is what Magnify.net, now in public beta, allows anyone to do. It’s is a great way to not only integrate YouTube videos on your own website but allow users to upload their own. This makes it a tool for DMOs to enable user generated content to be easily posted on their site and to start their own […]

Is the headline of Peter Rip’s EarlyStageVC blog post. He explains that the leading lights in the VC world are already moving beyond what is now an established phase of the internet, commonly described by the term web 2.0 I especially like his description of the web today resembling MS-DOS more than MS-Windows. I’ve often used […]

If you’re like me, you’ll go anywhere for a good meal..but somehow, I don’t know about this one….. Globe Trotting Gourmet, is a company that specializes in luxury Asian food tours. Its upcoming Ultimate Japanese Dining Experience — $5,995 (U.S.), plus a $1,000 surcharge for an optional dinner at “Kyoto’s most prestigious kaiseiki ryori restaurant” — […]

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I find this a very apt description of what is happening in today’s connected marketplace and how brands are viewed and how perceptions about them are formed before the brand owner ever has had a chance to get involved. This is what I mean when I say that organizations have to join the conversation and […]

With BBQ season fast approaching this handy little add-on for your iPod may be worth a look. Pocket Bar & Grill combines Podtender and PodGourmet into Pocket Bar & Grill. Pocket Bar & Grill has two sections. One is the “Bar” section with 750 mixed drink recipes from A through Z, each drink individually listed. […]

On my ever growing list of places to travel and things to do is to dedicate an entire trip to culinary learning. This type of culinary crawl described by Marcel Stillekens, co-owner of EuroBookings.com sounds right up my alley. A growing trend among travelers of hopping from city to city in search of exquisite tastes. The […]

On my ever growing list of places to travel and things to do is to dedicate an entire trip to culinary learning. This type of culinary crawl described by Marcel Stillekens, co-owner of EuroBookings.com sounds right up my alley. A growing trend among travelers of hopping from city to city in search of exquisite tastes. The […]

Set in rugged countryside, Aman-i-Khás is a wilderness retreat located on the fringe of Ranthambhore National Park, in Rajasthan, India. The park offers opportunities for sighting leopards, tigers, sloth bears and chittal deer. Aman-i-Khás is only open for seven months a year from October until the end of April which coincides with the season for […]

I took a flight simulator ride at NASA a few years ago. My daughter said I turned as green as the swiss cheese on the moon. It was exhilirating but I don’t know if I’d plunk down $3,500 for the real deal from Zero Gravity Corp and Sharper Image. But that’s what they’re offering per […]

We fell in love with Monterey many years ago, so when it came time to plant our vineyard, it was natural for us to find ourselves, spade and vine in hand, here in Monterey County. As a young couple, we would pack our bags whenever we had the chance, and head out to Monterey, staying whenever […]

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This column by Rob Lovitt on MSNBC describes some of the issues of what’s generally called user generated content or social media very well. Individual comments are based on personal bias and may not be representative. It’s the cumulative effect that provides the value. Whether organizations like it or not, this is the new reality […]

Online Travel Path May Get Bumpy How quickly this market is changing. In less than a decade OTAs are facing slower growth and need to address the supplier threat at an ever faster clip while dealing with all the other challenges thrown up by what is now called Travel 2.0 and it’s impact. It’s amazing how the […]

The historic Alexis Hotel in Seattle is undergoing an extreme makeover this spring and summer. As one of Seattle’s premier boutique hotels for more than two decades, the Alexis is undergoing an extensive $8.5 million renovation that includes updating and enhancing the style, service and amenities offered at this artistic property. Managed by San Francisco-based Kimpton […]

There is something about a hotel with a porch that just seems cozy. The “home away from home” experience is nicely balanced with a luxurious dining and accomodations. In-room amenities include flatscreen TV with cable, telephone, complimentary wine and locally-made chocolates, climate control, Frette linens, Kiehl’s bath amenities, Bose clock radio, radiant heated bathroom floors, […]

Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Michelin pulled out all stops today when they announced that not one, but TWO new cities in North America will join New York and San Francisco in their exclusive guide series. And what do these cities have in common? Stars! There are more movie stars living […]

The cordless phone by Belkin does not require a PC and works anywhere in the world where you can get a WiFi connection. Register online with Skype for a free account and away you go. Calls are free to other Skype phones and calls to normal phones are at a reduced rate. Measuring about 4.5″ x […]

Backroads has long been known for its week-long adventures. But now for those who don’t have seven days to spare, how about three? Weekend biking trips in Northern California’s renowned wine country are now on the menu. As with all its biking, walking and multi-sport itineraries, Backroads’ trips are top quality and feature impeccable service and hassle-free […]

One of my favorite San Francisco landmarks is Ghirardelli Square near Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s not as touristy as its neighbor. It’s got a gorgeous view of SF Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Marin County hills. And it’s home to the world-famous Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Factory. Now, the office building […]

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When I was just a wee little girl I would get a bit sad when my folks went away for longer than a weekend. My dramatic tears may have also had something to do with my elder sisters telling me they were never coming home. Anyways, enough about me. I imagine your furry little family […]

I’m stocking up on these because — no matter what cuisine is being served (Tapas, Zakuski, Meze, Pinxto, Hors d’oeuvres, or just good ol’ U.S.A. Snacks) — these charming appetizer plates will come in handy. Wine Country Appetizer Plates (Set of 6) Little bites delight on these whimsical six-inch porcelain appetizer plates. Each plate displays […]

Forget about “My Space” for keeping track of your international friends! Among the many niceties that the Stevenswood Resort & Spa offers. One of the most unique is FREE INTERNATIONAL LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS. I’d say that alone is worth a drive up from San Francisco (about 110 miles north on Highway 1)! After a two-night […]

Classy. Lightweight (6 oz.). You want to be sure you don’t drop this baby into the toilet. At almost 4K it is a bit of an investment, the liquid sapphire crystal screen and hand sewn leather with certainly dazzle your friends tough. Great for men who love upscale cars, watches and other fine accesories. […]

What a great job title! I wonder how Melissa Turner’s parents felt after giving up her legal career to accept the position of Department of Cultural Affairs Director of Fashion Arts and Events, or as she is also referred to “Chicago’s Shopping Ambassador.” Melissa Turner has called Chicago home for the past 10 years. […]

It might be some residual sentimental feelings from St.Paddy’s Day or my 1/4 Irish heritage. Either way I have always been drawn to historical Irish Castles. The Ashford Castle is currently a 5 star hotel, but it was built in the 13th century by the Anglo-Norman de Bugos family, after their defeat of the […]

A few weeks ago, Casio Hitachi launched the NX9200, the U.S. version of its runaway Japanse success: the G’zOne phone. Taking both styling and engineering cues from Casio’s G-Shock watch line, it sports a Verizon logo in FCC documents. The new US version features industrial strength dust seals for enhanced water and shock resistance. It […]

We know some of you may already know about this, but we would be remiss if we didn’t even mention Sony’s latest portable PC. It will set you back approximately 4K, but check out some of the specifications: :: 4.5in, 1024 x 600 widescreen :: 1.3Ghz Intel Core solo CPU :: 1GB RAM :: 32GB flash memory storage :: Bluetooth, Wifi, […]

Fortunately, I just cashed in 150,000 frequent flier miles for free business class airfare to Europe later this year. Unfortunately, if you have a bucket of miles in the bank with your airline, or even if you just have a few thousand, you may be in jeopardy of losing them. A few of the major […]