent article on Medical News Today?discussed Dengue Fever as the fastest growing vector borne disease in the world.? Dengue is a viral illness that is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.? This illness, once confined to SE Asia has now become more common in Latin America, Asia, Africa, North America and even Australia.? Dengue, nicknamed “breakbone fever” due to the wracking muscle cramping it causes, has no specific treatment and carries a case fatality rate of 40-50% if left untreated and progresses to the dreaded Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF).?

Dengue fever is a flavavirus that is classified into 4 different strains, named Dengue 1, 2, 3 and 4.? All four different strains can be present in the same geographic area, at the same time.? Once a person is infected with a specific strain of Dengue, they are believed to be immune to that strain for life.? The problem occurs when a person who has been previously infected with one strain acquires a second and different strain.? This infection by a second strain increases the likelihood that a person will acquire Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) characterized by uncontrolled bleeding from the gums, intestinal tract, skin rash and fevers.? The increased risk of progression to DHF with each subsequent infection is exactly one of the reasons why producing a successful vaccine has been so difficult.?

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Dengue fever can be as mild as a slight fever, head and muscle aches, rash and nausea/vomiting.? Often times, the first case of Dengue gets undiagnosed by a person who believes they simply have a “bad cold” and then go on to make a full recovery.? This has now made their body a candidate for DHF should they become infected a second or even third time.?

Who is at risk?

The?World Health Organization?estimates that there are roughly 50 million Dengue infections per year and 2.5 billion people live in areas at risk for Dengue infection.? This is 2/5 of the world’s population.? In 1970 there were only 9 countries with Dengue fever and at present there are 100 countries that contain Dengue.? With the Aedes Mosquito acting as the vector or carrying agent for Dengue, one can clearly see the explosive growth the mosquito species has had, as well.?

Researchers are attempting to link increased global temperatures and rainfall with the increased Dengue activity.? The idea that warmer weather leads to increased mosquitoes and mosquito breeding grounds is nothing new, especially combined with standing water which allows the mosquitoes to have an ideal breeding ground.?

How can I prevent Dengue Fever?

Prevention of Dengue fever by travelers centers around several key points.?? First, knowledge that one is traveling in a potential Dengue area should raise alert and prompt the traveler to be cautious.? Second, prevention of mosquito bites should become a way of life.? Using DEET sprays, permethrin treated clothing, bed nets and long sleeves and pants are vital steps to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.? Lastly, be cautious of areas with standing water such as upturned canisters, flower pots, tires that may contain water and lakes or large puddles.? Public Health campaigns center on the destruction of these standing water breeding grounds, trying to eliminate of at least decrease the Aedes mosquito population.?

Travelers headed to areas with Dengue activity should travel prepared to do what they can to prevent mosquito bites.? Caution should also be used when looking at the time of year traveling occurs, especially during rainy seasons.? Dengue should not be going away any time soon and savvy travelers need to be aware of it and start getting used to taking proper precautions.???

Read more stories from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com – an essential part of every adventurous traveller’s journey.

By Sharon Silke Carty, USA TODAY

DETROIT — General Motors (GM) may be inching toward bankruptcy court, but the theory that GM could get through the process quickly faces increasing skepticism.

On Friday, Fritz Henderson said he came into his new position as GM’s CEO three weeks ago believing a bankruptcy filing was more probable than not.

“I feel the same way today,” he says. Henderson said GM is working on two scenarios: one that involves bankruptcy and one that doesn’t. The plan that does not includes looking at each GM brand to see if it’s needed. USA TODAY reported Thursday that dropping Pontiac and GMC was being looked at, along with Hummer, Saab and Saturn, which are already on the block.

GM has resisted filing for bankruptcy court protection, saying the process would be messy and long and would scare away customers. But some in the government have argued that GM could enter a “prepackaged” bankruptcy that could take a few weeks and result in a healthier company.

Not so, says Doug Bernstein, an attorney who heads Plunkett Cooney’s banking, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights practice. He looked at recent prepackaged bankruptcies and saw that none took less than six months.

That’s because bankruptcy law allows every interested party to be heard by a judge, which can take weeks, months or years. Auto supplier Delphi filed in October 2005. It is still in bankruptcy court, and more than 16,000 documents have been filed.

“The process of bankruptcy cannot be rushed,” Bernstein said.

GM has received $13.4 billion in federal loans, and President Obama said it must offer a more aggressive restructuring plan by June 1 to get more aid. Henderson says GM will be prepared to file for bankruptcy if it can’t reach its goals in other ways.

Talks with bondholders are going slowly. Henderson said the company is having talks but nothing he would classify as “intense negotiations.” GM is looking to cut two-thirds of its debt by swapping bonds for GM shares. Bondholders have resisted, saying GM’s plans won’t make it profitable any time soon.

Talks with the United Auto Workers are also going more slowly than expected because the UAW also is negotiating with Chrysler. The unions and bondholders are watching to see what the other will give up and to get a better idea of what the revamped GM would look like.

Source

Christmas Scrapbooking, Happy New Year Scrapbooking Samples:

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Christmas E-Card

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Christmas E-Card

Link to this post: http://scrapbooking.blogbuddy.ca/2009/digital-scrapbook-layouts/christmas-scrapbooking-happy-new-year-scrapbooking/ From the Scrapbooking tips, layouts, articles website