Posts made in April 2019

Hotel Property Management Tips

5 Tips To Choose The Right Property Management System For Your Hotel

Hoteliers and their staff are busy all the time. Anything that can take some weight off their shoulders will help them to work on other important tasks. Property Management System is the solution as it removes repetitive tasks and takes care of time-consuming processes. But the problem is: choosing the right PMS tool to help manage your property. Making a wrong move will result in losing not only money but a great deal of your time too. Here are five tips to help you choose the right property management system for your hotel.

Mind the Costs

Look for what your business needs and then choose a PMS that will meet the requirement. Even though costs will play an essential factor, it’s important to have a system that works with your workflow and meets your needs. Take advantage of the free trial or demo, which in fact is something you should ask first, and see whether it’s suitable for your hotel.

Opt for a cloud-based rather than the premise-based system which is more costly. The cloud-based system will not require you to hire an IT service to manage it. You will only have your computer or mobile to deal with. Remember to find something that favors your pocket.

Security Should be of Concern

To safeguard all the information about your guests’ data and prevent any breaches, security should be your concern. In an era where customer privacy is of utmost importance, and you don’t want to lose them, you should ask for a hotel property management system demo from every provider to see what they have as far as security is concerned.

Security breaches in hotels can involve password theft, network compromise, personal data compromise, etc. All the breaches are dealt with individually. Some need an application firewall to solve the problem while others are more complex and require a closer look.

Form a Plan and a Team

Unless you have a small-home-turned-hotel where you and your spouse are the team, one of the critical things to do is forming an integration team consisting of managers and staff. The importance of doing this is to make sure that the PMS addresses most of the needs in your hotel and it’s evaluated from different viewpoints.

Creating a plan and a team will also allow you to involve the eventual users, who are the staff. For small hotels or lodgings, ma’ and pa’ sit down and discuss the plan because they are the staff. It’s a vital decision to make and not even the activities of the day should make you forget about it. It will make your life easier and allow you to make more money.

Look For a PMS Provider Offering Training

Hospitality is an ever functional industry running 24/7, and you should look for providers who can offer support whenever you need. That should also mean that they are available to troubleshoot any problems you might face. Go for a PMS that provides training for the first-time users and also provides a refresher course in case you need it later on.

Ongoing training and support will help you understand new features and integrations. It’s vital to find a PMS that offers assistance so that you can solve some of the issues you might have.

Find One that Can be Integrated with Other Apps

PMS should be able to perform all the tasks flawlessly with other apps, that means, data from PMS can be transferred to other apps seamlessly so that work can be managed better. Inquire to understand whether the app can communicate and integrate with other systems.

What does this mean? For instance, if you have been storing all your data as Microsoft Excel file then you adopt a new web-based app, the data can be copied accurately and correctly such that no one will have to type it all again i.e. PMS with csv import-export feature.

Think about yourself, your staff and your property. What could make their work easier and boost your profits at the same time? The answer is the Property Management System. Use the tips above to choose the most convenient one.

University of Cambridge Partners with Global Prosperity Initiative

University of Cambridge and The Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity Announces Partnership

The UAE is encouraging start-ups and corporations from around the world to collaborate and partner for global good

The Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity (the Global Prosperity Initiative), an initiative of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS), signs partnership with the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) at the UK-UAE Business Council in London.

With monetary prizes, mentorship, and access to global organizations, worth up to US$1 million, the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity brings together a community of ‘makers’ to tackle some of the world’s toughest societal problems that affect over 1 billion people globally. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Prosperity Initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs, innovators and technologists to drive social innovation and promote global good.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity combines the Global Maker Challenge, an online open-innovation platform designed to promote and accelerate global prosperity through product innovation; and the Global Prosperity Award, a prestigious global accolade that recognizes and rewards corporate social responsibility that advances resilience, community, harmony and dignity across the world.

The Global Maker Challenge consists of four challenges, each targeting a specific global issue which global organizations can adopt as part of their corporate social responsibility. The four challenges were determined in partnership with eight UN agencies and, so far, over 1,100 submissions have poured in from 83 countries, with strong participation from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) such as Uganda, Laos, Sudan, and Congo.

Each of the winning solutions to the four challenges will be presented to a panel of international experts brought together by the University of Cambridge IfM to demonstrate its socio-economic impact and its contribution to advancing one or more of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The panel will then determine the solution with the greatest socio-economic impact in order for its adopting organization to qualify for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s Global Prosperity Award as a recognition of its corporate social responsibility.

Badr Al-Olama, Head of the Organizing Committee for the Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit (GMIS), said: “The University of Cambridge has a long history of innovation in the fields of science and technology that has contributed immensely to society, a goal which is at the heart of the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity. Our platform has already inspired innovators from all corners of the world to come forward and solve issues that we face together, whether that be in bridging the digital divide or eliminating hunger. Through our cooperation with the University of Cambridge, and our partnerships with global organizations, we can also encourage greater corporate social responsibility through the adoption of these solutions and promote global good through the international business community.”

Tim Minshall, Dr John C Taylor Professor of Innovation & Head of the Institute for Manufacturing, said: “The Institute for Manufacturing are pleased to be part of this initiative which highlights the importance of taking innovative approaches to solving real-world problems. We are looking forward to hearing from innovators whose novel ideas have the potential to make a positive and lasting impact on global prosperity.”

The Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity was first launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, during the inaugural Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit, held at the Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in March 2017.

TAYLOR SWIFT SETS NEW VEVO 24 HOUR VIEW RECORD

SWIFT NOW HOLDS 3 OF THE TOP 5 VEVO 24 HOUR RECORDS

The highly anticipated official music video marking Taylor Swift’s return has set a brand-new 24 hour Vevo record with over 65 million views, taking the No. 1 spot from Ariana Grande who was the incumbent Vevo record holder with 59 million views for ‘thank u, next.” Previous record holders have included Miley Cyrus and Adele.

WATCH “ME!” HERE

Taylor’s latest song and video, ‘ME!’ featuring the vocalist Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, premiered on Vevo last Friday, April 26 at 12am ET.

The video, which also features Urie, opens with a slithery snake shedding its skin and bursting into a playful world of butterflies and pastels. The enchanting new video also features Taylor’s pet cats, rainbows, unicorns, and potential clues of a new album, making the video a must-see.

TOP 5 VEVO 24HR RECORD HOLDERS

Video Date of Release Views
“ME!” – Taylor Swift 04/26/19 65 million (estimated)
“thank u, next” – Ariana Grande 11/30/18 59 million (estimated)
“Look What You Made Me Do” – Taylor Swift 08/28/17 43.3 million (estimated)
“Hello” – Adele 10/23/15 28 million (estimated)
“Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift 05/17/15 20 million (estimated)

 

Evan Konrad Releases New Single

Today, singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Evan Konrad reveals his new single “Come On Snake, Let’s Rattle.” 
 
Get it HERE via LAVA/Republic Records.
 
On the song Konrad said: “Come On Snake, Let’s Rattle” is an ego battle, at its core. A portrayal of a person too far gone to come back. The lyrics act as his personal introduction to you, a tour of his world, and together you explore this place for his debauchery. When I was writing the song, I would see this person in a beautiful cocktail lounge, full of elegant and fashionable people whom he could mold and control as he wished, obeying his word, almost as if they were an extension of himself. On the surface he is a walking statement of obsessive self-consumption, but as the song moves into its finale, he begins to show a deeper sadness to his character, a vulnerability. I want you to feel a warmth coming through his exterior, like a genuine smile before he ultimately turns on you too.
 
The single arrives on the heels of his debut “Long Way Down.” Since its premiere on Billboard, the song has been catching the attention of critics including Alternative Press pegging him as “the alt-pop newcomer to keep an eye on.”
 
This is just the beginning for Konrad. In May, he joins Black Pistol Fire on the road with stops everywhere from Epicenter Music Festival to Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival. In addition, he recently announced he’ll be making his debut performance at Lollapalooza on Friday, August 1.   
 
Check out the full itinerary below.
 
Born and raised in Abbotsford, BC Canada, the singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist devoted his entire life to crafting music. Growing up in a house where creativity would be encouraged at every turn, he spent countless hours writing songs and producing. Following stints recording and on the road with other artists, he locked himself away in the studio and commenced work on what would become his forthcoming debut. With nothing more than a few songs on his private SoundCloud link shared by his manager, he caught the attention of LAVA founder Jason Flom who signed him on the spot—because of the downright mind-blowing songcraft. Now, that songcraft comes to life on his first single “Long Way Out” with its airy beat, haunting vocals, and seesawing chant.

The best way to describe the music would be Thom Yorke translating Christopher Nolan’s Memento into songs, and even that only scratches the surface.

Tour Dates
05/11 –Rockingham NC @ Epicenter Music Festival
05/12 – Philadelphia PA @ Underground Arts ^
05/14 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall ^
05/15 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg ^
05/18 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival
08/01 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
10/13 – Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock
a
* with Ten Fe
^ with Black Pistol Fire, Emily Wolfe

ScHoolboy Q Releases Album “CrasH Talk”

Today marks the release of CrasH Talk, the highly anticipated new album from Grammy Award-nominated rapper ScHoolboy Q. Released via Top Dawg Entertainment/Interscope Records, CrasH Talk is the South Central-bred artist’s third full-length effort.

Listen to CrasH Talk by ScHoolboy Q HERE

With appearances by Kid Cudi, Ty Dolla $ign, 21 Savage, 6LACK, YG, and Lil Baby, CrasH Talk features ScHoolboy Q’s recent single “CrasH” — an introspective and groove-heavy track produced by Boi-1da (Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Eminem). In addition, the album includes the previously released singles “CHopstix (witH Travis Scott)” and “Numb Numb Juice” (hailed by Vulture as a “reminder why he’s one of the best rappers we’ve got”).

Track listing for CrasH Talk by ScHoolboy Q:

1. Gang Gang

2. Tales

3. CHopstix (witH Travis Scott)

4. Numb Numb Juice

5. Drunk (feat. 6LACK)

6. Lies (feat. Ty Dolla $ign & YG)

7. 5200

8. Black Folk

9. Floating (feat. 21 Savage)

10. Dangerous (feat. Kid Cudi)

11. Die Wit Em

12. CrasH

13. Water (feat. Lil Baby)

14. Attention

OTR Releases “Heart” ft. Shallou

Indie artist OTR has signed to Astralwerks, who released his new single, “Heart” ft. Shallou, today. Shallou’s searing vocals paired with OTR’s evocative piano create a poignant yet ultimately transcendent track with the indelible refrain “We get out alive/in your heart.”  

Download / stream “Heart” HERE.

View the visualizer HERE.

Shallou – an independent artist who has earned SiriusXM #1 spotswith tracks like “Lie” and “Begin” and landed on the Billboard Dance charts – played “Heart” live for the massive crowd that gathered in the Sahara Tent for his set at both weekends of Coachella 2019.

Ryan, the 26-year old aerospace engineer-turned-producer behind OTR, uncovered his passion for music in 2012, when he began tinkeringon a dusty, run-down piano in his college dorm lobby to break up the routine of classes and studying. Shortly thereafter, he picked up a guitar and began experimenting with Logic on his MacBook Pro. Taking aninternship in Japan in 2014, he found himself living in the small town of in Kurashiki, with no friends and a major language barrier. To combat the isolation, he purchased a keyboard and a train pass and spent all his free time making music and traveling to bigger cities. When he returned to the States, Ryan moved into a neighborhood on the outskirts of downtown Cincinnati known as “Over-the-Rhine” or OTR. The once-neglected area had undergone a renaissance that mirrored his own journey of discovery as music went from hobby to career goal, so it became the ideal name for his project. 

As an independent artist, OTR has released a series of singles and the 2018 EP Unfold, racking up more than 7 million cumulative streams across DSPs. The Line of Best Fit observed, “OTR produces complex summer tinged pop that begs to be danced to.” NYLON noted, “A song called ‘Bliss’ has a lot to live up to. Luckily…[it] achieves just that-tenfold.” Praising his 2018 collaboration with Blondage, “Cold Facts,” Ones To Watch said, “we’re confident with just one push of the play button, you will become an instant devotee.” Last week, Thissongissickpremiered OTR’s remix of RKCB’s “Know Love”, and noted, “he has really outdone himself…another incredible release.”

Woodstock At 50

Rock Hall Celebrates Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary with New Exhibit and Special Rock Hall Nights

Relive the Iconic Music Festival with Rock Hall Inductees and Woodstock Performers Freddie Stone of Sly & The Family Stone and Michael Carabello of Santana on May 1st

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is bringing peace, love and music to fans during Woodstock’s 50th anniversary. On May 1st, fans can relive the iconic music festival with a new Woodstock 50 exhibit (open through Fall 2019) and special Woodstock themed Rock Hall Nights with Inductees and Woodstock performers Freddie Stone of Sly & The Family Stone and Michael Carabello of Santana.

It’s been nearly 50 years since Woodstock generated legendary musical moments and catapulted an entire festival culture. Groups and artists such as Sly & The Family Stone, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and many others defined a new set of sound. Woodstock 50 celebrates the ambition and ingenuity of those who mounted the festival to the performers who played it gaining a deeper understanding of the various faces of Woodstock and how it changed the music industry forever.

The new Woodstock 50 exhibit features rare prints, performance outfits, video footage, tickets, original signage and more. Highlights include:

  • A photo exhibit with rare prints, contact sheets and never-before-seen artifacts from renowned photographer Jim Marshall’s archive including his earliest Leica M4 camera used to photograph Woodstock. Marshall captured the festival’s most raw and intimate moments from the three-day festival. The Rock Hall is the only museum in the country celebrating Woodstock with Marshall’s collection.
  • Jimi Hendrix (1992 Rock Hall Inductee) guitar strap used at Woodstock 1969 to deliver a mesmerizing set featuring his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to a dwindling crowd of 180,000 who toughed it through the last hours of Woodstock, along with his handwritten lyrics to “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return),” the last song he would ever perform live.  
  • Hand-drawn map of festival grounds with aerial views highlighting prominent locations and a telegram from festival organizer Michael Lang envisioning the event documented from every angle with plans to secure the filming and clearance for showing footage after the festival.
  • Rare video footage from the Rock Hall collection captured during Woodstock ’69 with candid moments offering new perspectives of festival goers.
  • John Sebastian (2000 Rock Hall Inductee) of the Lovin’ Spoonful performance outfit from his unscheduled appearance at Woodstock. He traveled to the festival as a spectator but was asked to appear when the organizers suddenly needed an acoustic performer after a rain break.
  • Billie Joe Armstrong (2015 Rock Hall Inductee) shoes worn at Woodstock ’94, nicknamed “Mudstock” partly due to Green Day’s performance. Days of rain turned the venue into a field of mud and as Armstrong taunted the audience with “I don’t care what you do, I don’t want to be a mud hippie like you,” an enormous mud fight ensued.

Woodstock 50 opens May 1 with a special Rock Hall Nights: Woodstock program that evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST. Fan can meet Rock Hall Inductees and Woodstock performers Freddie Stone of Sly & The Family Stone and Michael Carabello of Santana, challenge their friends to Woodstock trivia, explore artifacts from the Rock Hall’s Library and Archives, check out Woodstock 50, Hendrix and San Francisco exhibits, make a flower headband, take pictures in a festival photo booth, and enjoy screenings of Woodstock artist highlights from the Induction ceremony stage as well as a director’s cut of the documentary film Woodstock. This is the last Rock Hall Nights of the season. The monthly program will return in the fall with new themes and activities.

INSIDER TIP

Purchase a special $20 online only ($34 value) Rock Hall Nights ticket which includes access to exhibits between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., a VIP check-in, complimentary drink voucher and free giveaways. Metered parking is available surrounding the Museum and is free after 6 p.m. daily. Rock Hall Members and City of Cleveland residents (ID required at box office) can attend for free.  

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock and roll. We share stories of the people, events and songs that shape our world through exhibits, innovative programs and concerts. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Long Live Rock!

Tips To Get Wedding Ready

By Beachbody Super Trainer and creator of Ultimate Portion Fix, Autumn Calabrese

When deciding on a nutrition program to follow to slim down for your wedding there are a few key things to keep in mind. The first being how much time you have till the big day and how much time you have till your final dress fitting. Once you’ve had that final dress fitting its ideal to maintain your weight so that your dress fits on the big day!

Following the Foundational Fix plan of Ultimate Portion Fix is a great way to get wedding ready.

  • Start by eliminating highly processed foods from your diet, this includes, sodas, sugary coffee drinks, cakes, candy, and any other foods you might be consuming that contain excessive amounts of sugar (anything over 8 grams per serving is high). If it has a laundry list of ingredients you can’t pronounce its go to go.
  • Stick to whole foods, things like, fruit, vegetables, lean proteins (chicken, fish, turkey, tofu, tempeh, occasional red meat) and healthy carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, beans, potatoes, lentils and oats.
  • Watch your portion sizes. You can overeat on healthy food as well.  You don’t need as much as we tend consume to fuel your body. Ultimate Portion Fix shows you exactly how to portion out the foods that you love with its color coded, portion control containers.  
  • Balance your macronutrients. Again this is something Ultimate Portion Fix does for you.  No counting calories, carbs, protein or anything else. Fill your containers and enjoy your food knowing that you’re getting a perfectly portioned, balanced meal every time.
  • Make water your new best friend. Water is so important to the function of your body so stay hydrated, it also helps flush toxins out of your system. Make drinking half your body weight in oz of water a day your number 1 priority.
  • Practice self care. Planning a wedding can be stressful, that stress can start to take a toll on your waistline if you’re not careful. So find ways to relax like taking an epsom salt bath, getting in a good sweat session, journaling, and most importantly getting enough sleep at night.

In addition to implementing Ultimate Portion Fix and these 6 tips, load your diet with foods that support a healthy weight.  

  • Apples not only provide a healthy, natural sweetness to your diet they are loaded with fiber to help you feel fuller for a longer period of time.
  • Avocados have a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid which provides a slow burning energy source for the body.  Its been shown to fire up the metabolism and healthy fats help you feel satiated.
  • Beans are a great source of healthy carbohydrates.The are loaded with fiber and it takes our bodies a long time to digest. This again means you will feel full longer.
  • Eggs are a great source of protein. I know they’ve gotten a bad wrap in the past but they are low in calories and high in protein. Increasing protein in ones diet has been shown as a effective form of weight loss.
  • Chia Seeds try adding these little guys to a salad or smoothie. Chia seeds have been shown to help with endurance, energy and decreasing hunger. They are also high in omega – 3 fatty acids ( a good fat that we need) and protein.  

Looking your best on your special day is a big deal and can stress a lot of people out. Take the stress away, follow a program that isn’t a diet, doesn’t leave you starving or feeling deprived, has been proven to work long term for hundreds of thousands of people.  If you want a program that is effective and will have you feeling like your best self on your big day check out Ultimate Portion Fix.

About Autumn Calabrese

Celebrity trainer, best-selling author, and working mom Autumn Calabrese has created  breakthrough fitness programs 80 Day Obsession®, 21 Day Fix®, 21 Day Fix EXTREME®, The Master’s Hammer and Chisel® and Country Heat®. She’s revolutionized the Beachbody fitness model with her simple approach to healthy eating.

Together with her chef brother, Bobby Calabrese, she authored the portion-control cookbook, FIXATETM and hosts the cooking show by the same name that streams on Beachbody® On Demand. FIXATE features simple, delicious recipes, all perfectly portion-controlled and easy to make. Her goal as a health and fitness expert is to motivate and inspire people to make the lasting changes that will serve them and their families for the rest of their lives.

Dennis Quaid is “Mr. Lonely”

MIDLAND TAPS DENNIS QUAID AS “MR. LONELY”

Acclaimed actor and singer/songwriter, Dennis Quaid, joins GRAMMY®-nominated trio MIDLAND for his most intriguing role to date – “Mr. Lonely.” Starring in the chart-topping Texans’ music video, it highlights their sense of humor and effortless vintage country style. “Mr. Lonely” marks the first release off the band’s highly-anticipated second album (Big Machine Records). Earlier this month, Variety exclusively premiered a trailer showing Quaid’s Mr. Lonely getting a little roughed up encountering some of the women from his past.

CLICK HERE to watch “Mr. Lonely”

As a singer/songwriter, Quaid has hundreds of thousands of miles under his belt as a touring musician and continues to receive stellar reviews displaying equal ease with both originals and country standards with his all-star band, Dennis Quaid & The Sharks.

During a recent packed crowd at Billy Bob’s Texas, one reviewer noted how Quaid “delivered a memorable two-hour, 19-song set. The 64-year-old Quaid rushed onto the stage like a 20-year-old, and leapt into the crowd with his guitar during the second song to share some high fives, all without missing a note on his six string” (ILoveFTW.com).

Recently, Dennis Quaid & The Sharks celebrated Record Store Day by releasing their first-ever album, Out of the Box, on vinyl via Omnivore Records. Described by Quaid as “a junkyard of American music,” the A-side includes the original title track “Out of the Box” while the B-side features a rousing cover of Larry Williams’ hit “Slow Down.” Recorded at the legendary Village Studios in Los Angeles, the band’s debut album was released on CD and Digital last November to rave reviews.

On May 25, Dennis Quaid & The Sharks will open for Midland at their show in Westside Pavilion in Tuolumme, Calif.

DENNIS QUAID & THE SHARKS ON TOUR

April 27 The Backyard at Fritztown – Fredericksburg, Texas

May 11 The Barbershop @ Cosmopolitan Hotel – Las Vegas, Nev.

May 25 Westside Pavilion – Tuolumme, Calif. *

June 01 Belly Up – Solana Beach, Calif.  

Sept. 14 Tubac Golf Resort & Spa – Tubac, Ariz.

*Special Guest to Midland

Follow Dennis Quaid on Social Media

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