Teague Neal-Writing, Travel, Software and much much more

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:27:00 -0400

New York's Finest Hotel for Young'ns

Travel is one of my greatest passions and I believe all globetrotters or even occasional adventurers must venture to the Capitol of the World....the one and only New York City! The energy, the absolutely endless myriad of activities and world famous icons and landmarks that stand as a testament to the celebrity status of this beloved city. When you need a break from the electric energy of New York and when it's time to hit the bed, where to stay?

New York has numerous options though there are few that cater to young people and have great bang for the buck. This past Christmas & New Years 2007 when I headed down to see friends in Connecticut before attending the legendary New Years bash in Times Square with my brother. My parents wanted as most do to find a good deal, yet we wanted to be in midtown near to Times Square. This is the enduring question, some people answer this by staying further afield in more remote parts of the city or across the river in New Jersey coming in and out each day. The answer is The Pod Hotel. Below is my full review of the hotel inclusive of both stays both for New Years 2007 & in July 2007 as it appears on my Trip Advisor profile along with pictures.

I travelled with family to New York with visits to Connecticut last New Years & then again on my own while visiting surrounding states this summer. I have included below reviews from both stays for more information.

New Years:
Scanning around as we were late in the game of booking a room prior to New Years I was elated when I called up the Pick Wick Arms (Now the Pod Hotel) which had not only space but appeared to be a vibrant young and modern hotel with a great price tag. My family member whose first time it was in the city and my 2nd stayed there for our 2 nights/3 days in the city. Within walking distance of many landmarks, within a 25 minute walking radius of the hotel we visited:

* Central Park
* Rockefeller Center
* Nintendo World store
* NBA store
* Times Square
* The world's largest toy store- Toys'R Us Times Square
* 5th Avenue
* Avenue of the Americas

The rooms are very reasonably priced and actually amazing price tags when you think that this is in Midtown East, sporting some of the highest room rates on earth typically ranging anywhere from $400-600. The Pod Hotel for 2 nights including extravagantly popular night of December 31st was $179 for the double room with private bathroom. The room was very comfortable and modern with a spacious desk, flat screen LCD television, a marble shower & bathroom with nifty holders. A note on the public bathrooms for the single & bunk bed room guests, they are also pristine and even have music in the shower and plenty of shampoo & soap in dispensers. We actually used one of these bathrooms also in the morning so we could shower faster which I suggest as they are usually mostly empty. It saves time so you have more time to get out into this magnificent city!

Beautiful British bath products are provided in abundance by the maids whom are very friendly and clean the rooms spotlessly. We had a question about whether we could turn the television so went out into the hall and asked a maid there, she happily came in and showed us how. A small interesting note, they are in the traditional French maid outfits, not something you often see!

Summer 2007:
I returned to the Pod Hotel in July for a 2 night stay again and had an equally wonderful experience with them. Now that the renovations are complete with the hotel, there is a concierge desk that is staffed most of the day, a cozy lounging area with modern furniture and a rooftop garden, however I didn't get a chance to go up there, next time for sure. There is also a outdoor deck area which I did go out on and enjoyed. This time I had several requests of the front desk and each call or whenever I went up to the desk I was greeted with friendly staff who cater to you. I stayed in the double room again, and though the same as the summer I did notice that there are now two glass doors for the bathroom which makes it easier for privacy.

Also I read in an earlier review of The Pod Hotel that there was this beautiful quaint park down the street (East 51st Street) that the Pod Hotel is on. I found it just across the street down a 2 minute walk from the hotel. It's called Greenacre Park and was built by a wealthy New Yorker for the simple purpose of proving a paradise in the middle of bustling midtown Manhattan. Just a few blocks from Times Square as a New Yorker whom I sat beside said and yet such serenity. The park has a raised terrace covered eating area, a spacious stone patio with modern wire cafe style chairs & tables. A snack bar offers a wide variety of gourmet food not just snacks freshly prepared by the friendly Asian owner. I enjoyed a delicious croissant & fruit salad in front of the crowning feature a large waterfall at the back of the park! A visit to this park is a must!
To add to the list of nearby attractions and places this time from the hotel I walked to:

* Top of The Rock observation deck at the GE Building (also contains the NBC store & tour, Rainbow Room)
* Theater District
* Maddame Tussuad's
(also a ticket office for CitySightsNY Hop on Off buses & the start for their downtown tour)
* The world's largest toy store- Toys'R Us Times Square & other theme stores
* Grand Central Station & its shoppes

I readily recommend the Pod Hotel to friends and family and will surely be returning!

- Trip Advisor a dynamic interactive travel site, I am now a member on will get a full review in the next few days on here-

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:54:00 -0400

Tarzan's Josh Strickland starring in Broadway Boys concert

Josh Strickland right as Tarzan alongside Jenn Gamabatese as Jane in Tarzan

Josh Strickland who played Tarzan in the stunning musical of the same name that I have been writing about that was on Broadway, now in The Netherlands and Germany in 2008 has a upcoming one day show! He will be at the Staples Center Highschool in Westport, Connecticut on October 1st. The Staples Center as part of the highschool is home to The Staples Players a dynamic drama and theatre group that teaches young aspiring actors bound for Broadway and other acting all there is to know about theatre in an intergrated program. The tickets are only $20 for children and $30 for adults. He will be joining other Broadway actors alongside the Broadway Boys whom impersonate and perform Broadway hit songs and skits. The ticket sales generated act as a fundraiser towards this worthwhile theatre program. Check out the article about the concert on Playbill.

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 11:05:00 -0400

New Horizons for Tarzan Cast

The former Broadway cast who brought so much passion and joy to the Richard Rodgers Theater during the 14 month run of Tarzan are reprising their roles as the astounding actors and actresses they are. After the sudden close of Tarzan on July 8th, though the sadness was deep that Tarzan had ended as I found out from an agent of one of the actors I sat by the world does need to continue. They seemed extremely proud of their performances and what they brought to this astounding production, my favourite show I've ever seen, truly. Six of the major roles from Tarzan are now pursuing new roles and activities on Broadway and beyond. Tarzan is my favourite show or play I've ever seen!

Josh Strickland, of American Idol fame and from the national tour of RENT and everyone will remember as the older Tarzan with his stunning voice, amazing acrobatics and more is working on an upcoming CD titled Dreaming Wide Awake along with other Broadway stars including Shoshana Bean previously from Wicked, Jonathan Groff currently in Spring Awakening amongst others. Check out this exclusive sneak preview clip of renwoned Broadway actress Stephanie J. Block (Wicked, Pirate Queen) singing "Never Never Land" (Fly Away) from Peter Pan, check out this write up from Playbill.com (the official company that does Broadway programs - "playbills" and much more) at the bottom of the article. He has no current roles in shows, though it won't be long I'm sure before we see this skilled up and coming actor spring from the launch that Tarzan was for him.

This was Strickland's Broadway premiere in rent but he had previously garnered his stardom in American Idol, and he was then on the National Tour of RENT and in his time in Tarzan was on many renowned TV shows inclusive of The View, The Today Show and All my Children.

Kerchak (Shuler Hensley) and his wife Kala (Merle Dandridge) in Tarzan

Merle Dandridge who played the deeply moving mother of Tarzan Kala has returned to her previous Broadway role. For a limited engagement Dandridge will be reprised her role as Joanne in RENT, now in it's 11th year on Broadway at the David Nederlander Theater. She left RENT on September 1st. She expressed on her blog that it will be a limited engagement before she takes so more time off after Tarzan.

She is now working on a play at the La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, California titled Most Wanted . Most Wanted. takes a look at the American obsession of celebrity, rich, fame and wealth in a unique and creative expression. The play is part of their EDGE festival supporting young and up and coming directors, this is quoted from the website of the La Jolla Playhouse as they describe the festival of plays:

"THE EDGE is the newest of the Playhouse's signature programs, designed to bring the freshest, most adventurous work to our stages. Supported through a generous grant from the Irvine Foundation, projects in THE EDGE are produced outside of the subscription season. THE EDGE encompasses bold new works being created in the theatre today by established artists, up-and-coming directors and playwrights, or theatre ensembles who are exploring new theatrical territory. Groundbreaking, innovative and completely different – welcome to THE EDGE."

Her past performances include on Broadway Jesus Christ Superstar, RENT, Disney's AIDA as well as NCIS on television amongst other credits.

Jane (Jenn Gambatese) and Tarzan (Josh Strickland) in Tarzan

Jenn Gambatese who played the snobby British explorer turned lover of Tarzan is preparing for a brand new Broadway show. Gambatese took some time off towards the end of Tarzan's run for her wedding!! She was Jane for more than a year previous and then did return early from her leave to do the final weekend of shows. She is getting ready to be a part of the intriguing new musical Is He Dead based on a play that was written more than 100 years ago and undiscovered until 2002, Mark Twain's piece has been crafted into a Broadway show. The producers of the show say this:

"In this newly discovered Mark Twain comedy, the original master of American humor dishes out a sly critique of the art world with acerbic wit and social commentary well ahead of his time. Is He Dead? is a fast-paced play about a struggling artist who stages his own death to drive up the price of his paintings. As the riotous scheme unfolds, Twain poses daring questions about fame, greed and the value of art, and pokes his signature, mischievous fun at everyone involved."

The previews of Is He Dead start November 8th at the Lyceum Theatre, regular performances start November 29th. The performance schedule and ticketing will be announced shortly, I will post more about her show and link to the official website when there's one. Her past performances include the original Broadway cast of Hairspray and All Shook Up.

Niki Scalera who played the Jane understudy and an ensemble performer (an ape!) and then played Jane for the last stretch except the final weekend of shows while Jenn Gambatese took time off for her wedding! She is actually the Jane I saw at my performance and she was spectacular. She is in the smash hit Hairspray now in its 6th year on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theater as Penny Pingleton, the main character Tracy Turnblad's best friend.

Her past performances include the Las Vegas production of the Queen musical We Will Rock You, Jake's Women on Broadway, All My Children on television amongst many other credits. She was also recently involved in the workshop for the up and coming Broadway musical of Catch me If You Can.

Kerchak (Shuler Hensley) taking a bow on opening night of Tarzan

Shuler Hensley who played Kerchak, Tarzan's father for 10 months from Tarzan's opening until March 2007 is now in previews for a shining new show bound for Broadway. Now doing its pre-Broadway run in Seattle Hensley plays The Monster in Young Frankenstein. The tale of the famed classic tale has now made its way to stage. Created by famed producer Mel Brooks, who also created the The Producers. Here's what the producers have to say on the official Young Frankenstein website. Hensley's past includes Oklahoma & the original Broadway Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera in Germany, Off Broadway: The Great American Trailer Park Musical and in movies Legend of Zoro in 2005 and Opa! at the 2005 Toronto Film Festival.

The Monster (Shuler Hensley) in Young Frankenstein

" IT’S ALIVE! From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation The Producers comes this monster new musical comedy.

A wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks’ classic comedy masterpiece, the story follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Fronkensteen) as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterwork and bring a corpse to life. Together with his oddly shaped and endearing helper Igor (that's Eye-gor), his curvaceous lab assistant Inga, and in spite of his incredibly self-involved madcap fiancé Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster -- but not without scary and quite often hilarious complications.

With such memorable tunes as "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and "Puttin' On The Ritz," The New MEL BROOKS Musical YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is scientifically-proven, monstrously good entertainment…and the only place you'll witness a singing and dancing laboratory experiment in the largest tuxedo ever made."

The previews of Young Frankenstein begin October 11th at the Hilton Theater, regular performances start November 8th.

Tim Jerome

Tim Jerome who played Jane's father, Professor Porter, the visiting British explorer to the stunning African jungle that was the Tarzan set. He is going on tour with the
latest revival of My Fair Lady. The show that has played both on Broadway and in the West End. The original Broadway show was in 1954 and has since had several revivals. Jerome, who has played in many Broadway shows in the past prior to Tarzan inclusive of The Beauty and the Beast as Maurice, CATS and many others. He will be a member of the North American tour cast. Check out the press release about his role on Broadway World.

A scene from My Fair Lady

They will go across North America to 24 American and Canadian cities from September 2007-June 2008 , they started with a series of shows in Tampa, Florida on September 12th. For my Canadian readers, one of the shows I'd love to catch My Fair Lady will be in Toronto from May 8-31st at the Toronto Centre for the Arts for one of the longer runs! I will be sure to catch him in my hometown then, can't wait! Tickets are on sale now for certain legs of the tour, others will be on sale soon. I met him at the stage door after my performance of Tarzan on July 4th, congratulated him and told him it was my first Broadway show. He was very sweet and signed my playbill. I hope to catch some of my favourite cast in the new shows and undertakings!

Best of luck to all of them!

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 22:36:00 -0400

Tribute to Tarzan

July 4th, 2007 will always remain engrained in my memory as one of the most memorable and meaningful days of my life. That morning I had flown into brash and beautiful New York City for my fourth visit to this beloved city of mine. Though in the past I certainly had walked amongst the famed theatres that scatter in and around Broadway. The Great White Way had inspired me from afar yet for some unknown reason I hadn't ventured in to see one of the world class shows.

This afternoon as I settled back into the electric energy and comfort and class of this city I love I took a yellow cab to the theatre from the UN. Stepping into the long snaking line in front of the historic circa 1924 Richard Rodgers Theatre garbed in bright shades of green on the marquee & box office. All with "Tarzan Broadway's High Flying Musical" ethched across. I had my premiere Broadway ticket in hand I had gotten for $45 less than the list price using a discount code, now a treasured souvenir forever. Once I set food in the door and made my way to the ticket taker, I had been formally introduced into a world I thought I would love, yet began far more special than I could ever have imagined.

I took my plush upholstered seat, one of the most comfortable I've ever sat as I was dressed up in some of my finest dress clothes. Surrounding me men in their tuxedos and various forms of dress shirts and suits mingled alongside women in glittering gowns and designer tops. I had always enjoyed the 1999 film and had seen press photos and clips of the show which appeared nothing less than "SENSATIONAL" as the marquee proudly announced in the words of a local high profile critic. The fact that I could get the 4th row seat with the discount code, something I had never done previously, been so close to the stage.

Tarzan held so much power and enchantment, the stunning scenes with the highly creative and never before seen arial moves of the gorrilas and Young and older Tarzan was such an enriching experience. I really felt the awe of it all sink in as I learned all about the deep feelings that accompany acceptance of others, differences and cultures. As well as how love can become so deep and fast, about close friendships and the power of family. The power of family both fictionally and in reality. A agent of one of the actors in Tarzan taught me and another man seated behind me all about Broadway and different thoughts on Tarzan. We heard about the closing, that had more than ticketing as Tarzan was playing the full houses. She said and I will never forget "45 of my beloved actors will be out of a job" "The stage hands, crew and actors won't know where to turn" she said.

Young Tarzan (Alex Rutherford) & Kala (Merle Dandridge)

Certain people wonder how they can put on the same show, nearly identical 7-8 times a week, and during at least 1 day twice in one day. How they can do that emotionally, despite the repetition they do have a different audience whom reacts different each show and they become a family, truly. They have rehearsals together, they almost live together even in their relatively small quarters backstage before, after and during the show in their dressing rooms and the various other spaces needed to put on a modern multimillion dollar stage production.

When you see them doing the curtain call and interacting with each other and fans at the stage door following the performance this really shows. They are not bored, they are elated to be in an astounding production and though there is repetition they especially in Tarzan get to be amongst stunning backdrops, special effects, costumes and get to sing majestic music night after night. Tarzan did close on Broadway suddenly on July 8, 2007 yet continues in the hearts and minds of many. The original Kerchak, Tarzan's father played by Shuler Hensley will be starring in the upcoming Young Frankenstein on Broadway beggining in November as Frankenstein's Monster. Best wishes to him and all of the cast with their future aspirations!

--I will be soon posting a post about the Netherlands Tarzan production that opened on April 15th, 2007---

--I will also soon be posting about the fun and warmth the cast showed at the stage door and about going to the stage door at Broadway shows--

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Thu, 9 Aug 2007 15:09:00 -0400

Step Between Reality and Fiction in NYC

The review of my memorable and eventful review of the New York TV & Movie Tour I took recently during my time in New York with my friend from Singapore & her cousin has now been posted on the On Locations review site . It can be found by filing through the arrows at the bottom of the webpage. I reccomend it for anyone but strongly for returning visitors to New York who appreciate events off the beaten path as you discover more about this unbelivable city. You can find my review on the site by filing through using the navigation arrows at the bottom of the webpage to file through to the July 6th 2007, 11:00am tour I was on.

This tour exceeded my expectations and quickly became one of the most memorable experiences I've had in New York City, this being my 3rd trip. The tour is multi faceted with each facet innovative and run smoothly. Meeting the tour guide at the meeting location was easy to find in the Theater District down the road from Times Square. Detailed directions and a map are included with your ticket. The former Broadway actress turned NYC tour guide was well organized with a list of all attendees, I simply said my name and presented my e-ticket (ordered from Zerve's website).

We embarked on a comfortable air conditioned coach that led us to 60 locations featured in famed movies & television shows from all eras. A side note the coach does have a spotless bathroom onboard.The tour guide was very approachable and informative sharing many notes on the movies including bloopers, little known facts and also production terminology as it relates to filming. In addition to the locations that the bus passes by there are a handful of stops where we got out to see locations on foot. This included two stops that were prolonged ones seeing a set of locations which provided a great break from the bus. At these stops the tour guide offers to take group photography, now that I've seen the pictures, they attest to fine photography skill.

With the additions of showing actual clips of the movies & TV shows on the monitors in the bus just prior or after visiting the location was a real treat. This made the bridge between reality and Hollywood all that more real. The onboard singing and contests rewarded by prizes and the fun of it all added yet another dimension. As the tour progressed throughout many Manhattan districts and neighbourhoods the guide informed the group of many aspects of New York's culture and how the movie industry affects these districts. At the conclusion of the tour I greatly thanked the guide and gave her a well deserving generous tip. Most importantly I had learned much more about movie, television and New York City as a whole. All this is a fun filled afternoon I strongly recommend.

Also a note the office staff are also equally friendly and informative as I had questions about certain parts of the tour for health reasons. On a future trip to NYC I plan to take their Central Park TV & Movie Tour enabling me to further explore the famed park with their knowledge and the filming slant. Improvements to the tour would be visiting the Seinfeld restaurant. It would also be great to see On Location expand to other boroughs of NYC or genre tours. Perhaps have a tour that includes lunch or dinner at one of the featured dining locations. I wish On Location Tours nothing but the best! Cheers from Ontario, Canada.

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Wed, 8 Aug 2007 01:01:00 -0400

Back Blogging with Fresh Takes
- have my posts emailed by entering your email in the subscribe me box to the right.

I apologize for my extended absence and periodic posting. I have been having many personal reasons that had prevented me from giving the blog the attention it deserves. I am excited and very much looking forward to posting again in the coming days and weeks, I have many new features and access to my new travel blog and major YouTube series coming. I will also be updating the links on the right-hand side of my screen to include additional travel websites. This will include new links relating to the wonderful world of Broadway & the West End which I will be covering regularly now. This coverage of the finest theatre districts in the English language world shall include information on upcoming shows, revivals and previews and tours. In addition to the best ways to get your tickets, as well as packages that include tickets to the esteemed shows.

As always I appreciate your comments. To subscribe simply type your email address in the box to the right-hand side "Subscribe Me" and your email address will be added to the list. You will soon also be able to send your email address via email to the new address that will soon be posted. This address will also be used for comments, ideas for new posts and anything else you may like to ask. The new posts start the evening of August 9th Eastern Standard Time. The transformations and new features and links will happen in the next several weeks. Thanks very much, good to be back with a vengance! Stay tuned!
Cheers

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 02:03:00 -0500

My Birthday Horoscope for my 19th!

A pretty cool, creative and icing filled birthday cake to me!

Celebrating my 19th birthday online here with the almost sureally accurate horoscope I got. This is from Birthday Alarm site I use to organize and keep track of the world of birthdays I need to remember! It's an awesome way filled with many features to create an electronic database that emails reminders to you. It also gives you access to a wide selection of e-cards! Their present to me from them today was this:

Free Sample Personal Astrology Profile for Teague
Birth Date and Time..... January 16, 1988 4:30 PM
Birth Location............. Toronto, Canada
Sun Sign.................... Capricorn

�Section 1: How You Approach Life and How You Appear To Others
You appear gentle and soft, and you act rather reserved with others until you know them well and feel it is safe to be open with them. You have a strong need for emotional security and a sense of belonging, and are deeply attached to the past: your heritage, roots, family, cherished friends, familiar places, etc. Making radical changes or moves away from what is known and safe can be very painful and difficult for you. You tend to cling and hold on to people, memories, possessions of personal or sentimental significance. Having a home, a safe haven, is very important to you.

Section 2: The Inner You: Your Real Motivation
Serious, disciplined, and quietly ambitious, you are driven to prove yourself and to achieve material accomplishments and success. Your work, your position in the world, and your contributions to society are very important to you. You will persevere through enormous hardship and frustration in order to reach a goal you have set for yourself, and you often sacrifice much in the area of personal relationships and home life in order to do so.

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 17:56:00 -0500

Forging Foreign Friendships Spanning the Planet

In our ever changing global world where borders and boundaries mean less and less we have entered a almost complete global network of communications. Not only of communications but of friendship, love and relationships. The fact that for example the United Kingdom is seperated by the thousands of miles of the Atlantic means little now. For example my good friend in Wales who means so much typing in his instant messaging window perhaps 3,000 or 5,000 km away depending where I am in Canada means nothing. I get his message delivered instantaneously. If we want to exchange pictures of each other it is exchanged instantly. We can email and chat however much we want as long as we want at absolutely no charge. To be able to do this is exceptional, men has come so far, we have created what was once a massive globe that meant communication could not happen between borders at all to this. To where we stand now where you can email anyone on the planet with a Internet access and a email address. '

I have long been intensely interested in foreign affairs and international travel and tourism. I would pick up atlases, books and read and study countries, cities and far flung locales. To learn all about a nation, whether it had 1 billion or less than 1 million people it mattered not. Size doesn't matter in essence with countries, it's all about culture and their environment. The way people grow up is affected by their environment, their customs and beliefs. All of this is a direct result of their country, city, village where they grew up. Esentially the interpretation of our wide world is open to interpretation, it is a blank canvass that needs to be perceived by us, its citizens. When I travel which has now included 7 countries in Asia, North America and Europe I have not only climbed the Eiffel Tower, seen the ancient Japanese temples, gazed upon the Mexican rainforests I have experienced the people.

Experiencing people is one of the largest and most poignant messages that both international travel and foriegn friendship affects. Taken alone they each have an affect, taken together and you have someone who can truly look at and understand the world. The way the French, Japanese and Mexicans act and present themselves is as much as a treasure as it is to experience their country. You don't just remember the resort, the quaint shopping streets, the monuments you visited. You remember the people, we are now approximately 6.5 billion inhabitaing our earth, this is immense and grows every second. For us to be together, to understand accept one another we must have that mutual understanding.

Through the award winning teen newspaper The Tattoo that is based in Connecticut I have spoken to those in 19 nations in Asia,North America including the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Oceania. What does this mean? It means more than I know how the Welsh accent sounds, what the typical weather is in western Australia is or what festivals are celebrated and when in Calcutta, India. I have learned a treasure chest about their culture and countries. Most of all however I have learned their attitudes are affected by these events, places and celebrations. There is the barrier of not being face to face but we do have web cameras, email, instant messaging and much lower long distance calling rates than ever seen previously in the past.

To receive emails from USA, Singapore, Pakistan, India, Wales and Japan has broadned by mental reach imesurabely. If you just know your town, your corner of the world and do not reach out you are missing out on opportunities the size of the planet. The beauty, the absolute sheer magic of it all never ends. I have met some of the closest people who play a unbelievable role in my life not here, but from here with them from afar. I have met many and will be meeting more upcoming in the United Kingdom as well as a German girl in her native land for real. To finally give my Welsh friend, my American friends, my global friends that hug that bear hug is a thing of true beauty, it's a piece of my soul. I am not friends with Canadians, I am friends with the whole wide world! God bless you all!

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Sun, 7 Jan 2007 10:30:00 -0500

Returning from Comfy Connecticut

I have just returned from a highly sucessful and stunning trip to Connecticut, New York and New Jersey with my older brother. I did the coach bus journey again from Toronto via New York into Hartford, Connecticut. To see this quaint and quieter state of mind than I'm used to again brought back many memories over the past few years. Connecticut has developedinto more than a travel destination, it's a second home now.As soon as I step foot on Connecticut soil I feel like I have entered a third home (we have a farm) and not just a new destination.Connecticut praticularly Central Connecticutfeels just like a comfy third region to me. I have southern Ontario, northern Alberta in Canada and also Connecticut, USA. The trip was very sucessful which was meaningful to me since my still sucessful but not as smooth summer sojurn down there this past July.

Drove along the familiar road of Farmington Avenue in West Hartford/ Hartford where I have spent many weeks of my life now, seeing the old Victorian and Colonial style mansions back, the old restaurants I used to frequent and so much more. To be in the arms of my good friends, the editors of my newspaper. To be able to catch up in person on what has happened over the past few months and at our traditional Christmas party even past years with certain people. Their house holds so much and to be sitting there with so many great people just meant so much. The party had a large attendance this time around. Many old faces appeared for which I had not laid eyes on in seemingly eons. All the familiar faces that I yearn to see were there too.

My charades choice this time was absolutely insane with the one I had to act out with hands only being "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court". I looked at the slip of paper and thought to myself "holy lord the Yankees have done me in this time". I tried my very best to act out it sylable by sylable, people started guessing. People continued guessing. Frustration started to fly, people started getting antsy. I started getting even more antsy. People started really wondering what was going on, some casually questioning my lack of skill in the charades game. I will admit it's not my stronghold of talent you currently are reading one of those my writing. However these people know that as this is a newspaper that I contributed 22 articles too, several of them award winning. After a painful half hour those on my team in the living room that night got it. I felt a sudden sigh of relief. My lucky older brother on the other hand new to the Connecticut scene had Brokeback Mountain. Put two fingers up meaning two words. Pointed to his back and hunched over. His team called out the anwser, now only if it could be as easy as that!

Had a gourmet Italian dinner with one of my very good writer friends in Hartford. Enjoyed or at least tried to enjoy the food, they certainly had the Americana sized portions there! Yet tasty and a beautiful time to spend with him and have my brother meet him. My brother one on of the Connecticut days posed the question "Can we go to Yale". I responded "Why not". We went down to the station and bought tickets to New Haven, the home of the world famous university. The next day we went to New Haven down in southern Connecticut. I had previously been for a visit this past summer, however such a magical place doesn't lose its appeal. We took an hour or so coach bus drive to New Haven. Upon reaching saw the glitzy buildings that make up the British style downtown as you get towards Yale. Saw the New Haven Green, greens being a large expansive park in the middle of town. This is traditional with many New England towns, the majority of them all once having a green. A common gathering point for the town.

Unfortunately Yale University was on its official "recess period" that has the Visitor Center closed, clearly closed with a week's worth of newspapers piled up on their porch. However not to be saddened we continued onto the world famous campus. Having taken the official tour from a student who came from California I recalled many of her words, jokes and more. We made our way through the campus seeing the heart of Yale, the Old Campus. The Oxford like ivy covered stone and brick walls looming over us. The centre court park area in the middle, seeing the statue of the founder and simply gazing at the beauty of the buildings. My brother was especially interested to see that the oldest building in Connecticut-Connecticut Hall was the home of their physchcology department, snapping many shots in front of it. We saw Harkness Tower the massive sprialling tower. The covered courtyards with their heavy iron gates closing them in. We then continued down High Street, a street with all the atmosphere of a high class old university.

Checked into the Yale University Art Gallery and took the full tour with a gallery guide. His knowledge of the art brought it all to life. Many works of art Yale almunus have amassed over the years. Manet, Matisse, Degas and many others. A highly creative gallery we really enjoyed was the student sculptures. They created many different pieces of sculpture using almost everything. My favourite was one sitting on a refrigerator rack. Completely made of Vaseleine, this sculpture of a dumbell weight astounded me. We enjoyed New Haven pizza, a deep dish style with many toppings. A truly enjoyable time in my comfy Connecticut. We then boarded a coach bus to take us to New York City for New Years Eve!

-A post will soon follow about New Years in New York, check back-

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 12:57:00 -0500

The Taste of Coffee

In the Food and Beverage class at my Western college The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, the world famous coffee company Starbucks decided to drop in to give us a new depth of knowledge on the globe of coffee, lead us through our premiere professional coffee tasting and so much more! A cluster of managers and assistant managers from across the city of Edmonton's locations came together in our student led restaurant. They had incredible passion for the subject, almost coffee beans themselves. These people have several mugs of coffee at dawn, work with the beans and related coffee products all day long. They then meet together and drink even further cups of coffee upon the end of their work day.

Hard core coffee tasters at work, this is esentially what we looked like!

These coffee fanatics from Starbucks that is now a major coffee chain across Canada, the USA and across the world. They began with a Power Point with great enthusiasm on their beloved product. They introduced to us some very fascinating facts that you would otherwise not know about coffee. I was very taken aback to learn that the world drinks so much coffee, that it's the second most consumed item on earth. It falls only second to oil!We learned the ways of the proffesional coffee taster. We were given a series of cups of specific liquids to compare with the coffees. We had an orange juice, Coke, Sprite and Apple juice as well as several different milks and creams. These were all to be compared with the appropriate coffees so as to understand what goes with them and what doesn't.

Normally if you are a coffee drinker (myself I go for tea and the occasional pop) you just guzzle down your morning wake-up or midnight oil drug, because indirectly that's what it is for our bodies. Not when you are doing a professional coffee tasting. You need to take it step by step starting with the shaking. Be sure to shake the coffee around in your cup for a few moments. This allows the coffee's aroma to infiltrate throughout your nose and the full flavour to come out. Then it's time to smell the nose. No don't be shy and pretend you are smelling a boquet of daisies, because no you're not doing that! You need to plant as much of your face as you can into the cup and let it waft through your sinuses. Once you've done this you are ready for the major drink. You take in a large amount of the steaming brown gold at once, if wanting to be truthful to the testing you let it go all over your tongue and spit it out. Spit it out into these silver narrow spitting pots. There are different flavours and appropriate pairings that you can do, say the full bodied chocolate tones of the Starbucks Kenya coffee is perfect with a hearty brownie or nanimo bar.

Coffee workers picking the coffee cherries from the bushes that are 4-6 feet in high at a coffee plantation in Uganda

The entire class did their best going through this often akward and intense yet intensely fun experience. We then headed over to the espresso machine. To do this you need to ensure you beat the milk just enough in the high speed blended of the espresso machine while ensuring you don't beat so much air into it that it will cause too much cream for the coffee. Adding the right amounts of flavouring syrups, the finest coffee and the right topping of cream is important in ensuring the perfect espresso. Seeing my fellow classmates working away with this loud crazy machine trying to get the right amount of cream was a riot. This really shows you how much goes into each and every sector of our world without us even knowing.

We learned all about how coffee is made and saw countless pictures of Starbucks coffee plantations in Brazil, Kenya and Costa Rica among other coffee growing nations of the world. To see the immense work and effort that goes into simply picking the product which in this case is the coffee bean really inserts a appreciation. These people will spend long hours picking, roasting, sorting and packaging cofee beans because it's what they know. It's there livelihood, it's their lifestyle and it's what gets food on the table for them. What I found both fascinating and inspiring is what these mangers had to say when questioned about the quality of their lives. Starbucks instead of giving them part price for their product, they are constantly monitoring the global market of coffee beans and how much the growers can get for them. Instead of simply furnishing these often destitute villages that are growing the coffee with cash, Starbucks does something to change their community and improve the local lives of the workers and their fellow friends and family.

My all time favourite coffee we had, Starbucks Kenya!

They have done such things as built a school in Kenya where their school was a shack with very little. They built a small hospital and furnished it with the proper modern equipment medical supplies in the rural coffee growing countryside of Brazil where they had been having to travel more than 50 miles to a underfunded hell of a hospital. For a company to literally be so compassionate and caring about their workers in countries with little structure and to be giving to them is something rare and beautiful in our globe today. Next time you drink your coffee think of these amazing people and what they are doing in our world. There is a woman who works mighty hard in the heat with four children getting the beans for that coffee cup of yours. For every 1 pound bag of Starbucks coffee there are approximately 20 equivalent bags picked! Coffee tasting and growing, a true adventure into the lesser known!

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Mon, 2 Oct 2006 18:16:00 -0400

Visitors Spanning the Planet & Update

Visitors spanning the planet have been clicking in to the blog over the course of the past six weeks. Readers from across 10 nations covering four of the six contients of the world. This time there are several new exoctic locales from whilst visitors have been clocking in from. Greeting to those in Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Belgium! Belgians, I greatly enjoyed your country this past March and very much hope to return! This continued astounding global readership means so much to me. The fact that you enter the blog and may of you come in time after time means the world.

Thanks so much for your patronage and patience during busy periods including this period as I settle into college life in Edmonton, Alberta in western Canada. Now that the initial dust is settling as my apartment, collegian life and other aspects in Edmonton get set up I have more time to post. Look for much more shortly, more updates to come . I will be posting tommorow and then shortly after. I am flying to Ontario in central Canada and spending Canadian Thanksgiving and my highschool graduation in Ontario at home! Will post on that monumentous occasion too! Coming too will be an all new second page to the blog with more intense travel sections, all new interactive online photo albums of my travels to seven nations around the world and much more.
Thanks very much, keep checking back.

North America

Canada

South America

Argentina

Europe

England
Scotland
Belgium
Sweden

Asia

Saudi Arabia
India

Oceania

Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Sat, 9 Sep 2006 01:00:00 -0400

Live Life the Western Way

Throughout my first fortnight in Edmonton, Alberta I have noticed many different cultural changes in the way things are conducted in the West. The way the streetscapes are set up, pricing, and many aspects that one gets used to in their everyday lifestyle is far different when comparing "down East" as Albertans refer to Ontario & Quebec to Alberta. Following are a collection of these differences I have collected mentally whilst living out here.

- a very high customer service ethic in stores and other outlets

- cashiers, waiters and store representatives really take the time to give you the personalized undivided attention that one deserves
(detailed stories to be posted)

- interior tree lined boulevards that shelter businesses, my college and residential districts off from main throughfare streets by having the second street alongside the buildings and houses, between them and the main road, a brilliant idea that is both eye appealing and much safer

- crosswalks are often massive snaking contraptions, and the walk symbol that stays on very briefly, as one woman put it to my Mom and myself
--------
"That damn hand goes up as soon as you get halfway across the road, what the hell is that, I will be calling the City, won't be the first time they've heard from me"
--------

- The old fashioned apple juice can has perished from grocery stores, to be replaced exclusively with plastic paper Tetra cartons

- Cheez Whiz cheese spread has a $7.00 CAD price tag
(Ontario- $3.99)!

- streets are almost always numbered with only a handful of exceptions which even then also have numbers

- the city is less than half the size of Montreal & Toronto yet feels the strange requirement for five, even six digit adresss numbers, for example my college's address:

11762 106th St

- afternoon matineee movies cost only $3.50 and evening movies $7.00, incredibly lower than Onario's $9.00 matinees and $13.50 evening shows

- Edmonton Transit System, the city's outstanding public transit organization have mini brochures for each route available from racks on all buses, these mighty handy booklets outline all the timing, stops and locations of the route. They also have a fold-out map where you can follow along as the bus continues along the route to ensure you are getting where you want to

Myself holding one of the ETS route brochures

The route map showing how to get from downtown to the West End

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Thu, 7 Sep 2006 19:48:00 -0400

Making My Way on My Journey into the West

"Ladies and gentleman, this is your captain speaking we will shortly be landing, please prepare the cabin for landing and on behalf of myself and today's crew we thank you very much for flying with us, the temperature in Edmonton is 25 degrees"

"Ladies and gentleman this is your purser speaking, we are now descending into Edmonton International, at this time we please ask you to put your seats in their upright positions, stow your tray tables and please get your garbage and any unwanted newspapers together as the flight attendants will now come round to collect those"

"On behalf of today's I would like to take the opportunity to be the first to welcome you to Edmonton, thank you very much for flying with us, it has been our pleasure to serve you, we wish you a pleasant stay in Edmonton or wherever your travels make take you"

Moments prior to the purser (head flight attendant) making this annoucement the airplane touched down in it's usual agressive way skidding to a stop and making the almost instaneous transformation into a more landlike vehicle and it made it's way through the runways to the gate, parking. Once the crowds filtered out to our row, my Mom and I grabbed our bags and bid adieu to the flight attendants and pilots making our way up the gangway into the airport. This was the ninth flight I've completed this year, the process similar each time, one that personally I cherish and enjoy, one of my aspirations to become a flight attendant for some time at least. This time however marked the advent of an entirely new experience that will launch all future employment in one of my ultimate passions that I want to make a career with. The globe's largest industry- Hospitality & Travel.

My beloved mother and I embarked on the single most shopping I have ever
done in my entire life. From my new 3 year old basement apartment on the North Side of Edmonton to the college, back, to downtown, back, to malls and back countless times! It's truly astonishing to my mind and both of ours how much stuff truly is needed to bring an apartment from a basic state to one that is fully functional with a cozy and homey atmosphere about it. This is even with partial basics in place. I was extremely lucky to not only find an ideal, big and beautiful apartment but it included a bed, desk, storage units, kitchen dishes and all appliances as well as cleaners, rugs and more. Nonetheless to bring it to that live in stage took much work, but exciting work. At 18 this is my first home outside of the family houses & family farm I have remembered and grown up with over the years. To finally have my own place secured, up and running is a pretty enchanting moment indeed!

My Mom came along with myself to meet all my Edmonton crew I had first shaken hands with back on my first week long visit to Edmonton this past Spring in April. This time securing things further and allowing my Mom and myself to ask further and finalizing questions. Took my Mom on a grand tour of the college campus to show her where all this time, money and efforts have been pouring into. Where I will be taking my classes, forming friendships, hopefully creating the grand finale to school, hopefully to add to my small cluster of intense lifetime experiences. Moving out 2700 km west from where I have resided is a base for my future plans to launch myself across the pond or Big pond in the near future and eventually permanently upon graduation in two years. This stage has been reached and is quite overwhelming at times yet a strong base for the future in store.

I have travelled extensively throughout seven nations across the globe in North America, Europe and Asia spending sometimes several weeks at some points across the globe. Edmonton is my first time to be on and off for nearly two years. I gave my Mom a glimpse as we settled into the surroundings. Passing rows and rows of spruce trees, noticing the lack thereof of maple and oak trees. Taking in the tree lined boulevards and massive parks and green spaces spread across the city. Made her jaw drop as we went all through the world's largest mall- West Edmonton Mall! We browsed some of the 850 stores, ate in one of the 100 restuarants and hit all the key attractions. The world's biggest indoor waterpark, indoor lake complete with the submarines, the massive authentic palm tree lined avenues and so much more. We both incredibly enjoyed the high customer service ethic Albertans have here, people truly going completely out of their way for us. Completely unlike what the most common arrogant service Ontario has on offer to its citizens. With that one of the most extensive adventures of my life began, my journey into the West was official!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

A most bittersweet moment my adventure can be best related to is when Frodo Baggins in J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece The Lord of the Rings gets a masssive farewells ensue and tears flow as he departs along with Elven accompaniments into the West via the ethereal port of Grey Havens. These departures are simply beyond words, they are a entire experience and feeling beyond anyone's belief that happen at very specific moments in life that can be never lived again. One must savour, let tears flow and arms wrap around those you love. For you will see those you love dear so soon yet they are so far, you will not remain unchanged.

Into the West
by Scot Annie Lennox
- Lord of the Rings- The Return of the King

Lay down your sweet and weary head,
Night is falling, you have come to journey's end.
Sleep now, and dream of the ones who came before,
They are calling from across a distant shore.
Why do you weep? What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see, all of your fears will pass away.
Sail for miles, you're only sleeping.

Chorus:

What can you see on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea a pale moon rises,
The ships have come to carry you home.
And all will turn to silver glass,
A light on the water, all souls pass.

Hope fades into the world of night,
Through shadows falling out of memory and time.
Don't say, come.We have come now to the end.
White shores are calling, you and I will meet again
And you'll be here in my arms, just sleeping.

Chorus:

What can you see on the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea a pale moon rises,
The ships have come to carry you home.
And all will turn to silver glass
A light on the water, Grey Ships pass into the west.

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Wed, 6 Sep 2006 21:24:00 -0400

Blogging Update From Edmonton, Alberta!

Hello one and all my loyal global readership and welcome to those of you who have been logging in, I've noticed many new people and nations as of recently. I sincerely apologize for the lag in postings, all those promises in my last post before departing from Ontario I do plan to do. I am now settled in Edmonton in northern Alberta. Way out in western Canada, a 1 1/2 hour flight from Vancouver on the Pacific Coast! I am been extremely busy with my parent out here helping me move in and myself doing all sorts of activites. I haven't had time for my usual posting but expect much more in the coming days and weeks, please stay tuned! I will begin posting shortly! Thanks for your patients, enjoy my archives for the time being. I am hoping to post tommorow night Mountain Time. Thanks so much!

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 09:37:00 -0400

Blogging Blurbs to Update

On the blog front I have planned many highly creative posts on the travel and tourism industry, with tools of the trade, destinations, planning and many other subjects related to travel. I will begin writing about more technical aspects of the computer world including web design programs of all kinds I am beggining to use.Also covered will be trends, programs and features by the major Internet giants and many more. Regular writing updates on my writing and The Tattoo Teen Newspaper will continue along with my writing and writing posts. On the blog front I have planned many highly creative posts on the travel and tourism industry, with tools of the trade, destinations, planning and many other subjects related to travel.

I will also be investigating the launch of a podcast with my thoughts and information on travel & computer subjects and debates. Coupled with this will be a dynamic and interactive photo album section, and global recipes on a paid subscription newsletter. A sample snippet will be offered online. I will be starting a forum as well with major questions posed to bring more interaction to the site. I have over the past couple weeks been working hard on site maitenence and keeping everything looking afresh. This work will continue which includes transfering the first batch of posts to proper hotlinking and fixing kinks in the system and visually on the site. I am also very eager to try to get a hold of the beta version of the newly refurbished Blogger which provides for a more advanced system behind the scenes, I can use to produce a better blog. I will be setting up a new email to enable you my loyal global audience to report techical issues. This may be a deadlink, a blank photo or something up in the system. Feel free to use this feature anytime, in the meantime email me at teague.neal@gmail.com anytime. See you on August 28th!

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 09:20:00 -0400

Launching my Life after High School

Greetings to all those across the world from my post in Oakville, Ontario shifting shortly 2712 km (1685 miles) west and approximately 400 km (250) miles north to Edmonton, Alberta! My new chosen Canadian college city of Edmonton I will be setting myself up in my first abode on my own. Will be going for a week with my parent and then launch myself into Albertan life, with 8 days to settle in, adjust to my surroundings and wander around. My orientation will begin on September 6th, with unknown expecations, presumably not overly challenging. I then start classes which first term include a set of seven classes: Computer Applications, Food and Beverage Service,Introduction to Tourism, Food and Beverage Service Practical (working at the student restaurant), Rooms Divisions Theory (front desk & hotel security), Organizational Behaviour and Business English. I will cease posting on the blog from today until my premiere post from Edmonton on Monday August 28th. At this point I will be free of the massive organizational projects, packing (made more challenging by the precautions following the aborted terror attacks) and my final appointments and social visits with those near and dear to my heart.

The very green and rustic skyline of
Edmonton, Alberta

I absolutely and always truly wanted to take a gap year as they are now titled, and spend a year traveling. Also was highly interested in studying at a British college to live the European experience and begin where I want to end of living anyways. My ultimate goal is to live in Europe following my graduation, the fact that this seems so far flung I find very difficult to bear. Nonetheless I have been granted the green light and go ahead to spend the time between the two years abroad working, traveling and living the life of a local far, far away! This descision will take many months and the entire 8 months between now April when I can embark on this journey.

The main debate at the moment is between : Japan & England with New Zealand in the back of my mind. From Japan I would travel to connections in South Korea and possibly China. From England what's especially attractive is I could work in more than one country in the United Kingdom, travel the other U.K. countries and throughout Western Europe. From New Zealand I would visit Australia and the opposite island in New Zealand from the one I would gain employment and possibly Tasmania or Fiji. Other pars of the globe fascinate me but for the work term and long term living my debate remains as this. In the coming months I will be writing posts on the study abroad companies and experiences that are available, profiling these countries in further detail with an expatriate edge. I am looking into other travel over the next while which will come with photos and posts.

London, a truly world class city, strongly thinking
of doing my work term here,and want to live
here in the future,

The almost ethereal untouched landscape of
New Zealand, one of the possibilities
for my work term

The seas of shining Japanese neon lines light
up the neverending streets of Tokyo, Japan is
one of the strong contenders for my work term,
I would absolutely love to return after doing a
Japanese exchange there in 2004

The Golden Temple built in 1534 for
Shogun Ashilaga Yosmitsu,his retirement home
built in 1387 I saw while in Japan in Kyoto

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 01:03:00 -0400

How my Blog Measures up in Currency!

Something pretty snazy my fellow friends across the globe have had on their blogs for some time now, I have gotten around to doing. This research represents a highly intriguing project that computer specialists Jason Calacanis and Brian Alvey did.

In this brain boggling study the pair allocated money to web traffic on a long list of blogs, seach engines and websites on differentservers. Check out the long list of sites, search engines and blogs on the link that branches off the icon below. I am extremely excited to say that my blog is worth $3, 387. and change! I thank you for your patronage once again! The ultra cool concepts online is beyond anyone's sharpest imagination, good fun anytime!

My blog is worth $3,387.24.
How much is your blog worth?

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 04:57:00 -0400

Subscription Back Online

I have spent the last several hours working away here in the brains of the blog. Amongst my many tasks that awaited me, I have reloaded the subscription box on the blog just below my pull down menu. This is the newly refurbished sign up, any questions just drop me an email at teague.neal@gmail.com as always. I will be more than happy to add you to the list myself.

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noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Wed, 9 Aug 2006 13:50:00 -0400

Greyhound Recognizes Ridership
with Road Rewards

Greyhound Lines the largest coach bus operator in the United States has launched a brand new loyalty program to reward and recognize its regular ridership. Greyhound that up until now hasn't had a official loyalty program in place now has Road Rewards. The comprehensive program that gives travelers a slew of incentives as they earn their way through traveling by bus. Riders can travel to any of the 3100 destinations across the U.S. and each time depending on the destination rack up points that can be cashed in for different deals and prizes from the company. You can easily sign up of the Road Rewards section. of the Greyhound website . To start earning you simply fill out the electronic form, submit it and will automatically get 10% off the fare of your next trip with them.

After you travel six legs with Greyhound you get a free companion pass and 15% off a full fare ticket. Companion passes mean that you can bring a friend or family member along with you for the trip for free. At this level you also receive a series of 10% off certain food and beverages which you can use until the end of the year or 12 month period from when you singed up. This cycle then runs through until all incentives expire and then begins again. Following ten one way trips on Greyhound coaches you receive an additional companion pass and 20% off your next fare. The final level you can obtain is following sixteen legs on the buses you get a free ticket to anywhere in the U.S., take your pick of the 3100 destinations that Greyhound travels to. This is a real milestone for Greyhound whose business is back and booming praticularly following 9/11 which continues to descrease the load factors of airplanes across the nation.

Load factors being the capacity that an airplane is filled, a good load factor is debated amognst airlines but usually 75-80% is sufficient. Many American airlines have been far below that. Greyhound is a solid alternative to flying and offers a different style of trip that allows you to see cities much more than if you simply fly 39,000 feet above them. Road Rewards is thus far only offered in the U.S. with Greyhound Lines, the American division of Greyhound. Greyhound Canada does not offer these rewards but I see no reason for them not to follow suit in the near future.

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Wed, 9 Aug 2006 02:23:00 -0400

The Tattoo Hot on the Connecticut Political Race!

Across America and afar the political battle between senator hopefuls Joe Liberman & Ned Lamont that has been hitting the headlines and attracting attention. The Tattoo was right on the scene and Tattoo staff reporter Wesley Saxena of West Hartford, Connecticut. Saxena was got the official words and standpoints f the candidates and whilst taking a seat on Liberman's campaign bus and experiencing the life of political reporting on the road. Saxena also caught up with Lamont at a stop at the American Clock & Watch Museum in Bristol, Connecticut. The results from both politicians are in.

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Tue, 8 Aug 2006 22:10:00 -0400

The Tattoo Checks out Finest Films & Words

This summer The Tattoo has been reviewing the best and latest from the press and Hollywood. Tattoo staff writer & good friend Stefan Koski of Terryville, Connecticut, USA caught the words of wisdom of Will Leitch, the famed teen author describes the cycles of teenagehood from the standpoint of a fiction charachter in his new novel Catch, Koski tells all on how well this is accomplished in his full review.The Tattoo has been beating the heat by sitting back in theatres across the world, the finest film and flops have included; the flopsy final of the X-Men trio, by Tattoo staff Jonathan You, and the suave thriller Miami Vice and how it keeps it's cool by Dan Mecca of La Grange, New York State, and finally why the long awaited predlude to Pirates of the Caribbeanhas measured up to the long awaited arrival by Tattoo staff Samantha Perez of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Feel free to email your comments to The Tattoo at thetattoo@gmail.com

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Thu, 3 Aug 2006 13:23:00 -0400

Review Posted on
Hostelling International!

Following a recent week long sojurn to Hartford, Connecticut, USA visiting friends and seeing the sights and sounds of the state. Here due to the state laws prohibiting young people under the age of 21 from staying solo in hotel rooms another alternative must be found. From previous research I had done on Hartford area lodging, I remembed that a hostel existed. The Mark Twain Hostel in Hartford was a perfect piece to the puzzle of where to stay. It fit perfectly with only minor mars. We booked a private room for added security benefits, walking in and staying in the hostel proved to be a whole new experience. Accustomed to staying in high end hotels, this experience certainly opened up a whole new world. To assist those under 21 or people travelling on a budget I posted a thorough review of it all on the Hostelling International website where the profile on the webpage of the The Mark Twain Hostel. Within hours the webmaster posted my review and now it's there for all to gain advice and knowledge! My alias is Canuck Globetrotter posted in July 2006.

Hostelling International formed by Richard Scchirrman, a German teacher in 1909. His belief for the world to have people who had less and limited money to rub together were still as eligible to travel the globe and experience the cities and countryside. This has since blossomed into over 4000 hostels across 80 countries across the world. The hostels can be a European castle, a converted house, a hotel style building or anything under the sun. These hostels give young people the ability to connect to cultures and countries through who they connect with. Young and old alike want to see our planet and a good number of them must do this with a lighter money bag in hand. During my stay I connected with the Taiwanese managers and a man from Austria spending time in Connecticut before making his way on to Virgina Beach. He had a fascinating history and gave me an in depth glimpse into his country, the transportation, money and demographics of Austria. He told me of the layout and places to be sure to include on your travels in Vienna and much more. Hostelling, a simpler way to stay with even more benefits than a hotel!

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 00:10:00 -0400

Behind the Curtains....Opening up the World

The Hilton Hawaiian Village on the world famed Waikiki Beach

Another log during my COOP at a major hotel chain at the fourth month mark of the five months I spent at the hotel. This highlights my future plans to work in Europe & Asia, part of the weekly logs we had to do combined with assignments. Enjoy!

The world of flight attending, one I'm highly interested in with all its upsides and downsides

Acquiring and obtaining skills for life in an area that you really enjoy is what COOP is all about. Being able to see the areas where you want to work in and be able to contribute to the world is what it's all about. I have enjoyed getting to know more about the hotel and travel industry through being at a major modern hotel for now 4 months. Time overall has flown, I enjoy the different challenges of the industry and get very excited about new challenges in the different departments of the hotel that I have been in. Of these different departments my favorite by far has been the front desk. I originally thought that desk jobs are not for me, not enjoying the heavy routine and local careers that these jobs have. However I find the front desk to be the furthest thing from regular deskwork though it's at a desk. I find that having the set number of tasks, which includes a checklist of approximately 25 tasks and then the constant different problems that happen whilst completing these tasks.

The Ty Mawr Hotel in west Wales just like I'd like to do a study abroad program in and ultimately have one of my own living in the U.K upon graduation

The wide variety of people that you meet comes from all sybarites of society from across the province, the country and around the world. You walk into the hotel and go behind the desk and literally are ready for anything. Like a soldier going into battle you have absolutely no idea exactly what will happen. Whether a super sweet man will come up to you, someone who is unhappy, someone who is extremely unhappy and then the ones who cause serious problems and stress for the hotel or any area of the travel industry. I have come across many global guests who have been the gentlest most intriguing people you will meet and others who drive you up the wall. All the while the phones keep ringing and you need to continue your other tasks in the meantime. This job is something I think that takes a very certain type of person who can keep the smile of their face, not take conflicts personally and do their very best to keep on top of everything. It's not all glamorous by any means, there are late nights and early mornings and often-high stress but overall there is something special about it that I love. Being a front desk agent is a job I do admire not as a long-term career for life as there are jobs that I believe require a higher level of skill that I'm interested in. Though overall I would love to do it as a job spattered throughout my life whether it be at a resort on the coast of Wales, in Tokyo or in a Canadian Rockies resort it's something I would like to explore for sure. With my connections out west and my Uncle telling me about a connection he has with a luxury resort in the mountains of British Columbia on Canada's West Coast and with my interest in the resorts of Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and the hotel and tourism industry of both Edmonton and Calgary there is so much to do while in college and in the future.

The Hotel de Vieux Sale in Paris, a European hotel just like I'd love to do a work term or permanently work in

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Fri, 16 Jun 2006 20:28:00 -0400

Behind the Curtains....Stress Beyond Belief

In my Wider World of Work...At School post all about the hands-on Cooperative Education (COOP) program I've been taking since February I mentioned all the amazing activities and awesome perks that you are given as a COOP student. Despite alternative learning programs being sensational there is still a paper component to all the programs. The world runs on paper, we must admit it. However paper in the world of alternative learning is far different than it's classroom cousin. In COOP as it was with The Bronte Creek Project there are reflection pages on the back of the log sheets documenting in dot jot the work and new learnings of that day. I do my best to keep these interesting and inspiring and have collected a group of them over the past few months. They look at different highlights and pitfalls of the hospitality & travel industry that I have learned at my major hotel chain over the course of the past 5 months. Often people are led to believe that this industry is all glamour and exoctic locations, while some of this remains it's far from the truth. This marks the first in a continuig series of 8 posts! Enjoy and please do leave your comments. Thanks!

Stress is a very important aspect of the hospitality and travel industry that I have been learning to address in different ways at the placement. This industry is incredibly fast paced and requires you to be able to focus and continue with your work while having 10 other things coming at you all at once. Many different jobs whether you be a front desk agent in a hotel, a hostess in a resort or a flight attendant on an airplane all these positions require stress of you. Front desk agents often have 5 people in line checking in or coming to the desk with questions or complaints, two people on the line with reservations and someone else who wants to know if you have weekend rates. If you're on an airplane you take off from Toronto bound for Lisbon, Portugal at midnight local time. Despite the fact that your body is telling you it's time to be wrapped in blankets in bed you need to keep going. After all before the plane touches down on Portuguese soil you have a safety demo, a dinner service, 3 beverage services and 2 snack services to complete. You must also collect the trash from 100 people, help to clean the galley, handle a myriad of requests and sometimes deal with minor or serious air rage, medical or safety issues. You have 6 hours to complete all this work, while encountering countless upset figures that are often tired, stressed and overworked.

Throughout all this madness on land or at 39,000 feet you need to maintain composure, politeness all the while following the rules and keeping a respectable image for your hotel or airline. You need to ensure that you address all the issues and do all your duties correctly while maintaining your focus and doing things correctly. You can't enter a rate that's off by $60 and you can't arm an airplane door wrong or the cabin may decompress. Though you need to ensure that you are also keeping everyone happy at the same time and addressing everything. The work in the industry really needs skilled workers who are able to balance all these juggling balls of countless colours, sizes and shapes. Some duties and problems are simple especially after you have done them for a longtime they become a job that can be done in your sleep. While guests and passengers regardless of your skill will come up and grab you unknowingly with something that you've never seen before. There are situations that arise that you have never seen before and most likely may never see again. Regardless of that point it's essential that you maintain an even keel during that very moment of madness. Mere months following September 11 th in December 2001 onboard American Airlines flight 63 from Paris- Miami the unbelievable happened. Flight attendants Cristina Jones and Hermis Moutardier had a man on the busy Christmas flight of 185 passengers who denied dinner. This is common but this man looked like he may be up to something. Two hours into the flight the attendants had just completed the dinner service, Jones was in the back galley cleaning up and Moutardier was picking up dirty meal trays. Passengers throughout the plane started reporting smelling smoke in the cabin.

A Canadian flight attendant doing a safety demonstration

A Air Transat flight attendant keeping the kids happy

Moutardier found the man and Richard Reid a middle-aged man was in the window seat lighting matches. Moutardier gave him a strong warning that smoking was not allowed on board. Moutardier ran back to Jones who was still in the galley and screamed at her to come to this man. The man now had his shoes between his legs with electrical wiring hanging out of them. He had another match lit and was trying to light him. Moutardier continued to try to tell the man to stop and tried to grab the matches from him. He went ahead and bit her arm, crunching upon her arm in his teeth. Jones got passengers to pass bottles of Evian up and poured it all over him. They put the restraint on him and put a seatbelt extension on him holding him in. The attendants got passengers to pass up seatbelts, headphones and other cords that they used to fasten Reid in even further. They safely stowed his shoes in the bomb disposal compartment and called a doctor to come forward. The doctor injected him with Valium, a sedating medication the attendants got from the flight kit. The plane was rerouted to Boston and Reid was cut out of the seat by the FBI and air marshals. He was arrested and a major investigation done and sentenced to a 110 year jail term. This an extreme example however it does show you in any part of the hospitality & travel industry that you need to stay on your toes and maintain composure, professionalism and focus. It's part of the often-insane world that is this line of work.

A busy front desk at a resort in California, USA

A Northwest flight attendant doing beverage service

noreply@blogger.com (Teague Neal) — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 21:01:00 -0400

A Very Special Mention on Home Base Holidays!

Recently I posted about how you can immerse yourself in your international and domestic travel even further with home exchanges. Home exchanges are a truly unrivaled way to travel. My post on my blog here went over the demographics of home exchanges, how someone in Paris can swap houses with someone in Toronto, Canada and mentioned home exchange companies including Home Base Holidays. Canadian Lois Sealey now lives in London, England and has been running this prosperous home exchange website and company since 1985 in over 30 countries across the world. There are agents who are able to help you more locally in Canada, Australia, South Africa, France, Ireland and Malta as well as listed on her website in the About Us section of the site. I do hope to continue to do promotional activities for her company and meet her in London in the near future. Check out the article on the Home Base Holidays Blog Lois wrote about me. I do hope to continue in the travel industry and continue to immerse myself in the globe and the industry. Thanks very much Home Base Holidays, all the best Lois!