Part Three – Tips, Tricks, Devices and Services That Make Staying Connected Easier

In parts one and two I’ve discussed mobile calling services and tactics to keep the costs of International Roaming down as well as the devices and methods to keep your data rates down. For transparency sake-My agency represents FreeTalk and parent company ISS which manages the Skype Shop. Some of the products mentioned below are … Read more

Part Two-Staying Connected and Online When Traveling

Let’s face it, we live in a world where data and online services are in many ways becoming as important as voice. But voice still remains important. While I’ve been able to take the pain out of mobile roaming with Truphone Local Anywhere and softclients from Skype, Counterpath and yes, the GizmoVoice/Google Voice client that … Read more

Grenache, The Other Red Grape

One of my best friends in the wine world is Doug Margerum, of Wine Cask and now Margerum Wine Company fame. Over the years Doug has taken on a love affair with Rhone wines, dating back to his youth and trips to France’s Rhone Valley. Recently I heard about the upcoming Grenache Symposium, which happens … Read more

Best and Worst of Hotel WiFi

I can’t say I disagree at all with Hotel Chatter’s annual Hotel WiFi’s Best & Worst Report at all. My favorite hotel chain, the upscale Hyatt ANDAZ is number one. I’ve been staying in the London Andaz practically every three months or so for the past two years and have spent many a memorable number … Read more

Best and Worst of Hotel WiFi

I can’t say I disagree at all with Hotel Chatter’s annual Hotel WiFi’s Best & Worst Report at all. My favorite hotel chain, the upscale Hyatt ANDAZ is number one. I’ve been staying in the London Andaz practically every three months or so for the past two years and have spent many a memorable number … Read more

Santa Barbara Vintners Festival Plans Announced

The always fun and tasty Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival will be held again in April on the 17th at River Park in Lompoc, just west of Hiway 1 as you go into wine country. This is always a great event, as more than 130 wineries take part in the day long, outdoor affair. While … Read more

Google StreetView Goes Inside

A few weeks ago at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco, CA I spied the Google StreetView team taking photos outside of the hotel while I was waiting for a colleague. Then a few minutes later the photo crew was wandering inside the lobby with tripod and cameras taking photos of INSIDE the hotel. Is … Read more

Google StreetView Goes Inside

A few weeks ago at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco, CA I spied the Google StreetView team taking photos outside of the hotel while I was waiting for a colleague. Then a few minutes later the photo crew was wandering inside the lobby with tripod and cameras taking photos of INSIDE the hotel. Is … Read more