Archive for March, 2009

Most of the oriental Persimmon trees grown in Florida are propagated onto the common native persimmon, Diospyros virginiana. It is distributed from Connecticut to Florida and as far west as Kansas and Texas. The fruit are small, seedy and astringent until fully soft with a delicious nutty flavor. This rootstock is desirable because of its adaptability in Florida. Its vast root system forages well and will handle both flooding and drought conditions. For seed production, both male and female trees should be selected for vigor and fall leaf retention.

love New York City Sightseeing? try to visit The American Museum of Natural History is a good place to start. That takes a whole day, at least, to get through. But it’s wonderful. You can always take in a Broadway show. There are some wonderful ones out there, but I’m particular to Rent. Make sure you visit Rockerfeller Center. It’s a must. There’s also the Empire State Building, The Guggenheim, MoMa (Museum of Modern Art), and you can always hop a train to see the Mets or the Yankees. You can even make your way to the Bronx Zoo or N.Y. Aquarium on Coney Island. Coney Island itsef is a great place to spend the day. As for food, there are literally a billion restaurants to go to in NYC. As a matter of fact, I believe 46th street is what they call “Restaurant Row”. So just wander around (or pick up a Zagats for NYC). You’ll find something good.The new Date Rape Row, or where you can go to get drunk at hip trendy bars is anywhere near 14th Street and 10th Avenue.
Just be sure to have Plan B.

For just shopping stay away from the tourists near Herald Sq/Macy’s. Better shopping at Bloomingdale’s. Or try Century 21 by Ground Zero for cheap shopping.

The two musuems to hit are the Met and the Natural History.

But take the Circle line–it’s the best hing in NY. if you want to visit unique places then i highly recommend that you visit citysightsny.com

What is the best way of protecting your artwork from aging/elements? then let me suggest you some ways, Use acid free art materials, separate the older, more acidic pieces from the newer, less acidic pieces, and probably store them somewhere other than a cedar chest.
As for storage, store your art in a flat-file, with each piece separated from the others by a piece of acid-free glassine. Glassine is the smooth paper used by art-preservationists and philatelists (stamp-collectors) to protect art and stamps.Heating your drawing could actually accelerate it’s demise. The best storage method is between sheets of archival slip paper or glassine (not waxed paper) in an archival storage box in a cool, dark place. Never spray with hairspray or fixative as this can discolor your paper and your medium.De-acidification is a very expensive process, and probably isn’t worth it. This process is mostly used on old and rare books..there are hundreds of ways actually but let me tell you the best way i know that you can protect your art in a professional way, are you familar with the site imaginemindseye.com Art Storage? if not then they are the one who can protect your art works as much as you do, they will protect your valuables and keep it safe at all times.

What is car allowance and how does it work?Often there is a requirement that you buy and maintain a car, but the specifics vary (I must have a car but my last job required that I had a 5 door diesel car not more than 6 years old)

It is effectively and extra payment in order to allow you to buy a car for your work. It can also be used as a top up for salaries (e.g. where there is a salary structure and you’re at the top end of pay for your grade).

You will be taxed on it at the tax rate you are on, and the figure is added to your gross salary for tax calculation – so if it takes you over the 40% threshold, you pay 40% tax for that part of the allowance.

The important factor is that it isn’t used for National Insurance or Pension Contributions. This is a short term benefit in that you have less monthly deductions, but your pension calculation works out at less compared to what you are getting as a monthly payment as a “salary”. If you genuinely use it to pay for your car – as I do – this isn’t really an issue.

You will presumably also get a mileage allowance if you travel for work. This rate varies but it will be less if you get a car allowance. Typically its 40p per mile for standard users, and probably around 15-20p per mile if you already get a Car Allowance. The reason for this is that the 40p per mile covers deprecation through mileage and wear & tear, but if you get an allowance, this isn’t a factor.

What should I definitely do in New York City?Visit the Statue of Liberty, (great view from the ferry- take popcorn or chips to feed the birds- Don’t get ripped from the vendors there!)
Go see a show- On or Off Broadway!
Spend a day in Central Park, visit Times Square, Visit Times Square at night…
Maybe ask for a local’s opinion while you are there for a “spontaneous” place to eat- Not necessarily a tourist trap or fast food…
There was a kool cafeteria…the AUTOMAT! Really neat place! Ground Zero, although I’m not sure what status it is. It was not yet a new construction site when we visited it, and was very solemn – also the church across the street next to the Millinium Hilton was open as a “museum” of sorts honoring the rescue workers who dug through the rubble.
We used the subways to get around instead of cabs. It was actually a neat way to experience the city, and was safer then I was afraid it would be.
We took a tour on the red double decker tourist buses. The one we did covered Brooklyn via the brooklyn bridge, as well as harlem and many other parts we probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Ride on the upper open deck.
Spend a day on canal street in Chinatown, and buy a fake rolex or designer purse. but be sure to barter, they will drop the price to a third or better what they have it tagged for.
While in Chinatown, eat at a “Dim-Sum” chinese restaurant.
There is a pizza place across the street from where you get off of the Liberty/Ellis ferry. I wish I could remember the name, but it had GREAT NY style pizza. need to travel more? then use New York Bus Charter bus rentals. so now you dont have to worry about your day trips. Happy tripping!