The Istanbul EDITION completes the transition of Istanbul becoming a thriving business and travel sector with a hotel that marks the occasion by fusing Eastern and Western influences in a modern approach to style. The Istanbul EDITION’s décor will include structures from the Byzantine era, hanging lamps traditional of the local culture, a VIP seating room inspired by Turkish Tea Rooms and seating taken from the Bosphorus villas.
For the relaxing afternoon, soak up at the 20,000 square foot spa by ESPA, or take an evening out at the nightclub, private screening room, drawing room or event space. As with any Marriott collaboration, customer service is key, as is dining. Eating, relaxing and total luxury are specialists at the first European EDITION hotel.
Why such respect for Apple from the Virgin Media mogul? Branson pointed toward Steve Jobs’ tenacity and hard work even when the Apple brand struggled: “[Steve Jobs] is the greatest comeback artist as well. He's twice been down and out and fought his way back and created a brilliant global company."
To illustrate his admiration for the Apple CEO, Sir Richard Branson joked about allowing a merger between Apple and his own Virgin Media Group. “Everything [Steve Jobs] does is real class, Branson told TechRadar, “and if he wants to rename his company Virgin Apple I'd be happy to merge! It's a great brand and a great company and may he get well soon.”
Sir Richard Branson’s admiration doesn’t stop at Steve Jobs himself, but extends to Apple products – the iPad in particular. “I recently discovered the iPad,” said Branson in regards to the tablet, “and I'm looking forward to discovering the new iPad. [The original iPad] is fantastic.” Given the upgrades to the new iPad 2, Branson probably won’t be disappointed.
Will Steve Jobs and Apple stay on top forever? With decades of work with Virgin Media, Sir Richard Branson can speak realistically: “whether Apple can stay ahead of the game with all the competition with Google [Android…] I don't know… There's a possibility that Apple won't reign supreme indefinitely.” But for now, Apple is riding high and Sir Richard Branson is happy to follow them on their climb.
On March 3, Guinness World Record holding Football Freestyler Dan Magness succeeded in his most difficult freestyle soccer challenge yet: climbing all 920 steps to the top of Tower 42 in London while keeping a soccer ball in the air. Not only did he successfully complete the challenge, but he was able to climb the 47-story tower in only ten minutes and 37 seconds. By completing the freestyle soccer challenge, Dan Magness was able to raise £1,000 ($1,606 US) for charity and non profit organization Shelter.
This is a big achievement for me,” said Magnus after completing the impressive freestyle soccer challenge. “I'm very pleased to have done it and also to be part of such an amazing project! Well done to Shelter and everyone involved." Shelter is a registered London non profit organization and charity that campaigns to end homelessness and poor quality housing in England, Scotland, Wales, and North Ireland.
The last major freestyle soccer feat Dan Magness performed was on June 11, 2010, when Magness controlled a soccer ball with his feet, legs, shoulders, and head for an uninterrupted 26 hours in front of a live audience at Hong Kong’s Olympian City mall. This broke the previous Guinness World Record in Keepy-Uppy freestyle soccer, which was set in May of 2009 by Dan Magness himself.
If you were at the dinner table with Tony Blair, would you get political? Apparently everyone in America loves former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Media outlets all over the world have posed questions to ask Tony Blair for future interviews, and Exec Digital is doing the same thing.
Juan-Salvador Perez asks on CNN: “Faith or reason?”
Hugh Massengill: “Suppose there were two world leaders who conspired to invade a country, kill its leaders, and take a lot of its natural resources. If that invasion took place, would the world through the UN be able to look at the war crime, put the two in the Dock, and possibly put them in jail?”
From the OC Weekly: While you were P.M., your right-hand man cut off an interviewer who asked about your Christianity with, "We don't do God." Will you do God today?
Why do you think your American view differs so drastically from the political one in the UK?
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Get your travel on: London
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What do you expect to get out of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation? How has this political organization changed your perspective on life?
Do you think politics are the same without you in the front? How has Obama changed things in America?
How do you think making press time during politics has helped/ hurt your career?
What is next for Tony Blair?
What do you think is next for Obama and politics in general?
You were asked in 1994 that you had the motto “Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime” – do you still believe in this strategy for politics?
For best use of the Groupon deal, Ajilitee recommended choosing between: “a five-day Cloud Opportunity Map, which jumpstarts your strategic cloud planning and business case; [or] a five-day BI Best Practices Audit, which deep-dives in a specific area (choose among Data Architecture, Process Architecture or BI Architecture), and compares them against critical success factors.”
Not a Groupon deal for the average Joe, but Ajilitee knew this. On its Groupon page, Ajilitee noted that the Groupon deal was “best suited for midsize and large companies (annual revenue $500MM+).”
The unfortunate catch of Groupon is that their offers only last a day, which is sometimes too short to generate the buzz a great but limited-market opportunity needs to catch on. Despite the savings, no one took Ajilitee up on their cloud computing services before the Groupon deal ended last night. But although no one subscribed, it’s still great advertising – a $12,500 Groupon deal clearly get people talking. (If you hadn’t heard of Ajilitee before, you have now.)
It could also be the start of a great Groupon deal evolution. We could all stand to save money, whether it’s on cupcakes or cloud computing services. We look forward to seeing more Groupon deal days that treat us to both.
In recent years, the beautiful game has produced some of the most stunning goals and breathtaking games ever seen - and it's all captured in our March issue. Responsible for these spectacular moments are a select few whose football ability is seemingly unrivalled. Exec Digital takes a look at some of the world’s best footballers, profiling the players who have won numerous trophies and received international recognition along the way.
5. DAVID VILLA
Awarded the Silver Shoe and Bronze Ball at the FIFA 2010 World Cup and top scorer at UEFA Euro 2008, David Villa's international goal-to-game ratio is outstanding, with 44 goals in 70 appearances to date. Villa helped his country to World Cup glory in the summer and is Spain’s joint top goalscorer of all-time, possessing an excellent first touch and deadly finishing ability. In December 2010, Villa was also named "Male Athlete of the Year" by the United States Sports Academy and will look to continue his phenomenal international record to become Spain’s greatest ever striker.
STATISTICS
DOB: 3 December 1981
Nationality: Spanish
Club: Barcelona, Spain
Position: Forward
2009-2010
Appearances: 42
Goals: 28
4. WAYNE ROONEY
Although form is temporary, class in permanent. 2010 was a difficult year for Rooney on and off the pitch even though he was named the Professional Football Association’s Players' Player of the Year. After several allegations about his private life, speculation about his future at Manchester United and a disappointing World Cup, Rooney has struggled to fulfil his maximum potential. His work ethic and passion for the game however is unmatched at the top level of modern football.
STATISTICS
DOB: 24 October 1985
Nationality: English
Club: Manchester United, England
Position: Forward
2009-2010
Appearances: 44
Goals: 34
3. XAVI
Xavier Hernández i Creus is one of the best midfielders in modern football and the heartbeat of both his domestic and national team. Xavi's sublime technique and visionary passing saw him top the assist table in the 2009-2010 La Liga season and then proved he could reproduce that form on an international level as he went on to win the 2010 World Cup with Spain.
STATISTICS
DOB: 25 January 1980
Nationality: Spanish
Club: Barcelona, Spain
Position: Midfielder
2009-2010
Appearances: 53
Goals: 7
2. CRISTIANO RONALDO
After becoming the most expensive player in football history after moving from Manchester United to Real Madrid in a deal worth $132 million, Cristiano Ronaldo has proved to be worth every penny after his extraordinary goal scoring exploits for the Spanish giants. In 2009, Ronaldo was the first player to win the FIFA Puskás Award, an honour recognizing the most aesthetically significant or 'most beautiful' goal of the year. Ronaldo’s pace, strength and showboating ability makes him one of the best forwards in the world today.
STATISTICS
DOB: 5 February 1985
Nationality: Portuguese
Club: Real Madrid, Spain
Position: Forward/Winger
2009-2010
Appearances: 35
Goals: 33
1. LIONEL MESSI
What more can be said about Lionel Messi? He has proved during the last few seasons at Spanish champions Barcelona that his football ability is beyond compare. In 2010, Messi was named La Liga Player of the Year for the second year in a row and won the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or award. Messi has started 2011 in magnificent form and on 5 February, he scored his fourth hat-trick of the season bringing his goal tally up to a spectacular 40 goals in only 34 appearances. Nearly impossible to tackle, Messi’s incisive dribbling ability and lethal finishing are second to none. Considered to be the greatest player of his generation by fans and critics alike, seemingly nothing can stop Lionel Messi overtaking former greats Pele and fellow Argentinean Maradona as the most naturally gifted player the world has ever seen.
STATISTICS
DOB: 24 June 1987
Nationality: Argentinean
Club: Barcelona, Spain
Position: Forward
2009-2010
Appearances: 53
Goals: 47
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The simplest good ideas are often the most valuable, and Twitter is no exception. Twitter ad revenue from promoted Tweets and corporation-sponsored accounts is expected to reach $150 million this year, and possibly double that in 2012. Twitter is a hot commodity, and even though it hasn’t gone public, private investors are still taking notice.
This week Reuters reported that private investing stock market SharesPost conducted a hotly followed auction involving 35,000 shares of Twitter stock. At the auction, investors agreed to a $34.50 share price for the Twitter stock in question.
SharesPost also listed 223.7 million estimated “fully diluted shares” of Twitter on its website. Assuming that math is correct, it puts Twitter at an estimated value of roughly $7.7 billion USD.
For Twitter this is a major leap. In December, when venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers spearheaded $200 million investment strategy, Twitter was valued at $3.7 billion USD. This latest information essentially doubles the value of Twitter in only three short months. While Twitter executives say that going public on the stock market is still a far-off goal, it seems likely that – as long as Twitter continues in its success– they’ll have one hungry market on their hands when the time comes.
Microsoft has launched The Internet Explorer 6 Countdown with the purpose of “moving the world off Internet Explorer 6.” According to the site, 12% of the world was still using Internet Explorer 6 as of February 2011. That’s down 9% from last year, but those numbers aren’t good enough. Sooner rather than later, Microsoft aims to get IE6 usage down to less than 1%. Preferably zero.
Not that Microsoft wants you to switch to a web browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox or anything, of course. They’re just hoping you’ll upgrade to Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 already.
“It’s time to say goodbye,” says the Microsoft microsite. “This website is dedicated to watching Internet Explorer 6 usage drop to less than 1% worldwide, so more websites can choose to drop support for Internet Explorer 6, saving hours of work for web developers.” The site provides education on upgrading your web browser, and a link to Twitter so you can tell your friends that you’ve joined the IE6 Countdown revolution. There are also banner ads that developers can add to IE6-compatible sites, prompting users to download a newer version of the Microsoft web browser.
Right now, Asia is the top offender – the Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 web browser accounts for 34.5% of all web browser usage in China, trailed by South Korea with 24.8%. The US is looking great by comparison with 2.9% IE6 usage – but the smaller that number gets, the better it is for everyone.
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Munk Bogballe Luxury Laptop
The Munk Bogballe laptop is truly a luxury laptop. In your choice of four different colors (Royal, Passion, Emerald and Elegance), calfskin creates a soft bottom surface. The case is comprised of mahogany and aluminum for an all around stylish look, and the keyboard is made of Pur, a material that increases an accurate typing experience and prevents water leakage from affecting your computer. Feel regal with the deluxe on/off button that can be your choice of 18-karat gold with ruby, emerald, sapphire, diamond or freshwater pearl. Each Munk Bogballe laptop is made to order and includes Intel Core i5 processor, 4 GB of memory, and 500 GB storage. Get this luxury mobile computer for $8,476.
Tulip Ego Diamond
The limited edition Tulip Ego Diamond is in a luxury laptop category of its own. Designed for on-the-go business, the laptop has an easily portable handle. 6.9 karat diamonds are set with surgical precision in your choice of either 18k white gold or platinum, and create a laptop richness that is incredibly unique. Hide the obtrusive connection ports with innovative two sliding doors. Backed by its AMD TurionTM 64 Mobile Technology, 2GB of memory and a 160GB hard drive, your computing needs will be more than satisfied. The Ego Diamond is only sold at Saks 5th Avenue in New York City and becomes ultra-exclusive with the price tag of $355,000.
Whether you’re looking for cool technology, computing precision or stylish design, the laptop industry has it all.
It isn’t about prestige, or Michelin Guide – it’s about creating a truly unique Napa dining experience with local vegetables, organic meats and original French techniques.
The French Laundry
Does The French Laundry need much introduction? Probably not; including Thomas Keller’s Napa Valley flagship restaurant in Napa’s best list is vital to dining here. The French Laundry put a spotlight on Napa, long after its vineyards have brought attention to the land, and helped propel his relationship with French cuisine in America. Keller’s name precedes both his Napa restaurants – Yountville’s The French Laundry and Ad Hoc – and his many accolades (James Beard Award winner, Michelin three star rating and the Wine Spectator’s Grand Award). Inspired by classic California living with blatant throwbacks to his time spent in France, fresh, local ingredients and great wine pairings make this reputable restaurant gleam despite its rustic location in a 1900 saloon/ steam laundry.
Solbar
Solage Calistoga’s hotel restaurant Solbar isn’t just another hotel restaurant. From the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Brandon Sharp, the menu denotes Northern California’s finest and freshest produce with modern French techniques. That “non-intimidating” approach to classic California cuisine is probably what earned Solbar attention from Michelin Guide, though that recognition has hardly stopped the furor of creation (after all, it originated as a bistro with burgers and pizza). “The cooking has French technique and a French backbone to it, but the [entrees] aren’t classical French compositions so they aren’t screaming for Napa Valley Cabs and Chardonnay,” says Sharp. Wine goes hand in hand with any restaurant in the Napa Valley, but sommelier Bradley Wasserman doesn’t feel the need to be bound by local wineries. “It’s a fun juggling act,” says Wasserman about mixing local wineries with those from around the globe.
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Press
Just as laid back as its founding vintner, Press is Leslie Rudd’s vision for truly eclectic Napa Valley dining. The Rudd Estates purveyor created this St. Helena restaurant as a way to redefine Napa dining by combining wine with steak. Press’ farm to table- meets - steakhouse menu is centered around the custom wood grill and rotisserie, which has mesmerized local wineries and haughty diners who accept a la carte meat dishes, like the signature dry-aged beef and grass fed Sonoma lamb, and family style sides. It isn’t just fresh organics that ignite a shock value, it’s the simplicity. “We’re different from other steakhouses because there is a bit of creativity involved, and there is a lot of paying attention to the season and products that we’re using,” says Steven Rogers, Press’ chef. Seasonal vegetables are harvested daily by the local gardener for sides like brussel sprouts with Nueske bacon or truffle mac & cheese.
Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen
Sometimes all you need is a stiff drink – at Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, a voluptuous cocktail and the great view can hit the spot. But who would really turn down some of Cindy Pawlycyn’s signature dishes, like the Chinatown Duck Burger or Backstreet Fry & Oysters Pablo? It’s a neighborhood eatery, yes, but Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen still has the flare of Cindy Pawlcyn’s signature farm to table cooking. Unlike its over-commercialized brother Mustard’s, you’ll find locals at this classic hangout where the food is still a Napa focal point. Staying true to the best ingredients possible, while making it all accessible, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen is a home away from home. Plus, Cindy’s weekly Supper Club invites residents to join in on an international culinary experience traipsing through some of the world’s most unique cuisines, helping to make this a Napa Valley surprise.
Bistro Jeanty
Classic and authentic French countryside cuisine can only come from one place in Napa: Bistro Jeanty. Inspired by the Champagne region and Philippe Jeanty’s French roots, this international escape combines the fresh familiarities of Napa dining with truly traditional French food. “It’s as close to France as you’re going to get, without buying a plane ticket,” says Chef Philippe Jeanty, who opened his classic French bistro in the ‘90s. Patrons find that time and time again Yountville’s Bistro Jeanty serves up dishes as traditional as French cuisine can get –pig’s feet, steak tartar, cassoulet and coq au vin are just a preview. It helps that the wine industry typical of Napa Valley (Cabernet Sauvignon) screams for heartier entrees that are fairly typical of Jeanty’s cuisine.
Bottega
Bottega isn’t quite established like the other more well known Napa Valley restaurants, but it’s Chef – Michael Chiarello – needs no introduction to the region. The Tra Vigne partner and NapaStyle creator has been educated on Napa Valley’s vineyards since birth, and still managed to surprise us with his latest endeavor. While remaining seeped in “Rutherford Dust”, the roots of Bottega lie deep within Chiarello and his Italian immigrant mother; fine Italian cuisine comes with the territory at any of Michael’s restaurants. When asked why he got back into the restaurant biz after nearly a decade, he simply says: “It’s an addiction.” Addicted to complimentary Italian and California cuisine, you’ll never question the organic house cured prosciutto, pasta fritta and zuppa di melone or the house made egg pappardelle veal, pork and porcini mushroom Bolognese.
Wolfgang Puck’s 2011’s inspiration stemmed from classic Hollywood musicals and Latin flavors, dishing out traditional Spanish dishes and signature Wolfgang creations drawn to the theme “the best that money can buy.” The Academy welcomes 1500 guests who are offered smaller platters upon arrival to the Kodak Theater, including mini kobe cheeseburgers with remoulade and aged cheddar, spicy tuna tartare in sesame miso cones with masago and smoked salmon on Oscar® flatbread with caviar and crème fraiche.
The party really got going after the winners – many with an Oscar in hand –sit down for a full meal and serious socializing, where the cocktails flowed and dancing commenced.
Vanity Fair
The Vanity Fair after party is the best kept secret in Hollywood. Few go in, and few come out – only those involved are aware of the utmost secrets that make up the largest after-party of the Oscars. For those who aren’t directly involved in the Kodak Theater affair, Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter hosts an Oscar viewing extravaganza at the Sunset Tower Hotel. The party is built up to such exclusivity that even discussions with those involved are sworn to secrecy – but what exactly is all the fuss?
Unlike the other after-parties, everyone of Oscar importance attends the Vanity Fair Oscars Party. It isn’t about the latest television star or that up-and-coming musician – it is only the elite of the Hollywood industry, many whom are all too familiar with the Oscars extravaganza (and have even felt the weight of a little golden man). Even more stunning that the shimmering gowns is that at some point in the evening, everyone - even Elton John - make sure to make an appearance at Graydon Carter’s affair.
STAYING IN
When it comes to luxury hotels in London, Hotel 41 is at the top of the list. Located in Central London, just behind Buckingham Palace, Hotel 41 aims to evoke the feel of a private London club with leather chairs and cozy fireplaces for relaxing after a long day. Executive suites start at £799, and offer not just the lavish comforts you desire in the bedroom, but also the high-tech supplies you need in the executive lounge; you’ll even get your own personal assistant to help you take care of business around London throughout the day.
For something trendier, check out London’s chic Soho Hotel – its prime location puts you in the middle of London’s hottest theatres and clubs, while just a short walk from the London business district. If you need something to do over the weekend, Soho screens movies every Sunday with a three-course lunch or champagne afternoon tea as part of the London hotel’s Film Club.
GOING OUT
London natives take a lot of knocks for their food – mostly from people who’ve never had a good and proper London meal. If they really knew London cuisine, they’d have nothing but praise. London is home to world-class cuisine of all types, but it’s not a real London stay until you’re eating like a true Brit.
Gastro pubs are becoming all the rage in the United States, but it all started in London. Down-and-dirty authenticity doesn’t get any truer than West London staple The Eagle; celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, The Eagle’s constantly changing menu and no-nonsense service singlehandedly put “London gastro pub” on the map. It may not be upscale, but it is at the heart of London cuisine.
For a more upscale taste of London, leave it to another executive to deliver. While most of Gordon Ramsay’s London restaurants focus on French cuisine, The Narrow in London Docklands and The Warrington in Northwest London both serve London gastro pub fare with a focus on seasonal ingredients and traditions. The feather blade of steak with winter root vegetables from The Warrington’s winter menu really has us salivating – and at £22 for three courses, even the best London gastro pub cuisine is a steal.
ON THE TOWN
Even if you aren’t staying at the London Mayfair, grab a drink at this London hotel’s award-winning Connaught Bar. Its sleek lines and softly inviting colors are inspired by cubist and Deco movements of 1920s London and Dublin, with drinks inspired by the timeless art of handcrafted cocktails.
If you’re searching for something more exclusive, try Kensington Roof Gardens in Central London. Richard Branson’s exclusive rooftop club is London’s place to be every weekend, featuring a variety of acts on Fridays and live jazz every Saturday. The £150 Long-Haul membership pass is perfect for those who live outside London and lets you and a guest skip the line for cocktails and snacks amid the flamingos.
SEEING THE SIGHTS
With so much culture around, take some time out to absorb the more historic London attractions before you go. London’s British Museum was founded in 1753, and houses one of the largest art and culture collections in the world. Among its most famous collections are those dedicated to the antiquities, in particular Ancient Egypt. If you hurry, you can still catch the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead exhibit, on display in London until March 6. If modern art is more your scene, head to London’s South Bank and check out Gabriel Orozco’s unique sculptures on display at the Tate Modern.
In a city like London, you can even experience culture without ever setting foot in a museum proper. There is literally history around every corner, from Westminster Abbey to the Tower of London – a tour can leave you in awe of the powers that ruled London back when the sun “never set on the British Empire.”
Cotton built Penina Golf Course atop expanses of flat rice fields, lining the fairways with tall trees and turning existing drainage ditches into dividers and challenging water hazards. Like the land itself, straight shots are vital for a low golf score – anything else will drive you straight into the trees, or one of the numerous lakes and bunkers that crisscross the golf course’s terrain. But when difficulty starts getting you down, it only takes a sweeping glance of this gorgeously-designed golf course to regain your calm and get back in the game.
…TO TRAILBLAZERS IN THE EAST…
Name: Monte Rei
Resort: Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
Location: Vila Nova de Cancela, Algarve - Portugal
Founded: 2007
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
Par: 72 (18 holes)
Green Fees: € 190 / $264
Founded in 2007, Monte Rei Golf Club is new to the Algarve golf scene – but that hasn’t stopped it from rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the best. The golf course has already been named one of the Ten Best Golf Courses in Europe, and just last year Golf Monthly declared it the Best Golf Course in Portugal.
Designed by legendary golf star Jack Nicklaus, Monte Rei Golf Club is a challenge even for professionals, let alone amateur golf enthusiasts. It’s a tough Par 72 golf course that takes full advantage of the natural hills and lakes that line the border of Portugal and southern Spain, with water on 11 of 18 holes. While this golf course is quality from start to finish, Hole 13 – a Par 4 that hugs tight curves and bunkers to the edge of a dazzling natural lake – is a standout.
If you work up an appetite on the links, don’t worry: for an excellent meal you only need to go as far as the golf course’s sprawling clubhouse. The restaurants at Monte Rei are led by Chef Jaime Perez, who developed his chops under the wing of renowned Chef Ferrán Adrià at his 3-Michelin star restaurant, El Bulli.
…CHALLENGERS DOWN THE FAIRWAY…
Name: Royal Golf Course
Resort: Vale Do Lobo Golf & Beach Resort
Location: Almancil, Algarve - Portugal
Founded: 1997
Architect: Rocky Roquemore/Sir Henry Cotton
Par: 73 (18 holes)
Green Fees: € 165 / $229
Sir Henry Cotton’s influence on the Algarve golf resort scene is heavy, to say the least. Though the Royal Golf Course at Vale Do Lobo Resort was designed by American golf architect Rocky Roquemore and completed in 1997, it is based on original Sir Cotton sketches. The fruit of this half-century-spanning collaboration is a distinctive and enjoyable golf course.
If you want a challenge on your golf holiday, The Royal Golf Course does not disappoint. The 16th hole, which requires players to float their golf ball across three sandstone cliffs, is among the trickiest golf shots in the world. Its unique design also makes it a favorite of golf photographers. But from the island-esque green of the 9th to the deceptively simple straight closing shot, each section of the Royal Golf Course is special in its own way.
...AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
With so many golf courses throughout the Algarve, attempting to visit them all is a bold endeavor. But at least now you know where to start.
Dong-Joo Lee, executive vice president of Samsung Mobile division, spoke to Yonhap News Agency about the concerns over the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in its current state when compared to the iPad 2: "We will have to improve the parts that are inadequate. Apple made it very thin."The iPad 2 measures a slender 0.35 inches thick, making the 0.43-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 suddenly very self-conscious of its waistline. (Although it’s interesting to note that, in spite of this, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is still lighter.)
Pricing for the Samsung Galaxy Tab is also an issue: where the original Galaxy Tab sold for $600 out of the gate, the iPad 2 starts at $499. If Samsung Mobile wants to compete, prices for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 will have to be suitably competitive.
While it might be a small setback for Samsung Mobile, this is actually good news for consumers. A new standard has been set with the iPad 2 release, and with the Motorola XOOM already out and the BlackBerry Playbook just a month away from release, Samsung Mobile has the best chance of reconfiguring their PC tablet to meet it. All this can mean is a stronger Galaxy Tab than we ever expected, and we’re more excited than ever to see what Samsung Mobile will ultimately bring to the table.