St. Stephen's Green © Gayatri Bhaumik, 2009

The capital of Ireland is a collection of all the Irish stereotypes. The poetic Irish accent can be heard far and wide as the locals drink their daily requirement of Guinness and sing their favourite pub songs. But there’s more to Dublin than drinking at Temple Bar.

Friday

10a.m.
1) Literary History
Dublin was home to prolific writers like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, and the Dublin Writers Museum brings all of the city’s literary figures to life through an eclectic collection of letters, portraits and personal items. The museum (18 Parnell Square) is set in an architecturally stunning building which was formerly owned by John Jameson, founder of Jameson Whiskey. Make sure you get to the bookshop early as it closes for a substantial part of the day.

2p.m.
2) Black Velvet

Guinness is perhaps Ireland biggest and most popular export, and no trip to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness storehouse (St. James’s Gate). Start with a tour through the making of Guinness, before going on to a history of its development and advertising. Finally, learn to pour your own pint of the black stuff, or head up to the Gravity Bar for your free pint and a stunning view of the city.

4p.m.
3) Whiskey in the Jar
While the whiskey isn’t produced here anymore, a visit to the old Jameson distillery (Bow Street) is a must. A guided tour takes you through the history and process of creating one of Ireland’s finest whiskeys, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to do a tasting.

6p.m.
4) To Church
Arthur Guinness got married in this Church, but these days, the building is used for more commercial purposes. Over 4 floors, The Church (corner Jarvis and Mary Street) houses two restaurants, a cafe, a bar, and a club. It’s a great place to get a reasonably priced meal and unwind with a few (more) drinks.

8p.m.
5) Temple Bar
It’s fitting that Dublin’s premier bar district is named after a religious building, because the Irish are reverent about their bars and pubs. Temple Bar is lined with great places that have live music, good food, and great drinks. The Vat House (Anglesea Street) is one of the best around. If you want something more local though, step a little further out of Temple Bar, and head to Hogan’s or The Globe for a proper pub experience.

Saturday

10.a.m.
6) Shopper’s Delight
Grafton Street is Dublin’s premier shopping boulevard. All the famous designers (Louis Vuitton, Prada) are present, as are the high street stores (H&M). But if you’re looking for the new U2 CD or a multitude of Irish souvenirs to take to the people back home, you’re in luck because there’s a huge Virgin Megastore, and a plethora of souvenir stores.

1p.m.
Park Life
St. Stephen’s Green is Dublin’s most famous park, and also one of its biggest. The park is stepped in history, and amongst the greenery are discoveries waiting to happen – lakes, fountains, statues and other features. It’s a great place to have a picnic lunch and watch the world go by for a few hours.

Greenwich Park and the National Maritime Museum © Gayatri Bhaumik, 2009

To be in London is to experience an eclectic mix of history and modernity, tradition and innovation. One minute you’re surrounded by 1000 years of history at the Tower of London, and the next you’re standing in the hyper-modern financial district of Docklands. Discovering London is an adventure.

Friday

10a.m.
1) Greenwich
The National Maritime Museum (Romney Road) houses an eclectic collection of Britain’s seafaring past. You’ll find the uniforms of historical naval figures here, as well as insight into the history of Britain at sea. Afterwards, picnic at Greenwich Park and straddle the Greenwich Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory.

2p.m.
2) A Bit of Shakespeare
Thought not on the original site, Shakespeare’s Globe (21 New Globe Walk) is a must-see for any visitor to England. You will be taken through a history of the theatre, learn about the fire that destroyed the original building, learn about the famous Shakespearean actors, and of course, go into the theatre yourself. Actually seeing a play will prove more difficult, as the season is limited and you’ll have to book months in advance.

5p.m.
3) Tea for Two
Afternoon tea is a British tradition, and London is bursting with places to indulge. Harrods (87-135 Brompton Road) is the most famous place to go to, but for something a little more eclectic, Sketch Parlour (9 Conduit Street) can’t be beat. They have a large selection of teas (or champagne, if you prefer) and their serving platters heap with delightful snacks.

8p.m.
4) Broadway in London
London is well known for it’s theatres, so not trip is complete without taking in a performance at West End. London’s many theatres showcase some of the best performances of the biggest plays and musicals. On any given night, you’ll be able to get tickets for anything from Shakespeare to Dirty Dancing. Tickets are available online, but if you go early on the day, you may be able to get good tickets for significantly discounted prices.

Saturday

10a.m.
5) A Taste of History
The British Museum (Great Russell Street) houses a plethora of artefacts relating to everything you could imagine. However, it is most famous for its extensive Egyptian collection, which includes sarcophagi and mummies. Their “Enlightenment Room” is also a sight to behold. The colossal room is filled with millions of texts – many in Latin, Greek and French – which represent the things which have interested British researchers over the last several centuries.

1p.m.
6) Punk Market
A part of it burnt down in 2008, but Camden market is still worth a visit. While primarily dedicated to “punk” and everything associated with it, Camden is a treasure trove that amongst other things, has Middle Eastern cafés, food markets, and a store dedicated to the Mexican artist Frieda Kahlo. A few hours spent here will not be wasted.

3p.m.
7) Great Expectations
Before buying Gadshill, Charles Dickens lived in London. The Charles Dickens Museum (48 Doughty Street) is his former residence, and visitors can see Dicken’s library and bedroom as they were when he lived here. The suit he wore when having an audience with Queen Victoria is also here. The museum is a fabulous homage to one of England’s most prolific writers.

5p.m.
Through the Looking Glass
With its “Alice in Wonderland” theme, Callooh Callay (65 Rivington Street) is a bar unlike any other. Punch (to share) is served in a gramophone, and to get to the bathrooms (covered in mix tapes) you have to walk through a wardrobe. The drinks are prepared by some of the best bartenders in London, but the snacks are also superlative.

I found this video on YouTube the other day that basically shows parents how to stalk their college-age kids through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

It’s done in the context of a news program, but it could very well be a spoof.

In the program, “e-mom” Gloria Bianco shows viewers how she uses Facebook to keep track of her son Jeff while he’s at college. By her own admission, it involves writing on his wall ‘five or six times a day’ and going through all his pictures everyday.

She even goes as far as to look at the profile of a girl that appears in a picture of Jeff, and suggests Facebooking your kid’s friends to find out who they are dating.

Video: Gloria Bianco showing how she stalks her son on Facebook

Quite honestly, it’s totally sick.

For starters, it’s a complete invasion of privacy. It completely betrays the parent-child trust that should exist.

But more important, what kind of parent is so desperate to remain relevant to their child’s life that they literally stalk them?

Is this something college kids need to be worrying about? Is being miles away from the parentals no longer far enough? What do you think?

Are kids today different because of their participation in digital media?

I found this video on YouTube where kids talk about how they operate on a day-to-day basis, and it looks like digital media – instant messenger, social networking etc. – all play a huge role in their everyday lives.

Video: Kids talking about their digital media use

This leads to the question of whether digital media affects the way kids learn and study. From personal experience I can argue that having access to digital media has definitely changed the way I study. But, to argue the case from a more authoritative standpoint, I’ve found a video where Henry Jenkins makes my case.

Video: Henry Jenkins on learning through digital media

What do you guys think? Has the way you study and write essays changed because of access to the internet, for example?

The Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore, © Gayatri Bhaumik, 2008

From the little white poodles to the mouth-watering crepes, Paris is a city of stereotypes and a sensory delight. The mix of nationalities and ethnicities only add to the cosmopolitan feel of the city. Although Paris is one of the most written-about travel destinations, it’s still an experience that you have to discover in your own way.

Friday

10a.m.
1) La Vie Bohème
Montmartre has always been and always will be Paris’ Bohemian central. Start at the famous Moulin Rouge building, and work your way through the store and café lined streets towards Sacré Coeur for a breathtaking view of the city. Many artists have lived and worked here leaving traces like Salvador Dali’s “Espace Dali” (11, rue Poulbot) and the Musée de l’Erotisme (72, boulevard de Clichy).

3p.m.
2) Literary Paris
Once  frequented by “Lost Generation” writers like Ernest Hemingway, it’s no wonder this is the most renowned English language bookstore in Paris. Situated in the 5^th Arrondisement, just across the Seine from Notre Dame, Shakespeare & Co. (37, rue de la Bûcherie) is steeped in history. The store features a huge selection of authors, with a dedicated section for its namesake playwright. Spend some time browsing through the tiny old-fashioned store, or perhaps stop by for readings by authors.

5p.m.
3) Monumental Walks
Don’t worry about getting to the top, just find a way to take your own picture of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Then, walk along the boulevards until you reach the majestic Arc de Triomphe. From there, wander down the famous Champs Elysée shopping strip towards the Place de la Concorde, from where you can watch the Eiffel Tower in all its electricity-fuelled glory.

Saturday

10a.m.
4) Baker’s Dozen
Made famous by the 2005 film Marie Antoinette, Ladurée is more than just a bakery, it is an experience. From the Grand Dames in the luxurious tearooms to the rows of colourful macaroons, it is Parisienne luxury at its best. Reservations are a must and hard to get, so just drop in to one of the five stores and get your pastries to go.

12p.m.
5) Gastronomy
A little-known treasure in the heart of Paris, Le Grand Cafe Capucines (Opéra 4, Boulevard de Capucines) harkens to a bygone era with its ornately decorated dining room. The food is some of the best you’ll find, no mean feat in a gastronomic city like Paris. Don’t forget to order dessert from the beautifully presented display cabinet. The restaurant is open 24 hours, and a set menu meal is €24.

3p.m.
6)  Musee d’Orsay
Smaller and more intimate than the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay boasts equally impressive art. The lower level has some massive 17^th and 18^th century European pieces, but the gallery’s focus is on the upper levels, where it houses its collection of Impressionist art. The extensive collection features all the influential impressionists like Renoir, and even the Parisian Bohemian Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. All this is set in the splendour of an architecturally stunning building.

8p.m.
7) New York, New York
The main bar is an homage to the universities of England and America, but it’s the downstairs Piano Room that you go to Harry’s New York Bar (5, rue Daunou) for. George Gershwin composed “An American in Paris” surrounded by the red velvet chairs and glazed wood tables and watched by portraits of eminent pre-war figures. These days, you can enjoy a martini while listening to music played on the very same piano.

The entrance to Stanley Market © Gayatri Bhaumik, 2006

Since the Handover in 1997, the former British colony has become a business behemoth in Asia with busy streets and skyscrapers being the norm. But underneath the commercial veneer are more traditional values, which makes the city a chaotic blend of Eastern culture and Western modernity.

Saturday

10 a.m.
1) Buddhist Serenity

The Ngong Ping 360 cable cars are the best way to visit the famous 112-foot-tall Buddha statue. After walking the 300 steps to the monument and taking in the sprawling views, go back down to the Po Lin Monastery, where for HK$100 you can enjoy a seven course vegetarian lunch.

1 p.m.
2)Hong Kong’s Favourite Pastime

Being so commercialized, it comes as no surprise that shopping if Hong Kong’s favourite pastime. One of the best places to indulge is the Central district. Whether you’re looking for high-end designer labels, high street fashion, or market bargains, Central has it all. The IFC mall is home to stores like Armani and Tiffany, while the Louis Vuitton and H&M flagship stores are around the corner. For a more local experience, you’ll want to stop at Shanghai Tang, the famous store which sells unique takes on traditional Chinese clothes (like the cheongsam) and homewares (like picture frames). Great bargains can be found at the “lanes”, the local markets between Des Voeux Road and Queen’s Road Central.

5 p.m.
3) Live Like a Tai-Tai

Afternoon tea is a bastion of British tradition, and one that has remained popular in its Asian colony. High-tea (as it is known here) is a popular hobby of local Tai-Tais, the local name for ladies who lunch. Many hotel restaurants in Hong Kong do high-tea sets, but the best are to be found at The Peninsula’s Lobby Restaurant, the Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s MO Bar, or China Tee Club. Reservations are a must, and a dress-to-impress code applies.

7p.m.
4) Watch the Lights

Take the rickety tram from Central ($33 return, from 33 Garden Road) and make the steep ascent to the top of Victoria Peak. This is Hong Kong’s biggest tourist attraction, and its most exclusive residential address. Once you arrive, you begin to understand why. The Peak offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline – the dark waters of Victoria Harbour set against the lighted facades of soaring sky scrapers. Have dinner at The Peak Lookout (121 Peak Road), which serves a dizzying array of international and local cuisine. Dinner for two with a bottle of wine is approximately $800.

10 p.m.
5) Party Til’ Dawn

Like New York, Hong Kong is a city that doesn’t sleep. Perhaps the best place to experience this is Lan Kwai Fong. The dozens of bars in the area features a clientele that is a mixture of expatriates, locals and tourists. The bars spill out into the pedestrian-only streets, making the area one huge party with great music, lots of beer, and a mass of people.

Sunday

10 a.m.
6) To Market

From Exchange Square, take a bus (6, 6X, 260) to Stanley Market. This open-air market hosts a range of shops selling anything from clothes and paintings to personalized Chinese seals. Spend an hour wandering around, before walking to the boulevard along the ocean. If you’re hungry, settle into any one of the seafront restaurants. For a pub meal and a pint of beer, the Pickled Pelican can’t be beat.

Tatler doesn’t seem to think so.

Tatler Cover featuring Pixie Geldof

The other day, I read a great article on the IHT’s website about the British society magazine.

In it, Eric Pfanner describes how Tatler seems to use their website very sparingly, with links to supplementary information on topics like cosmetic surgery and private education, two very big topics in the aristocratic British audience that makes up the magazine’s readers.

But perhaps the reason Tatler doesn’t value digital media in the way other press behemoths do is that it is a privileged magazine.

Publishing Director Patricia Stevenson is quoted as saying that “magazines are wonderful things to have with you and to take around with you”. One could argue that this is true, as in my person experience, there is nothing sitting on a sidewalk cafe, latte in one hand, croissant in the other, with a glossy in front of you.

More importantly however, is the fact that the magazine has a very niche audience. It’s only the highest tier of society that are featured in the magazine, and that read it.

Even in the recession, Tatler has done surprisingly well. Advertising and circulation has only dipped slightly from its peak, and there are talks of launching American and Russian versions.

The British version of Tatler is currently shipped in and sold in the States, and publisher Conde Nast is considering giving in to demands and launching an American version. More important is the fact that many of the socialites featured in the magazine are Russian oligarchs and their WAGs (wives and girlfriends, for those of you not up with the parlance).

Russian Oil mogul and owner of Chelsea Football Club Roman Abramovich, with girlfriend Daria Zhukova

The lesson here is that perhaps Tatler is so flippant about the impact and need for digital media because it is such a unique magazine, with a very specific audience.

I hardly think Cosmopolitan would get away with the same attitude, as their website is a much-needed extension of the magazine.

US Cosmopolitan Cover featuring Ashley Tisdale

The New York Times front page

That’s the title of a recent Time magazine article.

We all know that in this digital day and age, newspapers are struggling to survive. This is particularly true in America, where hundreds of newspapers have folded since the recession started.

The question that has to be asked is this: are newspapers really doing what they can with digital media?

The Time article in question argues not.

Josh Quittner says that because newspapers allowed the current online model to develop, it is too late to change it. Because readers currently (on the whole) don’t have to pay to access newspaper content online, trying to make them pay now would be disastrous.

Quittner’s solution is Amazon’s Kindle. The handheld, portable, offline reading device.

He argues that the fact that over 500,000 people have purchased these little machines proves that there is a demand for this type of media access.

It’s a win-win situation really. People get digital content at cheap prices, and the newspapers still get their bucks.

Of course, for something like this to work, it’s likely that some of the big papers are going to have to dive in first to get things started.

I will end this by saying it remains to be seen if any of the media outlets will have the guts to pioneer this foray into offline digital media. I’m talking to you, New York Times.

Amazon Kindle ebook reader

The ubiquitous iPhone

In keeping with yesterday’s back-to-school theme, I found another great article on Time.

(With the amount of back-to-school stuff those guys are churning out, I’m tempted to say they’re either still students themselves, or have a lot of kids between them.)

The iPhone has become one of the most ubiquitous cellphones around today. It’s like every second person has one (and those that don’t have a Crackberry).

(For those of you who live under a rock and don’t actually know an iPhone’s basic capabilities, check this video out  - iPhone video)

And so, Time brings you the top ten back-to-school applications for the iPhone. Genius really…Apple gets a free plug, and a new group of consumers is born.

1. Coursesmart (digital textbook reader)
2. Stanza (digital reader)
3. Evernote (note taker, voice recorder, photo organizer)
4. gFlashPro (flash card creator)
5. Graphing Calculator
6. MyHomework (calendar and scheduler)
7. Facebook
8. Dictionary.com
9. Documents to Go
10.Wikipanion

I’m not convinced. Not completely.

Sure, the iPhone looks pretty and you can do crazy things like shake it about to change screens and whatnot.

But I don’t want to strain my eyes trying to read Dickens in fine print.

I hope to god I never have to see a graphing calculator again.

And as for scheduling and organizing, I prefer my messily handwritten notes in my Moleskine notebook…mainly because Picasso and Ernest Hemingway have used it, and not the iPhone.

My response to Apple and its iPhone apps: Thanks, but no thanks.

I’ll take my chances with my sexy, sleek, professional looking Nokia E71 with its easy scheduler, note taking capabilities, voice recorder, Facebook accessibility function, and camera.

The sexy, slick, Nokia E71

Julia Roberts teaching a Wellesley class in Mona Lisa Smile

Reese Witherspoon as the ditzy iBook toting law sstudent in Legally Blonde

In mid-September, as the red and orange Autumn leaves started falling from trees, many people in the Northern hemisphere went back to school. Or college. Or whatever those crazy kids are calling it these days.

But this isn’t the 1950s, when (as the movie Mona Lisa Smile would have us believe) twin-set clad co-eds traipsed around the Wellesley campus memorizing gigantic art history books while waiting for a marriage proposal.

In the 21st century, books are the last thing a student worries about. What’s more important is the digital gadgets that will enhance their scholarly pursuits. Or at least, that’s what we’re led to believe.

Thus, I give you Time’s list of the top 25 back-to-school items for 2009. And no, twin-sets, heavy books, and pens don’t feature anywhere.

1. Apple’s MacBook Pro Laptop
2. Kensington ComboSaver Notebook Lock
3. LiveScribe Pulse Smartpen
4. Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse
5. Alienware OptX AW2210 Gaming Monitor
6. Brita Ultramax Water Dispenser
7. Logitech N100 Cooling Pad
8. AVerTVHD Volar Max (TV Streaming Device)
9. ZVOX Mini Speaker
10. Incase Nylon Backpack
11. Amazon Kindle DX
12. Shure SE115 Noise-Cancelling Earphones
13. Canon Pixma IP100 Printer
14. Sony PSP Go
15. Seagate FreeAgent Go (USB Mass Storage Device)
16. Novatel Wireless MiFi (Wifi Router)
17. Kensington Portable Power Pack
18. Samsung SL820 Digital Camera
19. Jawbone Prime Bluetooth Headset
20. iPhone 3G
21. OtterBox iPhone 3G Defender Series
22. iRobot Roomba 410
23. Philips HF3490 Wake-Up Light with Dock for iPod
24. Optoma PK-101 Pico Projector
25. Philips Sonicare FlexCare (Electric toothbrush)

As you can see, 19 of the 25 items on the list are some form of digital device. Are these devices intrinsically necessary to the modern-day student?

Perhaps not.

But they are definitely necessary to the 21st century human being, because like it or not, we are increasingly existing in a digital world.

(Having watch the new Bruce Willis flick The Surrogates last night, I’m not sure I like their version of living in a digital world, but for the moment, I’m happy streaming the latest episodes of Gossip Girl on YouTube).

The Cast of Gossip Girl