Tag Archives: Twitter

Launch of Jani Allan’s #JaniConfidential at A Tavola: future as waitress or writer?

April 19, 2015

The launch of Jani Allan’s new book ‘Jani Confidential’ created no fireworks yesterday, as many attendees had expected at the Literary Launch lunch organised by Gorry Bowes Taylor for Wordsworth Books. The low-key, almost hidden, A Tavola restaurant was a good choice, with a special lunch, and reflected Allan’s shy and coy nature as a speaker. Surprisingly few attendees bought books, maybe because Allan did not do a good job in marketing her book to her audience, not reading extracts from it nor providing tidbits which would intrigue one to buy the book.

Soon after we arrived at the fully-booked launch event, for which we paid R280 for the three course lunch, a selection of Antipasti was brought to the tables of ten to share: Bruschetta

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Twitter newbies: some guidelines to gain more Followers !

April 14, 2015

After six years or more of Twitter being an important part of the Social Media mix, it is a surprise to still see new Tweeters joining Twitter. Surprising is that so few Twitter newbies understand the medium, and many have a slim chance of attracting new Twitter followers when they follow one.

We occasionally check our Twitter Follower list, to see if any of our new Followers are worth following back, initially thought to be the right thing to do. But increasingly we note that fewer and fewer new Followers are worth following back, the most interesting Continue reading →

First Checkers Virtual Twitter Tasting pairs Odd Bins and cheeses!

March 19, 2015

Last night we were a group of about 40 participating in the first Virtual Twitter Tasting of three Checkers Odd Bins wines, paired with a selection of cheeses from Checkers.

The secret of the Checkers Odd Bin is explained on the back label: ‘Every so often we manage to bring you the odd bin or two of wine from a famous wine farm. To be able to offer you these exceptional wines at a price far lower than what you would pay for them under their original labels, we have vowed to keep their origins a closely guarded secret. However, once the wine has been tasted, we are certain that its secret shall be revealed‘. The Odd Bin front labels look hand-made and appear hand-written, and the dominant information is the bin number.

The invitation to participate in the Twitter Tasting was received via e-mail from Checkers, the retailer having Continue reading →

Franschhoek Cellar undergoes complete image transformation, pity about design and poor service!

March 9, 2015

Yesterday I spent the afternoon in Franschhoek, and used the opportunity to visit the completely transformed Franschhoek Cellar, for which re-opening I had received an invitation, but could not attend the Monday evening function last month. The redesign led to the closure in October and November last year, and the Franschhoek Cellar re-opening in December. What has emerged is a monster, not suited to brand ‘Franschhoek’ at all!

For the first time I noticed yesterday that one can no longer park in front of the building, an area which was shared with that for The Stall. There is no entrance into the wine tasting centre off the R45 entrance to Franschhoek anymore. Instead the walkway to the centre has been turned into a garden, with a rose garden, another with protea varieties, and a fountain wall. To the left of the building are some unusual looking ‘umbrellas‘, as if they are Continue reading →