Gay Pride Parade

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This past Sunday, November 14th, the Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, hosted the GLBT Pride Parade – gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals. Fighting against homophobia this parade, with its famous rainbow flag, gathered cariocas with those on tourism in Rio de Janeiro, in a party of joy and color.

On its 15th edition, the event reunited some 1.2 million people in the coast of the Copacabana beach. The parade started 3pm and the rainbow flag used in the occasion was the greatest in all of Brazil: 120meters long and 10 meters wide.

The origin of the GLBT Pride Parade in Rio de Janeiro tracks back to a small march organized on the Atlantic Avenue in 1995 – centenary of various expressions of cultural and social life of the GLBT community. Today the event is part of the official calendar of the city of Rio de Janeiro and is one of the greatest of its kind in Brazil

25% of the three million international tourists that travel to Rio de Janeiro every year are part of the GLBT community. 75% of them are man from 20 to 35 years old, who remain in the city for 5 days in average. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, the gay tourist spends some 200 USD daily, while the heterosexual tourist averages 74 USD.

Baloon ride

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Mexico City is, as all cities, an important urban center. Visitors often go there to learn more about Mexican history, visit museums and churches, see the architecture of the buildings and get an impression of the culture. But Mexico City is much more than that; it is a city surrounded by nature, and therefore eco-tourism and adventure tourism in Mexico are good alternatives.

In an attempt to boost the economy of the rural areas around the capital, especially those in the south, the city recently got permission for the installation of a port for hot air balloons in the swamp of Tláhuac. Hot air balloons currently represent revenues of 750 million Mexican pesos annually in all of Mexico .

A hot air balloon ride in Mexico is for those seeking the pleasure and silence of being over 500 meters high and enjoying the beautiful landscapes. The activity of hot air ballooning has not been practiced in Mexico city for many years, but it will add a new option for sustainable tourism and alternative tourism in Mexico.

The hot air balloon port will be inaugurated as part of the current commemoration of 100 years of Mexican aeronautic.

Universal Forum of Cultures

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Since October 22nd the city of Valparaiso, main harbor city in Chile, inaugurated the third Universal Forum of Cultures. From that day, and for a total of 45 days, different open and close, big and small locations all over the city of Valparaíso – universities, schools, theatres, cinemas, galleries and squares- will host a great variety of cultural events from this city, the region and the world.

If you take a trip to Chile on these days you cannot afford to skip Valparaiso, the “great natural amphitheater” –according to the way Mireia Belil, director of the Forum, described it- where all these cultural events will take place. The city has 45 steep hills full of houses of all colors that project themselves on a blue bay.

It is the first time the Forum will take place in South America. The events include an International Photography Festival, public dialogues, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, international music concerts and poetry readings.

Valparaiso is located only 127 kilometers from Santiago de Chile, the capital city. It can be easily reached by car, or taking a bus from Santiago de Chile in Terminal de Pajaritos or in Terminal Alameda. The transportation time will not exceed, in general, the hour and a half, making Valparaiso one of the top destination of tourism in Chile.

Autumn Morning on the Lake

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November 15: Autumn Morning on the Lake

It was 30 degrees when Sheree and I left her house to go for a day on Lake Wylie. We arrived at the marina around 8:00 am just as the mist was starting to burn off of the lake. By mid morning it was 70 degrees and nearly calm – not the best weather for sailing, but perfect for enjoying new friends and barbecue by the lake.

RPSC declares RAS Pre results for the year 2010

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The RPSC or the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) has announced the results for its RAS (Rajasthan Administrative Services) Pre 2010 examination today, November 15, 2010. The results are available on the official website of the RPSC.

The candidates who appeared for this year’s RAS Pre examination should click on the link provided below.

www.rpsc.gov.in

The RAS Pre exam was held on September 29, 2010. The Rajasthan Public Service Commission is responsible for recommending selected candidates to various posts in the state of Rajasthan. It is basically a constitutional body.

The commission’s head office is located in the beautiful city of Ajmer.

The candidates should log on to the above mentioned official website. It provides the candidate with each and every information required, regarding the exam schedules, results declared and slated for declaration, plus all the other information related to the Rajasthan Public Service Commission.

Facebook to launch email service

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Facebook is going to launch an email service called TITAN on Monday.

Popular Social Networking site Facebook is set to announce a new email feature on Monday that could challenge Gmail, Yahoo mail and Hotmail as the most popular online email service, according to a news report.

The email services by Facebook will for the first time allow the sites 500 million members to use “@facebook.com” addresses and will be integrated with Microsoft’s recently introduced Office Online services.

The development comes amid rivalry between Facebook and Google.

“Facebook has the world’s most popular photos product, the most popular events product, and soon will have a very popular local deals product as well. It can tweak the design of its webmail client to display content from each of these in a seamless fashion,” said TechCrunch’s Jason Kincaid.

“And there’s also the social element: Facebook knows who your friends are and how closely you’re connected to them; it can probably do a pretty good job figuring out which personal emails you want to read most and prioritize them accordingly,” he added.

The tech news Blog Tech Crunch, which first reported the devolopment, said the Facebook serivce would be a full featured email client.

9 Destinations For Venture Capital

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Softbank Corporation is predicting that venture capital will continue to pour into China for the next 5-10 years.

The targets of the venture capital according to Dr. Alan Song, VP of Softbank China Venture Capital, are:

1. 3G products

2. Digital TV

3. IP TV

4. Broadband value-added service

5. Software manufacturing

6. Medical devices

7. Energy

8. New materials

9. Auto Electronics

Song’s reasoning is simple. China’s economy is predicted to continue to grow at a 7-12% annual rate, making it a hot investment destination.

Additional reasons:

1. More open government policies

2. More experienced entrepreneurs

3. growing purchasing power

If I were a prophet, and I am not…I would predict that people would continue to pour money into China for any number of reasons.

I would also predict that this phenomenon will not continue indefinitely. In fact, it reminds me of the Silicon Valley Bubble as well as Japan’s Bubble economy.

All good things must come to an end.

What do you think?

Sina

Pamela Anderson Big Boss – Pam Anderson will be seen for at least three days

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American actress, Pamela Anderson is ready to hit the Indian television screens by entering the most watched reality show, Bigg Boss in its fourth season. The show is aired on Colors channel. Pam would be entering the house on Wednesday that is November 17.

According to the sources, she has been paid a whopping Rs 2.5 crores for three days, though her period of stay has not been announced as of now, but it is said that she will be entering the house as a guest and not as a participant.

Her entry indicates a very high raise in the TRPs of the show, as almost everyone is looking forward to see the beauty in the house. The channel was actually seeking to have Pam as a participant but guess things did not work that way.

Anderson is best known for ‘Baywatch’, the American action drama. The show was based on the lives of California life guards. The show hit the popularity charts and even was recognized by the Guinness World Records.

Harbhajan scores second century

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Harbhajan Singh smashed his second successive century against New Zealand to pull the Indians to a relative place of safety. Harbhajan, batting at the number eight position scored his century on the fourth day of the second Test match against New Zealand at Hyderabad.

In turn, Harbhajan also ensured that the Indians had captured a 122-run lead over the Kiwis after it looked at one stage that the Indians may not take a big lead.

It was his last wicket stand that yielded more than 100 runs with S Sreesanth that brought the side back to the game.

In the process, Harbhajan also became the highest scorer in the Test series so far and highest ever scorer in a three Test match series at number eight.

Retail Investors To Get Power Grid Corp Shares

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In some good news for the retail investors, the Power Grid Corporation is alloting shares in the ratio of 1:4 due to its over subscription of the issue 3.85 times.

The investors who have applied for a minimum of 65 shares can expect to receive 16-18 shares of the same.

It has been predicted by the retail investors that they can get shares of power grid credited to their demat accounts on or before 24th November and the refund orders will be transfered to their respective accounts via electronic transfer on 25th November.

The power Grid was incorporated in 1989 for transmission of electric power across the country. It generates about 50% of the total power generated in India on its transmission network.

(Only the NEFT or RTGS enabled accounts will get their refund, the rest will get their checks sent at addresses given by them).

Google Inc announces salary hike

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The world at present is surely going to envy the Google Inc. employees because the company has not only sanctioned 10 per cent raise to all its employees’ salary but is also going to make them happy on this Christmas.

According to the sources, Google is giving a bonus of $1000 in cash on this Christmas. The salary hike is the part of the company’s ‘competitive compensation plan’.

It is being said that Google’s decision to hike the salary of its employees is out of the fear as the reports of past one year state that the company has lost many of its good employees to its competitor, Facebook.

The top four executives of Google CFO Patrick Pichette, Global Business Head, Nikesh Arora, Product Chief Jonathan Rosenberg and Engineering Research Chief Alan Eustace will see an improved pay of $150,000 but the company’s founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin and CEO will remain on a $1 base salary.

So there is indeed a reason for all the 23,000 employees of Google to smile.

I’m almost German

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As if Frank Ribery hadn’t endeared himself enough to Les Bleus fan, he has now declared himself ‘almost German.’  Politically, its a smart move – at least for his club, Bayern Munich. After a long negotiation process (which endured some controversy), Ribery signed a long-term contract last year that will keep him at the club until 2015.  And Ribery apparently has no regrets about his decision…

Extending my contract with Bayern was the right decision. They are a great club on the international stage and at the same time they are a real family club

Ribery has been out with an ankle injury since September 21st, but he made his return to the field this weekend in Bayern’s game versus Nuernberg.  Ribery didn’t waste time with a slow start, having an immediate impact on the game.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) for Germany, despite Ribery’s declaration that he’s almost German- he won’t be lining up beside Schweinsteiger for Euro 2012 qualifying anytime soon.  Ribery completed his 3-match ban imposed by the French Football Federation (FFF) and was available for France’s coach, Laurent Blanc, to choose during France’s qualification game against Romania on October 9th.  Given his injuries, his absence from the national team would have been inevitable even without the Federation’s ban.  If his form does improve, it will leave Blanc with a difficult decision.  Competition for spots has grown this year as Blanc has introduced new, younger players to the squad.  In the past, the role of France’s playmaker has always been Ribery’s to lose.  Now, it’s a position he will have to win back.  But, can France risk putting their Euro 2012 in the hands of player as injury-prone as Ribery?  Ribery still has confidence in his body…

I still have confidence in my body and I hope it was my last injury of the season

But does Blanc?

Greenpeace Israel Exhibition

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Israeli celebrities pose for coal-clad glamor shots in order to protest the construction of a new coal-burning electric plant in Ashkelon.

Celebrities can often use their star power for good, such as drawing attention to a worthy cause.  About a year ago, Lebanese celebrities made a statement about transportation by biking down a green carpet to a movie premiere.  In Israel, Karnit Goldwasser (widow of abducted IDF soldier Ehud Goldwasser) turned her celebrity status into something green by hosting a segment on a television show about environmental issues.

Now a group of 15 Israeli celebrities and public figures have joined up with Greenpeace Israel and decided to use their stardust to help save the environment. … [visit site to read more]

7 Eco and Spiritual Wonders

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We’ve only got one life, and one planet. Time to get off your armchair folks and learn a little more about your planet. Green Prophet challenges you to think over a trip to the Middle East for your next eco-holiday.

We’ve picked out 7 places worth seeing, and … [visit site to read more]

Cars Hit the Streets of Israel To Test “Charge”

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With all the hype, 13 Better Place EV cars are finally being imported in Israel to test charge spots.

They are being tested as taxis in San Francisco and visit site to read more]

Menu Plan, Minneapolis to visit the General Mills Headquarters

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The last few weeks have been very busy with a quick trip to Minneapolis to visit the General Mills Headquarters and then two days after I got back from that my sister and her family came to visit for a few days.

Although I have enjoyed the last few weeks, I am hoping things slow down a little this week and we can get back to a more normal schedule and routine.

This week I decided to let my kids help with the menu plan this week, so you will see some of their favorites on the plan this week.

Breakfast

breakfast casserole (trying a new recipe)

homemade yogurt and muffins

cereal

Lunch

soup

rice cooker mac and cheese

leftovers

Dinner

crockpot roast and gravy over rice

taco pasta

beef enchilada soup

mexican pizza

creamy tomato soup with sausage and pasta added

breakfast for dinner

quesadillas and mexican rice

For more menu planning ideas see Menu Planning Mondays.

tourist map of São Paulo

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If you find this text at a location other than the Brazil Travel Blog it is an unauthorized use of the blog material.

São Paulo Destino / Destination is a map produced by the local authorities of São Paulo.

The problem of a substantial number of maps of São Paulo is that they try to incorporate in a single map all the information about the immense city. The result is often unsatisfactory. The map I am recommending today opted for separate treatment for different sections of the city.

As well as a printed version of the map you should be able to get at the tourist office, you can download a PDF version from the following link (download will start right away). Alternatively you can visit the page Área para download and click on the image of the map (first on the third row).

Paris Street Lanterns, Eye Prefer Paris Tours

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I thankfully have a new photo obsession: Paris street lanterns. Every time I look up, there they are, the romantic, elegant, lanterns in wrought iron and copper. In the evening, their glow illuminates the grandeur of the city.

Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale

I am happy to announce the sale of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos.  I am offering 17 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my courtyards, doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great holiday gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.

Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.

 

New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotteís professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.

Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.

Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.

I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.

Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
 Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com