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Ireland- A Mecca of Wealth

March 17, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Reasons To Travel, The Reasons Why at 1:06 pm | (2) Comments »

Ireland has passed out both the United States and Japan, the Emerald Isle rose last year to eight place in a prestigious world table for human development.

The 2005 Human Development Report, published by the UN, found Irish people to be the second wealthiest in the world, with a GDP per head of $37,738.  Ireland is also one of the most unequal in terms of wealth, however, with a high percentage of the population at poverty levels.

But, it looks like the Irish are living it large with their new ranking.  High spending is prevalent and new upscale restaurants and hotels are popping up all over the place. Since 2002, the country has risen 10 places in the ranking of economic performance, life expectancy & education standards. 

It’s a good time to be Irish and an even better time to visit Ireland.  From Celtic ruins to modern accommodations, this is a beautiful country to experience.  Book your Ireland vacation package now & have yourself an even better St. Patrick’s Day!

 

What Ever Happened to the Most Expensive Painting of 1990 - 2004?

March 8, 2006 | Posted by Allison as Artsy Fartsy, The Reasons Why at 1:28 pm | Comments »

“I’ve done the portrait of M. Gachet with a melancholy expression, which might well seem like a grimace to those who see it. . . . Sad but gentle, yet clear and intelligent, that is how many portraits ought to be done. . . . There are modern heads that may be looked at for a long time, and that may perhaps be looked back on with longing a hundred years later.”  -Vincent Van Gogh, June 1890.

Before Sotheby’s sold Garcon a la Pipe by Pablo Picasso at auction from John Hay Whitney’s estate in 2004 for $104.1 million, the most expensive painting in the world was Vincent Van Gogh’s Portrait of Dr. Gachet which sold for $82.5 million at Christie’s in 1990.  The history of the painting is a bit queer and worth looking into. 

Portrait of Dr. Gachet was painted by Vincent around 1890 during one of his frequent stays at the nuthouse.  He painted this touching picture of his doctor looking quite exhausted, probably from hearing more than he bargained for about Van Gogh’s fascination with the color yellow. 

Japanese business man Ryoei Saito, who paid $78.1 million for a Renoir just two days after taking ownership of the Van Gogh, bought Dr. Gachet May 15, 1990.  I feel like Saito could have used his own trip to see Dr. Gachet.  Soon after purchasing the painting, Saito threatened to have it cremated with him after his death, for to spare his heirs from having to pay an exorbitant inheritance tax.  He died six years later and Dr. Gachet remains missing to this day. 

How Much Is That Oscar In The Window?

March 2, 2006 | Posted by Allison as The Reasons Why at 1:04 pm | Comments »

The newly-minted Oscar statuettes which will be handed out at the Academy Awards this Sunday were on display for the first time in New York last month; the 50 gold-plated trophies were being exhibited in Times Square.

Sir Anthony Hopkins, who won an Oscar in 1992 for Silence of the Lambs, was among the first visitors to the exhibition of little gold men.

Academy coordinator Randy Haberkamp said: “It’s not something you see regularly, so unless you have an uncle or aunt or somebody who won one, chances are pretty slim you’ve seen one right up close.”

All this led me to wonder, how much is that Oscar in the window?  Each statue is 13.5 inches tall and weighs eight pounds. They cost about $400 each to make, they are made from steel alloy britannium which is then dipped in 24k gold plating.

“They’re shinier and look better-made,” said New Yorker Marcia Fokas, who had come to see the display.

Need an Oscar yourself?  Think you’re the Best Actor in the drama of your life, then check out http://www.fantasysportsawards.com/youth/oscer.shtml which offers a replica of the original in 24K gold.