A Syndication Service Provided By Brian James http://brianjames.com.au Sun, 20 May 2012 08:33:45 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://brianjames.com.au/images/M_images/rss.png http://brianjames.com.au A Syndication Service Provided By Brian James http://brianjames.com.au/your-people-the-best-pr.html At the end of a recent two week trip to the Sultanate of Oman,bordered by Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the UAE, my partner and I couldn't wait to return, because of the people; right down from the Sultan of Oman (His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said) to humble and friendly taxi drivers, market fishmongers, Bedouins and everyone in between. It's PR that money can't buy, and believe me Oman can afford anything. Investment Billions Oil and gas rich Oman (population 4 million, of which 1 million are foreign nationals) is investing billions in tourism, as are its neighbours. It's best natural assets are... News - Latest Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:39:48 +0100 http://brianjames.com.au/oman-s-great-pr-challenge.html How do you promote and publicize your country as a tourist destination when you are a peaceful and exotic country in the middle of one of the world's most volatile regions, the Middle East? That's the challenge facing the tiny Sultanate of Oman. Bordered by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and with Iran across the water, it is not in the most ideal situation geographically, yet it has had a stable government for over 40 years and seems to be unaffected by the region's instability. As a publicist working with individuals and organsiations, my partner and I are off to Oman shortly to take... News - Latest Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:10:12 +0100 http://brianjames.com.au/got-a-gift-use-it.html One of the world's hottest gospel singers Myron Butler and his wife Timberlynn were in Hobart recently giving workshops to 100 gospel choir members from around Australia. I was one of the fortunate attendees. The workshops were about singing, but more about life. Myron is a gifted singer, teacher and mentor. When he sings, there's no effort. Pure soul and heart, backed up by technique and years of honing his 'gift'. At our last workshop, Myron sang a hymn. It was no ordinary hymn. It was a full blown performance which demonstrated all his talents and vocal range. He sang it accompanied by a pianist, he... News - Latest Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:02:01 +0100 http://brianjames.com.au/coffee-conversation-heart-starter.html Sitting in the window of my second favourite coffee cafe, Dukes, in Chapel Street Prahran, I was quietly enjoying my single-origin 3/4 latte amid the usual Saturday morning craziness. The joint was jumping! I asked the stranger next to me to pass the sugar. I got more than sugar. It was the start of a roaming, heart opening conversation which in thirty five minutes covered, family, relationships, business, politics, how old habits die slowly and numerous other topics. Mike was a cappuccino man. Visiting from Queensland, this successful, nuggety,observer of life had a quiet confidence. Like me he was still on 'the journey'. Reflecting on where we... News - Latest Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:03:37 +0100 http://brianjames.com.au/jeez-gospel-is-great.html I'm in a 'big arse' gospel choir. 75 extroverted, shy, talented and non talented people who come together once a week to commune and imbibe the exuberant soulful joy of black gospel music with its roots in America's Deep South.. Skinny and not so skinny white Melbourne dudes and dudettes singing 'black'. Last Sunday afternoon in bohemian Fitzroy, in a grungy, rock music pub, the choir brought their two hours of power to an enthusiastic audience, sandwiched in and standing on beer-stained daggy carpet. 300 sardines in a pub. 150 people were turned away. I sing, adequately, but as a choir we sound damn hot. We sound... News - Latest Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:17:57 +0100