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Archive for April, 2009

vacation!!!!!

After a couple relaxing days in a posh part of Accra, I’m off to a beach resort. http://www.greenturtlelodge.com I’ll be meeting some friends there.  And you thought I don’t have any fun here.

South Africa to the United States

Having just returned from South Africa, I reflected on the fact that I am privileged to travel there often to work with governments and businesses. During my most recent trips to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban, I witnessed some of the major issues facing South Africa, including, poverty, health crisis, violence, and socio-economic problems as well as its political upheaval. This year was no exception, although, in the midst of the overwhelming crises, South Africa is currently experiencing hope and promise as it awaits the forthcoming economic stimulus anticipated with hosting the 2010 World Cup. South Africa cities are readying themselves knowing that they will have the eyes of the world focused on their country. Today, electricity is in the air everywhere you go. Work is being done on transportation, greening, beautification, redevelopment, and modernization projects with a hope that South Africa will flourish with more tourism and business. In addition, there is a sense of hope for the world with our new President Barack Obama — South Africans clearly have the Obama spirit. Last year while I was in South…

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The Future of Online Advertising Lies in the Collapse of Print

I guess it seems a bit negative to define the growth of a medium in the collapse of another, but here’s why: For most media organisations, online advertising* currently accounts for less than 20% of the advertising pie, with print still taking the lion’s share. My 20% estimate is high. A world-wide, median figure is more like 15% of ad revenue. The question is: why are advertisers still choosing a medium that is under severe pressure as opposed to competing mediums that deliver a better service and (mostly) bigger reader numbers? Here are some reasons: 1. Institutional bias in media companies: The company has been doing it that way for decades. Managers and employees have an innate bias to push the thing they know and push the thing that makes them revenue and meets their targets in the short term — even though it may not be in the company’s long term interest. It’s where the revenue is, although not the profit. 2. Institutional bias in advertising industry: The same goes for advertisers and advertising agencies. You’ll find the same institutional and arguably, cultural, bias directed towards certain mediums. You’ll often hear excuses like internet penetration and…

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Vancouver is Getting Ready for 2010

I’m Victoria Revay and I’ll be your We Blog the World Canada correspondent leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. In a few weeks, I’ll be taking you on a cross-country journey, where together we will discover this giant country.   So excited! Visiting coastal towns and remote villages from the East Coast to the North and back to the West Coast, I’m hoping ot uncover and connect an authentic Canada.  I want you to engage, so  I would love to hear what you want to know about Canada, so Comment, email me or post a photo.   I’ll be posting links, photos on Flickr and videos on YouTube, as well as updating our Twitter and CTC blogs (Canadian Tourism Commission) so hang tight. All materials are copyrights of the CTC and you must provide a link and attribution if you’d like to use it.

More Dining Picks in Buenos Aires

My new Twitter pals at Buenos Aires Life know a thing or two about what’s going on in the city and where to dine.  Here’s what’s at the top of their list:

• La Cabrera  Reasonably priced traditional Argentinean parilla/steakhouse.
  Cabrera 5099,  Palermo Soho  Tel: 4831-7002
  
• Osaka  Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant getting rave reviews.
  Soler 5608, Palermo  Tel: 4775-6964
• Cabaña Las Lilas  Superior steakhouse with an impressive wine list.
  Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 516,  Puerto Madero.   Tel: 4313-1336
  
• Green Bamboo – Authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a seductive setting. 
  Costa Rica 5802, Palermo  Tel: 4775-7050
• Sucre  A modern take on Argentinean and South American gastronomy.
  Sucre 676,  Belgrano Tel: 4782-9082
• Sudestada Southeast Asian fare, a welcome option for those seeking spicy food in BA
  Guatemala 5602,  Palermo Hollywood  Tel: 4776-3777
• Dashi Arguably the best Sushi restaurant in Buenos Aires
  Fitz Roy 1613 and Gorriti,  Palermo Hollywood  Tel: 4776-3500
• Mama Racha  Great restaurant and outdoor café for a lunch or snack any time of day.
  Costa Rica and Armenia, Palermo  Tel: 4833-4950

Great Fashion Week Shot

Such a cool shot from Fashion Week 2009. Credit: Studiolit

Rainbow Colors in Yukon

Yukon, Canada

Best Dining Options in Buenos Aires

Chances are you will have a positive dining experience in any restaurant you visit in Buenos Aires.  But if your priority is to go to the best restaurants the city has to offer, let me point you to some authoritative sources: Arguably the most respected restaurant guide is Vidal Buzzi (in Spanish).  Their top ranked restaurants include:

• Le Mistral – Contemporary Mediterranean, including tapas, at the Four Seasons Hotel.
  Posadas 1086, Barrio Norte Tel: 4321-1730
  
• Tomo 1 – Contemporary Argentine, with excellent wine list, at the Panamericano Hotel
  Carlos Pellegrini 521,  San Nicolas  Tel: 4326-6695
  (It’s also my mom’s favorite restaurant in Buenos Aires)
  
• Oviedo – Award winning Spanish cuisine,  Beruti 2602, Recoleta Teléfono: 4821-3741

Guia Oleo (in Spanish) offers a very complete restaurant guide.  Some restaurants at the top of their rating lists are:

• Casa Coupage – Wine tastings, individual attention and New Argentine cuisine in an intimate setting.  Reservations required.
  Güemes 4382 1st floor, Palermo  Tel: 4833-6354
• Nectarine – Superior French restaurant
  Vicente López 1661, Recoleta Tel:

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