Beautiful Buenos Aires

by Erik Olsen on

I don’t know about you, but I’m always dreaming about the place I’d go when/if I got rich and where I could settle down for the golden years, do a little work here and there, but otherwise just travel, travel, travel. There are places in the states that have this appeal. I could see hanging out in Montana or Wyoming. And then there are places like Thailand, where I can imagine living in a little village, eating Thai food all the time and penning some great (and likely ever unpublished) novel. But it seems that many folks who have had this idea, many of them in the prime of their youth, are heading South. Far South to .

According to this piece in New York Magazine, since ‘s 2001 financial collapse huge numbers of Americans have headed to BA to live large. The exact numbers are unknown, but the number of Americans registered with the embassy to visit…many for long stays…jumped nearly 13 percent between 2004 and 2005. A second apartment, like the guy in the article bought for himself, cost just $68,000.

I can understand this. I spent two weeks in Buenos Aires years ago and loved the city. The broad avenues, the rich culture, the food (that is, the meat….oh, the meat, don’t get me started on the meat), and the women. Even though I could hardly get a Portena to give me the time of day (they are, I contest, quite snooty) they are mighty fine to look at. So it makes sense that various bond traders who cashed in with their f*ck you numbers have sought BA out as an earthly paradise.

Where the Fireworks Are

by Adrienne Wilson on

It’s Fourth of July all and I’m in one of the hottest, driest destinations on the planet -it’s titled Arizona. So my chances of seeing mischievous children playing with dazzling little sparklers or missile size fireworks are pretty slim. Any boom, pop, crackle, snap, sizzle, ray of bursting light into the Arizona night sky is considered illegal and as desperate as I am to have a piece of the magic you won’t catch me out there with any. I love my independence far too much and with all that out of the way you’re probably wondering where the fireworks are?

Thanks to MSN City Guides for pointing out great destinations to see the works, those of you in states with more water than fire can check out the amazing displays this evening in some of these top popular spots:

  • Taste  of Chicago – Chicago, IL
  • Disneyland: Fourth of July Celebration – Anaheim, CA
  • Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks Display – Boston, MA
  • Sunoco Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert & Fireworks – Philadelphia, PA

Check out MSN for additional shows in your city.

UNESCO Site

by Neil Woodburn on

The United Nations certainly has its share of missteps and mistakes, but there are many wonderful things the organization does as well.  My personal favorite is their UNESCO program.  The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is most notably known for their World Heritage sites.  UNESCO has identified and helps protect 812 “properties” around the world that “forms part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value.”  This includes “628 cultural, 160 natural and 24 mixed properties.”

In short, UNESCO World Heritage Sites are those which simply cannot be missed while traveling.  Thankfully, a handy UNESCO website categorizes such gems by the countries in which they are located.  Clicking on each listing takes you to a wealth of information about the site and why it deserves such an honor.
 
So, next time you travel, pop on over to the webpage to see which World Heritage Sites you can add to your itinerary.  I’ve seen dozens and not a single one has ever been disappointing. 

Slashfood Pleads the Fourth

by Erik Olsen on

What food comes to mind when YOU than about the Fourth of July? Me, it’s all about burgers. Big, fat meaty burgers on the grill sitting there dripping all greasy-like next to a pile of grilling onions. Oh, and then place the bun there on the fire for just a few seconds .Each side, yes. Ad then take a slice of tomato about an inch thick and place that on top too. Add some mayo a bit of ketchup and, oh man, I’ve gotta excuse myself a moment.

OK, I’m back. A bit of a foodgasm there. Now, for those who dream of sweeter things than burgers, here is a like to Slashfood’s top highlights for Fourth of July desserts. What are the just desserts for July? Turns out it’s all about strawberry shortcake, berries with cream, and jell-o. Me, I say give me the burger.

Country Size by Population

by Erik Olsen on


Here’s a map worth pondering. It shows the size of various countries around the world as they would compare if measured in size by population rather than geographic size.

See that wee little splotch over on the left. That’s us, the United States. Interesting, eh?