Thursday, September 16, 2010

Ashford Hospitality Trust Declares Preferred Dividends for Third Ashford Hospitality Trust Declares Preferred Dividends for Third Quarter DAS, Sept. 1

Ashford Hospitality Trust Declares Preferred Dividends for Third

Ashford Hospitality Trust Declares Preferred Dividends for Third Quarter

DAS, Sept. 15 - Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE:AHT) today announced the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.5344 per diluted share for the Company’s 8.55% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock for the third quarter ending September 30, 2010. The dividend, which equates to an annual rate of $2.1375 per share, is payable on October 15, 2010, to shareholders of record as of September 30, 2010.

The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per diluted share for the Company’s Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock for the third quarter ending September 30, 2010. The dividend, which equates to an annual rate of $0.56 per share, is payable on October 15, 2010, to shareholders of record as of September 30, 2010.

The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.5281 per diluted share for the Company’s 8.45% Series D Cumulative Preferred Stock for the third quarter ending September 30, 2010. The dividend, which equates to an annual rate of $2.1125 per share, is payable on October 15, 2010, to shareholders of record as of September 30, 2010.

Ashford Hospitality Trust is a self-administered real estate investment trust focused on investing in the hospitality industry across all segments and at all levels of the capital structure, including direct hotel investments, second mortgages, mezzanine loans and sale-leaseback transactions. Additional information can be found on the Company’s web site athttp://www.ahtreit.com..

Certain statements and assumptions in this press release contain or are based upon “forward-looking” information and are being made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties.. When we use the words “will likely result,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the timing for closing, the impact of the transaction on our business and future financial condition, our business and investment strategy, our understanding of our competition and current market trends and opportunities and projected capital expenditures. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside Ashford’s control.

These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, without limitation: general volatility of the capital markets and the market price of our common stock; changes in our business or investment strategy; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; changes in our industry and the market in which we operate, interest rates or the general economy; and the degree and nature of our competition. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in Ashford’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. EBITDA is defined as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA yield is defined as trailing twelve month EBITDA divided by the purchase price. A capitalization rate is determined by dividing the property’s annual net operating income by the purchase price. Net operating income is the property’s funds from operations minus a capital expense reserve of either 4% or 5% of gross revenues. Funds from operations (“FFO”), as defined by the White Paper on FFO approved by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) in April 2002, represents net income (loss) computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), excluding gains (or losses) from sales or properties and extraordinary items as defined by GAAP, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, and net of adjustments for the portion of these items related to unconsolidated entities and joint ventures.

The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Culinary Institutes


French Culinary Institute

The French Culinary Institute is a chef school where a world-class faculty, a dedication to the highest standards of excellence, extraordinary talent, and intense, Total ImmersionSM training converge in one exciting experience that’s unlike any other in the industry. No other culinary art or pastry school prepares you for a… [Read More]

Country: City: Website: http://www.frenchculinary.com

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

HRC Culinary Academy

The Academy’s Culinary Arts programme is a dynamic, 2 year course that prepares students for exciting careers in the international hotel and culinary industry. Designed by top-chefs from around the world, the course focuses heavily on hands-on training. We invite you to take a tour of our website and to… [Read More]

Country: BulgariaCity: DobrichWebsite: http://www.hrcacademy.com

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Culinary Academy of India

The Culinary Academy of India is the first professional training school for culinary arts to be founded in India, matching the standards of top American and European culinary institutes. The academy is located within a kilometer of the premier hotels in Hyderabad, giving the institute and its students the added… [Read More]

Country: IndiaCity: HyderabadWebsite: http://www.iactchefacademy.com

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Ecole Hoteliere Lavasa

Ecole Hoteliere Lavasa is a private autonomous institute with the academic certification of the finest and oldest hospitality school - École hôtelière de Lausanne of Switzerland. [Read More]

Country: IndiaCity: LavasaWebsite: http://www.ecolehotelierelavasa.com/

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

The Culinary Academy

The Culinary Academy’s 15 Months Advanced Food and Wine Chefs Diploma course will open the doors of the culinary world to you. With our emphasis not just on the academic, but particularly on practical experience to back this training up, you will be able to find employment in a working… [Read More]

Country: South AfricaCity: KlapmutsWebsite: http://www.theculinaryacademy.com

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

California Culinary Academy

California Culinary Academy in San Francisco provides exciting career training in the areas: Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts, and Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: San FranciscoWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/san-francisco

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

California School of Culinary Arts

California School of Culinary Arts provides hospitality training with its Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts, Pâtisserie & Baking and Hospitality & Restaurant Management programs. Pasadena & Hollywood CA. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: PasadenaWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/los-angeles

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Kitchen Academy

Kitchen Academy offers professional culinary programs where you can learn the skills you need to succeed in today’s professional cooking environment. Locations in Seattle WA and Sacramento CA. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: SacramentoWebsite: http://www.kitchenacademy.com

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts - Atlanta

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Atlanta offers Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts training programs including Pâtisserie and Baking training with an emphasis on current industry practices. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: TuckerWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/atlanta

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts - Boston

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Boston provides Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts training and can help prepare students for opportunities in the hospitality industry. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: CambridgeWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/boston

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts - Las Vegas

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas offers Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts training programs for professional and rewarding career opportunities in the international hospitality industry. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: Las VegasWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/las-vegas

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts - Miami

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Miami helps prepare students for professional opportunities in the hospitality industry with Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts training programs. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: MiramarWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/miami

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts - Minneapolis/St. Paul

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Minneapolis/St. Paul provides Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts training and can help prepare students for opportunities in the hospitality industry. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: Mendota HeightsWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/minneapolis-st-paul

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts - St. Louis

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts St. Louis provides Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts training and can help prepare students for opportunities in the hospitality industry. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: St. PetersWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/st-louis

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin

Based in Austin, TX - Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Austin provides quality culinary training with its Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program and Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking Program. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: AustinWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/austin

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts Dallas

Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts Dallas provides Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts training and can help prepare students for opportunities in the hospitality industry. Located in Dallas, TX. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: DallasWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/dallas

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Orlando Culinary Academy

Welcome to Orlando Culinary Academy, offering Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts training, along with Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking program areas. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: OrlandoWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/orlando

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute offers Le Cordon Bleu culinary training in Pâtisserie & Baking and Hospitality & Restaurant Management. Located in Pittsburgh, PA. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: PittsburghWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/pittsburgh

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Scottsdale Culinary Institute

Scottsdale Culinary Institute provides quality culinary training with professional chefs in its Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts, Pâtisserie and Baking and Hospitality and Restaurant Management programs. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: ScottsdaleWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/scottsdale

Category: Education » Culinary Institutes

Texas Culinary Academy

Based in Austin, TX - Texas Culinary Academy provides quality culinary training with its Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program and Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking Program. [Read More]

Country: United StatesCity: AustinWebsite: http://www.chefs.edu/austin

Pendapatan lumayan dengan Nuffnang

SEBUT sahaja Nuffnang, mustahil jenama komuniti pengiklanan blog itu tidak dikenali oleh blogger-blogger di seluruh Malaysia. Tidak hairan juga, jenama itu amat dikenali di negara-negara jiran terutama Singapura, Australia dan Filipina.

Sumbangan Nuffnang amat besar buat komuniti blogger yang menjadikan jenama itu sebagai platform untuk menjana pendapatan sampingan yang lumayan. Tidak keterlaluan jika dikatakan pendapatan yang diperoleh daripada Nuffnang adakalanya melebihi pendapatan pekerjaan tetap.

Iklan-iklan daripada Nuffnang yang merupakan komuniti pengiklanan blog pertama Asia Pasifik kini boleh dilihat di lebih 100,000 buah blog oleh lebih tiga juta orang setiap hari.

Ia membenarkan pengiklan untuk memaparkan iklan grafik dan video di blog-blog dalam pelbagai genre. Kejayaan Nuffnang kini dapat dilihat melalui pembangunan pejabatnya di empat buah negara iaitu Malaysia, Singapura, Filipina dan Australia.

Menarik tentang syarikat Nuffnang Sdn. Bhd. yang terletak di Kuala Lumpur, ia diteraju jejaka yang baru berusia 26 tahun. Timothy Tiah, sebagai pengarah urusan, turut meneraju cawangan Nuffnang bersama pengasas bersama, Cheo Ming Shen yang kini menguruskan pejabat di Singapura.

Menurut Timothy, blogger mampu menjana pendapatan lumayan berdasarkan jumlah pelawat blog. Semakin tinggi jumlah pelawat semakin tinggi pendapatan sehingga mampu mencapai puluhan ribu ringgit dalam masa sebulan.

"Kami menguruskan iklan-iklan yang akan dipaparkan dalam blog yang berdaftar tanpa mengenakan bayaran kepada blogger. Blogger hanya perlu menjalankan kerja editorial untuk iklan masing-masing bagi menjana pendapatan.

"Selain itu, kami juga menganjurkan majlis-majlis untuk blogger seperti tayangan filem, seminar, bengkel, parti dan sebagainya untuk merapatkan hubungan sesama komuniti blogger di bawah Nuffnang," katanya.


TIMOTHY merintis idea kewujudan Nuffnang bersama rakannya, Ming Shen sewaktu belajar di London.


Menceritakan kewujudkan Nuffnang, Timothy memberitahu idea itu timbul di London ketika dia dan Ming Shen berbual mengenai pelan perniagaan mereka apabila pulang ke tanah air. Kedua-dua mereka adalah pelajar jurusan perniagaan dan bermula sebagai blogger.

"Kami berbincang mengenai perniagaan yang ingin kami jalankan selepas pulang ke Malaysia dan Singapura. Kemudian timbul idea untuk berkolaborasi mewujudkan Nuffnang selepas mempertimbangkan populariti blog yang semakin meningkat.

"Kami melakukan sesuatu yang belum pernah dilakukan oleh orang lain dan ia mendapat sambutan yang memberangsangkan hanya selepas beberapa tahun syarikat itu ditubuhkan," katanya mengenai syarikat itu yang memulakan pejabat pertamanya di Pulau Pinang pada tahun 2006.

Katanya, pada akhir tahun pertama Nuffnang ditubuhkan iaitu pada tahun 2007 mereka berjaya mengumpulkan sebanyak 7,523 orang blogger dan ia meningkat kepada 30,708 pada tahun 2008. Tahun 2009 pula jumlahnya meningkat kepada 68,455 orang, manakala sehingga Ogos lalu jumlahnya ialah 105,464 orang blogger.

"Komuniti blogger Nuffnang meningkat dengan pantas dan ini menunjukkan blog menjadi medium pengiklanan yang mendapat sambutan hangat daripada klien pengiklan. Ia menjadi pilihan baru selain medium utama iaitu media cetak dan elektronik.

"Bagaimanapun, untuk berjaya sebagai blogger yang berpendapatan tinggi, seseorang itu mestilah bekerja keras dan mewujudkan blog atas sebab yang betul. Ini kerana sekiranya blog diwujudkan semata-mata untuk mencari keuntungan, ia tidak akan berjaya," katanya.


KOMUNITI Nuffnang menjadi medium penting kepada blogger yang ingin menjana pendapatan sampingan.


Menjana pendapatan

Selepas lima tahun menceburkan diri sebagai penulis blog, Mira Abu Bakar, 35, mempunyai pemerhati blog mencecah empat juta orang. Justeru, dia mampu menjana pendapatan sehingga RM100,000 setahun melalui iklan-iklan yang dipaparkan di blognya iaituwww.redmummy.com.

Mira yang mesra disapa sebagai Kak Red memberitahu, sebab utama dia mewujudkan blog tersebut bukanlah untuk mencari keuntungan kerana ia wujud sebelum Nuffnang beroperasi iaitu pada tahun 2005.

"Ketika mula-mula mendaftar dengan Nuffnang dan membuat editorial untuk iklan pertama, saya hanya memperoleh pendapatan RM90 tetapi jumlah itu meningkat sehingga RM5,000 sehingga RM10,000 sebulan kini.

"Pendapatan lumayan yang saya peroleh daripada blog menyebabkan saya menulis dengan serius dan memperuntukkan sehingga lima jam sehari untuk menguruskan blog saya. Tetapi saya juga dibantu suami yang bertindak sebagai jurugambar untuk menguruskan blog ini," katanya.

Katanya lagi, untuk berjaya melalui blog memerlukan usaha yang keras, sebagaimana dia yang sanggup duduk di hadapan komputer setiap malam bermula pukul 9 malam hingga 2 pagi semata-mata untuk memastikan blognya sentiasa update.

"Pendapatan yang saya peroleh kini tidak didapati dalam sekelip mata. Saya bermula dari bawah dan sesiapa sahaja perlu melalui jalan yang sama untuk berjaya. Jangan cuba meniru gaya blogger lain kerana ia tidak akan berjaya," katanya.

Vivy Sofinas, 23, pula mewujudkan blog sejak dua tahun lalu. Selepas mendaftar dengan Nuffnang dan mempunyai pembaca blog sehingga 7,000 orang sehari, dia memiliki iklan pertama hanya selepas empat bulan blog itu diwujudkan.

"Saya menyertai Nuffnang sejak Oktober tahun lalu dan sehingga kini saya memperoleh pendapatan mencecah RM10,000. Antara pengiklan tersebut ialah Astro, Dell, Lip Ice, Xpax dan Mamee.

"Blog saya banyak berkisar kehidupan peribadi terutama kisah mengenai opah saya yang mendapat sambutan ramai. Saya tidak sangka akan mempunyai ramai pengikut dan pembaca blog," katanya yang tidak pernah menyangka akan memperoleh pendapatan melalui blognya iaitu www.proudduck.com.

Sementara itu, Nor Izdyani Musawir, 20, turut gembira memperoleh pendapatan daripada iklan-iklan yang dipaparkan di blognya iaitusayesayangiz.blogspot.com. Bagaimanpun, dia tidak dapat melupakan pengalaman perlu membuat rakaman video yang diminta pengiklan.


LAYARI laman web Nuffnang untuk mengetahui lebih banyak maklumat mengenai platform menjana pendapatan itu.


"Saya terpaksa merakam diri sendiri dan menyanyi untuk iklan Munchy's. Perasaan ketika itu sungguh malu tetapi lama-kelamaan saya sudah terbiasa dan tidak kekok lagi untuk melakukan kerja-kerja editorial bagi iklan-iklan yang saya peroleh.

"Tetapi blog ini masih baru dan mempunyai pengikut lebih 2,000 orang. Sejak ditubuhkan tahun lalu, saya memperoleh pendapatan sampingan kira-kira RM2,000," katanya yang menjalankan perniagaan selendang pada awal kewujudan blognya untuk meningkatkan trafik pembaca.