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2385002d65027844bd4f8cc11c05c196 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillbarth/2021/02/23/want-to-learn-about-wine-here-are-5-free-educational-resources-to-use-from-home/?sh=24bdb3517191 | Want To Learn About Wine? Here Are 5 Free Educational Resources To Use From Home | Want To Learn About Wine? Here Are 5 Free Educational Resources To Use From Home
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There used to be a time when wine education had a strictly unapproachable tone. For many people, this seems to be true even today, but virtual avenues are increasing access to resources and educators from around the globe. Here are five free courses and programs available right now so you can be a wine pro by summer!
Rioja Wine Academy
Wines from Rioja presents the Rioja Wine Academy, an online, bilingual educational platform with four courses, each featuring a final exam. Pass the assessment and earn a diploma. All resources are free and digital, including a recommended wines list that allows the user to shop by specific characteristics, rather than a prescriptive bottle menu. According to the program, “anyone can become a Rioja wine expert in only 15 hours - all from the comfort of the couch!” Wines from Rioja invites users to provide feedback within the platform and this is scattered with positive notes that seem to indicate a high-quality experience.
Discovering Bourgogne Wines
Originally designed for members of the wine trade, the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) free eLearning package is now available to anyone interested in improved knowledge of Bourgogne (Burgundy) wines. Created in in partnership with local winegrowers and négociants, this tool is kept current with the latest key figures and appellation updates. According to the materials, this program is “a fun way to improve your knowledge of Bourgogne wines in just 90 minutes.” Discovering Bourgogne Wines is free, multi-lingual and available online or to download for offline study.
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The Champagne MOOC
The Comité interprofessionel du vin de Champagne (Champagne trade association) offers the Champagne MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), an educational resource for both wine trade members and wine enthusiasts. The program covers the people, history and terroir of Champagne as well as background on how it is made and how to consume it. Available in English and French, the course takes around five hours to complete, is self-guided and available online in four free modules (a premium version is also available). “As a MOOC trainee, you will have access to a range of resources—most notably videos and supporting documents,” as stated in course materials.
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World of Wine: From Grape to Glass
Offered by the University of Adelaide, the program covers a diverse range of wine-related aspects such as descriptive and sensory attributes, grapevine and vineyard development and management, winemaking techniques and more. Led by a team of professors from the university, this course takes about six weeks, with two-three hours of self-paced study per week. The classic version is free, with a verified certificate available for a fee. World of Wine: From Grape to Glass promises a course “for anyone who loves wine and wine tasting.”
School of Port
Offered by Symington Family Estates, (W. & J. Graham’s, Cockburn’s, Dow’s and Warre’s) the School of Port kicks off with “The Essentials” module, which users can request online. The corresponding School of Port Instagram account offers videos and supporting infographics and presents Instagram Lives and weekly Q & A sessions with special guests and Port wine experts. “A big part of our work is educating people about the Port category,” says 5th generation Port producer Rob Symington in a press release. “Often people who don’t know about Port become really enthusiastic once they learn more and taste the wines.”
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f5047cef93e4fa91bf6b8bfd44ca0571 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillbarth/2021/02/27/a-year-into-the-pandemic-the-wine-delivery-landscape-continues-to-evolve/ | A Year Into The Pandemic, The Wine Delivery Landscape Continues To Evolve | A Year Into The Pandemic, The Wine Delivery Landscape Continues To Evolve
Delivering food ordered online while in home isolation during quarantine. Stay home we deliver sign ... [+] on box. getty
Everyone has their story to tell about what they were doing this time last year. For many people those February and March weeks contained the last flights, concerts, sporting events, family gatherings and bits of familiarity.
For the wine industry this meant closed tasting rooms and canceled wine country trips. Hospitality turned virtual. Sales turned digital. As the weeks and months wore on, a headline emerged from the wine and alcoholic beverage world.
More people—many more people—were buying wine online and having it delivered to their door.
According to consumer spending reports from Second Measure, the market for direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine more than doubled between the first and second quarters of 2020.
DtC Delivery Wine Spending Trends and Data
With a year of experience under our belts, more data is rolling in as the market’s biggest players report earning and sales data. Led by Naked Wines and Wine.com, the DtC delivery wine market exhibits significance in the modern beverage industry.
Naked Wines 2020 Annual Report states that the first two months of this year have seen year-over-year revenue growth of 80%+. Naked Wines’ market share gains were largely from consumers who already bought wine through the DtC delivery space. Naked Wines also boasts a high customer retention rate—21% of customers made a repeat purchase within a year of their first purchase.
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According to Silicon Valley Bank’s State of the Wine Industry Report 2021, Wine.com reported 217% growth in the first half of 2020, gaining approximately three points in market share by the end of the year as reported by Second Measure. This growth was significantly driven by consumers new to the DtC delivery wine market.
Meanwhile, Drizly experienced “10 years’ worth of growth” in ecommerce penetration in just three months between March and May 2020. In related news, this month Uber UBER agreed to purchased Drizly for $1.1 billion. “Drizly has spent the last 8 years building the infrastructure, technology and partnerships to bring the consumer a shopping experience they deserve,” said Drizly co-founder and CEO Cory Rellas in a press release.
SPAIN - 2021/02/09: In this photo illustration silhouette of hands with wine glasses toasting in ... [+] front of the Drizly logo seen displayed. (Photo Illustration by Thiago Prudêncio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Investment in Ecommerce
And it’s not just big platforms that have blossomed digitally. “The small wine producer has seen 153% growth in online sales last year with an average order 300% larger than the average order in the tasting room,” states the SVB report.
“It needs to be said up front that an investment in digital and online will cost money before producing a return,” states the SVB report. “The resistance to that fact within the industry will hold back success, but there has never been a better time to try because consumers are looking for you and they are buying wine.”
Rabo AgriFinance’s virtual presentation during the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium identified ecommerce as one of the “Three Drivers of Change the Wine Industry Should Watch in 2021” along with hard seltzer and mergers and acquisitions within the wine industry.
“Don’t pull your foot off the gas pedal in terms of ecommerce,” says Bourcard Nesin, beverage analyst for the global Rabobank Group. “Investment in ecommerce will establish its success.”
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723d3788e85ff912e1b2c53d0413b06d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillbarth/2021/02/28/meritage-the-new-world-wine-made-from-traditional-bordeaux-varieties/ | Meritage: The New World Wine Made From Traditional Bordeaux Varieties | Meritage: The New World Wine Made From Traditional Bordeaux Varieties
Close up image man and woman hands with goblet of wine at the sea side getty
King Family Vineyards in Crozet, Virginia has won two Virginia Governor’s Cup awards thanks to its flagship wine: Meritage. Several of its neighbors have enjoyed similar success from their Meritage wines, including Jefferson Vineyards, Stinson Vineyards and Pollak Vineyards.
Meritage wines are from the New World, blends made with the "noble" Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and (more rarely) St. Macaire, Gros Verdot and Carmenère for reds and Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle du Bordelais for whites.
Why Meritage? (And how to pronounce it?)
Meritage wines represent a such a meaningful product that in 1988, a group of vintners from the United States formed The Meritage Association in order to identify these wines, which aren’t entitled to labeling that includes the term Bordeaux, because they aren’t from that winegrowing region. This group includes members from many states as well as Mexico, Israel, France, Canada, Australia and Argentina.
The name Meritage is a combination of the words merit and heritage, and was chosen from a list of 6,000+ entries in an effort to name the new wine category for the marketplace. And how to say it? It rhymes with heritage.
But use of the term is definitely not required, even if these varieties are included. In fact, many wines that would qualify for the moniker aren’t labeled as such. For example, St. Supéry Napa Valley Virtú is a blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc yet consumers will not find it labeled as a Meritage.
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And Meritage has come to represent other things besides wine. Meritage at Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula is a restaurant and Tipsy Candle Company makes a Meritage version that’s “inspired by barrel aged wine.”
2015 Meritage at Danza del Sol's Temecula tasting room. Jill Barth
Meritage Is Made All Over
While Meritage wines have a similar composition at their core, the discovery method involves tasting these wines from various origins. Unlike many wine label terms, Meritage isn’t at all tied to origin.
In California’s Temecula region, where Meritage wines are prevalent, Danza de Sol’s Meritage 2015 contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, all grown in the Temecula Valley. From elsewhere in California, Cameron Hughes has two Meritage bottles available now: Lot 737 from Sierra Foothills and Lot 695 from Napa Valley. In Lodi, Oak Farm Vineyards “Genevieve” Meritage is named after the winery’s co-owner Dorothy Panella’s French mother.
On the East Coast of the U.S., led by the dozens of Virginia wineries making wine in this category, there’s also Big Cork Vineyards in Maryland with a barrel select Meritage and Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines in the Finger Lakes crafting two Meritage releases.
Wine Enthusiast gave 90+ point scores and Editor’s Choice recommendations to Burrowing Owl 2012 Meritage from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Boeger 2015 Meritage from California’s El Dorado region and Hayotzer 2016 Lyrica Meritage from Israel’s Galilee.
Meritage wines are also made by wineries in Washington, Oregon, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas, New Mexico and more. High quality bottles come in a range of prices—Cameron Hughes Lot 373 (mentioned above) is available for less than $20.
King Family Vineyards (mentioned above) offers a Meritage Pack, including the 2013 and 2108 releases for $114. And though these wines come from an award-winning pedigree, winemaker Matthieu Finot says that accolades aren’t his motivation. “We don’t make wine for a gold medal. I don’t wake up at night dreaming of gold medals,” he says. “Our goal is to make wine we like to drink.”
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4992e2af255adcf9f27710480c7ae97e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgoldsmith/2019/05/02/cbs-all-access-and-showtime-ott-subscribers-surged-71-in-first-quarter/ | CBS All Access And Showtime OTT Subscribers Surged 71% In First Quarter | CBS All Access And Showtime OTT Subscribers Surged 71% In First Quarter
Jordan Peele's reboot of The Twilight Zone juices CBS All Access. Photocredit: Chris... [+] Pizzello/Invision/AP
CBS, which just renewed Jordan Peele’s buzzy reboot of The Twilight Zone for its CBS All Access service, said premium direct-to-consumer subscribers surged 71% in the first quarter. Subs have passed the 8-million mark a year earlier than anticipated. The numbers reflect both CBS All Access and Showtime's OTT service and CBS did not break them out.
The Peele executive-produced and hosted series debuted April 1, joining Star Trek Discovery and The Good Fight as popular originals along with 10,000 episodes of CBS series and draws like College Sports Live, March Madness On Demand and Big Brother Live Feeds. CBS launched CBS All Access in 2014 and Showtime’s OTT service the following year and they’re a centerpiece of the media conglomerate’s growth strategy.
During a conference call to review first-quarter earnings, acting CEO Joe Ianniello and digital chief Jim Lanzone said the direct-to consumer segment is aiming for 25 million subs domestically by 2022 fueled in part by new distribution platforms like Apple TV. They also see a massive opportunity to grow overseas.
To fuel the pipeline, Ianniello said CBS will invest $8 billion in content this year—up from $7 billion the year before—for its own array of services and for third parties including Netflix (Dead to Me) and the upcoming Disney+ (Diary of a Female President). The focus on content will assure CBS a seat on the “rocket ship” of the digital video future, Ianniello said.
“There aren’t that many people who spend $8 billion on content and do that as well as we do.”
On the linear front, the CBS Television Networks plans to unveil a new broadcast lineup at Carnegie Hall at its upfront presentation in two weeks.
Total revenues for the quarter rose 11% to $4.17 billion as advertising revenues grew 18% to $2 billion driven by Super Bowl LIII.
Network affiliate and subscription fees grew 13% on direct-to-consumer streaming services, fees from CBS affiliated stations and retransmission revenues, including from virtual MVPDs.
Content licensing and distribution revenues dipped 3% on tough comps with 2018 which saw the renewal of a domestic licensing sale of Dexter.
Net earnings surged to $1.58 billion from $511 million on a one-time tax benefit but were flat on an adjusted basis.
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2b925c5f4f3eb128b2f9be2873bd0923 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2018/04/30/seize-your-breakthrough-opportunity/ | Seize Your Breakthrough Opportunity | Seize Your Breakthrough Opportunity
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“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
Sometimes opportunity knocks, and sometimes it practically ambushes us. Those moments can be pivotal in your career. It’s where all of your preparation meets the right opportunity for you to shine. It’s important to remember that these opportunities are finite, and whether or not we decide to act upon them, we have to at least carefully consider them.
And what one thing keeps most people from seizing upon these opportunities? Fear. Plain and simple. The fear of failure, or the fear of not being fully prepared for it. Trepidation can paralyze us and keep us from our best lives both personally and professionally. I believe that most people who accomplish great things feel some version of fear before they set out on their journey. But, they press on anyway.
I’d like to share a couple of those real-life breakthrough opportunity stories that I hope will both encourage you and inform you for that day when the door to what’s next for you swings wide open.
Martha McGill
Martha McGill began her 30-year career in health care as a pediatric nurse at Atlanta’s Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center. She worked all shifts and in all departments. Martha made a point to learn everybody’s name—and I mean everyone, from doctors and nurses to administrative staff to cleaning crews. She intuitively knew that relationship building was the way to build a reputation as one who is trusted. McGill set as her goal to become a respected leader, and that included earning her Master of Business Administration and Master of Health Administration degrees, all while working full-time.
Her breakthrough leadership opportunity came when Dr. James Talley, CEO, led the 1998 merger of Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center with Atlanta’s Children’s Hospital of Egleston, creating one of the nation’s largest pediatric health systems. Dr. Talley had a reputation for recruiting brilliant people and helping them assume ever-greater levels of responsibility and leadership.
Previously, McGill had worked at Egleston (part of Emory University Hospital) and experienced, firsthand, the complexity of providing children’s health services in an academic setting. She knew full well that the successful merger of two hospitals with two very different cultures (one private and one academic) would require deep experience in both.
McGill was certain she could be a key asset in the merger and integration, but to do so, she needed a position on Dr. Talley’s leadership team. She scheduled an appointment to meet with Dr. Talley and made her case. “I believe in you, Dr. Talley, and I want to be a member of your leadership team. But with all due respect, leading an academic medical facility is very complex. You are going to need to hold your own with department chairs and deans... I can help you with that.”
Dr. Tally listened intently, acknowledging the complexity of academic medicine’s administration. With that, McGill landed a position on his executive team and helped the merged hospitals exceed revenue and growth projections.
McGill continues to rise as a health care leader. At this writing, she serves as Florida-based Nemours Children Health System’s chief of network operations and enterprise VP, reporting to the chief executive of Florida operations.
Here are McGill’s tips for going as far as your ambitions can take you:
The merger brought with it tremendous change, and with change always comes opportunity. So, if things are in flux in your firm, look for ways to leverage yourself into more accountability. More accountability comes with the risk of failure. Be willing to put yourself on the line. In times of change, express yourself confidently and boldly in meetings with top executives. Voice your commitment to the organization and your interest in growing professionally.
Earn people’s trust. It’s the foundation of anyone’s reputation in both life and work. The first step I took in earning people’s trust was to learn the name of anyone who worked in my space—and to use it each and every time we interacted.
Deirdre Quinn
Deirdre Quinn, CEO and cofounder of Lafayette 148, started her fashion career at Liz Claiborne. Her first assignment was a basic job in the pattern room. Soon thereafter, she was promoted to secretary to the head of production. Her breakthrough moment came when she was sitting in a meeting taking notes. The men at the table were discussing that skirts were trending up that season, and someone needed to go to Korea the next day to oversee the shortening of 200,000 skirts. When nobody spoke up, Quinn said, “I’ll go.”
The next day she got on a plane to Korea, stayed in the country three months, and got the job done. From there on out, Quinn became the “go-to” person for getting problems solved. Assignments took her to places like El Salvador, Haiti, Sri Lanka, and India. By the time she was 28, she was leading a team as VP of operations.
Quinn’s wisdom about how to succeed?
Don’t be late to meetings. If a meeting is to start at 9:00, and an attendee has yet to arrive, she closes the door. To help her in hiring the right people, she sometimes says during an interview, “Don’t you hate getting up early in the morning?” If the interviewee answers, “I am so not a morning person,” Quinn knows immediately that the person isn’t the right fit. She wants to work with people who are happy in the morning. Period. Employees right out of college have to work especially hard and they need to have patience. Of course, a little luck helps too. You can learn from a bad boss just as much as you can from a good one. Don’t be afraid to go the extra mile. Embrace your job every day.
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cfc3b906b09af7c092890a2f8d32926a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2018/05/18/exit-strategies-101-knowing-when-to-walk-away/ | Exit Strategies 101: Knowing When To Walk Away | Exit Strategies 101: Knowing When To Walk Away
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Sometimes it’s the right time to say goodbye. Knowing when to do that, and how, is critical to staying on one’s career path or finding it in the first place.
In writing my last book, I found this recurring theme about remarkable women leaders: Most, if not all, of them that I interviewed had at some point left jobs they had either outgrown or were not good fits for from the start.
When asked, these powerful women had equally powerful insights about the best and worst decisions they had made in their careers:
Joanne Maguire: “Leaving a company I had worked at my entire career (28 years) when it seemed my leadership options were limited and joining Lockheed Martin where the culture of ethics and inclusion as embodied by CEO Bob Stevens offered the opportunity to lead the finest aerospace organization in the world!” Heidi Miller, president, International J.P. Morgan: “I would say it was a mistake staying at Chemical Bank as long as I did. I let the limitations of the bank define how much I could get done. I knew I needed a change but somehow let my own personal fears keep me there longer than I should. Clearly the best professional decision I ever made was going to work for Jamie Dimon---both the first and second time." Susan Wagner, vice chairman of BlackRock: “The best decision I’ve made was to leave a stable and promising career to found BlackRock with several of my partners. We took a risk to believe in each other, to trust our instincts on the growth of the capital markets and the need for risk management, and to continually evolve the firm to better help clients solve their investment challenges."
My own career echoed these lessons. Seeking a more entrepreneurial experience, I left RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, after a great run, to join a startup. On paper the entrepreneurial opportunity looked perfect. But in reality, it was a bad fit.
About six months in, my inner voice said, “You’re not liking this…. But my retort was…Of course this is where you belong! This job is exactly what you said you wanted!”
This self-talk went back and forth in my head for months. But I took no action.
Like Heidi Miller, I let the limitations of the firm’s leadership determine how much I could get done. Day after day, I kept my nose to the grindstone, thinking things would improve. They didn’t. In fact the circumstances worsened.
I resigned, but not without personal consequences. I suffered a severe case of burnout that took me a significant period of time from which to recover. Suffice it to say, I learned to trust my instincts and to never make that mistake again!
Loyalty And Commitment
So, why is leaving so difficult in the first place? I am no psychologist but I can tell you what I think happens for people like us. Leaving feels like failure. It’s admitting that the issues cannot be fixed or that we have made a bad career choice in the first place.
There’s also the matter of loyalty and commitment. If I tell somebody that I am going to do something, I do it. That’s the way I was raised. If you give your word you have to keep it. And, so, with that mindset, we spend a lot of time and effort trying to make a go of situations that are telling us in no uncertain terms to walk away.
All of this conspires to paralyze us and keep us in what can sometimes be an untenable situation. It probably has a great deal to do with the Gallup statistic that says that less than half of us (by our own admission) get to do what we do best every day. That means a lot of us are just trudging through each day and trying to make it work for us.
So, take note of your organization and give it an honest assessment. Are there a significant number of women in leadership roles? Any? Are you growing? Is there a future for you there?
If not, then it might be time to start looking for a better fit for your talents and aspirations.
Believe in yourself and go find it.
Takeaways
Go while the going is good. The longer you allow yourself to be encased in an environment that doesn't "feed" your professional sense of self, the more in danger you are of damaging your self-esteem. As you go, carefully review and consider the commitment you made when you accepted a job. Did you pledge to stay for a year? Did you promise two weeks’ notice before leaving? Try to keep your word. While personal growth is important, it is imperative to act like the professional adult you are. Confront the personal fears that make you hang on. Consider seeking out a good counselor to help you identify the root causes of your fears to move on. Your fears may be deeply rooted in unhealed childhood drama. Know this: Self-knowledge is power. If women are not advancing where you are, leave and find a company where women are rising. Trust your instincts. Your “inner self” knows you well.
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0e76b7788360cf5497243864b360778f | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2018/07/24/embracing-the-unfamiliar-lenovo-chief-diversity-officer-yolanda-conyers/ | Embracing The Unfamiliar: Lenovo Chief Diversity Officer Yolanda Conyers | Embracing The Unfamiliar: Lenovo Chief Diversity Officer Yolanda Conyers
Yolanda Conyers, Lenovo Chief Diversity Officer Yolanda Conyers
Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege of interviewing a Who’s Who of great women leaders. Each one has had a different story to tell, but all had this one thing in common: They faced adversity in their lives and they won.
I have that in common with each of these women. I’ve learned firsthand that trouble comes to all of us at one time or another. It’s not always smooth sailing. When faced with difficult circumstances we all have only two choices, really. One is to play the victim card and just give up. A lot of people do that. They blame others for what they haven’t accomplished.
Others, though, like these remarkable leaders take the opposite approach. They actually use their adversity as a springboard to great accomplishments and a great life.
Lenovo Chief Diversity Officer Yolanda Conyers has chosen the latter. As you’ll see in this brief interview, hard work and not fearing the unfamiliar played a significant role in her rise.
Jill Griffin: Tell us a little bit about your childhood and upbringing.
Yolanda Conyers: I grew up in the very small town of Port Arthur, TX. As the youngest of seven children, I learned to find my own voice and my own platform from a young age. My father was a seaman who traveled around the world on merchant ships and he brought a lot of lessons home with him from his experiences, namely to embrace the unfamiliar. So early on I started seeking out leadership roles in my high school, running for vice-president of Student Council – it wasn’t an easy or comfortable aspiration; I grew up in an all-African-American neighborhood, and during my elementary school years, attended an all-African-American school. However, during both middle and high school years, I was bused to attend a predominantly white school. I’ve carried that lesson from my father with me throughout my entire life and it’s really helped me in my career as far as being able to serve as a leader in a company with many different walks of life and being able to help facilitate collaboration across many different cultures and viewpoints.
Griffin: You’ve had a lot of “firsts.” Please describe them.
Conyers: I was the first in my family to receive an undergraduate and Master’s degree – I received a B.S. in Computer Science and went on a step further for a Masters in International Business. Career-wise, I went on to be the first African-American female engineer hired at Dell in the early 90s. From there I moved my way up in to the executive ranks at Dell. At my present role within Lenovo, I was the first African-American Vice President hired at the company, and am serving as the first Chief Diversity Officer for a company of Chinese heritage. I have mixed emotions about being the first – it saddens me that in the 21st century, African-Americans, women, and other minority groups are still considered ‘firsts’ in these positions. While I’m grateful for what I’ve achieved, what most people don’t realize about being ‘the first’ is that being a trailblazer comes with a lot of pressure to live up to higher expectations than the majority. You have to manage unconscious biases daily.
Griffin: What motivated your interest and investment in STEM?
Conyers: I had a great mentor and teacher in high school – Mr. Lee, my math teacher – who recognized my aptitude for math and encouraged me to pursue further education in math & science by taking “Intro to Computer Science.” It really helped form a foundation of problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. I pursued a B.S. in Computer Science at Lamar University and joined the National Society of Black Engineers and it opened a lot of doors for me in the corporate world – even helping me land an internship with Texas Instruments (TI) that evolved into a full-time role. From there, I’ve spent my entire professional career working for high-profile, high-tech companies like Dell and, now, Lenovo.
Griffin: Why is STEM not attracting more women and minorities?
Conyers: For starters, the female role models in STEM are few and far between – it can be very difficult to see oneself in a particular field when there aren’t a lot of trailblazers to inspire that kind of goal. There can be a certain degree of loneliness being one of the few in your field – I experienced this myself in college, and to some degree, my professional career. It can be very isolating at times, but I tried to view it as an opportunity to follow my father’s advice to “embrace the unfamiliar” and use it as a chance to stand out and be a positive role model for the younger generation.
Griffin: What has helped you rise in the corporate world?
Conyers: I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and experience through welcoming challenges with open arms – when I moved from Port Arthur to Austin for a Texas Instruments internship, I had to put myself in an uncomfortable position of moving to a city of nearly a half-million citizens.
I recall so vividly the conversation I had with my Mother to tell her that I had been offered three semesters of internship with Texas Instruments in Austin, Texas.
At the time I was living at home and commuting to school every day to attend Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. This internship opportunity would have me move to Austin for three alternating semesters, during my four years of college. All my expenses would be paid and I would receive good pay during the duration of my employment. (This concept was so foreign to my family and almost unbelievable to all of us.) This would also require me to get an apartment and live in a big city, at least 4.5 hours away from home.
My mother said she needed to discuss it with my father. I also had her speak with the HR leader from TI, Pam Henry, (we are best friends today after all these years), about the opportunity. It was after that conversation and a discussion with my father that she said yes! Looking back, this was a big move for me and my parents – they supported this opportunity and encouraged me to do it. Their trust meant the world to me and gave me the confidence to go all in!
And again at Lenovo, I faced a similar challenge when I was given the opportunity to relocate to Beijing, China for three years – which was more than 30 times the size of Austin, with Mandarin as the primary language. It was a huge leap, but it led me to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Relationships are also an integral part of career success – they’re critical for getting work done efficiently. When you broaden your network, you build up your knowledge base and your resources. It’s extremely important that you build trust and credibility with your colleagues, key stakeholders and others within the company who have power and influence.
Griffin: Any advice for young people who may be reading this who are trying to get their footing in a new career?
Conyers: I think back to my internship. I was 19 years old, working with experienced professionals. I was so green or inexperienced and I didn’t understand the corporate world and associated politics.
I am so grateful to my early mentors who took me under their wings. I asked questions and was very open to their coaching and feedback.
So, my advice is to ask questions to learn, seek mentors, and accept coaching and feedback.
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0e3dfecedc7fce791841c6ba3f4111ab | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2019/01/15/let-your-people-be-who-they-are/ | Let Your People Be Who They Are | Let Your People Be Who They Are
Former Southwest Airlines Chairman and CEO, Herb Kelleher, passed away this past week. I can honestly say that there will never be anyone like him again. He lived and worked on a different plane, no pun intended. He was revered, and rightfully so. The great Roy Spence said this week that he believes that Herb Kelleher is the best business leader of all time. Of all time! That takes into account a multitude of great business leaders down through the ages. When Mr. Spence says it, it doesn’t seem like hyperbole.
There are many leadership lessons to be learned from Mr. Kelleher. Too many to cover in this space, but let’s talk for a minute about just one of those.
I fly Southwest Airlines a lot. Over the years I have noticed a peculiar thing that sets Southwest apart from any other airline. It’s not their prices, though they always seem more than fair to me. It’s not the other customer friendly things they do, though I greatly appreciate them.
It’s the execution.
Let’s face it. The rules of flying are what they are. The people who check our bags and sell our tickets are working in a tight lane of what can and cannot be done. It gets even stricter once you board the plane. The pilots and the flight attendants have a set-in-stone list of things they have to say about the oxygen mask and tray tables and all of that. How creative can you get, really?
Apparently, very creative. I’ve been on Southwest planes where the flight attendants sing and the passengers do as well. I’ve heard poetry (just try rhyming anything with ‘oxygen mask’) and friendly and funny banter from the front of the plane.
No two flights are alike. Why? Because no two people are alike. Kelleher had a gift. Probably many gifts, but one in particular that caused his organization to soar. He was fine with people being who they really are. In fact, he insisted on it. He figured, why hire uniquely gifted and talented individuals and then put them in a system that somehow dimmed their light? Who cares how they get the job done as long as they finish and they do it with excellence? Let them put their own stamp on their work and see what happens.
You can’t lead like that that unless you really care about people. Kelleher was a leader who genuinely wanted others to have some fun and make some money along the way. That’s exactly what he was doing, by the way. He drove a Harley and once dressed like Elvis for heaven’s sake! But that wasn’t a façade that he built so that he could be cool or to make people like him. That’s who he really was. Anybody who knew him very well would tell you that.
He loved people. And, they loved him right back. He went to the mat for his employees. When, in the early days of the company’s existence they ran into some financial headwinds, he defied his advisers who recommended that he let some of his people go. Instead, he sold one of their airplanes to bridge the gap.
That’s love.
So, you want to be a great leader? Hire people you love. Get to know them. Celebrate their differences. Create a workplace that allows them to shine and be who they truly are every single day.
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92f0c58499d7f92c839fccde74ba6d2b | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2019/02/22/how-to-engineer-a-successful-career-and-life/ | How To Engineer A Successful Career And Life | How To Engineer A Successful Career And Life
According to the National Sciences Board, women account for only 28% of workers in science and engineering fields, even though they account for half of all science and engineering degrees.
Eva Saravia, VP of global programs at BISim Eva Saravia
This comes as no surprise to Eva Saravia, who, as one of the few female senior executives in the military simulation industry, is used to being the only woman in the room.
Saravia, the daughter of two Guatemalan immigrants, currently serves as vice president of global programs at BISim, the world’s largest provider of training simulation software to the US Army. She’s developing technology for the Army’s Synthetic Training Environment initiative — a cutting-edge program to modernize our military’s virtual training.
I recently had the privilege of interviewing her. Here are some of the highlights of that interview:
Jill Griffin: Where did you grow up? Describe your early childhood and its significance on your life.
Eva Saravia: My parents emigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala in their 20’s and settled in Boston where I was born. I spoke Spanish until I started kindergarten where I began to learn English. We lived in the city of Boston until I was 8 and then moved to the suburbs. I also have two younger brothers which made for a busy house. I was taught that family is important and there was always “extra” family in our home, whether it was a grandmother, a cousin, aunt or uncle.
My parents were always hard working. My father worked full time as a technician and also completely restored the house we lived in. My mom worked as a nanny and housekeeper for affluent Boston families. My parents taught us that education and hard work was the way to attain the American Dream. They did this by example. My father took training classes while working and my mother made sure that we were always done with our homework. They were the first in their families to immigrate to the U.S., the first to purchase a home, and the first to have children attend and graduate college.
The significance of my upbringing is an appreciation for hard work and education.
Griffin: When did you first get the whisper you belonged in business?
Saravia: I always enjoyed school projects. Coordinating the activities and coming up with the plan for the team. I liked to be the lead. My dad would help me. It was fun to brainstorm ideas, design solutions, identify how to re-purpose materials and household goods, put together all the pieces and prepare to present to the class.
Business for me was just an extension of the problem solving I enjoyed. Engineering was a way for me to work in the technology industry and project management was where I found my best fit.
Griffin: Was there an early teacher that inspired you? Who and how?
Saravia: My third grade teacher, Ms. Cohen. Every day she would put a math challenge problem on the board. I looked forward to working on those. She was always supportive of my interest in math and science and would give me extra challenges on the side. I know, I’m a nerd. She was the first person I remember, besides my parents, that encouraged me and made me believe that I was good at academics.
Griffin: What’s a great piece of business or life advice you received, who gave it to you, and how has it enhanced your life?
Saravia: Be your own advocate. It’s not a single piece of advice that I received, it’s a combination of what I learned from my parents and mentors throughout my career. To me, it means to take chances, speak up, seek opportunities and acknowledge your own strengths. It is what I tell my children and people that ask me for advice.
Griffin: Please give me the top three bullet points in your personal leadership credo.
Saravia:
Lead by example e.g. don’t ask more of others than you are willing to do yourself Like what you do. If you don't, you are in the wrong career Recognize the strength in others and give them opportunity to succeed.
Griffin: Describe a painful setback in your life and what it taught you.
Saravia: I thought I had everything figured out in my 20s. I worked part time in a rewarding career, took care of my two small children and supported my husband’s career. Then suddenly I was a divorced single mom where my career hadn’t been a priority for several years. I knew I had to take charge of my own career to ensure that I would always be able to care for myself and children. I went back to work full time, took on a new responsibility at work and enrolled in graduate school. I worked hard for several years before I felt secure again.
Griffin: What advice do you have for young, talented, ambitious women who want to rise?
Saravia: Get out of your comfort zone in order to grow. Build a network of friends, peers, role models and mentors.
Griffin: As one of the few females in the male-dominated military industry, how do you stand your ground? What has this taught you?
Saravia: I have never thought of it as standing my ground. Being prepared and confident in my preparation, be it education or experience, allows me to contribute and add value
Griffin: You left a more established company for one that was smaller. Why? What was that like? What did you learn?
Saravia: I was very comfortable at Northrop Grumman (NG). I was one of the early hires for a new project with a lot of young people. I spent 12 years working with the same group until it became more like family. I had access to resources, a network of mentors, and the safety of a long term government program. I like to think that I am conservative and not a natural risk taker and staying at Northrop Grumman would have been the "safest" choice for me. I knew the work, had proven myself, and had a good balance between my career and family. What I was missing was opportunity. I knew there were a lot of options within the company, if I could move, which wasn’t an option for me. I missed that thrill and satisfaction that comes with trying something new. I needed to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone.
I had heard that Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) was planning to stand up a U.S. based Project Management Office (PMO) and needed someone to lead the effort. Even during the interview process, I knew that Bohemia was going to be a good fit for me. There was an entrepreneurial feel to the company that appealed to me. Immediately I was given a lot more responsibility and my contributions were larger and more impactful than they had been at Northrop Grumman. Even though I led large projects with Northrop, there was always the safety net with the size of the company. With Bohemia it was scary and exciting and I really had no safety net. I had to get more comfortable taking risks, speaking up, trying things out, and failing early. I’ve learned about international markets, working with internationally distributed teams, about product development and leveraging commercial gaming technologies to meet Department of Defense training needs at high fidelity and low cost. We are at the forefront of military training and it’s an exciting place to be.
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1b2b1acba930465e756c4b672e992321 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2019/08/15/want-to-be-successful-think-big/ | Want To Be Successful? Think Big | Want To Be Successful? Think Big
Shari Dingle (Sandifer) Costantini, CEO of Avant Healthcare Professionals, Shari Dingle
Shari Dingle (Sandifer) Costantini, RN, M.B.A., is a renowned expert in the healthcare industry, with 29 years of experience. She is the CEO of Avant Healthcare Professionals, which has placed more than 2,500 international nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists throughout the U.S. The company, which has grown 40% annually since inception, is recognized as an industry leader and innovator in healthcare staffing and made the INC 500/5000 in 2012, 2013, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Costantini recently. Here are the highlights of that interview:
Jill Griffin: Where did you grow up? Describe your early childhood, and it’s significance on your life.
Shari Costantini: I grew up in Boca Raton, Florida, where my father was a pastor at a Lutheran Church. My mother was always a partner in ministry with my father. It was a busy household with six children born within eight years.
I was very close to my five siblings growing up. With the busy schedule that my father and mother had between the church and the early childhood school that she built over the years, my siblings and I did everything together. I have four brothers and one sister.
These years played a significant role in the person I am today. Often we don’t realize the significance of these years, but I have learned that they are so profoundly entwined in who I am as an adult. As one of six children, you learn to ask for what you need. You also learn to fend for yourself. Growing up with four brothers prepared me to develop close relationships from a young age with both women and men. This helped me to work in what is often a man’s world in business.
When it came to starting a business, I always thought big. I never let gender be a factor. I never thought that despite the fact only 3% of private equity funds went to women-owned businesses that it would limit me in my efforts to raise money.
Griffin: When did you first get the whisper you belong in nursing, and what fueled your passion to change the world through founding Avant?
Costantini: Growing up, I had numerous illnesses and injuries, so I found myself in the doctor's office and hospital. At the age of three, I had a severe case of chickenpox. I also had scarlet fever, several broken bones, and at the age of 13, was diagnosed with viral encephalitis. I recall wanting to be either a nurse or a doctor and I believe that my exposure to healthcare was a big part of my desire to work in that area as a profession.
As an adult, I have realized what an impact the viral encephalitis had on me. I was diagnosed after losing some of my motor coordination, and my friends, teachers and parents noticed that I could not write, my speech was slurred, handwriting was unreadable and I was having trouble walking. I took several months off of eighth grade, and in the fall started high school as a ninth-grader. Learning how to walk, write and speak again was one of those challenges in your life that when you overcome it, you believe that you can do anything. I felt that if I could return to where I was both physically, emotionally and academically that I was a survivor.
When I attended college, I decided to become a nurse, and after nursing school get my business degree. My thought was that having that nursing background would make me a stronger business person for the healthcare industry. Back in 1993, when I receive my master's degree in business administration, very few physicians and nurses work business executives in healthcare.
The combination of the nursing background and the business degree is in many ways why I founded Avant Healthcare Professionals. Because I was a nurse, I knew there had to be a better way to transition Healthcare Professionals into the U.S. healthcare system. After six years in the industry, I had seen the significant impact that internationally educated nurses and therapists could make on patient care. I also had seen the frustration they experienced in transitioning into our clinical environment. This frustration was also shared by the clients who only had experience with U.S.-educated clinicians and therefore didn’t appreciate the differences in practice and how to support these internationally educated healthcare professionals fully. The niche and competitive advantage that Avant developed is our clinical transitions programs that support both the internationally educated healthcare professionals and the healthcare client.
Griffin: What’s the most rewarding part of what you do?
Costantini: The most rewarding part of what we do at Avant is seeing the impact that we have made not only on the healthcare clinicians but on their spouses and children and on their families in their home countries where they send money and support. In a country like the Philippines, younger generations have been supported to go to nursing school by the relatives that have come to the US to work means that these positions we provided are impacting generations.
The other impact that we make is on rural healthcare. People living in rural areas have been shown to have more chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and a more significant impact from the current opioid epidemic. The main reason that this population struggles is due to limited access to care. With over 50% of our internationally educated nurses and therapists going to rural areas, we know that we are making a profound impact on these communities.
Griffin: Why is it now such a critical time for the nursing shortage to be met?
Costantini: Nursing shortages are not new in the United States. We’ve had ongoing nursing shortages since 1937. When the great recession hit, the nursing shortage was temporarily alleviated by the 150,000 nurses over the age of 50 that return to the workforce. Fast forward ten years later, those nurses are fueling the shortage. This nursing shortage is unique for several reasons. First, over 50% of the registered nurses in this country are over the age of 50. Over the next decade, we will be losing a tremendous amount of experience in the profession.
Nursing school educational programs have expanded their capacity over 40% in the last decade since 2006. However, many of these new nurses will take years to gain the knowledge and expertise of their cohorts that are retiring. That is one area where international nurses can make a significant impact. On average, these nurses that come into the U.S. from overseas bring 6 to 12 years of experience. They become preceptors and mentors for these newer nurses.
The other aspect of the shortage that is unique is the fact that we are losing nurses at the bedside to become advanced practitioners. These advance nurse practitioners will fill a critical need due to the aging physician population and shortage.
Griffin: As you rose in your career, what obstacles did you encounter, and how did you deal with these?
Costantini: My journey since founding Avant Healthcare Professionals has been filled with challenges and obstacles. About 18 months after I started the company, we faced our first visa backlog for nurses. At that time, we were able to get Congress to act, so we had a short-term fix and visas for nurses. In January 2007 the visa backlog returned. I worked closely with a coalition and later helped found an industry trade association to do the lobbying and advocacy work. Learning how to effectively advocate with Congress was crucial for Avant’s continued growth. I’ve learned how to do that and built a network in Washington DC. This year our industry faces renewed challenge from the Fairness and High Skilled Immigrants Act. If passed in its current form this bill would create an eight-year backlog in visas for all people but specifically internationally educated nurses that are desperately needed to provide patient care in this country.
We also have faced healthcare regulation and reimbursement changes, which has certainly transformed the healthcare environment. Probably none more than the ACA. To navigate through these changes, we built new client niches, as well as a worldwide recruitment network that now represents over 70 countries.
The most recent significant challenge for the business has been the changes with the USCIS under the Trump administration. We have faced tremendous headwinds with changing adjudication practices and policies with the USCIS. The general mentality of the USCIS under this administration has been to delay and deny visa petitions. We have had to change many of our filings to adjust to the new policies and practices for adjudicating cases. In December 2017 I recapitalized the business to bring in a large strategic healthcare staffing company that provided enough assets so I could meet the new requirement for showing the ability to pay the proffered wage for all beneficiaries in the recruitment pipeline who had not yet arrived in the U.S.
Avant Healthcare Professionals lives at the intersection of immigration and healthcare regulation. I have often joked that if I start another company, I will try to do one that is in a less heavily regulated industry.
Griffin: What a great piece of business or life advice have you received, who gave it to you, and how has it enhanced your life?
Costantini: One piece of advice that has changed my professional and personal life is to not take anything personally. In The Four Agreements, it says that nothing others do is because of you and what others say and do is a projection of their own reality. If you can put this belief into practice in your life professionally and personally, it will transform the way that you deal with people, especially in difficult situations.
Griffin: What advice do you have for young, talented, ambitious women who want to rise?
Costantini: The advice that I have for women who want to rise in their careers or start their own entrepreneurial venture is to think big. Believe in yourself and believe that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Don’t be limited by other people or yourself. Be the hardest working person in the room.
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ddaa8c0e0f380019ff7e46bc4ecf0d06 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2020/12/02/women-advance-to-fortune-500-ceos/?sh=2a6b08747054 | Women Advance To Fortune 500 CEO’s | Women Advance To Fortune 500 CEO’s
The Corner Office getty
In what has been a tough year on many fronts, there is some very good news regarding women in leadership. A recent Wall Street Journal story says that 41 female CEOs are slated to be running Fortune 500 companies in 2021. That is a new record.
While this is still a relatively low number, it shows progress. The trend is up. Corporations are becoming more and more willing to build a bench of senior female talent, particularly in the retail industry. That makes sense to me because for years, research has shown that it’s the women in the household make those buying decisions. They know what works, so who better to create winning retail strategies than women leaders?
Female retail CEOs include Michelle Gass, Kohl’s Corporation; Lauren Hobert, Dick’s Sporting Goods; Heyward Donigan at Rite Aid; at CVS Health, Karen Lynch.
Jane Stevenson, who leads executive recruiting for Korn Ferry’s global CEO-succession practice believes that the technological and competitive challenges over the last decade have opened the CEO door for leaders with chief merchandising experience. “It’s forced boards to think outside the box and look at where opportunity is being created, and that has an opportunity for women to shine.”
For years I have been a Best Buy fan. The company turned itself around in the 90’s when Corie Barry was Chief Finance Officer. It was a great success story. Not surprisingly, Ms. Barry was promoted to CEO last year.
This business of building a pipeline of female talent has been decades in the making. Promoting them into the C-Suite roles that put them in contention for chief executive is now bearing fruit. Pointing to Jane Fraser at Citi-Goup and Linda Rendle at Clorox Company, Stevenson remarked….”You have to plant and cultivate the seeds to get the crop.” The glass ceiling is fragile now, and apparently getting even more so.
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Whether women’s gains will continue at this positive pace is unclear. Yet some see a bright future. Bonnie Gwin, co-managing partner of Heidrick & Struggles global CEO and board practice says that after the pandemic’s initial hits, a longer term view of succession planning is at hand. To thrive, “Many companies are realizing they need to diversify at every level,” says Ms. Gwin, who predicts more women and people of color will see doors opening into major-companies C-Suites in 2021. I hope she is right.
Today, I am celebrating these advances by the talented and deserving women. They have been a long-time coming. May they continue…
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b7210e97638747e9b06ec189338f0b30 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2021/02/25/to-be-successful-fail-often/ | To Be Successful, Fail Often | To Be Successful, Fail Often
Hemant Chavan, co-founder of Brik+Clik H Chevan
Hemant Chavan is the co-founder of Brik+Clik. A micro store with a macro experience, Brik + Clik connects brands with their customers while blurring the lines between offline and online. Their experiential store designs and in-store tech bring online convenience to customers’ favorite online brands.
I had the opportunity to interview Hemant recently. Here are some of the highlights of that interview:
Jill Griffin- What has the entrepreneurial journey looked like for you?
Hemant Chavan- It's been an exciting journey opening a startup amid a pandemic. Very exciting nonetheless. My family has been a third-generation family business in India. So I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit embedded in me. I moved to the US ten years ago to earn my Master's in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the top-ranked school for that program. After my Master’s, which was around the last downturn, I had three months to find a job or head back to India. 10+ years; hence I am still here. I have been working in real estate development for the past decade in New York City.
Griffin- Give me one crazy story about trying to open up stores during the pandemic.
Chavan- We got this opportunity in San Francisco last May with this institutional landlord to open our first store in a Digital District section, where they were curating online brands and stores. While everyone was remote working, we remote opened a store. We beta launched the store and had someone starting on a Friday at 11 am PST, and we got an email from that person at 11:14 am that they got another opportunity, a no-show. We frantically tried to call different staffing agencies without any luck. That night, I decided to book a 6 am EST flight the next morning to San Francisco, and I opened the store in Santa Clara at noon PST. That was our first store, the firstborn if you may, and I didn't want the store to be closed.
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Griffin- Give me one more story; these are great!
Chavan- Our aim was in 2020 to open two stores coast to coast. So in October, we officially launched our San Francisco store. Subsequently, we decided to open at the Oculus in NYC, one of the most iconic shopping centers, not just in the US but also in the world. We had the opportunity for this prime placement in the main hall next to Apple, John Varvatos, Mont Blanc, to name a few. We signed the lease in early November and had the Grand Opening for the store on November 20. Usually, you get three months to open a store of this size. We frantically got to work, put our heads down, and were able to merchandize and open the store before Thanksgiving. So our skeleton crew opened this beautifully designed store within three weeks.
Griffin- What role are you playing in changing the future of retail?
Chavan- We are a truly innovative retail concept that is digitizing the physical experience. We implement cutting-edge technology and operational excellence in management consulting reports regarding omnichannel fulfillment, experiential store setting, and in-store tech. We are pioneering the micro department store model, where customers and brands are not lost in the glut of square footage. The size of our stores is not only measured in square footage but also our online bandwidth.
While there is a fundamental shift towards online shopping, it is currently plagued by shipping delays. Our micro store model enables us to scale and deploy stores at a much faster rate, and these stores double up as fulfillment centers. Not only are we omnichannel, but we also added a third dimension, which is converting these stores into COVID proof and checkout enabled Virtual Reality store - Clik Shop. Customers can browse through the store at their convenience from the comfort of their phone or computer. This unmanned immersive shopping experience provides the customers a dynamic brand discovery process that is cost-efficient and a true SaaS model for retail tech.
On the curation end, millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen X are absorbing content in their hands. So retail has to go mobile in many ways. Landlords are key to the success of retail moving forward. An operator like us understands their debt and refinancing requirements, whereas the DTC market and its potential in B&M retail are limitless. With the reset in the market, this is an opportunity of a lifetime to absorb DTC brands and their mobile-first customers in stores. They are thinking of it as Tinder for brands and customers.
We started with Wellness and Clean Beauty products. Based on customer behavior and feedback, we added F&B and Home Goods to our NYC stores. So the idea is as we expand, we're not just we're just not isolated by certain segments. We are going to be agile for consumer behavior and macro-economic trends.
Griffin- How are you helping other small businesses?
Chavan- We're a small business ourselves and bootstrapped to two stores. So we understand the difficulties of making payroll and paying your consultants and vendors. So that's why our business model is very attractive to brands, which has enabled us to scale without much marketing effort.
We seek local brands and small businesses to showcase. The Bay Area store curation is curated with mostly West Coast brands, while the New York store promotes primarily East Coast makers. We are a small business that supports other small businesses.
Griffin- That's so the way the universe wants it to be, I believe. I love the name Brik +Clik; how’d you come up with that?
Chavan- So, by nature, I'm not a very creative person. We want our offering to be a mass-market rather than a niche. We still have an elevated store design and brand curation, but a customer does not need to be intimated in walking into our stores. As a startup, we must create brand awareness and simplify our story. So when someone looks at the name, for the most part, people understand the concept.
Human behavior doesn't change; we just adapt. Thousands of years of shopping/bartering in real life cannot replace the last few decades of online shopping. Yes, embracing technology is essential, but we are social animals that crave physical interaction at the crux of it. Hence, Brik + Clik.
Griffin- What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs that are trying to get where you are.
Chavan- My two biggest takeaways from this short entrepreneurial experience so far are to be opportunistic and to be ready to fail. If you believe that your idea has a significant market going through a correction or fundamental change, that is the most opportunistic time to enter that market. The cost of resources and goods are the cheapest during a downturn. If incumbents exist due to failure to innovate, that's the right time to jump in.
As cliche as it sounds, failures are the best thing that can happen to a startup. It helps in consolidating the knowledge of the fundamentals of your business. The runway is key to your survival. However, if you don’t believe in your product, no one else will. This is key to your success.
Griffin- And tell me about your fundraising. How did you go about doing that?
Chavan- This is a completely bootstrapped operation. We saved for a rainy day. We wanted to showcase that we can execute in a cost-efficient but elevated manner. We are currently in the market to raise our seed round and have a path to scaling nationwide by the end of the year. This is a revenue-generating endeavor since we launched. We saw an uptick in sales during the holiday season; in fact, our order volumes were in the top tier for the Oculus.
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8844ae0d5652f18670e1facdbbea739d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2021/03/05/do-less-to-accomplish-more/ | Do Less To Accomplish More | Do Less To Accomplish More
Carey O’Connor Kolaja, Chief Executive Officer of AU10TIX C. Kolaja
Carey O’Connor Kolaja is chief executive officer of AU10TIX, the global leader in automated identity intelligence and cyber fraud prevention. In this capacity, Carey is responsible for establishing and driving the overall business strategy and day-to-day operations, leading a team charged with enabling companies to onboard faster, prevent fraud, meet compliance mandates, and establish trust with their customers.
I had the opportunity to interview Carey recently. Here are some of the highlights of that interview:
Jill Griffin: First of all, lets talk about how to keep women in tech. There's a lot of attrition for women leaving tech, is that correct?
Carey O’Connor Kolaja: Correct, we are seeing greater numbers of women leaving tech and in general leaving the traditional workforce than we have in previous years. While there has been a lot of attention on attracting women to tech, I've always believed that keeping them in tech is what is difficult. But I see this retention challenge across the spectrum. It used to be that on average an individual kept a job for 4.5 years, now the workforce is “reupping” every year and 80% of employees have a side hustle. So, yes, keeping women in tech is a challenge but, for me, it’s broader than gender; the focus should be on how do we keep the most experience and diversity in the technology workforce? Particularly in the identity management space because at the core we’re solving problems for all humans, and each of us has a uniquely diverse set of attributes.
Griffin: And what do you attribute that to?
Kolaja: Candidly, until recently, I lived a professional existence in which I didn't see gender as a barrier. I grew up in the financial sector. I grew up in the technology sector. I was a big believer that there were no boundaries, that you created your own boundaries. I never conformed to the norm and seemed to excel. So, for a good part of my career, my gender didn’t register as an issue as I pursued my passions.
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And then it was when I was at PayPal and we started a women in technology organization of 50 people which grew to over 2,500 by the time I left that I had a moment. I realized it was my duty and my responsibility to help other women who were not in a similar position as me; women who were impacted by gender dynamics in the workplace.
I realized I was very fortunate growing up. My family was very progressive. I was raised with very strong females in my life; I was encouraged to create a space to be heard, to have a voice, to listen and challenge criticism because if you couldn’t, you just weren't going to have a role around at the dinner table.
So, while I do now see the problem, I also think that there's a shift that is happening, and particularly in technology and identity spaces, toward inviting women to the proverbial table. When I first started my foray into technology, it was all about writing code, knowing different languages, very mathematical and very technical in nature. Yet, the world has transformed in the last 20 -25 years and technology is now very much about mashing up different types of software and hardware solutions in order to solve business problems and meet individual needs. It’s in mastering this art I see the shift as I think women are naturally more inclined to be integrated thinkers, to solve for problems in creative and unexpected ways, which is what the world needs right now.
As I've moved from not seeing the gender issue to wanting to be part of helping others overcome it and work through the challenges in the space, I have realized it just makes good business sense. Statistically, companies that have diverse management teams or have women at the table, have 16% higher revenue than companies that don't.
Griffin: Okay, let's talk about building a trusted environment as a leader. First of all, please give me your definition of trust.
Kolaja: Trust for me is when there is unquestionable belief in either an individual, a situation, or environment. Until recently building trust was perceived easy as we trust what we can see and therefore believe it is the truth. But that then poses a profound question of how do you build trust in relationships in a remote and distributed work environment? How do you build trusted relationships amidst the pandemic? This is a task we have all been faced with over the last nine months.
In my world, trust is paramount to our business; at the end of the day our job is to protect people's identities in order to enable businesses to build a more inclusive and secure world. It's not just in the fabric of our products and services, it's in the fabric of the people and the fabric of how we lead and there's a lot of tactics required to build an organization where there is inherent trust. Without trust, businesses can't yield the returns that they expect as people who don’t feel trusted or empowered will not enjoy what they do or reach the highest potential.
Driving change and driving transformation requires people to believe in that individual who's leading them forward. To achieve this, I’m very much an advocate of radical transparency. In my day-to-day interactions I live by a simple principle: nothing needs to be taken offline—unless it's personal or about performance, anything goes. Creating a workforce and a culture where people can respectfully debate issues, to resolve conflict, to stand for what they believe without being judged is how you build a high performing, trusting team. To do this you need to be an empathetic and vulnerable leader.
People want their leader to be relatable. Particularly now with COVID, while none of us would have wished this to have happened, for the first time in society, we're all experiencing the same thing and share common situations and circumstances. Achieving business performance while motivating and inspiring requires each of us to identify with each other and I can only hope that this becomes a unifying moment for all of us, especially leaders, and there is greatness and change that comes out of this horrific pandemic.
Griffin: Well, that's a very good point that I've heard nobody else make. Some of the clients that I am involved in are better run than pre-Covid and their numbers are better. They figured out how to reduce cost and keep customer value at parity.
Kolaja: There is so much truth in the saying that constraints drive innovation. Organizations have to be agile and morph with the business demands. This requires people to be okay letting go of title and okay being uncomfortable to take on different roles and in different capacities. The need to be an agile leader and to be an agile employee has never been more prominent as it is today. Each business is under a set of constraints and it is only when the business is trying to survive do the constraints become so real that individual drivers of success fall way to organizational unity.
Griffin: I agree and it begs for that cross training because everybody's got to wear multiple hats.
Kolaja: Yes, that's exactly it. And I think that gets back to your first question about how you keep more women in technology. I don't think it's just about technology. The challenge is across all sectors where people who are able to wear a lot of different hats and to check ego at the door and really focus on the business problem at hand are the ones that are going to be successful.
Griffin: I think that's one of the advantages that women have sometimes. It is the ability to crossover and harvests relationships up and down the org chart and across the continuum.
Kolaja: There's always this debate of what's nature and what's nurture and, innately, women are known to be connectors, to crossover. In a world where solving problems is about connecting ideas, technologies, solutions and people, this becomes a natural advantage for women.
Griffin: Yes, and I think it is incredibly important. Kindness, today, is also so important. What other attributes do you believe are critical to being who we are?
Kolaja: As I said earlier, it is important to be vulnerable. The days of separating the worlds in which you live; your work life, your personal life, are gone. We are all being challenged to live a blended existence and it's making us all more human, and more vulnerable and it's uncomfortable. People have to get comfortable being uncomfortable, that is the only way forward.
For my team and those I mentor, I ask them to challenge conventional wisdom. I no longer believe we're defined by our rise up the corporate ladder, but that our value is defined by our impact. Whether it's the impact to the business, to the people you lead, or to the world’s societal issues. Everybody needs to decide what they want to do and who they are. I know this sounds cliche, but the rest does follow because you're at your best when you're doing the things you love.
The last thing I'll add, which is contrary to what most people would say and it's something a mentor shared with me, is that you have to wake up every morning plotting to make your job obsolete. If you really believe that leadership, regardless of gender, is about making others better as a result of your presence, and making things last in your absence, you've got to figure out how to work yourself out of a job, creating space for others to rise and occupy.
Griffin: That is a very profound statement. That takes courage to implement and ultimately, what it means is you just rise to a higher calls and a higher calling in my mind.
Kolaja: I agree. I operate with the belief that you have to do less to be more; you have to learn to let go. Particularly when you're in the midst of transformational initiatives, whether it's in my previous two companies or where I am now that you actually can't do more until you let things go. And so you’ve got to create space to take on new challenges, to solve new problems and to create space you have to be able to say no, because none of us can do everything; but together we can make the impossible, possible.
Griffin: Yes, totally agree with that and this has been fabulous. I really appreciate your time. I've learned a lot during this conversation.
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83f0c768acb7dc888c3d7586c3aa36b4 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillgriffin/2021/03/17/to-be-successful-be-consistent/?sh=4570ab533045 | To Be Successful, Be Consistent | To Be Successful, Be Consistent
Sara Potler LaHayne, CEO and Founder, Move This World S. LaHayne
Sara Potler LaHayne is the CEO and Founder behind Move This World, the leading Social Emotional Learning program that has impacted over one and a half million students in 38 states. Named “Female Innovator of the Year” in the 2016 Stevie Awards, Sara is currently working to bring more social emotional learning experiences to classrooms and homes this year in the midst of the pandemic.
I had the opportunity to interview Sara recently. Here are some of the highlights of that interview:
Jill Griffin: How did you get the idea for Move This World?
Sara Potler LaHayne: I grew up in a home of artists. My mother is a dancer, my father is a songwriter, and as a family, creative expression is how we celebrate everything. Birthday or anniversary, and every Sunday morning, we would sing, and my dad would write music, and my sister and I would sing with him, and we were the Potler Family Trio. I always felt pulled toward the power of the arts and how they made me feel so connected to myself and my family.
I was a Fulbright Scholar in Bogotá and worked with a research team looking at the root causes of conflict, violence and bullying. I was studying at the time what was referred to as “peace education,” and teachers were lecturing about self and social awareness and teaching about emotional identification and management. As you might imagine, the students were disengaged. Their eyes were glazed over; they slouched in their chairs; they looked at the clock; they didn't want to be there. The concepts were going right over their heads. At the same time, they'd be dancing in the schoolyard in a fun, inclusive, participatory way to reggaeton music. As a dancer and someone who grew up in a family of artists where creativity was how we celebrated one another, I thought about how we could use this vehicle of movement, expression, and creativity to cultivate the same evidence-based SEL skills we were developing as part of this Fulbright project. That's when I authored the first iteration of the Move This World curriculum.
Griffin: What are the most important pieces of the program?
LaHayne: One of the most important pieces of the program is the consistency of the practice. We recognize that wellbeing doesn't exist in a vacuum. If we exercise once or eat vegetables one time, we aren't checking the box of being physically healthy. Wellness practices have to be built into our lifestyle. The same goes for our social and emotional health— consistency is important and has to be a daily practice and habit: just like you brush your teeth every day or wash your hands, we have to take care of our hearts and minds. Empathy is a muscle that we have to flex.
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We tell teachers and parents that just like we practice reading, writing, and math, we have to practice identifying, expressing, and managing our emotions. One of the key differentiators of the program is that MTW makes SEL practice accessible and consistent and built into our daily routine. Part of what makes this possible is that each of the Move This World exercises/videos is about 5 minutes in length. A good analogy for this might be 8-minute abs but for social emotional learning.
Teachers and parents who are not mental health professionals and who may not have been trained in social emotional wellness have this contained and structured support through the videos. All they have to do is press play. There's no planning required, which is another reason why this makes the program so appealing.
Griffin: You are currently running your company while at home with your kids. Do you have any advice for other CEO parents?
LaHayne: It's important for parents working from home to remember: this is hard. We need to be gentle with ourselves. We need to acknowledge that we're not going to be perfect and all of the dreams that we had for what we might achieve at work and what we might do at home and with our kids may not happen. We’re doing our best, and showing up and being present for our kids is good enough right now.
Presence is not the same as being present. Even though many of us are working from home right now, it can feel like we're getting all this extra time with our kids, but what's critical is prioritizing our own social emotional wellness and our kids’ social emotional wellness and to be intentional with the time we have.
When we are working, we should work. When we are with our kids, we should have dedicated time for play and connection through games or storytelling or music and dance. Consistency and finding opportunities for social emotional learning daily are critical. For parents this is not selfish; it can feel impossible to go for a run or do a yoga video or read our book, but if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can't show up for our kids.
Prioritize something for yourself every day and be compassionate with yourself. Find something small that can be a consistent daily practice.
Griffin: Do you have any tactics you use on both your teams and children?
LaHayne: At MTW, we practice what we preach. We center and close every internal meeting we have, even over Zoom. This allows us to acknowledge distractions and stressors and be more present for one another. These centerings and closings could look like three intentional breaths, or sharing the highlight of our weekends and what that looks like through a movement or a sound. Using creative expression amongst our team and finding opportunities to pause and reflect and connect has helped us manage the unknown and cultivate presence and empathy.
We do something called Move This Day when we're in the office every day at 12:30. This is fifteen minutes to practice one of our social emotional learning tools on ourselves so that we can connect in meaningful ways.
I would say that even in the workplace, consistent, regular social emotional practice is critical so that we can better understand and support our colleagues, know what they're experiencing, and collaborate to solve problems with empathy top of mind. Social emotional wellness can look like a number of the things I mentioned, but even just building moments for pause and reflection on the individual level supports our community’s resilience.
Griffin: With parents at home right now, do they have access to any of these resources?
LaHayne: When COVID-19 hit, and schools began to close their buildings and move online, we made available a free Mental Health Social Emotional Learning Resource Center that includes video exercises and simple content that parents, families, and teachers can implement with ease. Our full scope and sequence evidence-based curriculum is available to school districts across the country who are prioritizing mental health and social emotional wellness. We also launched the Move This World Audio Network with two new podcasts - The Saracast: Conversations in Social Emotional Learning for educators and parents to deepen their knowledge of SEL, and The Emotion Motion Podcast for children and their families to explore emotions through play and storytelling. You can listen to our podcasts on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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d602d1f2d2435bbef88da432cae7eca4 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jilliandara/2020/12/04/a-new-line-of-american-aperitivos-for-the-modern-drinker/?sh=33899ccf11c6 | A New Line Of American Aperitivos For The Modern Drinker | A New Line Of American Aperitivos For The Modern Drinker
Renowned in Europe as a pre-dinner ritual, Americans commonly misinterpret aperitivo culture for ‘happy hour’—Cindy and Kyle Pressman are hoping to change this with atōst—a new line of American Aperitivos.
“We’re inspired by the history and tradition of the European aperitif, but knew it needed an American twist for the modern drinker,” says Cindy Pressman, CEO and founder of atōst.
Born out of the pandemic, the Pressmans established a direct-to-consumer model with the launch of their American Aperitivos in three flavors on November 1, 2020. A month later and they’re releasing a fourth flavor, Woods, which they explain should be consumed as a light whiskey.
“It is smooth with beautiful notes of vanilla, oak, and caramel but doesn’t have that burn going down,” says Cindy.
atōst
Following the theme of the founding flavors, Woods connects to a plant’s life cycle—the others being Roots, Bloom and Citrus. Pressman explains, “Roots celebrates the beginning of a plant’s life, so it’s earthy and vivacious. Bloom represents a plant growing flowers so it’s floral, and Citrus celebrates the fruit of the plant.”
For Woods this meant a celebration similar to that of Roots with the bark-like texture of the stem of branches highlighted by aging the spirit in oak whiskey barrels.
Typically, an aperitivo is herbal and bitter, with both Campari and Aperol as iconic aperitifs across Europe. It is consumed before a meal to prepare the digestive system, therefore, habitually sipped slowly. However, in order to lure an audience unfamiliar with aperitivo culture, the husband-wife duo knew they needed to increase the use of familiar ingredients and decrease some of the polarizing elements.
“We enjoyed the aperitivo lifestyle but didn’t enjoy the liquid itself, so we pulled back on the bitterness to put forward trendy flavors like ginger, rose, citrus and hibiscus,” says Kyle, who adds that atōst can be served on the rocks, with a splash of sparkling water, or added to your favorite cocktail.
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The launch of Woods allows the flavors to portray both Cindy and Kyle’s drinking habits as Cindy tends to sip white wine socially, while Kyle reaches for the whiskey. They recall when quarantine hit and they were opening a bottle of wine, “We were wasting it or drinking more than we wanted to.” This was the original inspiration behind atōst.
“America has shifted drinking into something that’s not looked at as positive so we wanted to bring tradition and history back as to why we started drinking alcohol,” says Cindy.
“We fell in love with the idea of the way Europeans drink, to be social with friends,” adds Kyle.
From left to right: Kyle Pressman, Cindy Pressman, Chad Yakobson. atōst
Enlisting help in their current town of Golden, Colorado, Kyle and Cindy tapped Crooked Stave owner and brewmaster Chad Yakobson, for their first flavor launch, while for Woods, atōst used bourbon barrels from Laws Whiskey House.
“Kyle and Cindy are building something unique through differentiation and creativity in a space rarely explored,” says Yakobson about his motivation to collaborate on atōst. “While aperitifs are mainly recognized in the U.S. through various circles for their use in cocktails, they truly are amazing on their own.”
As for the base, Cindy and Kyle resorted to their hometown roots of California, with the use of chardonnay grapes from Sonoma, saying, “We like to blend the luxury of a fine wine with the quality of a craft spirit.”
They add, “Supporting local is at the center of our mission. Local to us is both our immediate community in Golden and Colorado, but also places we grew up in, traveled to, or that simply showcase America.”
Woods launches today, then what’s next for the duo? Though their original plans of a tasting counter and lounge were paused due to Covid-19, the Pressmans are focusing on their DTC model and expanding throughout the nation with consistent flavor releases—next up is a limited release of Bloom in the first quarter of 2021.
Find out where to purchase atōst and stay up to date on the latest by visiting www.atost.com.
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c2ed66c8f14993efe9a5d034a6432c62 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jilliandara/2021/02/19/founder-of-21-seeds-tequila-says-margaritas-dont-have-to-be-complicated/ | Founder Of 21 Seeds Tequila Says Margaritas Don’t Have To Be Complicated | Founder Of 21 Seeds Tequila Says Margaritas Don’t Have To Be Complicated
As the end of February accels us to spring, National Margarita Day (February 22) grants another reason to celebrate the dwindling days of the month. Stereotypically, this is also a time when new year’s resolutions are soon-to-be, if not, already, forgotten. This year, however, the two don’t have to coincide, as founder of 21 Seeds Tequila Kat Hantas reminds us that we don’t need to sacrifice taste and quality in a “better-for-you margarita.”
“Cocktails got really complicated,” says Hantas. She references the pre-pandemic landscape and the reported decrease in alcohol consumption amongst millennials, which she blames on the lengthy ingredient lists for a single cocktail. “The only thing that’s out performing tequila in growth is RTDs; that tells us the younger drinker isn’t not drinking, they just don’t want to drink 400- to 500-calorie margaritas anymore.”
21 Seeds is a fresh-fruit infused tequila for low-calorie, easy-to-make cocktails available in three combinations: cucumber jalapeño, Valencia orange and grapefruit hibiscus. According to Diana Licalzi, M.S., R.D.N., a basic margarita—comprised of tequila, triple sec, lime juice and a sweetener such as agave or simple syrup—averages anywhere between 170 to 300 calories. The liqueur makes up a large part of that, as Licalzi shares one ounce of triple sec can contain anywhere from 80 to 120 calories. Add salt, sugar, or a pre-made mix and you’re looking at over 400 calories for a single-serve margarita.
21 Seeds Skinnyseed Margarita yields under 150 calories. 21 Seeds Tequila
Hantas puts forth her ‘Skinnyseed’ margarita recipe at under 150 calories with two ounces of 21 Seeds Valencia orange tequila, a half ounce of fresh lime juice and a half ounce, or less, of simple syrup. (For a spicy rendition, swap the Valencia orange for cucumber jalapeño). “I believe less is more. You don’t have to add much to make a perfect margarita,” says Hantas, emphasizing how the use of an infused tequila eliminates the need for a liqueur. “You want to have a couple of them—and you can—without thinking ‘Wow, that’s a lot of calories,’” says Hantas.
21 Seeds was born from the “better-for-you” mentality when Hantas swapped her nightly glass of wine for tequila blanco nearly a decade ago. Hantas experienced a shift in her body’s response to wine—she referenced night sweats, trouble sleeping, fatigue—so her doctor suggested switching to distilled spirits. Hantas says she reluctantly did so, and within three days, her symptoms were gone.
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“At that moment in my life I wasn’t a tequila drinker; it didn’t matter the brand of tequila I was buying, it was still harsh to sip on,” recalls Hantas. So she began infusing blanco tequila in her Brita filter to create something that was more of a “treat” at the end of the day. “I find flavored spirits too sweet for my palate but this was just a hint of flavor and smoothed the blanco out tremendously.”
After perfecting the recipe, infusing each batch for about a week at a time, she began bottling her creations as gifts—first her original recipe of cucumber jalapeño, then orange, then grapefruit. “I did this for eight years before thinking it was a business,” she shares. The original infusion of cucumber and jalapeño is now 21 Seeds’ best seller.
When Hantas decided to bring her kitchen creation to market, it was 2018, a time when flavored and infused vodkas were emerging. Hantas remembers walking down the tequila aisle where bottles were marketed like scotch and whiskey. “Nothing in the aisle was speaking to how I was drinking tequila as a light, fresh, almost spiked seltzer, and nothing was speaking to a wellness or female consumer.”
At this point, Hantas turned to the females in her life—her sister, Nicole Emanuel, and longtime friend, Sarika Singh—to change that. She also found a female-operated distillery in Mexico to produce the smoothest blanco as a base that would allow her to create the all-natural, infused tequila she envisioned.
Fast forward to 2021 and the brand is available nationally as of their distribution deal with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits at the end of 2020. “Our success shows that we’ve tapped into a thirst for full flavor spirits, without the guilt and bite of traditional tequilas,” says Hantas. “The better-for-you movement is in full effect.”
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0d607217d538f260031bdff820931246 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jilliandara/2021/03/03/destination-spirits-how-this-hotel-amenity-became-an-award-winning-mezcal/ | Destination Spirits: How This Hotel Amenity Became An Award-Winning Mezcal | Destination Spirits: How This Hotel Amenity Became An Award-Winning Mezcal
Acre Mezcal began as a way for its namesake resort of 12-treehouses in the foothills of San Jose del Cabo—Acre Baja—to further connect its guests to the Mexican locale. Within a year of serving the agave-based spirit on-site, Acre launched the mezcal as a separate brand and brought it stateside, where it’s already achieved double-gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
“It has performed better than our wildest dreams,” shares Stuart McPherson, co-owner of Acre Baja.
Acre Baja Food Photography LA76 Photography
Acre Baja is a secluded resort surrounded by 25 acres of farmland, including a mango orchard, naturally-growing palms and agave. It was this lush plot of land that motivated the property’s co-owners, Cameron Watt and Stuart McPherson, to effectuate a resort grounded in the veracious depiction of Baja lifestyle, all tied to the tierra.
“Everything we do at Acre is intentional and reflects our vision for the brand,” says McPherson. This intention was rapidly established throughout the resort’s farm-to-table restaurants, where 70 percent of menu ingredients are sourced from the property’s farm. When mezcal gained popularity in late 2017, the co-owners noticed a demand for the libation at their bar and began “bootlegging” a recipe.
“We thought, ‘Why not create our own brand?’” McPherson recounts, “We have a strong belief in the idea that if you can build or grow something yourself, you should.”
Acre Baja Resort sits on 25 acres of palm and farmland. Gina & Ryan Photography
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With sustainability, tradition, and pride-for-the-craft as top priorities, Acre searched, and found, producers and growers who aligned with their ethos; two families who have sustainably lived off the agave plant for four generations. McPherson says they are using the same artisanal methods passed down from generation to generation, guided by a love of agave and a respect for the process.
Together, they created four mezcals to appeal to a wide range of palates, all while emphasizing the effect of terroir from the younger agave-based Espadín, to the 25-to-30 year-old-agave used in Tepeztate. McPherson adds, “We built a mezcal tasting bar on property and have nightly complimentary tastings for guests to further educate them on the intricacies of our various mezcals.”
As the duo prepares to expand Acre Mezcal nationally—and internationally to Australia—McPherson shares more about its traction thus far, the partners behind the label and how both the resort and the mezcal “continue to grow, each helping to define and inform the other.”
Jillian Dara: What about the label is most unique to the hotel and property? And how do you reflect the hotel and property in the brand?
Stuart McPherson: Small-batch, sustainable, affordable entry point, created by families with a focus on quality above all else—this is literally what Acre is about. We wanted to create four varietals at different price points to allow all levels of mezcal drinkers into our world and the reception has been incredible. In practical terms, we have carried out the hotel’s eco-conscious nature by not only working with sustainable producers, but the physical label is made of recycled agave fiber with handwritten details about how the product is made. The string and Mayahuel illustration are symbolic of the history of mezcal and Mexico. We want the product to feel special and to reflect the natural beauty for which the hotel is known.
Dara: Who did you work with to create this mezcal label and how did you decide on these key partners?
McPherson: We wanted to partner with the best and most sustainable mezcal producers in Mexico, whose vision and practices aligned with ours. It involved traveling all throughout Oaxaca and Durango with lots of mezcal tasting. Acre Mezcal exclusively works with small-batch, multi-generational family Mezcaleros in Mexico who focus on sustainability and the heritage of the craft above all else. We currently work with two families who for generations have been sustainably perfecting their crafts throughout the most rural and beautiful places in Mexico, pouring their hearts and souls into their mezcals.
The Burciaga family has sustained for decades on the wild Cenizo plant, which grows in abundance throughout the Durango region, but it is really their stringent production methods that has led to their continued success and now, our award-winning Acre Cenizo Mezcal.
Honorato Cruz and his family hail from the 500-person indigenous Zapotec village of Santa Ana del Rio, Oaxaca where nearly every member of this humble town has worked with agave for decades, building an encyclopedic knowledge of mezcal production passed down through the generations.
After launching Acre Mezcal, the resort opened a mezcal bar with complimentary nightly tastings. LA76 Photography
Dara: Did you work with any local designers or brands for the label?
McPherson: The label was designed entirely in-house by the bar staff. In line with our “homegrown” nature, our collective team developed the brand. Our bartenders and in-house designer worked with us to create the Acre Mezcal identity and personality.
Dara: Why did you think it was so important to offer this type of amenity for your guests? And how has it proven itself?
McPherson: We are creators and we apply that belief where we can. Our guests like mezcal so we set out to create one that could appeal to all tastes with a quality and production that we not only stand behind, but control. Not only do our guests love it (and buy it after trying it) but the reception we have had outside of Acre has been humbling.
Dara: When you launched Acre Mezcal, did you ever expect it to evolve into a separate business?
McPherson: Given our entrepreneur approach to most things, we did think that if we could prove the concept at the resort we could go out into the world with Acre Mezcal. Not only have our sales exceeded expectations, but the critical acclaim is amazing—we earned a double gold for our Cenizo at last year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition and three silvers for the other varietals. Much of our success outside of our little property here in Cabo is due to our CEO Jordan Haddad who partnered with us to take the brand to the US, first in California and slowly expanding east.
Dara: Aside from the mezcal, how have the bar offerings at Acre Resort changed since you opened?
McPherson: Tastes and trends are always evolving so we try to shift with the demand. We aim to offer Mexican wines and spirits, but of course carry a full spectrum of products to cater to our international clientele.
We have an innovative bar staff who adapts our signature cocktails to the tastes and trends, to the evolving palates of our guests. Negronis were really popular last year, but then we wanted to put a twist on it and incorporate our flavor so we make mezcal Negronis. We can take basics like a paloma and use fresh ingredients from our farm to create an Acre twist, no pun intended. We try to use our farm-fresh ingredients in cocktails, just as we do on our plates.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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15198b499e3c253327420cff13a9d37c | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jilliandara/2021/04/08/this-new-collection-of-globally-sourced-craft-beer-was-created-by-a-master-sommelier-and-master-brewer/ | This New Collection Of Globally-Sourced Craft Beer Was Created By A Master Sommelier And Master Brewer | This New Collection Of Globally-Sourced Craft Beer Was Created By A Master Sommelier And Master Brewer
Emmanuel Kemiji is a Napa-based master sommelier and owner of Miura Vineyards. Nearly 2500 miles away in Opelika, Alabama, Kerry McGinnis is a master brewer at Red Clay Brewing Company. The two told Forbes they joined forces as the first-ever collaboration between a master brewer and master sommelier, to create a globally-sourced craft beer they hope will reimagine food pairings.
“We always think of drinking beer on its own and don’t think of matching it to food,” said Kemiji, who emphasized that’s simply not the case. Their collaboration is meant to encourage pairings, but also, to spotlight the international ingredients used in production to showcase both McGinnis and Kemiji as masters of flavor. “The interesting thing about making wine and beer is that both the importance of the quality of the ingredients and where they come from can not be understated,” said Kemiji. “Grapes like hops, malts, yeasts and even water each have a unique signature that gives the final product it's unique character.”
Miura Double Master Collaboration Jackson Perspectives, Kayla Jackson
The foundation for the collaboration was laid when co-owner of Red Clay Brewing Co., John Corbin, spent a week with Kemiji in Napa as part of an exchange program through Auburn University. Corbin was a student at the time and asked to return to experience harvest; Kemiji willingly agreed to an extra set of hands. Corbin worked multiple harvests before their friendship developed into a business collaboration, when Corbin announced he was going to start a brewery with a friend back home in Alabama.
“John [Corbin] said if you ever think of something we could do together, we’d love to,” said Kemiji, who sat with the opportunity and watched as Red Clay evolved before he approached Corbin with a line of distinct flavors under the Miura name. “I’ve always been a fan of beer; it takes a lot of beer to make good wine because at harvest that’s all we’re drinking at wineries,” Kemiji joked. “Seeing the craft beer movement come into its own, I started toying with the idea of doing a beer project.”
Kemiji admitted that although he enjoys beer (and spent summers in Europe sipping craft brews) he’s not a brewer, so some of his ideas were unconventional, from exotic flavors to decreasing ABV to allow for a crisper beer. “My first impression was nervous excitement,” McGinnis told Forbes on Kemiji’s presentation. “I source grains from all over but I’ve never had to order Meyer lemons or Sriracha paste and black rice from Asia, tequila barrels from Mexico, rum barrels from Puerto Rico or chocolate from the Dominican Republic.”
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The Red Clay team and Kemiji made it work, however, and in August 2020, they released a pale ale, black pilsner and Caribbean stout as the first three signature flavors under the Miura Double Master Collaboration. They’ve since launched the collection coast-to-coast and are debuting in Puerto Rico this month. The duo acknowledged the achievement as a result of fusing their individual backgrounds. “I like to say that beer people ask, ‘What can we put into a beer?’ and the sommelier asks, ‘What should we put in the beer, and why?’” said McGinnis.
Kemiji envisioned a global reach with the collection, thus the internationally-sourced ingredients not only influenced the final flavor profile but also inspired the craft names. The West Indies pale ale honors the tropics with chocolate imported from the Dominican Republic and is aged in tequila barrels. The Forbidden Blade black pilsner uses traditional Chinese flavors of Meyer lemons and black rice (also called “forbidden rice”). The Dark Cape Caribbean stout is flavored with Café Baldacci single estate coffee from Puerto Rico, and aged in rum barrels.
Unlike traditional craft beers that range from 8 to 10 percent ABV, Kemiji and McGinnis ensured the Miura brews were on the lighter side (between 4 to 6.5 percent ABV) to ensure a “brightness” and “freshness” similar to acid found in wine. Kemiji explained, “acid in wine is a prevalent factor that makes it pair with food; I wanted to achieve that in the beers.”
Like Kemiji, McGinnis says he’s long-enjoyed pairing craft beer with food and even encourages Red Clay’s accounts to list beer next to food items on the menus, instead of only suggesting wines. He said, “It took someone who knew a little more about pairing to do this.”
So what do the beers pair with? Kemiji suggests pairing the pale ale with a pork chop served on rice and beans as “the richness will stand up to the food but not overpower it.” As for the pilsner, Kemiji says “things that necessitate something light with high acid,” pointing to anything fried, like calamari or fried fish. Lastly, for the Caribbean stout, Kemiji recommends “something sweet but not overly sweet,” like a brisket or bread pudding.
As the masters continue to expand distribution throughout the U.S., Red Clay said they are purchasing five additional tanks to be able to meet demand, and there’s already a new flavor in the works for release in November 2021.
Kemiji shared, “We are working on a Lambic with a significant wine influence that will be released after spending over a year in wine barrels.”
Find out more about Red Clay Brewing Co. and Miura Vineyards.
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c80f65b77e79582b619f18b928358b12 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jilliandonfro/2019/06/19/google-workers-join-shareholders-for-proposals-at-annual-shareholders-meeting/ | After A Tumultuous Year, Google Workers And Investors Plan To Press For Change At Shareholders Meeting | After A Tumultuous Year, Google Workers And Investors Plan To Press For Change At Shareholders Meeting
Google employees staged a walkout on November 1, 2018, in New York, over sexual harassment. AFP/Getty Images
Last June, Google engineer Irene Knapp made waves by presenting a stockholder proposal during the company’s shareholder meeting and delivering a scathing rebuke of its diversity efforts. When Alphabet’s 2019 meeting takes place on Wednesday, Knapp plans to speak out yet again, but this time around, two other employees will present proposals too.
That swell in participation, as well as planned demonstrations outside the event, illustrate how tech workers are increasingly taking a leading role in protesting company policies and business practices. The range of shareholder proposals—a record 13 for Alphabet—also demonstrates increased shareholder scrutiny in areas that employees have been vocal about, like sexual harassment, workplace diversity issues and human rights.
Knapp will once again be speaking on behalf of Zevin Asset Management, an investment firm calling for Alphabet’s executive compensation to be tied to gender, racial and ethnic diversity metrics in employee recruiting and retention.
“Last year I presented with the hope of inspiring others to also speak out about topics of concern to them,” Knapp tells Forbes. “Today, there’s a very broad movement, both inside Google and throughout the tech industry, to organize.”
Since last June, Google workers have successfully pushed for changes to the company’s arbitration policy and contract worker agreements, and halted efforts for censored search in China and a flawed artificial intelligence ethics council. Employees from the likes of Microsoft and Salesforce have spoken against their companies working with the immigration enforecement agency ICE, and Amazon’s own annual meeting in May included a worker-led call for the company to reduce its environmental impact.
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Alphabet employees are publicly aligning themselves with four other proposals aside from Zevin’s: One to ban forced nondisclosure agreements in all harassment and discrimination cases, one to rescind executive compensation in the event of misconduct, one to put a nonexecutive employee on the board, and one to publish a human rights impact assessment about Google’s plans in China.
The company formally recommends voting against all 13 of the shareholder proposals, making them extremely unlikely to pass thanks to the company’s multi-class share structure that gives Google’s cofounders 51% voting power.
NorthStar Asset Management has filed a proposal for the last four years that recommends switching to a system with equal voting rights for shareholders. Although the resolution will likely fail again this year, a firm representative says that it has seen non-insider voter support rise to nearly 90%.
Another governance-related proposal came from CtW Investment Group, which submitted the resolution about having a nonexecutive employee on the board of directors.
In the United States, corporate boards don’t typically include rank-and-file workers, but in parts of Europe, worker representation on boards is either encouraged or even legally required.
CtW executive director Dieter Waizenegger tells Forbes that he doesn’t think that Alphabet’s board has been proactive enough in responding to employee concerns like those raised by last November’s massive walkout.
“Adding a nonexecutive employee representative will help restore employee confidence in senior leadership and help resolve the cultural crisis by adding much needed depth to the its perspective,” he said. “We think it would help shake up a board that is not very diverse and very much controlled by insiders.”
Similarly, Knapp says that increasing diversity throughout the company—and the tech industry at large, which is still predominantly controlled by white males—could have ripple effects.
As academics and lawmakers grapple with the widespread societal effects that the big tech platforms have had, from fostering extremism to normalizing digital surveillance, there’s a sense that the industry needs to get better at predicting potential side-effects of their actions.
“Even with the best of intentions, the decision making by a homogeneous set of people cannot adequately represent the needs of the public,” Knapp says.
The meeting will start at 9 a.m. PST on Wednesday and will be livestreamed here.
Google did not respond to a request for comment about its employees aligning with outside investor proposals.
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e46f525350d1c1dfc5b171bbf61fb021 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jilliandonfro/2019/07/18/map-of-facial-recognition-use-resistance-fight-for-the-future/ | This Map Shows Which Cities Are Using Facial Recognition Technology—And Which Have Banned It | This Map Shows Which Cities Are Using Facial Recognition Technology—And Which Have Banned It
Nonprofit advocacy group Fight for the Future is pushing for an outright ban of government use of ... [+] facial recognition technologies. Getty
As government use of facial recognition technology becomes more widespread, the digital rights nonprofit Fight for the Future has created an interactive map that shows where in the United States it’s being used and where it’s being resisted.
The map draws on news reports and research to show the ways that state and local governments have rolled out facial-recognition-related initiatives, like where agencies are scanning driver’s license databases or screening passengers on international flights, as well as which cities have banned local government from buying or using the technology or are considering legislation to that effect.
The map also shows all the places where police have formed partnerships with Amazon’s home security subsidiary, Ring. Police departments across the country have given residents free or discounted doorbell camera systems and encouraged people to share their security footage, creating what privacy advocates describe as an unprecedented surveillance network.
A spokesperson said that the Ring system does not use facial recognition technology.
The map uses icons to represent different instances of facial recognition technology usage or ... [+] resistance. Courtesy of Fight for the Future
Fight for the Future launched the map as part of its push for a nationwide ban on facial recognition technology, which it says threatens civil liberties and would have a chilling effect on free expression.
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“The goal of the map is to educate people about where facial recognition technology is being used across the country and the different ways that it’s happening and then give them the tools to do something about it,” Fight for the Future deputy director Evan Greer tells Forbes. People who sign up on the group’s website will receive advocacy tool-kits to help them organize around the issue.
Proponents of facial recognition—which typically identifies people from video or photos by comparing their facial features with those in a database—says it can help solve crimes (or stop them before they happen), while critics point to studies that show the technology to be error-prone, particularly for people of color, and say the negative consequences of ubiquitous surveillance outweigh possible benefits.
Lawmakers recently held a series of hearings on facial recognition technology, with senators on both sides of the aisle expressing concerns about potential consequences of government usage, though without any real agreement on what national regulation could look like.
So far, local governments have led the way. Earlier this week, Oakland, California became the third city to ban its government agencies from buying or using facial recognition technology for any purpose, following San Francisco and Sommerville, Massachusetts. Several states are also considering bills that would place moratoriums on the technology.
Greer says the map—which you can view here—likely isn’t comprehensive due to the secrecy around facial recognition but that Fight for the Future team plans to update it regularly as new information surfaces.
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24461f8a7e2ce80e2ec6633a50a9abd0 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillianscudder/2016/01/06/astroquizzical-space-debris/ | How Do We Clean Up All That Space Debris? | How Do We Clean Up All That Space Debris?
What's the best way to clean up all the junk we've left in space?
All human-made space objects result from the near-5000 launches since the start of the space age.... [+] About 65% of the catalogued objects, however, originate from break-ups in orbit – more than 240 explosions – as well as fewer than 10 known collisions. Scientists estimate the total number of space debris objects in orbit to be around 29 000 for sizes larger than 10 cm, 670 000 larger than 1 cm, and more than 170 million larger than 1 mm. Any of these objects can cause harm to an operational satellite. For example, a collision with a 10 cm object would entail a catastrophic fragmentation of a typical satellite, a 1 cm object will most likely disable a spacecraft and penetrate the International Space Station shields, and a 1 mm object could destroy subsystems. Scientists generally agree that, for typical satellites, a collision with an energy-to-mass ratio exceeding 40 J/g would be catastrophic. Image credit: ESA
This is a big problem that many people are still trying to figure out, because there is a lot of junk out in space, and it is incredibly dangerous.
As of September 2012, we are currently monitoring 21,000 individual pieces of stuff orbiting the planet which are larger than about 2 inches. Anything this size which is going fast enough to stay in orbit poses a significant threat to satellites, spacecraft, and space stations. The ISS will regularly maneuver out of the way of space junk if we see it coming soon enough. If there isn’t enough time to move the whole ISS, then the crew members of the ISS have to take shelter in one of the Soyuz capsules which are attached to the ISS in case an emergency evacuation is needed.
ESA space debris studies: hypervelocity impact sample. The metal sheet is 18 cm in thickness, and... [+] the ball bearing 1.2 cm across, hitting at 6.8 km/s. Image Credit: ESA
The two inch limit on tracking isn’t an indication that there aren’t any pieces smaller than that, or that we don’t have to worry about the little ones; we simply can’t spot them from the ground. We fully expect there to be around 100 million more objects out there in the < 0.5 inch category. Even paint chips at orbital speeds can cause significant damage to a spacecraft. A few of the space shuttle missions had paint flakes impact the windshield of the craft, which is an unsettling sight to say the least.
Window pit from orbital debris on STS-007. Image credit NASA.
I can tell you the worst way to clean up a dead satellite, which unfortunately happened in 2007; the Chinese military decided to test their anti-satellite technology on one of their dead weather satellites. This test successfully exploded the dead satellite, and created over two thousand new pieces of space debris, which, at the time, increased our space junk tally by 25%. (We had another spike in the space debris population after a dead, but intact, Russian spacecraft managed to collide with a not-dead privately owned satellite - that produced another 2000+ large pieces of debris.)
Known orbit planes of Fengyun-1C debris one month after its disintegration by a Chinese interceptor.... [+] The white orbit represents the International Space Station. Image Credit: NASA
There have been a few suggestions on how to get the stuff that’s already up there down; some options are more passive than others; the space station Mir ran an experiment in 1996 where they attached pieces of gel onto the outside of the space station to see what kinds of microscopic space junk they could catch. (As an entertaining side note, this was part of the Mir Environmental Effects Package, or MEEP. This is definitely funnier now than it was in 1996.) They found a lot of liquid droplets, soap, and tiny paint fragments, along with pieces of broken spacecraft, and tiny electronic fragments. This was instructive, but not particularly effective for cleaning out the reservoir of stuff surrounding our planet.
The best method to date to keep the skies clear is to make sure that when you put a spacecraft up in space, it comes with a way to come down again. Usually this means that the craft should have a way to intentionally slow itself down enough to re-enter the atmosphere, which will allow most of the small pieces to burn away in the atmosphere due to the heat of re-entry. Large pieces may make it down to the surface, which is why the ‘intentional’ part of slowing down is important. Generally we like to dump the large pieces in the Pacific Ocean, since there aren’t any dense population centers in the middle of the ocean. If a spacecraft falls back to earth after it is 100% dead and unable to be controlled, then there’s no way to modify where it winds up falling, and it might come down on your favorite city. The standard way to slow yourself down is with a rocket, but there have been proposals to do this with a solar sail type contraption; at the end of the craft’s life, it could unroll the sail, which would then help to slow down the craft so it could fall back to Earth more quickly.
Scientists flying aboard NASA's DC-8 airborne laboratory captured this image of the Japan Aerospace... [+] Exploration Agency's Hayabusa spacecraft June 13, 2010 as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere and began breaking up over the Woomera Test Range in southern Australia. The small object below and ahead of the main portion of the spacecraft was the sample return capsule, which was recovered intact after parachuting to a safe landing. JAXA scientists hope to recover samples of the asteroid Itokawa that Hayabusa visited in 2005 from the return container to help them understand the asteroid's composition. Image Credit: NASA
But those are only options for spacecraft which haven’t yet been launched, or have thought ahead more than most, and it doesn’t help get rid of the dead satellites we can’t communicate with, or any of the broken pieces of satellite shrapnel. For those, the only option is to send up some kind of clean-up satellite which can help slow down all the miscellaneous pieces. Again, there have been many proposals; the most plausible involve grabbing onto dead spacecraft somehow (perhaps with a net), and then de-orbiting as a pair (like e.Deorbit).
Unfortunately, we can’t just go up and push every dead satellite down to Earth; not only is this impractical in the extreme, all of the privately owned satellites are still privately owned regardless of whether or not they still work, and burning them up in the atmosphere would be burning someone else’s property, even if it doesn’t work anymore. For now, until some of these cleaner satellites can get up there and start pulling down some of the pieces, our main goal with space debris is simply to not produce any more than we already have.
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3de0fe8467aeee4af87ab79bec7de875 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillianscudder/2016/06/24/is-cause-effect-limited-by-the-speed-of-light/ | Is Cause & Effect Limited By The Speed Of Light? | Is Cause & Effect Limited By The Speed Of Light?
Imagine lots of dominoes all lined up and ready to go over the length of a light-year. Am I right to assume that the speed of light is also the speed of causality (how fast things lead to one another in the universe) and that no matter what I do, the last domino will fall at best one year after the first?
A narrow wedge showing the evolution of the clustering across cosmic time. Image credit: Gus Evrard... [+] and Andrzej Kudlicki, Galaxy clusters in Hubble Volume Simulations, Evrard et al., 2002, ApJ, 573, 7
The speed of light is usually thought of as a speed limit for how fast an object can travel, but you’re right to also think of it as a speed limit on the transfer of information. If you want an object to influence another object, you first have to transfer some information around. In the case of light, this influence can come in the form of light arriving on a detector, or perhaps a burst of radio waves, and this light unsurprisingly traverses the cosmos at precisely the speed of light.
The definition of causality from a physics perspective goes beyond a simple cause & effect link. It’s more than just tying an event to the thing that caused it, though this is a critical component. If I knock a glass over onto the floor, we can reasonably blame me for being the cause of that glass tipping over - that’s the cause and effect part.
However, say I was in the other room, and I just heard the glass fall, and don’t know what caused it. The physical principle of causality imposes limits on the number of things which could have caused the glass to fall. The first rule of causality is that the order of time must be kept. Nothing you can do now will influence events that have already happened, earlier in time. The second rule is that to influence anything in the universe later in time, the first event or object must transfer information across space and time. Bu we already know that we have a maximal speed of information transfer - a maximum speed that can link two things causally; the speed of light.
The speed of light seems quick, and on human frames of reference, it is. But a lot of information travels much slower than the speed of light. Sound, for instance, travels significantly slower than the speed of light. You’ll catch the flash of light from a lightning flash, but it’s the rolling thunder that will rattle the windows. The causal link between lightning strike and rattled windows travels slower than the speed of light, and so you have to wait for the sound wave to arrive for it to influence your windows.
Example of a light cone. Image credit: Wikimedia user Stib, CC 3.0 A-SA.
You can draw out the regions of space which can possibly affect anything around you, and the regions of space which you can affect in the future, and it looks a bit like an hourglass. This hourglass is called a light cone, with the point at the very centre as the present. In your domino example, you start the dominos tumbling at “now”, at this central point. Your cone of influence extends out through time, as information about your push of the first domino extends outwards in space and time. Someone watching you pushing over the domino sits along the edge of the light cone, as the information they need to see (light) travels at the speed of light. Of course, as time progresses, the “now” point progresses, and the light cones travel with it. In your example, the domino hits the next domino at some point in the future, which in turn hits the domino after that, all of which must be contained within this cone-space.
So yes - your dominos are bound to fall one after another within this light cone, which limits us to communicating at the fastest, at the speed of light. So assuming that the dominos fell exactly instantaneously (unlikely to impossible), and no time was taken in transferring the energy from domino to domino (also unlikely to impossible), the fastest the furthest one could fall, while having the first domino be the cause, is one year after the first. By the same token, if you see the last dominos fall before a year has gone by, it guarantees that something other than the domino stack is responsible for its fall.
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230a4f7d6f69ee9bc5f112ad524dc52a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillianscudder/2016/10/22/astroquizzical-find-planet-nine/ | Who's Going To Find Planet Nine? | Who's Going To Find Planet Nine?
Could or will a serious amateur find "Planet 9" if it really exists? I get the impression from NASA that they are leaving the search for others and not going to devote any Hubble time to the search but will jump in as soon as likely object is found.
This artist's conception shows the closest known planetary system to our own, called Epsilon... [+] Eridani. Observations from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope show that the system hosts two asteroid belts, in addition to previously identified candidate planets and an outer comet ring. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Planet Nine has been making the rounds again, largely because the Division of Planetary Science had their annual meeting last week, and if you’ve had some new thoughts on planets in the past year, this is the time to announce them. So in the past week, articles have popped up informing us that Planet Nine might be responsible for why the Sun's rotation appears slightly tilted relative to the orbits of the rest of our planets, that we’ve found a few more distant objects which have odd orbits best explained by another large planet, and the very long orbit of a new distant world was also claimed for Planet 9 (though the scientists who discovered it prefer a non-Planet 9 explanation).
All of these victories of Planet Nine are based on simulations of what our solar system would look like, if Planet Nine were there, given our current best guesses for what Planet Nine should look like. At the moment, Planet Nine has to be at least several times the size of Earth, and several more times the mass of Earth. Planet Nine happens to be at the farthest point in its orbit from the Sun, as it slowly putters around the Sun in a very elliptical orbit, once every ten to twenty thousand years, at 700 times the distance of the Earth to the Sun.
Artist's Conception of a Kuiper Belt Object. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle (SSC)
This distance from the Sun means that the hypothetical Planet Nine is much fainter than it would be if it were at its closest approach to the Sun. That faintness, in turn, means that your best chance for spotting it lies with the biggest telescopes we can turn towards the sky. However, these massive telescopes are in high demand, with scientists all over the world competing for the use of them for a few nights. To get to use them, your proposed science must beat out the proposed science of many other scientists, who also have good ideas for what to do with the telescope. If you go to the telescope and say 'I need to use a lot of the telescope time to survey a huge area of the sky, to find a single object that I hope is there', you are not going to get that telescope time. That’s much too risky a way of spending telescope time – what have you learned if it isn’t there?
A quick note on NASA’s role in all this - while NASA is involved in the USA’s space based telescopes, they’re mostly involved in the construction, launch, and management of the data that is taken with them - major tasks. The science that is done with those telescopes is done by teams of people - scientists - who have made a case for why they should be entrusted with the instruments for a few hours, to point at their favorite patches of sky. These are not necessarily NASA employees, and many of them aren't. For Planet Nine purposes, NASA’s space telescopes are not the ideal facilities to do a major planetary hunt. That honor goes instead to the Subaru telescope on Mauna Kea, which is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
The Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawai'i. Image credit wikimedia user Denys, CC BY 3.0.
There are a number of groups of scientists already hunting for Planet Nine. Critically, the hunts are not all being done in exactly the same way. Some scientists are trying to narrow down the area of sky which needs to be surveyed. Some are looking for other, smaller objects in the outer solar system, which might help to rule out some possible orbits of Planet Nine. (These authors prefer an orbit of 17,000 years specifically.) Some are running more simulations to see if the data we already have is enough to put constraints on whether or not the planet could be there (not so far, is the answer). Some have dug out all the old Pluto observations that we have, to see if Pluto's orbit has been jostled by Planet 9. And some are hunting for Planet Nine itself, while also looking for other moving objects in the solar system - that way, even if they don’t find it, they’ve found a new piece of the outer solar system to fit into the jigsaw puzzle.
This hunt has already turned up some new objects. These particular new discoveries are among the most distant from the sun on their closest visits to the inner solar system. They may not travel the furthest away from our Sun, but they’re also never coming in. The more information scientists can get about what’s happening at the edge of the solar system, the more we will understand how much an extra giant planet, wandering frigidly and slowly, would change those happenings.
If Planet Nine is found, credit will go not just to the group of scientists which finally got photons from the distant world into their telescope’s camera, but to all those who led the way to get there - other scientists who have laid the foundations of understanding of how our solar system works very much included. To be able to notice oddities in the very outskirts of our solar system is an achievement already. We will either find Planet Nine, or a reason that it cannot exist.
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ff8b2f31e0c0d3ab2163c363a066ac8d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillianscudder/2016/11/05/astroquizzical-heat-temperature/?sh=2de611197d7b | If Heat Is Energy, How Does My Window Let The Cold In? | If Heat Is Energy, How Does My Window Let The Cold In?
Dr. Scudder, it has always bothered me how one explains this, knowing that heat is energy and cold is the lack of energy. When one is in a room that is heated by a source (say that it is to one’s back and the room has heated to a stable point) and as one approaches a window through which no air can pass, the closer that one gets to that window, the colder that one’s front side gets. It would seem that the cold is radiating. But we know that that can't be, because there is no such thing as cold. We only have the absence of heat.
Hot lava had broken through the surface of the growing lava dome on Mount St. Helens when the MASTER... [+] sensor took this image in the early morning hours of October 13, 2004. An image composed of thermal infrared and visible light wavelengths reveals more details around the mountain. The volcanic plume is bright cyan, the cool crater is purple, and snow is light blue. To the north of the volcano, two bright red lines extend from south to north. These are warm-water streams, possibly heated by the active volcano. Image credit: Jeffrey Myers, NASA Ames Research Center
You’re very, very close to getting your head around this concept! Heat is a rather deceptive concept, because it’s something that we’re so very familiar with. And yet, the technical definition of heat and cold are significantly different from how we often describe them in daily life.
As the temperature of our planet drops (in the Northern Hemisphere) into winter, we begin to switch the heat on and notice the cold a bit more. But physically, what are we doing when we heat our homes? Fundamentally, we are using the energy off of our electric grid and donating it to the air within our homes. As you heat a gas, the individual particles within that gas begin to travel faster, and can bash into surfaces at a higher speed - heating those surfaces up, as the air particles donate their energy to the surface. Heating any object is done by the injection of energy from another source which has the energy to spare.
This image from Copernicus Sentinel-3A shows the temperature at the top of Hurricane Matthew at... [+] 03:13 GMT (05:13 CEST) today, as it approached Florida in the USA. The temperature of the clouds at the top of the storm, about 12 km from the ocean surface, range from about –80°C just outside the eye of the storm to about 25°C at sea level in the Gulf of Mexico, where it is relatively calm. This monster 400 km-wide hurricane was about 200 km northwest of Miami Beach when the image was taken. Sentinel-3’s sea and land surface temperature radiometer measures energy radiating from Earth’s surface in nine spectral bands. This is a thermal infrared image at a resolution of 1 km. Image credit; contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2016), processed by ESA
This transfer of energy is invisible to us humans except through our sense of touch. If I touch something warmer than I am, some of the energy within that object is transferred into my skin, and my nervous system translates that energy donation as the sensation of warmth. Something that's only slightly warmer than me donates only a little energy, as we equalize to the same temperature. Something with a lot more energy than me - boiling water, for instance - donates so much energy so quickly that my body will be damaged by it. (See also: sunburns.) But we often refer to “the heat” outside, by which we really mean the temperature. The outside air isn’t heating me up until I go out into it, and then energy transfer into my skin will begin. It’s critical to remember this distinction between heating as an energy donation and temperature, especially once we start considering how this applies to the cold.
Let’s say I touch an ice cube. My nervous system registers this as a cold sensation. But what does that mean, energetically? My body operates at a normal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the ice cube, by definition, must be at a temperature of less than freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). Of the two of us, I have way more energy stored within me than the ice cube does, so as I touch it, I donate some of my warmth - some of my energy - to the ice cube. I heat the ice cube. And so, in heating the ice cube, it will melt where I have touched it.
Has my finger changed temperature? Yes - if I feel that finger, it will feel cold to me. But my circulatory system will soon fix this, as the rest of my body is still operating at 98.6F, and it will donate energy via my blood, heating my finger back up.
Six images that went into a final composite image for the launch of STS-135. The Space Shuttle's... [+] engine jets are primarily visible in the image taken by a thermal infrared camera. A side-by-side comparison showing a one-camera view of the launch (left) with the six-camera composited view (right). Image credit: NASA / Louise Walker / J.T. Heineck
Let's turn to the room with a radiator at one end, and a window at the other end. If I sit myself down next to the radiator, I can heat my body. I feel the warmth - the high temperature of the radiator - as it donates energy to my skin, through the heated air. But now what happens if I go stand next to the window? A lot of homes still have single-paned glass in their windows, and while they don’t let any wind through, standing next to them, there is a definite chill. You’re absolutely right that the cold isn’t radiating in, but the energy of the warm air in your house can certainly go into the window pane. That window pane then heats up. But the glass also faces the outside air, which has much less energy than the window pane. And so, the window pane will donate its energy to the outdoors. There is a lot more air outside than there is inside.
This means that the window, because it’s not well insulated against energy transfer, is slowly bleeding your house’s air of the energy which keeps it warm. If you go stand near that window, you’ll notice that the air near the window has lost that energy, because suddenly you are donating your own body heat into the air. If you live in a very cold place, you may have seen window insulation kits advertised for winter; adding a second layer to your window slows this energy transfer from your home to the out-of-doors dramatically, like wearing a wetsuit when you go swimming in cold water.
You’re absolutely right to say that the cold is just the lack of energy, and that warmth is the presence of energy. Heating an object fundamentally means you’re transferring energy into that object. If you touch something, and your senses tell you that it’s cold, you’re simply the donor of energy in that interaction. If you have drafty windows this winter, save yourself a chill and some money by insulating your windows - it’ll keep you from heating the great outdoors.
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93daea25867967ba86e03211506a8f89 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillianscudder/2017/08/24/astroquizzical-moon-telescope/ | Could We Put A Telescope On The Far Side Of The Moon? | Could We Put A Telescope On The Far Side Of The Moon?
Has anyone thought of building an observatory on the other side of the moon?
LROC WAC color (689 nm, 415 nm, 321 nm) overlain on WAC sunset BW image. Note the proximity of the... [+] landing site to a contact between red and blue maria. NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University
Many times! There is currently a small UV-sensitive telescope on the Moon, which landed there in 2013 as part of the Chinese lander Chang’e 3, and it has taken some interesting images from the Moon to relay back to us, but it’s been placed on the near side of the moon, along with the rover, for easier communication with Earth.
In general, the Moon has been considered an interesting place to put telescopes, because it’s a stable patch of ground, with no atmosphere around to interfere with the telescope. There are a lot of wavelengths of light that can currently only be observed from orbiting space telescopes - ultraviolet is mostly blocked by our atmosphere, as is gamma radiation, and infrared. So, if you can place a UV telescope on the surface of the Moon (as the Chinese lander did), you have a setup that doesn’t need gyroscopes to stabilize the telescope, and it can observe freely without the interference from the Earth's atmosphere.
The Moon isn’t an ideal place to put all telescopes though - your telescopes have to be pretty durable to survive the temperature extremes on the Moon between daylight and shadow. With temperatures swinging from -298F to 224F, this is not a particularly kind place for electronics. A temperature swing of more than four hundred degrees, once every two weeks, is not for the fainthearted.
An Apollo 11 oblique view of the lunar farside in the area of International Astronomical Union... [+] crater No. 312, which is about 30 statute miles in diameter. NASA
Optical telescopes on the Moon are similarly tricky - for two weeks out of every month, the telescope would be in daylight, no matter where you put it. The telescope would have to survive two weeks of extremely hot temperatures, cool back down, and then it could observe for a maximum of two weeks. Infrared cameras are an even worse fit; the thermal cameras attached to an infrared telescope are extremely sensitive to heat (by design) and without being able to fully shield the camera from the Sun, as we do for space telescopes, the detectors are likely to be unhappy after a few lunar temperature cycles.
There’s an additional complication when it comes to the far side of the Moon in particular - it’s very hard to communicate with anything on the far side of the Moon. Radio waves can’t reach it, and so orbiting crafts have habitually just had a communications blackout while they’re behind the Moon (from an Earthbound perspective). There’s only one type of observatory for which this is an explicit benefit - the radio.
On Earth, almost everything interferes with the clear observation of an astrophysical source in radio wavelengths. Everything from radar, to cell phones, to microwaves, to GPS satellite communications with the ground, to digital cameras, will interfere with the incoming signal from space. In general, the only solution is to put the radio telescopes very far away from as many of these things as we can, and hope for the best. But the far side of the Moon is shielded from all of this by the entire bulk of the Moon, and would truly be an interference-free area to put a radio telescope.
It isn’t problem free, or we might already have a lunar radio telescope. The temperature stresses are still significant for a radio telescope. One option would be to construct a dish, like Arecibo, inside a lunar crater, but that would be a technical challenge without a more significant human presence on the Moon. However, some radio telescopes can function extremely well with simpler electronics. The LOFAR telescope, for instance, is scattered across Europe, and is mostly made up of a large number of very simple antennas, instead of the complex machine that is the coordination of the dish-style antennas that comprise the Very Large Array in New Mexico. In principle, we could scatter a similar set of simple antennas all over the lunar far side, and create a very large radio telescope.
Photo showing a low-band antenna (LBA) of the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR), an interferometric radio... [+] telescope build in Europe. In the right back of the antenna, a LOFAR cabin is visible that contains electronics. The full array consists of thousands of such antennas. A. R. Offringa, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
On the other hand, we still want to get the data back. And transmitting from the far side of the Moon directly, as orbiters can attest, is impossible. So how could we submit the data back home to Earth? Your two options are a heavy-duty cable which extends far enough around the Moon that the Earth would be visible, and if you can feel engineers around the world cringing, don’t worry - that’s not the preferred solution. The better solution is to put a communication satellite in orbit around the Moon, whose primary role would be to communicate between the telescope on the lunar ground, and to Earth, when Earth is again visible from orbit. While these communications may be a source of interference to the telescope, it wouln’t be an issue as long as the telescope stopped trying to see distant objects while its communication tether to the Earth was overhead.
The main challenge now, other than developing a way to deploy a large number of antennas on the Moon, is simply cost. While we have no rocket which could transport humans to the Moon at the moment, we have certainly sent orbiters to the Moon in recent years. It’s expensive, though, and with a NASA budget that’s increasingly constrained, pulling together the funds for a telescope on the far side of the Moon will be the major constraint.
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e2d9767ce0d26e47cb70cce8b6c2daae | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jillrichmond/2016/12/08/blockchain-and-the-new-rainmakers/ | Blockchain And Its New Rainmakers | Blockchain And Its New Rainmakers
Shutterstock
Looking out at one of the technologies to have the greatest impact in the next decade or several isn’t what you think it is. It’s not big data, social media, robotics or artificial intelligence. In fact, it’s something that is still making its way into everyday lexicon at an extremely slow pace. It’s the technology that digital currencies like bitcoin are built on. It’s blockchain.
So what the hell is it? How does it work? What is its real untapped potential? Who are some of the women operators shaking up the status quo in its application? Grab a stiff drink and a seat and let’s take a big dive into something that may not be on your immediate radar at the moment, but may truly become the future of every digital transaction you make.
For several decades we have thought of the internet as a straight exchange of information. Assets as defined by IP, music, our identities, money and publishing—these are all controlled by large intermediaries that handle all of the major processes involved in any one of many transactions. Think: banks transferring money between countries, social media companies holding on to giant repositories of data, film and music streaming services. There are many transactions involved, both individually and institutionally, that include everything from authenticating, clearing, processing and bookkeeping. But as we know, these intermediaries are not only far from perfect, they are centralized; they are slow and they take a reasonably large cut from of any of the business in these value exchanges.
What if that entire system were turned on it’s head? What if there was an internet of value that was both vast, distributed and safer? This is what blockchain and Ethereum (the technology behind smart contracts) are poised to create.
The Holy Grail Of Ethereum and Blockchain
The blockchain is both database and network. One of the best definitions describes blockchain as "a data structure that makes it possible to create a digital ledger of transactions and share it among a distributed network of computers. It uses cryptography to allow each participant on the network to manipulate the ledger in a secure way without the need for a central authority." Since anybody can securely check any proposed transaction against this shared ledger, this approach removes the need for a central authority and thus for participants to have confidence in the integrity of any single entity. For example, A distributed ledger allows people to exchange electronic money securely without necessarily having the transactions settled centrally through a bank. (As The Chain Blog puts it, "When you commit to the idea that the record of trades is the money, there is no separate clearing or settlement step needed. The trade is its own settlement.”)
Ethereum, was described in a 2015 Fast Company article as "a global computer that could ... emulate many of the functions of companies like Uber, Airbnb, Dropbox, Amazon and Kickstarter—but without inefficient bureaucracies and the other intermediaries who take a slice of the pie." In this sense, Ethereum is a democratic and frictionless transaction platform that could end up as the conduit for much of our future lives. It is a smart contract that can self-execute between individuals. More importantly, like Amazon and Uber, our identities and reputation would be carried along to other experiences and be immutable. Consider for a minute what happens to those who have been selling products for years on Amazon and have built a reputation that is tied to an aggregation of reviews and ratings that cannot be applied to eBay. This would change.
VC firms and investors are just starting to place their bets on the blockchain because there is untapped potential. Identity management, international contracts and all sorts of complicated bank transactions can be greatly altered with this public ledger system. The process could work seamlessly, crossing boundaries where banks, logistics or a plethora of other obstacles once existed. Other applications for blockchain and similar “distributed ledgers” range from tackling food safety to streamlining stock markets: the NASDAQ exchange recently started using a blockchain-based system to record trades in privately held companies. The Bank of England, not known for technological flights of fancy, seems electrified: distributed ledgers, it concluded in a research note last year, are a “significant innovation” that could have “far-reaching implications” in the financial industry.
Stacy Huggins, CMO and Cofounder of MadHive
Stealth New Rainmakers
Unsurprisingly, there are a new rising tide of startups that are testing out use cases in a number of new industries. Stacy Huggins is the Cofounder and CMO at MadHive. The company (which recently soft launched) is solving a fairly interesting problem in the complex world of adtech. Brands and publishers do not have ongoing direct relationships with the prospective consumers they pay billions to find. They still have to go through many gatekeepers to build and maintain those relationships over time. Just as many retailers are cutting out the middlemen, the same case can be made for cutting out the control of the middlemen in the world of ad tech. MadHive is utilizing blockchain technology to do three things: usher in this direct-to-consumer data movement, giving power back to the brands and publishers; lay initial tracks for an open DMP (data management platform); and record, validate and optimize transactions around data aggregation. All of these in an attempt to bring transparency to a very complex ecosystem with notorious double dipping and ad fraud. "We are looking to ultimately right the rules around predatory behavior, which is huge for brands," says Huggins. BitTeaser is also a new player addressing the same complex ecosystem in the online advertising murky territory.
Various companies are already teaming up with forward-thinking musicians to develop a fair and sustainable music ecosystem for artists to turn a song into a business utilizing blockchain technology. For example, Grammy Award-winning UK Singer Imogen Heap's—song, “Tiny Human,” was released on a beta blockchain-based platform, UjoMusic, along with all credits and terms of licensing. In exchange for the digital currency Ether, people could download the song itself or all the vocal and instrumental stems of the song for commercial or non-commercial use. Via a smart contract, all the musicians were paid immediately to their personal Ether wallets. She is now building what she calls a "fair-trade" music industry in Mycelia. While still in infancy it aims to sidestep middlemen like iTunes and Spotify and give musicians more ownership over the fair distribution of dividends.
Using smart contracts in the case of music—essentially templates for setting terms of service and usage for fans, distributors, sponsors, and licensees and templates for directly and immediately distributing revenues to contributors, collaborators, and promoters of the work—artists would decide who could interact with their work, how, and how much each type of interaction would be worth with a lot less paperwork.
Heap is one of many newcomers including Dot Blockchain Music, launched by PledgeMusic founder Benji Rogers. Additional include: Ujo Music, Blokur, Aurovine, Resonate, Peertracks, Stem and Bittunes, the last of which already claims users in 70 countries.
The potential applications of blockchain and etherium to the film industry are myriad and complex. Similar to music, much has been made in trade and tech press of the blockchain as an immediate panacea to many problems afflicting the film value chain.
Film and TV deals, these are among some of the most complicated transactions in the world. There are hundreds and occasionally thousands of transactional participants in individual movies. To that end, Kim Jackson the CCO at SingularDTV, (still in beta) is working to achieve an equitable global video ecosystem: Essentially, the SingularDTV platform aims to construct a decentralized entertainment industry in which content creators have complete control over their creations and monetization methods by allowing creators to display, distribute and produce their art (films, television properties and music), while protecting their copyrights in one single platform. Reducing the importance of distribution channels and disintermediate their power of collecting on royalties and licensing is the core value in.
It’s not only having access to content that made the content industries powerful in the past, but also they had the most powerful distribution channels, including legal teams to strike and enforce licensing deals, and third party payment channels to collect. With the onset of blockchain, the last piece of the puzzle — distribution and payment, can be taken away from these centralized intermediaries. The aim is for artists and filmmakers to be able to maximize their earnings by eliminating the presence of third-party institutions or mediators like Netflix and YouTube to manage and distribute their content.
While there are still enormous battles to be won with major industry stakeholders at large, it is beginning to look like there is a sea change with rising demand from artists, consumers and others to join in the shift. Thanks to initial founder funding, partnerships and $7.5 million raised through its SNGLS initial coin offering in early October, the team at SingtularDTV believes the company has the runway it needs to challenge the largest entertainment platforms within five to 10 years and joins some of the many new entrants that also include entrants addressing film and television piracy like Veredictum.
All of these ideas and startups can expect some eye-rolling—blockchains are still a novelty applicable only in a few niches, and the doubts as to how far they can spread and scale up may prove well-founded. They can also expect resistance. Some of bitcoin’s critics have always seen it as the latest techy attempt to spread a “Silicon Valley ideology” that promises salvation through technology-induced decentralization while ignoring and obscuring the realities of power—and happily concentrating vast wealth in the hands of an elite.
At the same time, a world with record-keeping mathematically immune to manipulation would have many enormous benefits. If blockchains have a fundamental paradox, it is this: by offering a way of setting the past and present in cryptographic stone, they could make the future and the future of value a very different place.
*After this piece published I joined the SingularDTV Team.
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7741f397594adb56e890681093cf2346 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimbarnett/2020/03/03/feedback-doesnt-just-help-us-perform-it-helps-us-transform/ | Feedback Doesn’t Just Help Us Perform. It Helps Us Transform. | Feedback Doesn’t Just Help Us Perform. It Helps Us Transform.
Developmental feedback helps us live our strengths. Getty
One of the truths I’ve come to understand over the course of my career is that feedback shapes us into the people and professionals we are—or want to become.
In my case, I can remember vividly one of the best pieces of feedback I ever received. I was a first-time CEO, and in light of some challenges the business was going through, one of my mentors on our company’s board taught me about the importance of inspiring people. It’s safe to say their feedback illuminated my path forward. I have grown to believe that inspiring people is one of the most important things a leader must do in order to be successful, and I’ve made it my life’s focus. I’m not sure I’d be where I am today without that feedback.
I’ve spent a considerable amount of time dissecting how they delivered that feedback, how I accepted it, and what it meant for both my organization at the time and my own career trajectory.
Developmental feedback vs. feedback for performance
Knowing what I know now, it’s easy for me to recognize this seminal piece of feedback as development-oriented because it helped me build on my strengths and capabilities. Yet feedback for development is rare in organizational settings.
We’ve come to rely heavily on performance-related feedback for one main reason: its binary nature (good/bad, right/wrong) paves a clear path to evaluative decisions business leaders have to make, like promotions and compensation.
While there’s a place for performance-related feedback in organizations, we need to spend more time prioritizing and providing developmental feedback. Why? It has the power to motivate individuals to grow, in turn building organizational capability and ultimately leading to business success.
One universal truth that factors largely into why development-oriented feedback is critical in organizational settings is this: Humans are often bad at self-awareness. Research shows that although 95% of people think they’re self-aware, only 10 to 15% of us actually are. In other words, if we are going to transform, we have to rely on those around us to help identify the strengths we can leverage and growth opportunities we can address.
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That’s especially true for emerging leaders. When someone advances in an organizational structure to take on more leadership roles and responsibilities, the real or perceived power imbalance that starts to take shape around them causes peers, co-workers, and especially direct reports to think twice before providing candid feedback. And that’s the kind of feedback that’s most helpful in leadership development. The result is that leaders often lose grip on what they’re doing well and what they could improve upon. It can be a missed opportunity to cultivate a self-aware leadership team that perpetuates an open feedback culture to the benefit of others and the organization.
So how can leaders get truly helpful developmental feedback?
360-degree feedback
One solution is to seek 360-degree feedback, or feedback from above (a manager), the side (peers), and below (direct reports). The primary purpose of a 360, as we often call it, is to drive growth through self-awareness. Ideally a 360 helps a person develop a skill or capability rather than tell them what they did right or wrong. It should provide a safe space for someone to compare how they perceive themselves to others’ perspectives, surfacing similarities and differences that lead to greater self-awareness and ultimately positive behavior change.
At its best, a 360 fosters professional growth and development, and is not used for performance evaluations. It should be simple and intuitive for both the participant and those giving the feedback, its focus on the few essential behaviors the organization considers to be important in an effective leader.
Here are four components I’ve seen help 360s be successful:
Make them intentional. Clearly define the purpose for everyone involved. (Feedback givers are more likely to provide candid input knowing the 360 is for development rather than performance—and it’s the candid feedback that builds self-awareness.) Align the process to actual business needs, key organizational behaviors, or cultural values (or all three). Ensure they’re relevant. Cover topics that are critical to a person’s developmental journey and timed to have the greatest impact (for instance, when they have moved into a new role, or as they take on a complex new challenge). Provide support. Guide feedback givers on how to contribute effective input. Create a supportive environment for the person participating so they can practice new capabilities without fear of repercussions from failure. Build a process that’s ongoing. Integrate development goals into other organizational practices, such as quarterly goal discussions. Feedback from a 360 has limited impact if filed away, untouched.
With the right application and follow-through, 360s can be an important way to build capabilities for individuals and even organizations by developing self-aware leaders who can meet the needs of the business.
Democratizing development
Rarely does developmental feedback like 360s make it to anyone other than the organization’s top leaders. But why should increased self-awareness and growth be limited to those at the top? The insights gained from 360s can be effective for broader employee development programs as well. When organizations make 360s available for a wider swath of their people, they normalize development-oriented feedback as a part of an employee’s journey, thereby creating a feedback culture that emphasizes improvement and growth.
And that’s the larger point. Once organizations make space for everyone to build self-awareness, they experience better outcomes for both their people and their business.
When I consider the existential benefits of feedback, I often think it’s about being open to what the universe is trying to teach us, and sometimes those messages come across more clearly through the people around us. I, for one, am grateful to have had a mentor and dozens of teammates who have helped me grow through their feedback—and I think we’re all better off when we do the same for those around us.
Follow me on LinkedIn.
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a32664c954af3fdd49bbc940bcbd56c5 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimblasingame/2011/05/02/customer-in-control/ | The Customer is Now in Control - Get Over It! | The Customer is Now in Control - Get Over It!
As previously revealed in this space, the Age of the Seller is succumbing to the Age of the Customer. In the new Age, control of the relationship between Seller and Customer has shifted to the latter.
This paradigm shift is largely caused by online platforms that are: 1) increasing the access customers have to information about a Seller and its products; 2) allowing customers to express and share what they have learned about and experienced with a business.
To put two fine points on the first element of the shift, in the new Age: Customers have access to virtually all the information they need before you know they're interested, and prospects are similarly informed before you even know they exist. Such access to information is changing - or disrupting - the way you market to and connect with customers, as well as how you train sales people. Plus it demonstrates why your greatest danger in the Age of the Customer isn't being uncompetitive, it's becoming irrelevant.
The second element is the new kid on the block, but corresponds to a centuries-old marketplace maxim, "If you make customers happy they will tell someone; if you make them unhappy they will tell 10 people," which describes the ancient practice of word-of-mouth. The theory behind the 1:10 ratio is that all businesses, regardless of size, are motivated to perform, or risk a marketplace indictment by the judge and jury of word-of-mouth.
In the new Age, online platforms have caused word-of-mouth to transmogrify into a powerful dynamic called "user generated content," aka UGC. This is when customers post online their experiences, questions, praise or condemnation about a seller's products, services, and general behavior in the marketplace. In the vernacular, it's word-of-mouth on steroids.
Indeed, if the word-of-mouth maxim were coined today it would sound like this: "Customers may post online their opinion - positive or otherwise - about your business, making it available potentially to millions." To paraphrase Mark Twain, comparing word-of-mouth to UGC is like comparing a lightning bug to lightning.
In the new Age you have to do two new things: 1) anticipate that customers are already well informed; 2) track and respond to UGC about your business. And how well you do these two will influence whether the new customer control becomes a sales lever, or a disruptor that makes you irrelevant.
Write this on a rock... It's the Age of the Customer - get over it.
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e4ab850157d903916a63ca0c881d1fff | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimblasingame/2011/05/12/social-media-replace-business-websites/ | Breaking News: Social Media Will Replace Business Websites | Breaking News: Social Media Will Replace Business Websites
Being successful with social media is as easy as falling off of a log – for individuals; for small businesses, not so much.
The goals of these two groups are very different: Individuals use social media to connect and share with friends and family. The return-on-investment expectation is pretty low – just “hit” them back, and they’re happy campers.
Businesses develop a social media strategy to connect with and ultimately sell to customers. And that last part – sell – is what makes their social media ROI so tricky.
But the social media landscape – and the technology – is evolving, which should make it easier for businesses to wrap their marketing plans around. And just like the initial craze and subsequent evolution of websites, businesses are figuring out how to use social media as a customer acquisition tool. Ironically, while websites aren’t going away anytime soon, they may be the big loser to social media. Here’s why.
Websites have two things working against them: 1) most are not easy for the typical owner to update, which is increasingly important to customers; 2) they don’t come with their own community, nor help you build one.
One of the most troubling statistics in the 16 years since the first commercial website is that half of small businesses still don’t have one. My prediction is that within three years, over half of small businesses will have a social media presence, because this strategy comes with both of the elements lacking in a website: easy to create and update, and community-building tools. For example:
Facebook.com – makes it easy to create a business “fan page” and update it without direct expense. Plus, it comes with a growing global ecosystem of half-a-billion Earthlings.
Twitter.com – has content size restrictions, but it’s free, easy to use and update, and also has a built-in network of innumerable communities.
Remember, as the original social media heretic, I don’t even like the term for business, preferring “building online customer communities.” Regardless, while social media is a craze, it isn’t a fad; it is real and it will last. In fact, here’s another prediction:
Within five years we won’t talk about social media. Businesses that thrive in the second decade of the 21st century will naturally build customer communities seamlessly across all platforms: online, mobile, and, yes, even traditional media and the original social media, face-to-face.
Write this on a rock… It’s not too early to start building customer communities seamlessly across all platforms.
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adbf353b810f986742cf97c07e0f8dc7 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimblasingame/2011/06/06/social-media-builds-customer-communities/ | Social Media Builds Customer Communities | Social Media Builds Customer Communities
Two things are sure with regard to social media and businesses: 1) as a way to connect with customers, social media is here to stay; 2) social media will evolve into an essential, customer community-building tool every successful business - large or small - will use.
"Social media" is the technology that makes online community building possible, not the community itself. It allows for the creation of, and service to, online communities, where dialogue and interaction among community founders and members are possible. While the term "social media" is handy, it would serve businesses well to think of it as "building online customer communities."
There are two primary examples of these communities:
1. A company's profile and "fan page" on sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Your company can build communities with these public platforms, which are free, but have limits.
2. Communities founded and hosted by your company and oriented around relationships with customers and prospects. This type of community is established when customers subscribe to one or more of your channel offerings in order to receive information. There is now new technology emerging that helps you create a Facebook-like social media platform that you host, which I predict will become the next killer app.
A channel is a syndication tool or method of content delivery and service to a community. For example, real simple syndication (RSS), a blog, email marketing, including an email newsletter (ezine), a text (SMS), and Twitter are channel tools, through which businesses serve their customer communities.
A website is a very important part of your online presence, but it is not a very effective community-building tool. However, a website can become a platform from which you launch and serve customer communities. Think of your website as the living room where you entertain new friends and social media communities as the den you share with close friends.
There is one critically important thing for a founding company to understand about both of the online customer community types: The company cannot control community behavior. Members - customers and prospects - control the conversation in the community. The founding company can only create and influence the community by establishing and demonstrating community values.
If value is the threshold of a community relationship, values are the foundation.
Write this on a rock... Get started building online customer communities.
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af9a0b18afa48eb5c642cb5cb7fb86cd | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimblasingame/2015/05/01/the-american-economy-whats-wrong-with-this-picture/ | The American Economy: What's Wrong With This Picture? | The American Economy: What's Wrong With This Picture?
For more than 17 years on my weekday radio program I’ve reported monthly on surveys by excellent researchers who reveal how small business owners regard current economic conditions.
Arguably the best example is the gold standard for such research, Dr. William Dunkelberg’s NFIB Index of Small Business Optimism, with a 42-year track record of monthly reports. Also, for the past several years my own organization has conducted a weekly online poll of our audience on various topics, including a quarterly question about economic conditions.
Since 1973, ten elements of the seasonally-adjusted NFIB Index have combined to establish a baseline of 100 points, at and above which indicates overall optimism by small business owners. When concern, caution, fear and/or pessimism are more in evidence the number falls, sometimes below 100 points. Indeed, since 2008 the NFIB index has been stuck below the 100 point baseline, including several months of record Index lows, corresponding with the moribund national GDP during that period. For 80% of this period the economy was technically not in a recession.
Now let’s look at five current economic indicators:
Last month the March NFIB Index fell to 95.2. But there was something worse in the Index Dr. Dunklelberg told my audience he’d never seen in 42 years: All 10 Index elements were negative. In our most recent online poll, three-fourths of respondents reported business was either good, flat, or at recession levels, while barely one-fourth allowed business was very good. The week before the above poll, our question was about current small business challenges. Two-thirds of our folks reported their greatest impediment to success was either the economy or the government, specifically dysfunction, taxes and regulations. This week, Q1 2015 GDP came in almost negative, at 0.2%. Meanwhile, in the same quarter, both the Dow and Nasdaq reached new record highs.
It must be noted that the coincidence of essentially no economic growth (4) and record stock performance (5) is essentially a replay of Q1 2014, with both occurrences being at once bizarre and likely unprecedented. As I’ve often asked since 2010, what’s wrong with this economic picture?
Small businesses are the U.S. economy’s canary in the mineshaft – their experiences are the early economic warning signs and currently the signs are not positive. And not unlike a bird in a cage, these guys are planted in the ground on Main Street – nowhere to run or hide.
The United States in general and the Middle Class in particular need a thriving Main Street economy, which we haven’t had for almost a decade primarily for two reasons:
Anti-business policies and rhetoric coming out of Washington. Major corporations and Wall Street driving share price by financial manipulation rather than investing in the marketplace to drive profits and share price.
Write this on a rock … Wall Street, come back to Main Street. Washington, you can’t get golden eggs from a dead goose.
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789761a93f9aee7ecea94b7df7885266 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimblasingame/2016/06/10/defending-your-business-against-big-boxes-and-cyber-boxes/ | Defending Your Business Against Big Boxes And Cyber-Boxes | Defending Your Business Against Big Boxes And Cyber-Boxes
Besides the traditional, local competitive landscape small business retailers must navigate every day, they also feel pressure from two other fronts to which they’re typically less adept at responding:
The Big Boxes, anchored around the corner. Cyber-competitors, untethered in the Internet.
And pressure from the second one is increasing every day.
Here are a few ideas on how Main Street businesses can minimize the pressure from these two:
Big Box competitors
Let’s begin with these two truths:
Unlike Big Boxes, a small business doesn’t have to conquer the world to be successful. The price war is over and you lost.
Your most qualified prospects and reliable customers are also the least likely to spend much time or money with a Big Box . The same feeling that attracts them to the customization and connection of your small business also causes them to be unimpressed by size and underwhelmed by poor service. Those who don’t fit this profile were never real prospects for you anyway; get over it – let them go. Your job is to re-enforce that “connection/customization” emotion by delivering value, not price, and quit trying to be something you’re not – big.
Online competitors
Those same customers just mentioned, who love your small business special sauce, still expect you to provide some level of online support. Your brick-and-mortar store doesn’t have to conquer the e-business world to keep customers happy, but you do have to show up online. Here’s what that means:
Two words that reveal why you MUST have a professional presence online: local search. Prospects and customers use local search every day – especially on smart phones – to find companies and consider their offerings. Disregard the imperative of local search optimization at your peril. There are professionals who can help you with this – let them. Besides a regular website, yours must also be mobile-ready, including a hot phone link and directions. Nothing about your business’s past was mobile, but mobile will define your future. Prospects and customers increasingly expect businesses they like to connect with them with useful information, service announcements, and special offerings. There’s a reason the special offerings were listed last. “Connect” means by any means: email, text, Twitter , Facebook , etc. If you aren’t asking prospects and customers for their electronic contact information, which platform they prefer, and then connect with them there, your business will suffer the slow death of irrelevance. And remember, some will still just want face-to-face.
You can compete against the Big Boxes by merely not trying to be like them. And regarding traditional best practices and the virtual world, remember this: it’s not either/or, it’s both/and.
Write this on a rock … You don’t have to conquer the world; just show up and be yourself.
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606c01c3493638a186f4ed7105d9c88b | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimblasingame/2017/01/27/two-reasons-quality-service-can-take-you-down/?sh=6f2620845d4f | Two Reasons Quality Service Can Take You Down | Two Reasons Quality Service Can Take You Down
Source: graphicstock.com
Successful customer service is the process of delivering value to customers in exchange for payment.
Surely this is the prime directive of any business. But that process isn’t truly successful unless the relationship can be sustained, and only quality produces sustainability.
But what kind of quality?
“Quality service” is a 20th century term that businesses use to declare a commitment to diligent customer support. But customers typically associate it with, and businesses too often tolerate it as promptly addressing a problem. Unfortunately, here’s what quality service often sounds like:
“We’re sorry we delivered the wrong size part. But we’re committed to quality service, so one of our trucks will be there in an hour with the correct part.”
It’s true. Sometimes quality service like that impresses the customer – and businesses even like to brag about delivering it. But while prompt attention is admirable, it’s not optimal because it has a negative impact on sustainability in at least two ways:
The customer was inconvenienced by inaccurate service – you screwed up! Allowing an avoidable problem to occur is the worst kind of profit-eating inefficiency.
In the 21st century, successful small businesses have converted their problem-fixing “quality service” to the profitable and sustainable “quality process.”
Put simply, executing a quality process is serving customers correctly the first time. Accomplishing a quality process ranges from the very basic, accurate order filling, to the more complex, integrating into your operation only those vendors that share your quality process commitment. It shouldn’t be breaking news that your large business customers have been doing this for a couple of decades, to eliminate weak links in their supply chain.
The optimal goal of your quality process is sustainable customer relationships. That means 1) you did it right the first time; and 2) you made a profit and didn’t squander any of it on mistakes. Such sustainability is in evidence when customers return to find your profitable business still there, ready to serve them again with your quality process.
So why would anyone live with profit-eating quality service instead of managing with a quality process? Because cash is a drama queen and profit isn’t.
Delivering quality service is practiced by crisis managers. The crisis comes when you could lose a sale – possibly even a customer – because an order was filled incorrectly, creating a hit to your cash flow so quickly and dramatically that it takes your breath away: “OMG, get out there right now and fix this!” Lots of drama for everyone.
Having a quality process is a commitment to profitability, requiring disciplined, long-view professional management. You’ll recognize it by the sound of no drama experienced by you or your customers … crickets.
Professional small business CEOs know that focusing on a quality process – doing it right the first time – takes a commitment to quality hiring, efficiency training, and a focus on what customers want, not just what they need. These practices produce sustained profitability and, in time, will eliminate your noisy cash flow drama.
Remember, the quality service you’ve been so proud of may seem admirable, but when delivered in response to something that was avoidable, it assaults profitability, threatens sustainability and ultimately will put you out of business.
Write this on a rock … Convert quality service into the more profitable – and sustainable – quality process.
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9cfd2058871dd8da9b3b50cb8801c5a0 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimblasingame/2020/07/14/the-new-regular-the-three-us-of-the-apocalypse/ | The New Regular: The Three U's Of The Apocalypse | The New Regular: The Three U's Of The Apocalypse
PPP funds helped small employers make payroll during the shutdown/stay home firewall imposed between ... [+] businesses and customers. Getty
This is the seventh edition of my New Regular series, which is devoted to how small businesses have been impacted by the coronavirus shutdown.
In barely more than the lifespan of a housefly, we’ve been extruded through a pandemic wormhole, from a place called normal into a new reality devoid of that concept. Along the way, the orbit of our lives has been altered by the rude gravity of what I call the “Three U’s of the Apocalypse”:
an Unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, precipitating an Unprecedented economic shutdown, necessitating Unprecedented direct government assistance.
Regarding that last U, it’s time for a 90-day update, including new rules and offerings.
On March 27, as the CARES Act was being signed, you saw my first report before there was a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since then, you’ve had chances to apply for at least two financial assistance options. Note: qualifying rules are different for entities like S Corps and LLCs than for sole proprietors and freelancers (millions in each category).
Since the end of March, Congress took two passes to appropriate over $600 billion for the heroes just mentioned. In between, the Treasury Department and the SBA created the PPP structure, which was then executed by thousands of banks across America. The result was 4.5 million small business loans totaling over $500 billion (yes, there is some left, see below). The average loan was $113,000, but almost 80% were for less than $100,000, and eight-of-ten of those were under $50,000. That was the equivalent of 29 years of SBA loans. Unprecedented.
Explicit in the name, PPP funds helped small employers make payroll during the shutdown/stay home firewall imposed between businesses and customers. And the sprinkles on this cupcake is that if certain conditions are met by the borrower, the loan will be converted into a grant – fully forgiven. Happy birthday.
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Now, let’s bring things current.
1. More money: If you haven’t availed yourself of a PPP loan, there currently is money sitting in the pot waiting for you, at least until August 8. Contact a community bank near you – they’ll help you and treat you like family.
2. More flexibility: As policy made the acquaintance of reality, by June 1, the government learned that the PPP time strictures were not reasonable in the real world of operating a small business during a pandemic. Consequently, the PPP’s “75% for payroll and 25% for other expenses spent over eight weeks” requirement was adjusted to 60% and 40% respectively, with the application of funds window expanded to 24 weeks. The interest rate is still 1%, but the term went from 24 months to 60. More sprinkles.
3. More time: The PPP forgiveness intention hasn’t changed, but the process has. In early June, forgiveness forms were sent out to early participants when eight weeks was the qualifying period. The first forms were 11 pages long and looked like homework only a CPA could love. But then everybody got a cherry on their sprinkles with a homework reprieve when the forgiveness period was extended to 24 weeks.
4. New forms: The 3508 EZ Loan Forgiveness Application Form (replacing the homework) is less than three pages (thus the “EZ”). Even I can complete it (I won’t – I have people.) This one is for PPP borrowers who did NOT reduce employee compensation or hours. The other form, 3508 (non-EZ), is for those who DID change those two payroll parameters. This one is only five pages long, but it’s still homework for your CPA. You should be able to find both forms on your bank’s website.
5. Relax: For now, don’t get your tidies in a twist about submitting the forgiveness documents. You have more time and, according to my bank sources, even if you submitted a completed 3508 today, apparently banks currently don’t have “a conduit through which to submit your form to the SBA.” But stay tuned and stay close to your banker (six feet, please).
6. EIDL grant: The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance program was a funded SBA legacy program years before anybody heard of coronavirus. So, when the first pandemic distress signal was raised, EIDL was the first responder.
For now, an EIDL grant is still available, based on $1,000 per employee with a max of $10,000. Apply at SBA.gov and if you qualify, bada-bing-bada-bam, these funds will be deposited straight into your bank account. Please note that your ultimate forgiveness number will not exceed your PPP loan amount. So, if your PPP loan is fully forgiven, you’ll have to pay back the EIDL advance.
7. EIDL loan: Subsequent to the EIDL grant, there’s now an expedited EIDL loan offering direct from the SBA. You choose the amount – within the number the SBA sets for you – and then pay it off at 3.75% interest over 30 years. If you’re already an EIDL applicant, you may receive this offer by email. You can see the array of SBA assistance, including EIDL options (read the terms), at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Finally, when I started my small business 31 years ago, I didn’t have white hair and was three inches taller. I’ve been around a long time and have seen a lot of things. But never anything like the Three U’s of the Apocalypse: Unprecedented coronavirus pandemic – Unprecedented political, economic shutdown – needing Unprecedented government bailout of small businesses.
And I pray none of us ever do again.
Write this on a rock … From this laissez-faire true believer: Let the government show you the money.
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ff4644bfbbb93032978ae2103b478b38 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2015/04/06/banker-to-attempt-killer-k2-would-be-first-american-woman-to-summit/ | Banker To Attempt Killer K2, Would Be First American Woman To Summit | Banker To Attempt Killer K2, Would Be First American Woman To Summit
In June Vanessa O'Brien, a former banker at Morgan Stanley with an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business, joins guide service Madison Mountaineering to attempt K2, the world’s second highest mountain and one of its most dangerous. If she summits, she will be the first American woman to do so. Only 18 women have climbed K2, known as “the savage mountain.”
O'Brien, 50, already holds the record for fastest woman to climb the Seven Summits (highest peaks on each continent). In addition to Everest, she has summited the 8,000-meter peaks Shishapangma, Cho Oyu and Manaslu. I recently caught up with The Explorers Club Member and Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society to discuss all things mountain.
Jim Clash: Why K2 next, and how are you training for it?
Vanessa O’Brien: It is said when you climb Everest, you are a mountaineer in the eyes of the world, but when you climb K2 you are a mountaineer in the eyes of other climbers. K2 [28,251 feet] fascinates me because while it is not quite as high as Everest, it is technically more challenging with exposed rock, steeper terrain and higher avalanche risk. At the end of 2014, there were 6,971 total summits on Everest and only 385 on K2. Eighteen women have summited K2, and not one has been American. I hope to be the first in June. For training, I‘m spending time at altitude in Colorado with experts like Jayson Simons-Jones, practicing rock-climbing techniques on routes like Pike’s Peak’s Little Abruzzi Ridge. At home in Boston, I’m increasing cardiovascular endurance by climbing stairs, 950 up and down, over and over.
Nearing the summit of Manaslu, 26,759 feet, Vanessa O'Brien (black jacket) is first in a queue of... [+] exhausted climbers. (Photo: Sherpa Nawang Tenjing)
JC: I hear you just made the Guinness World Records book.
VO: Yes, I was surprised and delighted to make the 60th Anniversary of Guinness World Records for the Fastest Seven Summits Ascent For A Female [combined Kosciuszko and Carstensz Pyramid lists] in nine months and 19 days, starting with Everest and ending with Kilimanjaro. I say surprised because I never meant to set a record, why my male counterpart, Vernon Tejas, has such a faster time [about four and a half months]. For me, it was all about Everest. While training for it, I learned about the Seven Summits. As the economy was still recovering when I topped out on Everest, I kept on climbing.
In 2012 Vanessa O'Brien stands atop the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest, at 29,035 feet. Her next... [+] project is K2. (Photo: Atte Miettinen)
JC: You became interested in mountaineering later in life, right?
VO: I was taking a career break from banking during the recession of 2010. Climbing hadn't been on my radar screen because I had never tried it. But I was looking for something big to do, and had roughly five parameters in mind. It had to be something goal-oriented, something I could measure success by, something that would take two to three years to achieve, something audacious and something not in the finance area, given that environment. When a girlfriend joked over lunch, “How about Everest?” we just laughed. But afterwards, I started doing research, and I realized that was it! Sure, Everest had happened in 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became first to summit, but it was happening now, too. The only thing I didn’t know was how to climb. But I could learn.
Vanessa O'Brien, a former banker for Morgan Stanley, holds the women's speed record for climbing the... [+] Seven Summits, highest peaks on each continent. (Photo: Matt Sayles)
JC: Has your experience in the business world helped you as a climber?
VO: More than one might expect. Most of my business acumen was developed at GE Capital in the days of Jack Welch. GE has always been big on leadership and teamwork as well as embracing a culture of speed, simplicity and self-confidence. On high-altitude expeditions, which can vary from six to eight weeks, leadership and teamwork are essential. Not everything goes according to plan, and you have to do your own part to carry team morale. Within reason, speed is your friend and self-confidence is non-negotiable. I am a “let’s get this done” kind of gal - on a mission, focused, determined. Having said that, the mountains have taught me patience and that I am not in absolute control. There is that fifth element, Mother Nature. She calls the shots, and I always feel blessed to have been allowed access and a safe return.
JC: What’s the most important thing when approaching an 8,000-meter-peak climb?
VO: The right frame of mind. As I said, things rarely go according to plan or at the agreed-upon start times. And even if things do start okay, something is bound to go wrong – water bottles freeze, headlamps snap off your head and fly down the mountain, camera batteries don’t work, bottled oxygen runs out, what you thought you packed isn’t there, your hands and feet start to freeze. But you have to stay focused and not lose perspective, remember your goal. When my mind starts to wander into negative or defeatist territory, I turn it around. One trick is counting - zero to 1,000, 1,000 to zero - or singing 99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall. Row Your Boat doesn’t work for me because there isn’t a beginning and end. Nor does thinking, “just get me to that tree, rock, etc.” because much of the time it’s dark on summit day – we leave at night – so there are few visual cues. Whenever I think I can’t go on, I remind myself I need to take just one more step. And then I repeat that.
JC: Are you treated differently as a woman on big peaks?
VO: Not really. About 15% - 20% of high-altitude climbers are women. It’s actually nice to have a female climbing partner to share a tent with. The other woman may not be your natural climbing partner by speed of ascent or hiking ability, but after a climbing day women and men wind down differently. Men get in their tents and look at photos, write in journals, unpack, eat, etc. Women get in a tent and start to clean themselves – a bit like cats. Then they unpack, get organized, hydrate, start packing for the next day.
JC: Tell us something people don't know about you that might surprise them?
VO: Despite climbing four 8,000-meter peaks, all Seven Summits in record time and skiing the last degree to both the North and South Pole, sponsorship for K2 has been hard to find. My experience with companies is they are so risk-averse and on autopilot executing expensive marketing campaigns with existing players, it is no wonder their growth staggers year to year. To really make a difference, one has to step outside a comfort zone and try something new. I’m ecstatic when I see a brand name sponsoring an individual or team to try something amazing, or when I see press coverage of extraordinary accomplishments like Annapurna solo’d by Ueli Steck or the recent El Capitan Dawn Wall ascent by Kevin Jorgeson and Tommy Caldwell. Ultimately, that brings more awareness to climbing in general.
Editor's Note: O'Brien and her team were kept off the upper reaches of K2 by bad weather in 2015 and, again, in 2016. No teams topped out in those two years. But in 2017, O'Brien made the summit, becoming the first American woman to scale K2: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2017/07/29/vanessa-obrien-becomes-first-american-woman-to-scale-treacherous-k2
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667ffefa2f5ad28e8561289bd8ec79aa | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2015/05/05/josef-newgarden-readies-for-may-24-indy-500-race/ | Josef Newgarden Readies For May 24 Indy 500 Race | Josef Newgarden Readies For May 24 Indy 500 Race
Photo: Robert Laberge/Getty Images
Josef Newgarden, after knocking on the IndyCar door for four seasons, finally won his first race in the series last month at the Barber Motorsports Park road circuit in Birmingham, AL. The affable 24-year-old, who was in New York this week, sat down and discussed his plans for the Indianapolis 500 race later this month. Newgarden drives for the smallish CFH Racing Team co-managed by former IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher and current racer Ed Carpenter. Following are edited excerpts from a longer conversation. Less than 24 hours before our lunch, Newgarden had been whizzing laps at Indy’s first practice session in excess of 223 mph.
Jim Clash: How has your racing team changed with the addition of Ed Carpenter?
Josef Newgarden: It’s been great. We have strengthened some of our weaker areas with a second car. We have more people, more engineers, another set of data to look at. Everything we were lacking from [being] a powerhouse group is more in place. We’re much more like a Penske or Ganassi organization now.
Racer Josef Newgarden testing at the Indianapolis 500's first practice session of 2015. (Courtesy of... [+] IndyCar)
JC: How do this year’s new aerodynamic kits on the cars feel on an oval?
JN: The cars are similar in a lot of respects, but just running around the [Indianapolis Motor] Speedway yesterday showed me some different characteristics. Mechanically the car is the same, but it works a little differently on turn-ins. When you enter turn one at 230 mph, the air is very strong with the new aero package. As you get to mid-corner, the car is even stronger, so the front really wants to work well. But that can make you a little nervous. When the front works too strong, it makes the rear want to get light and dance on you, and that’s not always a comfortable feeling in an Indy car. In traffic, the front tires are going to work a lot better with this new aero kit.
Racer Josef Newgarden, lunching in New York, looks relaxed less than 24 hours after turning 223mph... [+] laps at an Indianapolis Motor Speedway practice session. (Photo: Jim Clash)
JC: Who was your favorite racer growing up?
JN: I don’t date back in history that far, but I always liked [the late] Dan Wheldon. When I started racing go-karts at 13, he was my favorite to watch on the ovals - very strong at Indianapolis, a two-time winner of the 500. He was an interesting character to observe, too. The way he interacted with people was different than every other driver. I’ve never met a driver who had as many people think they were his best friend [laughs]. That’s the characteristic Dan had.
JC: When Wheldon was killed at the Las Vegas race in 2011, how did you react? You were still in the Indy Lights series then.
JN: Obviously it was a huge loss for IndyCar, and it’s a hard moment to look back on. But it just highlights the risks and rewards of racing. It’s a daredevil sport. People want to shy away from that, but that’s what it’s all about. When we’re racing, we put everything on the line. Sometimes it can get the best of us, but that’s why we get out there – for the adrenaline and the awe-inspiring sensation. This could be a huge day for you, or it could be your last day.
JC: Are you afraid of anything?
JN: I like being on the ground. A lot of drivers like flying, doing it recreationally as a hobby. That scares the crap out of me. The more I’m in any airplane, the worse the turbulence feels. I just hate heights.
JC: What will it take to win this year’s Indy 500? You have been in three of them now.
JN: You just have to be there, in the front group, at the end to have a shot. There is not one thing you have to do, or make sure you look after. Last year [Ryan] Hunter-Reay did just that – he was in position at the end. It was he and Helio [Castroneves] – Marco [Andretti] had kind of faded. So when Ryan saw the right moment with a couple of laps to go, he pulled the right move and held on to win.
JC: What if, at the end of this year’s race you and Ed Carpenter, your boss, are in the same position as Castroneves and Hunter-Reay were?
JN: If Ed and me are fighting for it at the end, he’s going to try to beat me as much as I’m going to try to beat him. We’ll try to do it clean, without wrecking each other, but all bets are off at that point. It’s the Indy 500. It’s every man for himself.
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79bceb30fe18704a773682191712a08f | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2015/06/29/lost-jack-bruce-tapes-part-ii-eric-clapton-was-fashion-conscious/ | Lost Jack Bruce Tapes, Part II: 'Eric Clapton Was Fashion Conscious' | Lost Jack Bruce Tapes, Part II: 'Eric Clapton Was Fashion Conscious'
In the first part of this “lost tapes” interview series with Jack Bruce, the late bassist discussed writing Sunshine Of Your Love and drug use in Cream, among other things. Here, Bruce details why he thinks Cream ultimately self-destructed, why he ended up being its lead singer and Eric Clapton’s flare for fashion.
Jim Clash: What finally did Cream in?
Jack Bruce: It was this seven-month [American] tour that sowed the seeds of destruction. I think everybody in the band would agree that we were very unfortunate to have [Robert] Stigwood as manager. He might have been successful in some ways, but he wasn’t good in the sense that he knew how to encourage a band to continue. There was never any, “You want to do a record, why don’t you take two or three months and go somewhere and write some material?” It was on the road, then straight into the studio, then straight on the road again. Let’s milk this thing for what it’s worth while it lasts, which is very shortsighted. The band probably would have gone on longer. What we could have done was split up, done our own projects, then come together as a band every now and again and do something. But because of the way it ended, a kind of bitter ending, it didn’t.
Cream bassist Jack Bruce was not a big fan of long hair, joking that his was so thin when it knotted... [+] up he would find things living in it. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
JC: Bitterness implies more than just a frenetic schedule.
JB: Well, the touring was too much, but there was quite a lot of bad feeling about the fact that most of the material was mine and Pete Brown’s. That wasn’t a deliberate thing, me going in and insisting we do my material. It’s just that’s what there was. When we went into the studio, I would have maybe 20 songs, Eric might have one song and Ginger might have one idea. That would be the proportion. Eric started to write more things towards the end. Again, what we should have done was gone away, I don’t know to Jamaica or somewhere, and been together in a more social way. We could have written things together. Very few songs were written by the three of us.
JC: What did you think when people were calling Eric Clapton “God”?
JB: That was earlier, the “Eric Clapton is God” thing, when he was part of the Yardbirds and John Mayall. Somebody chalked it up on a wall somewhere in London, and it kind of caught on. It didn’t bother me because he was a good guitar player, you know?
JC: Could anyone other than Clapton have pulled off the lead guitar role in Cream?
JB: I think that band couldn’t have happened if it had been any other drummer, another bass player, singer, guitarist. I think with all successful musical groups, it’s the individual personalities. It’s like Duke Ellington and his great bands - you can’t imagine Cootie Williams not being there, or Sam Woodyard. I couldn’t imagine anyone else being in Cream. But I would have to own up that it was Eric really who made the band as commercial as it was. I’ve never been a commercially minded person - I’m not pushy, I’m not ambitious in that way for huge success. Eric made those kinds of things happen.
JC: Give us an example.
JB: He was very fashion conscious. Because of that, we started the hairstyles and flared trousers. We actually went to an Army-Navy store and bought U.S. Navy whites with huge bellbottoms. There are some black-and-white publicity pictures of us on the Thames [River] wearing those [laughs]. I had problems with the hair. I have such fine hair that when it got long it just went into big knots, and I’d find things living in it [laughs]. I remember Eric saying after we met Jimi [Hendrix] that one of us had to have that kind of afro. I said, "It ain’t going to be me, mate.” So Eric got the perm. Things happened in that band by default.
JC: Really, what else?
JB: When we first got together, we had a competition to see who wouldn’t be the singer. I didn’t want to be singer, Eric didn’t want to either. I guess I lost [laughs].
JC: But you have a great voice?
JB: I started off singing in church choirs, then solo’d with Benjamin Britten conducting, things like this. But then I became a musician, and musicians, particularly jazz musicians, have this kind of snobbishness where they look down on singers. I sang some songs with Graham Bond [Organisation], a couple of blues things, but I didn’t really find the range in my voice. That came later.
Part 1: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes: Sunshine Of Your Love, Drugs, Ginger Baker
Part 3: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes III: Letterman, RR Hall Of Fame, Frankie Lymon
Part 4: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes IV: 'White Room Was My Favorite Cream Song'
Part 5: Jack Bruce Lost Cream Tapes (Part V): ‘We looked down on Jagger, Richards, Zeppelin’
Part 6: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VI: Cream’s Sound Fiasco, More Band Tension
Part 7: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VII: ‘I Don’t Want An Epitaph, Just Some Good Last Words’
Part 8: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes (VIII): Skip James’ Widow Thanks Cream For I’m So Glad
Part 9: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes (IX): ‘It Was Decided Eric Clapton Would Be Front Man’
Part 10: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes X: ‘Albert King Asked Me, Where’s The Money?’ For Bad Sign
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c06d0879099af3e1c6171c64bac375e6 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2015/07/01/jack-bruce-lost-tapes-iv-white-room-was-my-favorite-cream-song/ | Jack Bruce Lost Tapes IV: 'White Room Was My Favorite Cream Song' | Jack Bruce Lost Tapes IV: 'White Room Was My Favorite Cream Song'
In the first, second and third parts of this 1997 “lost tapes” interview series with late Cream bassist Jack Bruce, he discussed his Scottish roots, Sunshine Of Your Love, Cream’s breakup, David Letterman and the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, among other things. Here, Bruce gives us more insight into band mates Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, and identifies his favorite Cream tunes.
Jim Clash: What’s your favorite Cream song?
Jack Bruce: Probably White Room. The inspiration for the music came from meeting Jimi Hendrix and his approach to playing. In fact, he came to the recording session of that in New York and said to me, “I wish I could write something like that.” I said, “But it comes from you!” It’s a synthesis of things and not a completely original chord sequence. It’s the way we placed certain things in time that makes it original. I had problems with the record company because of the introduction being 5/4 and those suspended second inversion chords. They didn’t think it would make it.
White Room was the late bassist Jack Bruce's favorite Cream tune. He wrote the music while Pete... [+] Brown composed the lyrics. Bruce credits Jimi Hendrix for the inspiration. (Courtesy of Amazon.com)
JC: Not commercial enough?
JB: I’ve always thought that record companies, in particular, look down on their audiences much too much. In a way, it is a commercial thing. They think ‘well, if the audience gets too intelligent and likes really good musical things, we’re going to have to keep finding those things.’ So if you can reduce it to a fairly low common denominator as far as the music goes, there’s always a bunch of other guys or girls coming along who can do that. But I don’t want to overstate the importance – it’s only rock and roll, you know [laughs].
JC: What’s another Cream song you like?
JB: I Feel Free, our second single. I was fascinated by The Beatles’ use of two-and-a-half, three-minutes time to make really amazing statements. I was very influenced and keen to do something similar. I don’t think I quite managed [laughs].
JC: We talked earlier about the hyped drug use in Cream. But wasn’t Baker an addict?
JB: Let’s be honest about that. Ginger was a junkie. When I first met him in the early ‘60s, he was a registered heroin addict [in England]. He went to a very famous doctor, and I used to go with him when he’d get scripts. If it were a holiday, he’d get five. That was the situation in this country in '63, '64, very healthy and civilized because there was no black market for drugs. But Ginger did fall off the wagon when we had early success doing Top Of The Pops. He had this thing some people have – he was scared of success. He would do something just at the wrong moment, like OD in the dressing room. Oops, oh well [laughs]. But we actually had a rule in the early days of the band that Ginger wouldn’t do hard drugs, and he mostly stuck to it.
JC: How about Clapton?
JB: When I first met Eric, he didn’t even smoke cigarettes, and would only have a few drinks.
JC: Many still credit Clapton with Cream. But you were the lead singer, wrote most of the material?
JB: Cream was really Ginger’s idea, to do something with Eric. But Eric wanted me in the band. When Ginger approached him, he said, “Yeah, but we need to get Jack in as singer and on bass.” That’s the way it happened. Again, I didn’t think of myself as a singer, but Eric liked my voice.
JC: Do you believe Clapton misses his Cream days?
JB: Obviously Eric, of those from the old bands, has had tremendous success, commercially and on his own terms probably musically. But I think that musically [Cream] was his high spot so far. I think he realized that when he played with us again at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame [1993]. In fact, he said it there. A lot of people who have listened to what he’s done since miss the kind of inspirational quality he had in his playing in those days. A lot of it was never released. Being a three-piece band, you need some kind of show to pace it. So he would play sometimes unaccompanied, just on his own, 15 or 20 minutes, and you would never get bored. I mean, he was so good! He would be playing this sh*t that really took you to another place.
JC: How about Baker on Toad?
JB: Yeah, but that was just a drum solo [laughs].
JC: How about you. Any bass solos?
JB: No, I’ve never really liked bass solos. If I can avoid them, I do. I played long harp solos in Traintime, which I enjoyed.
JC: Any animosity about Eric getting so much credit for Cream?
JB: I suppose I do have some feelings in that there was a deliberate attempt [by the record company] to promote Eric. I didn’t get as much recognition, that’s true. But that’s show business, you know. On the other hand, I’m basically just a musician who’s been quite fortunate. If I look at it from that sense, I’ve been able to make a very good living doing what I love.
JC: Many call you THE bassist of that period.
JB: I’m very happy to get the recognition, for sure.
JC: Do you think you’re that good?
JB: Um, yeah [laughs].
Part 1: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes: Sunshine Of Your Love, Drugs, Ginger Baker
Part 2: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes, Part II: ‘Eric Clapton Was Fashion Conscious’
Part 3: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes III: Letterman, RR Hall Of Fame, Frankie Lymon
Part 5: Jack Bruce Lost Cream Tapes (V): 'We looked down on Jagger, Richards, Zeppelin'
Part 6: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VI: Cream’s Sound Fiasco, More Band Tension
Part 7: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VII: ‘I Don’t Want An Epitaph, Just Some Good Last Words’
Part 8: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes (VIII): Skip James’ Widow Thanks Cream For I’m So Glad
Part 9: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes (IX): ‘It Was Decided Eric Clapton Would Be Front Man’
Part 10: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes X: ‘Albert King Asked Me, Where’s The Money?’ For Bad Sign
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5e607a9a1217e677dd9b63da695e7be9 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2015/07/03/lost-jack-bruce-tapes-vi-creams-sound-fiasco-more-band-tension/ | Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VI: Cream's Sound Fiasco, More Band Tension | Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VI: Cream's Sound Fiasco, More Band Tension
In the first, second, third, fourth and fifth parts of this 1997 “lost tapes” interview series with late Cream bassist Jack Bruce, we discussed his Scottish roots, Sunshine Of Your Love, drugs, Cream’s breakup, David Letterman, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, White Room and Jimi Hendrix, among other things. Here, Bruce gives a bit about the evolution of live sound systems and discusses more sources of tension within Cream.
JC: Most people know the first time you, Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton practiced as Cream. But do you remember the first time you three actually played together?
JB: Yeah, that was at the Windsor Jazz Festival. It’s gone on to be called something else now. Eric was with The Yardbirds at the time, and Ginger and me were with Graham Bond [Organisation]. That’s the first time I’d heard Eric at all and, of course, I was impressed. There were other people playing with us, too, but I think the three of us stood out. Then Eric started coming down to some of the London dates to check us out. [Of the three] he was youngest, Ginger was oldest and I was the middle-aged one [laughs].
Late Cream bassist Jack Bruce at Winterland in the late '60s where some of the best live Cream sets... [+] were recorded. Bruce says owner Bill Graham had a PA and monitor system built in to the stage for high quality sound. (Courtesy of Angelfire)
JC: Earlier we discussed how hard it was to get good live sound in the Cream days. When did you catch on about monitoring and PA systems?
JB: When I was in San Francisco hanging out with Owsley Stanley and various people from the [Grateful] Dead, I met this amazing guy, Charlie Button, who did all the Dead’s equipment. He would tell me, “What a great band [Cream], but you sound terrible, like sh*t.” I said, “I know, but what are we going to do?” He said you make a stage to take around with you, and the sound [system] is built into it. I got chills about that.
JC: Did Cream get one?
JB: I went to Ginger, the band leader basically when it came to business, and told him about this amazing idea that would stop me from losing my voice. We had what, 200 watts on the guitar, 200 watts on the bass and 200 watts for the voice. Literally, I was screaming!
JC: Was he sympathetic?
JB: He said, “We can’t afford it!” just like that. He didn’t want to spend whatever it was, $40,000, a lot of money in those days. So in Canada I left the band physically, went to the airport and bought myself a ticket to go home. The road managers came and physically dragged me back so I could do the gig. Unfortunately, Ginger’s decision was another short-sighted one that caused more tension in the band.
JC: Some concert venues had decent sound systems built in, right?
JB: The only places where the technique had caught up with the music were Bill Graham’s. And that’s why they were so successful musically, and such a gas to play – the old Fillmore and Winterland. They had specialists who went in and built house PA’s with monitors. It was a dream! You could actually hear yourself and, for the first time, the other guys in the band.
JC: Clapton and Baker left most of the songwriting to you. Was that a cause for more tension?
JB: That was a bit of a struggle, another part of what led to the demise of the band. I wrote two things when I was six, and a string quartet when I was 11. So it had always been my dream to be a composer. I was very proud of the fact that I was writing music and it was being recorded with my name on it. With Cream, I had to sort of insist on that. If I had written something, I had written it. In a subsequent band with Leslie West and Corky Laing, there was a rule that everything was written by the whole band. Again, I was doing most of the writing and getting only a third of the credit. It’s not really the money. I know it’s fashionable now to say, “You can have the credit, I’ll take the money.” But I want the money and the credit. Point is in the Cream days in order to write the songs, because we didn’t have periods where we went off to get it together in the country or something, they were done on the road or in-between tours. That’s work, you know.
JC: How did you manage it?
JB: Pete Brown and me would stay up days on end writing stuff in order for it t0 happen. I would only write music, and then usually we would work on the lyrics together. Quite often, I would have an idea for lyrics and we kind of hammered them out. They went through a lot of versions before we got to the one that ended up being the one.
Part 1: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes: Sunshine Of Your Love, Drugs, Ginger Baker
Part 2: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes, Part II: ‘Eric Clapton Was Fashion Conscious’
Part 3: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes III: Letterman, RR Hall Of Fame, Frankie Lymon
Part 4: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes IV: 'White Room Was My Favorite Cream Song'
Part 5: Jack Bruce Lost Cream Tapes (Part V): ‘We looked down on Jagger, Richards, Zeppelin’
Part 7: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VII: ‘I Don’t Want An Epitaph, Just Some Good Last Words’
Part 8: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes (VIII): Skip James’ Widow Thanks Cream For I’m So Glad
Part 9: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes (IX): ‘It Was Decided Eric Clapton Would Be Front Man’
Part 10: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes X: ‘Albert King Asked Me, Where’s The Money?’ For Bad Sign
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47597f7381ff565319eb718a3a6608c5 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2015/07/05/lost-jack-bruce-tapes-vii-i-dont-want-an-epitaph-just-some-good-last-words/ | Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VII: 'I Don't Want An Epitaph, Just Some Good Last Words' | Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VII: 'I Don't Want An Epitaph, Just Some Good Last Words'
Late Cream bassist Jack Bruce had a tremendous sense of humor. In the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth parts of this 1997 “lost tapes” interview series, we discussed his Scottish roots, band mates Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, Sunshine Of Your Love, drugs, Cream’s breakup, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, White Room, Jimi Hendrix and monitored PA systems at the Fillmore and Winterland. Here, we see some of Bruce's lighter side as he jests about epitaphs and other things amusing.
Jim Clash: You have quite the sense of humor, Jack. Give me a fun tidbit from the Cream days.
Jack Bruce: This is a funny story. Once we were in Scotland and had the idea of doing Ben Nevis for cover photos [Disraeli Gears]. We climbed it, but were all on acid and the photographer, Robert Whitaker, I think, forgot to put film in the camera or it didn’t work or something. So when we got down – it was a day, you know, really quite hard – we didn’t have the photos. We had had this fabulous expedition and then had to go to Regent’s Park and take them there! I’ll never forget when we were above the scree line, where there was snow, we saw these real climbers looming out of the mist with ice axes, the whole bit. And there was us, wearing pink boots [laughs]. They said, “Oh my God, it’s the Cream!” and we had to sign autographs [on the mountain].
Late bassist Jack Bruce says this famous cover for Cream's 1967 Disraeli Gears LP was supposed to... [+] feature photos of the band's climb of Ben Nevis, but the photographer didn't have film in the camera. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
JC: Speaking of Ben Nevis, recently I asked Everest pioneer Sir Edmund Hillary what he wanted to be remembered for. How about you - anything come to mind?
JB: Oh God. What did Hillary say?
JC: For the schools and hospitals he built for Sherpa people in Nepal more than for his big climb of Everest.
JB: I don’t take myself that seriously. It’s very difficult to put myself on a plane with someone like Edmund Hillary. I don’t really want to be remembered. I would like the music I’ve been involved in to be remembered. Obviously I don’t think I’m finished yet. I would like to do some writing that would live on. But I’m not going to be buried, just cremated, so how can you have an epitaph [laughs]? Just scatter this dust in the wind. But I like last words. I’d like to have some really good last words. I kind of collect them.
JC: Maybe Pete Brown could help you with those [laughs]?
JB: He probably could [laughs]. But you’ve got to say something some time, haven’t you? As one king said, “I feel better now.“ So really good last words rather than an epitaph. Do you know Malcolm Lowry, the [English] writer? People don’t, and it’s a real shame he’s not well remembered. I think he was the best writer of the 20th Century – him and [James] Joyce. He played the ukulele and wrote himself an epitaph which went something like, "Here lies the bones of Malcolm Lowry, late of the Bowery, whose prose was flowery, and often glowery. He lived nightly, and drank daily, and died playing the ukulele.” You have to be funny.
JC: Do you still see Pete Brown?
JB: We had got so close, it was almost like a marriage, but then we had a kind of a terrible divorce. I did a solo piano record for the Edinburgh Festival, went all high-brow. That was a lot of fun, and Pete and I worked together on it. I did a record for him as well, so the doors are open. Yeah, we’re friends again, which is nice.
JC: You seem like the kind of musician who never "sold out."
JB: I was always pretty true to my own kind of principles. Obviously doing something like the Ringo tour [Ringo Starr And His All-Star Band], I have mixed feelings – I’m trying to justify that [laughs]. But I think I’ve earned a bit of fun. So what if we entertain people and have some fun? We aren’t doing harm to anybody. But overall, yeah, I would like to think I haven’t really sold out. But that’s for other people to say.
JC: It’s a bit of a relative term, no?
JB: It works two ways. When Tony Williams, the great drummer who joined Miles Davis when he was 17, played with me and John McLaughlin, he was getting it from both sides. He was put down by the rock and roll community because it was "too complicated," and he was put down by the jazz people because he was "selling out." Sometimes you can’t win. You just have to follow your own feelings, you know.
Previous installments:
Part 1: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes: Sunshine Of Your Love, Drugs, Ginger Baker
Part 2: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes, Part II: ‘Eric Clapton Was Fashion Conscious’
Part 3: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes III: Letterman, RR Hall Of Fame, Frankie Lymon
Part 4: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes IV: 'White Room Was My Favorite Cream Song'
Part 5: Jack Bruce Lost Cream Tapes (Part V): ‘We looked down on Jagger, Richards, Zeppelin’
Part 6: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VI: Cream’s Sound Fiasco, More Band Tension
Part 8: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes (VIII): Skip James’ Widow Thanks Cream For I’m So Glad
Part 9: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes (IX): ‘It Was Decided Eric Clapton Would Be Front Man’
Part 10: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes X: ‘Albert King Asked Me, Where’s The Money?’ For Bad Sign
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625fb1d67daf531f74dc2bcf72e9a6fc | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2015/07/08/jack-bruce-lost-tapes-viii-skip-james-widow-thanks-cream-for-im-so-glad/ | Jack Bruce Lost Tapes (VIII): Skip James' Widow Thanks Cream For I'm So Glad | Jack Bruce Lost Tapes (VIII): Skip James' Widow Thanks Cream For I'm So Glad
In the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh parts of this 1997 “lost tapes” interview series, the late bassist Jack Bruce discussed his Scottish roots, band mates Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, Sunshine Of Your Love, drugs, Cream’s breakup, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, White Room, Jimi Hendrix, monitored PA systems at the Fillmore and last words/epitaphs. Here, Bruce gives insight into the business of music, including blues artists covered by Cream, and jests about practical jokes in the band.
Jim Clash: The music industry consistently gets a rap for being sleazy.
Jack Bruce: I think it’s just a business. It’s not any more corrupt or better than any other business. The difference is that people who are the workers in it – the musicians – don’t regard it as a business, at least when they start out. They’re doing it for love, so they get exploited. We got ripped off, too. But look at the way people got ripped off in the really early days. They would sell a song for 50 bucks and then it went on to become a classic. Or with the early things by people like Chuck Berry, the manager or agent would have his name in the writing credits, too. Quite often in the big band era, [the leader] would get a writing credit just because it was his band!
Cream's 1968 Wheels Of Fire, on which Jack Bruce sang and played bass, was the first platinum double... [+] album. It hit No. 1 on the U.S. charts. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
JC: You covered some old blues musicians, but they did get song-writing credits and, presumably, royalties.
JB: If you’ve been in a band like Cream, sometimes you do cover songs by blues singers like Robert Johnson [Crossroads]. We also did I’m So Glad, a great song by Skip James. When I was playing with West, Bruce and Laing in the ‘70s, at Philadelphia’s Spectrum I think, I went into the dressing room and there was this little old lady sitting very uncomfortably with all the really loud music. It was Ms. Skip James. She’d come along to thank me for recording that song. She said her family made more money from the version Cream did than in her late husband’s whole life as a musician. The money enabled him to have decent medical care at the end of his life. So you have to put it all into perspective.
JC: How about business ethics on the road?
JB: I remember we played the Café au GoGo on Bleecker Street for about 10 days [1967]. It was a huge success, two or three sets a night. I fell out with the guy who owned it because he had so many people queuing up outside that he wanted us to shorten our sets to turn the house around faster. Sets were already short in those days – people never played more than 40 minutes, really - but he wanted us to cut that down to get another turnaround, you know [laughs]. In fact I made a big speech, actually said to the audience, “We’re only going to play half an hour or 20 minutes because this guy is making us.”
JC: Twenty minutes isn’t long by any standard.
JB: It’s like the old Charlie Parker story. People think Charlie Parker really liked country and western music. What he used to do was hire a country and western band when he played a club in New York or somewhere. People would say, “That’s great, he has such a wide musical taste.” But soon after the country guys started playing, the audience would split and then have to pay to get back in again [to see Parker’s next set]. I love that story [laughs].
JC: Again with the humor. Was there much of it in Cream, practical jokes, whatever?
JB: It was a very funny band. When we were friends, there were a lot of good times. One time they put loads and loads of cornflakes in my piano without me knowing, things like that. It made this crunchy sound when I tried to play. Eric was more the practical joker, Ginger too. But when the humor went, that was the beginning of the end.
JC: You said earlier that all this isn’t to be taken too seriously since it's only rock and roll?
JB: In the ‘60s, you’d read all these band reviews. One particular guy [Tony Palmer], also a film director, did the Cream [Royal] Albert Hall [’68 Farewell] concert film. He got famous for comparing The Beatles to [Franz] Schubert, saying they were at least as good. Schubert is Schubert and they’re them, a few hundred years apart. It’s kind of a pointless exercise. I think it’s not good to take what we do too seriously.
Part 1: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes: Sunshine Of Your Love, Drugs, Ginger Baker
Part 2: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes, Part II: ‘Eric Clapton Was Fashion Conscious’
Part 3: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes III: Letterman, RR Hall Of Fame, Frankie Lymon
Part 4: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes IV: 'White Room Was My Favorite Cream Song'
Part 5: Jack Bruce Lost Cream Tapes (Part V): ‘We looked down on Jagger, Richards, Zeppelin’
Part 6: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VI: Cream’s Sound Fiasco, More Band Tension
Part 7: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VII: ‘I Don’t Want An Epitaph, Just Some Good Last Words’
Part 9: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes (IX): ‘It Was Decided Eric Clapton Would Be Front Man’
Part 10: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes X: ‘Albert King Asked Me, Where’s The Money?’ For Bad Sign
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0fb359aa56b6c41493d1503f634158fe | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2015/07/09/lost-jack-bruce-cream-tapes-ix-it-was-decided-eric-clapton-would-be-front-man/ | Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes (IX): 'It Was Decided Eric Clapton Would Be Front Man' | Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes (IX): 'It Was Decided Eric Clapton Would Be Front Man'
In the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth parts of this 1997 “lost tapes” interview series, the late bassist Jack Bruce discussed his Scottish roots, band mates Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, Sunshine Of Your Love, drugs, Cream’s breakup, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, White Room, Jimi Hendrix, the Fillmore, last words/epitaphs, the business of music and practical jokes. Here, Bruce focuses on why a Cream reunion hadn't happened (it did later, of course, in 2005), early efforts to make guitarist Eric Clapton Cream's front man and whether marijuana makes artists more creative.
Jim Clash: I’ve read that early on there was a push to make Eric Clapton Cream's focal point.
Jack Bruce: When we went to do our first recordings on 61st Street with Atlantic [Records] in New York, for Disraeli Gears, it was decided that Eric was going to be the front man. And I was just going to stay in the background and be the bass player. That’s why, for instance, the first single [on Disraeli Gears], Strange Brew, featured Eric on vocals. Strange Brew was a very strange situation. What they did was use this other song we’d already recorded the track for [Hey Lawdy Mama]. Ahmet [Ertegun] said to Felix Pappalardi, “Take that backing track and write something,” and he came back the next day with this Strange Brew. A lot of the time in those days, we would write singles separately as opposed to use album tracks.
Late bassist Jack Bruce (far right) said Atlantic Records initially tried to promote Eric Clapton... [+] (far left) as front man for Cream while recording the Disraeli Gears album in 1967. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
JC: I’m guessing this effort presented an uncomfortable situation for you?
JB: It was difficult to get [Atlantic] to let my songs be recorded. The reason they were accepted at all was Booker T [Jones] and Otis Redding came in to the session around the same time, and they were very encouraging about the things I was trying to do. We were all very fortunate to be in the same environment with them, anyway. Aretha Franklin was recording there, too. It was wonderful to meet those people. We were in awe of them - they were our idols!
JC: Sunshine Of Your Love was one of your songs from those sessions. Why do you think it became such a hit?
JB: It’s like almost anything else - it’s a synthesis. I’ve tried to write very original things. But I think songs that are commercial are usually a synthesis of what's happening at the time. You could analyze it - I guess people have - with that particular song, that particular riff. There are little bits of things put together, if you like, but that is a craft in itself [laughs].
JC: Do you ever hear it on the radio?
JB: I must admit, I don’t listen a lot. I’m not a big fan of rock radio. But I have heard it.
JC: Does it bring back good memories for you?
JB: Oh yeah, the band [Cream] was still a lot of fun to be in up to that point.
JC: One reason I came to England was to suss out the possibility of a Cream reunion. Why hasn’t it happened?
JB: There were times when it was very close to happening. I remember going to Eric’s house with Ginger [Baker]. There was always one of us who didn’t want to do it, basically. At different times, it was different members. But why it hasn’t happened more recently I don’t know. I mean, after the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame [induction in 1993], Eric was saying we’ve got to do a record.
JC: We chatted earlier about your views on hard drugs and music. But do you think moderate use of something like pot enhances creativity?
JB: Some people do argue that it helps your hearing to separate strands of music. You can actually trace the development of drugs in music to [Claude] Debussy, and art, too, to that period when they started impressionistic painting. So yes, a limited use may help. The problem with marijuana is not that you get addicted to it, but that you can get addicted to the use of it. If you’re playing or writing using pot, you might start to think, ‘I can’t actually write without it,’ or ‘I can’t really play as well without it.’ If you get into that kind of situation, the only thing to do is play without it.
(NOTE: A memorial charity concert for Jack Bruce is planned for the one-year anniversary of his passing at London Roundhouse. Musicians scheduled to appear on Oct. 24 include Ginger Baker, Joss Stone, Ian Anderson and Vernon Reid. See www.jackbruce.com for tickets and more information.)
Part 1: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes: Sunshine Of Your Love, Drugs, Ginger Baker
Part 2: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes, Part II: ‘Eric Clapton Was Fashion Conscious’
Part 3: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes III: Letterman, RR Hall Of Fame, Frankie Lymon
Part 4: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes IV: 'White Room Was My Favorite Cream Song'
Part 5: Jack Bruce Lost Cream Tapes (Part V): ‘We looked down on Jagger, Richards, Zeppelin’
Part 6: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VI: Cream’s Sound Fiasco, More Band Tension
Part 7: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VII: ‘I Don’t Want An Epitaph, Just Some Good Last Words’
Part 8: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes (VIII): Skip James’ Widow Thanks Cream For I’m So Glad
Part 10: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes X: ‘Albert King Asked Me, Where’s The Money?’ For Bad Sign
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c2ec53dff0197c8bd80d2f15415ed2c2 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2015/07/10/lost-jack-bruce-cream-tapes-x-albert-king-asked-me-wheres-the-money-for-bad-sign/ | Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes X: 'Albert King Asked Me, Where's The Money?' For Bad Sign | Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes X: 'Albert King Asked Me, Where's The Money?' For Bad Sign
In the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth parts of this 1997 “lost tapes” interview series, the late bassist Jack Bruce discussed his Scottish roots, band mates Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, Sunshine Of Your Love, hard drugs, Cream’s breakup, the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, White Room, Jimi Hendrix, the Fillmore, epitaphs, the business of music, I’m So Glad, practical jokes and whether marijuana makes artists more creative. Here, Bruce remembers meeting the late great bluesman Albert King, physically fighting with Ginger Baker on stage and a reluctance to perform Cream songs just after the 1968 band breakup.
Jim Clash: We discussed Cream covering I’m So Glad and Crossroads, with Skip James and Robert Johnson, respectively, getting song-writing royalties. But not all artists are so lucky.
Jack Bruce: America is not very good to its great artists. America awards some people so vastly. Madonna, she’s good and everything, a great entertainer and I would not dream of putting that down. But there are a lot of other people, maybe better or more important in the long run, who must feel so badly that they don’t get the recognition. It’s difficult if you’re a white guy in a band, and a lot of what you do comes from that [African American blues] source. Eric [Clapton] had great success with I Shot The Sheriff, which I suppose helped [Bob] Marley get some recognition. But it works both ways. There have been bands – [Led] Zeppelin was accused of it, taken to court – that take [credited] things and call them "traditional." If you have a traditional song, you can "arrange" it and then get royalties. With anything like that, I’m always very careful to trace it back as far as I can. Tracking some of those old things is very difficult.
Late bassist Jack Bruce (left) with guitarist Leslie West (West, Bruce and Laing) said that just... [+] after Cream's 1968 breakup, he shied away from performing Cream songs. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
JC: Have you ever met Albert King?
JB: When I met Albert King the first time, I wanted him to play on a record. I was in San Francisco and went to where he was doing a club date. This is Albert King, you know, the most frightening blues man in the world [laughs]! He said hello, and then sort of said, “I never got the money.” I said, “What do you mean, you never got the money?” He said he never got [royalties] from Born Under A Bad Sign. But he didn’t write Born Under A Bad Sign! He’d obviously done it for so long he thought he did. It was quite new when Cream had recorded it, had just come out on an Albert King record. It’s not like he had been doing it for 20 years. He did get credit for [popularizing] it, but the real guys who wrote it were Booker T Jones and William Bell.
JC: Was King joking about the money?
JB: I think there was a certain amount of that. But with Albert King, you never really knew [laughs]. A scary guy, but a wonderful player. He played his guitar upside down and didn’t push the strings, he pulled them - quite incredible.
Late bassist Jack Bruce said that when he met Albert King, the great bluesman jokingly asked where... [+] his royalties were from Cream covering Born Under A Bad Sign. (Courtesy of Amazon.com)
JC: Eric Clapton sometimes copied old blues legends’ guitar licks, correct?
JB: Actually in those days when Eric played solos, they often weren’t just solos, they were more musical statements, especially on singles. In Strange Brew, for instance, Eric actually quoted an Albert King [guitar] solo almost note for note, a kind of tribute. I remember watching him do that in the studio, the overdubs. They were quite impressive.
JC: You’ve been in many groups since Cream’s breakup. Do you cover your old songs?
JB: When I had my very early bands, I didn’t do that. It was fairly close to the Cream days, and I wanted to try something completely new. But it’s a bit arrogant that way. You’ve got an audience, and they know you for that stuff. I’ve gone to some concerts and they haven’t played any of their hits, you know - they cheesed off, really [laughs]. I mean, I don't want to just hear that – I like to hear new things, too. But obviously it’s nice to hear something like All Along The Watchtower if it’s [Bob] Dylan – although he never remembers the words.
JC: How about Pressed Rat And Warthog?
JB: That’s Ginger [Baker], that south London kind of cockney thing [laughs]. The music he actually wrote with a really great jazz pianist, Mike Taylor.
JC: I heard that you and Baker once got into a fistfight on stage.
JB: Only once [laughs]? There were a couple of times actually. The most amazing one was when I was in Graham Bond [Organisation], just before the end when I got fired. And it did come down to a physical fight on stage.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Speaking of Ginger Baker, a memorial charity concert is planned at London Roundhouse for the one-year anniversary of Jack Bruce’s passing. Musicians so far scheduled to appear Oct. 24, 2015, include Baker, Ian Anderson, Joss Stone and Vernon Reid. See www.jackbruce.com for tickets and more information.)
Part 1: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes: Sunshine Of Your Love, Drugs, Ginger Baker
Part 2: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes, Part II: ‘Eric Clapton Was Fashion Conscious’
Part 3: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes III: Letterman, RR Hall Of Fame, Frankie Lymon
Part 4: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes IV: 'White Room Was My Favorite Cream Song'
Part 5: Jack Bruce Lost Cream Tapes (Part V): ‘We looked down on Jagger, Richards, Zeppelin’
Part 6: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VI: Cream’s Sound Fiasco, More Band Tension
Part 7: Lost Jack Bruce Tapes VII: ‘I Don’t Want An Epitaph, Just Some Good Last Words’
Part 8: Jack Bruce Lost Tapes (VIII): Skip James’ Widow Thanks Cream For I’m So Glad
Part 9: Lost Jack Bruce Cream Tapes (IX): ‘It Was Decided Eric Clapton Would Be Front Man’
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3464378ec2d01d70cd6512b2ad03c7d5 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2015/10/14/breitling-jet-teams-douky-deketelaere-on-his-spectacular-air-show-stunts/ | Breitling Jet Team's 'Douky' Deketelaere On His Spectacular Air Show Stunts | Breitling Jet Team's 'Douky' Deketelaere On His Spectacular Air Show Stunts
Christophe "Douky" Deketelaere has been piloting one of seven L-39 aircraft for the Breitling Jet Team since 2003. Before that, he was a fighter pilot in the French Air Force flying missions over Iraq and Bosnia.
Earlier this year at the team’s American debut at Sun ‘n Fun air show in Lakeland, FL, the Frenchman took me for a spin (pun intended) in his No. 3 plane during pre-show workouts. I was in the second (trainer) cockpit, wing-tip to wing-tip with other L-39s, pulling 4 G’s at 600 kph during aerobatic maneuvers.
Deketelaere, with more than 6,000 hours of flying time and without ever crashing or having to eject, is the father of six. That was reassuring – clearly he is not a careless thrill-seeker. Following are edited excerpts from an interview conducted just after our thrilling flight.
Christophe "Douky" Deketelaere pilots the #3 plane for Breitling's Jet Team at air shows. Here the... [+] group of seven L-39s is in formation over Lakeland, FL. (Photo courtesy of Breitling)
Jim Clash: How is it bringing your Breitling team across the pond for the first time?
Christophe "Douky" Deketelaere: For us, it’s a very unique opportunity to see America, discover it. When we did Asia, it was wonderful too. It’s a dream for any pilot in Europe to be on the Breitling Jet Team, do what we do outside of Europe.
JC: Any special restrictions by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration for the shows here?
CD: We have some differences between European and American regulations. In America, you can fly lower and closer to spectators, but during an aerobatic maneuver you cannot have it going in the direction of the spectator. In Europe you can, but you must fly higher and farther away. We had to change three basic maneuvers in our show for America.
JC: What do you think of the L-39 as an airplane?
CD: For 13 years, I flew in the French Air Force with similar aircraft (Jaguar and Alpha Jet). The L-39 is basically a trainer, very reliable because you have not such complex systems and can do a lot of things. For example, two years ago we did an Asian tour and each aircraft flew about 150 hours [without major maintenance]. So, for us it is very comfortable - we don’t need so many engineers and maintenance people along.
Breitling pilot "Douky" Deketelaere (right) with writer Jim Clash after their aerobatics flight over... [+] Lakeland, FL, in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Breitling)
JC: How do you personally handle fear?
CD: Good question. You cannot say you never feel afraid. It depends on the situation. The main thing is to stay calm. I don’t feel fear when I’m up there flying. We are very focused. When we meet special weather conditions we try to avoid them, but sometimes you can’t. Even then, you don’t feel the fear because you are very, very focused.
JC: How does your wife feel about you flying so much?
CD: She knows me for a long time, likes to see me in the air and realizes it’s my passion. She also thinks what we are doing in the air is less dangerous than driving a car.
JC: How was I as a ride-along passenger this morning?
CD: You were the worst I’ve ever had [laughs]. No, I felt that you were comfortable, not very stressed. You told me when you started to feel a little sick after the big loop. I also felt you had confidence in me. I think that’s the most important thing when flying together. Also, the flight today was smooth. Yesterday afternoon at 3 p.m. it was very different, not so comfortable.
JC: What’s the main danger here in Florida?
CD: We met a lot of birds when we flew yesterday. Maybe one will strike your plane. Normally, we will fly lower than today, but there’s a special type of bird here, the Albatross I think, so we have to fly higher. Sometimes you can see birds even at 10,000 feet, so what to do?
JC: What does it take to get a dream job like yours?
CD: You have to be lucky. But you also need motivation to live your dream, and keep it. You must have confidence in yourself. For me, it started at 14 when I went to an air show with my father, a fighter pilot. At that moment, I decided to try to become a pilot.
JC: What's most important flying with six other air show pilots so close, day after day?
CD: We trust each other. Each member is totally different. But what’s important as a team is that you don’t have a big ego. You have not to be selfish.
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36ef6bfc390d06687cf9c59d4190a816 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2016/01/08/interview-part-4-sasha-cohen-on-michelle-kwan-torino-olympic-silver-and-her-tight-family/ | Interview Part 4: Sasha Cohen On Michelle Kwan, Torino Olympic Silver And Her Tight Family | Interview Part 4: Sasha Cohen On Michelle Kwan, Torino Olympic Silver And Her Tight Family
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” That famous Friedrich Nietzsche quote applies to many things in life, including figure skating. At the Torino Olympics in 2006 Sasha Cohen, leading after the short skate, fell twice near the beginning of her long program. What Cohen did next would have made Nietzsche proud: She kept focused and skated a perfect final three minutes to win the silver medal.
In Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of our interview series with the great skater, Cohen discussed growing up an Olympic athlete, a phone call with the President, Johnny Weir, competition pressure, a comeback at Vancouver, differences between competition and touring, efforts to prevent judges from cheating and life in New York now as a student at Columbia. Here, Cohen takes us through that difficult long skate at Torino, answers the age-old Michelle Kwan question and acknowledges the support she has received from her family over the years.
The ladies figure skate podium at the 2006 Torino Olympics (left to right): Sasha Cohen (U.S.),... [+] Shizuka Arakawa (Japan), Irina Slutskaya (Russia). (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
Jim Clash: Earlier we discussed your butterflies before the Torino long program. You ultimately won silver, but it wasn’t easy. How did you get up after the early falls and nail a perfect program finale?
Sasha Cohen: That was probably the hardest day of my life. I had a very rough practice right before I went out, the warm-up was not going well and I was dealing with injuries, going to therapy at the [Olympic] village a couple of times a day. I just had to keep strong and if there was a mistake, I had to shut it out of my mind and believe I could nail that next element. When you make a mistake, you hear the whole audience go, “Ohhh.” You can hear that groan everywhere. You have to learn just to snap out and stay in the present. That’s why athletics teaches so much about life, about being a mentally stronger person.
Sibling Love: Sasha Cohen (left) with younger sister Natasha. Sasha attends Columbia, Natasha... [+] graduated from Barnard, across the street. (Photo courtesy of Sasha Cohen)
JC: Most of us never win any kind of major athletic medal, let alone at the Olympics. What was it like up there at Torino?
SC: It’s definitely incredible to be on the podium. You can see the [American] flag, have this huge medal around your neck and just take a minute to realize what it took to bring you to that moment. I had tears, but they were mixed. I had some tears of disappointment earlier [at not winning gold], but at the same time I was really proud. I think that was a pivotal day for me to be able to keep believing, to pick myself up when I didn’t know whether anything was still possible. It was very rewarding.
JC: Much had been made of your awkward relationship with Michelle Kwan back in the day. Was it the press just building a story? Were you two friends?
SC: I think there is always competitiveness between you and other skaters at the top because you’ve put your life into it and you want that top result. So at the same time you can’t be friends, but you can be acquaintances. You can be very polite, but there’s always that barrier because you’re going for the same thing. We’ve known each other for many years and I respected her as a competitor, looked up to her and learned a lot from her. That’s my relationship with Michelle.
JC: I know your sister Natasha, mother Galina and you are very close. The family must have been incredibly supportive for you to get to the pinnacle of skating.
SC: A funny thing to note is that we all talk to each other, but we really just take turns talking about ourselves [laughs]. No, my family is so strong. My mom came to the U.S. at 16, had to learn English and finish high school while working three jobs. She was resilient with this can-do attitude, very smart and has an appreciation for travel and language. She was top of her class at business school [UCLA]. And she has these amazing values of what family, and sacrifice, should be.
Sasha Cohen attributes much of her Olympic success to her mother, Galina (above), who spent 15 years... [+] helping support and motivate the skater. (Photo: Jim Clash)
JC: You must treasure that.
SC: She gave up her life for me - got up early in the morning, waited at the rink, drove me to school, to ballet, to physical therapy. When we got home, I’d do homework, she’d cook dinner. The next day we would do it all again. Thinking about what she did for 15 years, I can’t even begin to fully appreciate that. She’s really been the closest person in my life because we’ve done so much together.
JC: Let’s leave this on something you feel strongly about.
SC; I think people naturally tend to judge. You can’t know what someone else has gone through, what they’re thinking, what they’re doing. I’ve been judged and criticized much of my life. My mantra is, “don’t judge.” Have empathy and try to understand others.
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8f24b7e2709ca0f7f36bb66f806fd4ae | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2016/02/06/moonwalker-outspoken-ufo-enthusiast-ed-mitchell-dead-at-85/ | Moonwalker, Outspoken UFO Enthusiast Ed Mitchell Dead At 85 | Moonwalker, Outspoken UFO Enthusiast Ed Mitchell Dead At 85
In the news yesterday, not much was made of the passing of Edgar Mitchell, who walked on the moon in 1971. According to his family, Mitchell, 85, died in a Lake Worth, FL, hospice after a brief illness Feb. 4, the day before the 45-year anniversary of his lunar landing. Of the dozen humans who have walked on the moon, that leaves just seven still alive.
Edgar Mitchell, sixth human to walk on the Moon, in February 1971. After his space flight, Mitchell... [+] became a UFO enthusiast. (Photo courtesy of NASA)
Two thoughts immediately come to mind about the relative lack of media interest. First, in a culture obsessed with fame and faux celebrity, perhaps Mitchell did not rise to the glib mediocrity of say, a Donald Trump, the Kardashians or a past Super Bowl ad. Then again maybe it was the fact that Mitchell, in addition to his stellar astronaut credentials, was outspoken about the controversial subject of UFOs. Ask any pilot or credible witness who has seen something – it is a no-no to report it.
In 1952 Mitchell earned a B.S. Then, while on active military duty he completed his M.S. at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and earned a Ph.D. in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT. In 1970, the former Korean War fighter pilot was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and, in 1997, inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
A few years back I had the privilege of chatting with Mitchell. To give a sense of what the man was about, following are selected edited excerpts. I found him thoughtful, modest and smart as a whip. He was brave, too – not only in his commitment to space exploration, but in a willingness to share his controversial views with the world.
The Apollo 14 lunar crew (left to right): Stuart Roosa, Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell. (Courtesy... [+] of Wikipedia)
Jim Clash: Was there much emotion when you became the sixth man on the moon?
Edgar Mitchell: Sure it was wonderful, we were pleased to do it and it was enjoyable to be among the first, but it was just part of a checklist we had practiced week after week at Cape Kennedy. We would go through the whole routine, modify it, rewrite it, modify it again until we were comfortable with the order. And, of course, our mission was to be the first to do science on the moon, so we had to be very careful about getting everything in during the allotted time. Apollo 11 and 12 were just to prove physically we could get [astronauts] down, and then back safely. Apollo 14 was to start doing science.
JC: You had a famous spiritual “moment” on your return to Earth.
EM: All I had to do then was monitor the spacecraft systems, which were functioning perfectly. I could lie back in weightlessness and watch the slow progress of the heavens. Suddenly I felt tuned into something much larger than myself, larger than the planet in the window - something incomprehensibly big. Even today, the perception baffles me. It wasn’t religious or otherworldly, nor was it new scientific understanding which I had suddenly become aware of. It was a pointer showing the direction toward greater understanding.
Apollo 14 moonwalker Edgar Mitchell later in life. He passed away Feb. 4, 2016, near his home in... [+] West Palm Beach, FL. (Photo by Phil Konstantin)
JC: What's your knowledge of the famous 1947 Roswell incident?
EM: After my space flight, I was contacted by some descendants of the original Roswell observers, including the person who delivered the child-sized coffins to the Air Force to contain the alien bodies. Another was one of the children of the deputy sheriff who was patrolling traffic around the site back then. There was also a military officer who was a friend of the families not involved in that particular operation but who did share office space there. They all seemed credible with their stories that the bodies were alien.
JC: If that’s the case, why do you believe it has been covered up?
EM: Initially, there was justification in that leadership officials thought the people weren't ready to handle it. But I think we are well past that now. Frankly, and this is just a personal opinion, remember what [President Dwight D.] Eisenhower in his final speech said: “Beware the military industrial complex.” I suspect that's what we're talking about. But it's not just the military. It's a cabal of money and military organizations primarily for the profit motive. We invented aircraft at the beginning of the 20th century. Twenty years later, we had an airline industry. Think of what that could mean in terms of space travel with control of that [UFO] machinery, that technology. There's a lot of money involved.
JC: Is it separate efforts within countries like the U.S, Russia, China, etc., or is it a worldwide cabal?
EM: I think it's worldwide, but I have no way of proving that. It’s just speculation on my part.
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da8bfb2f7a285be815871360b668742d | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2016/08/06/nekton-chief-scientist-alex-rogers-speculates-on-new-bio-finds-1000-feet-deep-near-bermuda/ | Nekton Chief Scientist Alex Rogers Speculates On New Bio Finds 1,000 Feet Deep Near Bermuda | Nekton Chief Scientist Alex Rogers Speculates On New Bio Finds 1,000 Feet Deep Near Bermuda
In the first and second parts and of this series, we reported on diving down to 1,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic with the Nekton/XL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey to investigate life off of the Bermuda coast.
Here, we discuss with Nekton chief scientist Alex Rogers what we found. He was in the submersible Nemo next to us – I was in the sister sub Nomad. Following are edited excerpts from a conversation on the Baseline Explorer mother ship after we had returned from the depths.
The otherworldly view 1,000 feet below the Atlantic of submersible Nemo with chief scientist Alex... [+] Rogers aboard. The sub was doing deep-sea research off the coast of Bermuda. (Photo: Jim Clash, from the sub Nomad)
Jim Clash: From a science perspective, what did we just see there, 1,000 feet down?
Alex Rogers: When we came down to the bottom, we were in some quite rugged terrain, those ridges running down through 300 meters. The nice thing about rugged terrain is that it’s hard rock, and that’s why you saw so much coral growth. What we were moving over is called a coral garden habitat.
JC: We also encountered fish and eel.
AR: We saw a green Moray eel, which also occurs in shallow water. We’ve discovered that they’re out hunting at 300 meters – we’re seeing them in every single deep dive we’ve done. I think it means they’re taking advantage of those pink fish with yellow tails we saw – there’s plenty of food for them at that depth. That’s probably what they’re feeding on. There’s plenty of food at the higher elevations, but less competition down here, and less predators for them, so that’s why we’re finding them.
A sample of yellow coral taken from 1,000 feet down in the Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda turned black... [+] when exposed to storage agent Ethanol. (Photo: Jim Clash)
JC: What is the correlation to depth and where one finds certain animals?
AR: One thing we know for certain is that depth has very strong influence on what biological communities you find. So many animals in the upper 1,000 meters of the ocean have specific depths across which they live. Coral, for example, occurs between 150 meters down to below 300 meters. And the reason it probably occurs down that far, again, is to avoid competition. Coral is related to jelly fish. They all have these sting cells called cnidocytes. Most Cnidarians can’t penetrate human skin, but some do like, of course, jelly fish, hydrocorals. Some have quite virile toxins.
JC: How does that yellow coral we sampled feed?
AR: The yellow coral is a suspension feeder. It filters suspended organic material in the water. That’s why – and you probably noticed during the dive – they are really abundant where a ridge comes up and drops; they are right there on the top. The water has to accelerate over the ridge and creates turbulence, bringing suspended organisms with it.
Yellow coral at 1,000 feet below the surface of the Atlantic off of Bermuda being sampled for... [+] analysis on the surface. (Photo: Jim Clash)
JC: Why did the coral turn black when we brought it up?
AR: It’s a chemical change to the proteins caused by the alcohol we store it in. Ethanol changes the yellow pigment to black.
JC: We saw an orange fish down at 1,000 feet, too. What was that?
AR: It looked to me like an orange Roughy. Those fish were targeted by the deep sea trawling industry. Their stock’s been wiped out very, very quickly around the world. These are deep-water fish, so they don’t get much food and grow really slowly. The age of that fish you were looking at could have been 150 years. They don’t mature for 30 or 40 years, so they can’t breed until then. They aggregate near the sea mounts to breed. And that makes them an easy target for the trawlers because they know at certain times of the year there are going to be masses of them circling about. The other thing is that because the orange Roughy dives to the sea bed when threatened, they use bottom trawlers to capture them. You can imagine the effect of dragging a bottom trawler through that coral garden we just saw – it just completely destroys it. Those corals we saw today are probably 700 years old, some even 4,000 years.
(Editor’s Note: Coming in this series will be an interview with Nekton/XL Catlin Deep Ocean Survey mission director Oliver Steeds. Stay tuned to the Forbes channel.)
Part 1: Nekton Deep-Ocean Science: 1,000 Feet Below the Atlantic’s Surface
Part 2: Guinness World Record? Intrepid Interview Conducted 1,000 Feet Deep In Nekton Sub Near Bermuda
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ad17c5c2db781a1e594e4122d1293917 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2016/08/25/dyslexic-formula-one-legend-sir-jackie-stewart-on-being-bullied-more/ | Formula One Legend Sir Jackie Stewart On Dyslexia, Being Bullied and More | Formula One Legend Sir Jackie Stewart On Dyslexia, Being Bullied and More
In Part One of our interview at Rolex Monterey Classic Car Week with three-time World Drivers Champion Sir Jackie Stewart, the flying Scot discussed Formula One, giving autographs to fans and his favorite racecar drivers. Here, Stewart touches upon his dyslexia, racing principles that apply to business, a long-term relationship with watchmaker Rolex and his favorite racing movie.
Sir Jackie Stewart at Monterey Classic Car Week with a much-admired Jaguar e-type. (Photo: Jim Clash
Jim Clash: How have you integrated your dyslexia with racing and your career?
Sir Jackie Stewart: When you’re a kid nine years of age, you’re just becoming aware of things. From nine until 12, I was abused mentally a ridiculous amount. It got to a point where I was dodging school. The teacher would give me a book and tell me to read this and that chapter, and it was just a jungle. I couldn’t do it. So therefore in front of the class she says, “Jackie Stewart, you’re stupid, dumb and thick.” My class was 54 people. And that moves from the classroom to the playground. The clever folk doesn't want to talk to you. So you’re hanging out with the 10% at that time who had dyslexia, meaning there were five of us dummies sitting there. It was frustrating and caused a diminishing respect for self. Sports saved my life: first shooting, later motor racing. My grandfather was a gamekeeper and I was a good shot, won the first-ever competition I entered. It was in Scotland on New Year’s Day. They were all pissed [laughs].
Sir Jackie Stewart (left) with billionaire Michael Kadoorie at Rolex Monterey Classic Car Week in... [+] August 2016. (Photo: Jim Clash)
JC: What’s the most important racing principle that applies to business?
SJS: Mind management. You need to remove emotion. If you get angry in the boardroom and say something, a little while later you’ll wish you had never said it. Same in the car. If you’re upset, you upset the car. When you’re angry, you do things in a faster way, which is unnecessary. That mind management principle runs through all sports. [Usain] Bolt, winning so consistently - that didn’t happen by accident. It’s not just because he has good legs. You think back to Rod Laver, and to Roger Federer today. Contrast [Novak] Djokovic, occasionally jumping out of gear when he gets angry.
JC: Do you remember the first Rolex you bought? You’ve been a brand ambassador for the company nearly 50 years now.
SJS: I’ll never forget seeing the New York Herald Tribune, the European edition of American journalism. Rolex had a full-page ad there. The photograph was of the United Nations and the line read: “If you were speaking here today, you’d be wearing a Rolex.” You’re a senior politician and you’re king of the castle when you’re wearing a Rolex. I also liked the look of it. It was robust yet relatively rare in the world I was then living in. I bought it ironically in America. I had qualified for the Indy 500 quite well. I told John Mecom, who I was driving for, “Ooh, I’ve never had this amount of money given to me this easily, I’m going to buy a Rolex.” He knew the dealer in Houston, TX, and took me down. I can’t remember exactly what I paid, but I had it insured [laughs].
JC: What is your favorite racing movie?
SJS: I think John Frankenheimer’s Grand Prix. There were two movies being made the same year. Steve McQueen was also doing one, but it didn’t happen. Steve, who was a racer himself, had signed me up, along with Jim Clark, but everybody else went to Frankenheimer. Grand Prix was way ahead of its time with the shots. The story was great, too, as was Yves Montand. It was also very realistic. They filmed at all the Grand Prix races they wanted to at that time, which would never happen today, never be affordable. Frankenheimer was very clever. James Garner’s a keen motorist. You can show that movie today and people will say, “I didn’t know this, and I didn’t know that.”
(Editor’s Note: For part 1 of our interview with Sir Jackie Stewart in Monterey, click here. For an interview with automobile collector Jay Leno at Monterey, click here.)
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0822c64ce47f34bbb293fd8365ada6ac | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2016/09/14/feast-your-ears-producer-jay-schlossberg-dishes-about-anticipated-whfs-documentary/ | 'Feast Your Ears' Producer Jay Schlossberg Dishes About Anticipated WHFS Documentary | 'Feast Your Ears' Producer Jay Schlossberg Dishes About Anticipated WHFS Documentary
In Part 1 of this series we introduced readers to the upcoming documentary, “Feast Your Ears, The Story Of WHFS 102.3,” about the iconic 1960s/70s/early 80s Washington, DC, area FM radio station WHFS. Here, we interview the film’s producer, Jay Schlossberg, 61. Schlossberg’s day job, by the way, is president of Media Central LLC. He is a former staffer of WHFS.
The documentary film, "Feast Your Ears: The Story Of WHFS 102.3," is due out in 2017. (Courtesy of... [+] Jay Schlossberg)
Jim Clash: What made WHFS so special versus other FM stations?
Jay Schlossberg: Though WHFS started playing mostly classical, jazz and/or middle-of-the-road music in 1961, like most FM stations in the era, things began to change in 1968 when they aired their first “free-form progressive” show and, within a year, this changed everything. While there were other free-form stations popping up around the country, maybe 50 or so, most by 1974-75 had become corporatized, homogenized and pasteurized as they were mostly owned by big media groups. Somehow, until sold in 1983, WHFS 102.3 FM stayed true and the DJs could play whatever they wanted with no playlist. One thing that also helped is that ‘HFS was the first High Fidelity Stereo FM station in the Washington, DC, market, hence the call letters. Once the major auto manufacturers started putting FM/AM radios in cars in the 1960s, FM in general benefited in a big way.
JC: Why did you decide to make this movie?
JS: In a way, it was in my blood. As a 17-year-old, I had a summer job there and met some of the DJs including legendary Murray the K. But the real impetus was that on April 20, 2013, Joe’s Record Paradise in Silver Spring, MD, celebrated “record day” to support used vinyl record stores, and had a panel of former ‘HFS DJs there. I was out of town, but someone posted a photo of the panel on Facebook and there they were: Josh Brooks, Bob “Here” Showacre, Jonathan “Weasel” Gilbert, Don “Cerphe” Colwell and Damian Einstein. I immediately said out loud, “Oh my God. They’re all not dead yet. Someone needs to tell this story!” It was really like a blinding flash of inspiration. While I knew most of them, seeing so many at one time just crystalized it in my mind.
WHFS documentary film producer Jay Schlossberg (right) with musician Bruce Cockburn, who is in the... [+] film. (Courtesy of Jay Schlossberg)
JC: Why did you decide to do it now?
JS: My wife, Eileen, who is the film’s executive muse asked me the same question! We have lost a few along the way - Bob “Here” in 2014, as well as GM/part owner and the “face of ‘HFS” Jake Einstein in 2007. But as I talked to the DJs, fans, musicians, and did my research it was such a compelling story I thought, ‘How can I NOT do this?’ Here we are, 33 years after the station ended, and we have over 21,000+ fans on the Facebook page. I’m constantly getting messages and emails from fans around the world who loved and still miss the station and are thrilled we’re going to tell the story.
JC: What's been the reaction of the former staff and DJs?
JS: For the most part, they are just delighted. These were great years for them not just because they were young but because they got to be part of something special. You could take a few million bucks now and get the gear, rent the space, find a tower and hire some DJs. But the times are different, the culture is different, the politics are different and certainly so is the music. You can’t replicate that all anymore.
JC: Why is Weasel so important to the film?
JS: Beyond everything else, he worked there for 33 years - from 102.3 in Bethesda to WHFS 99.1 in Annapolis and then finally in Lanham, MD, with new owners. It was a very different station, but he has so much history. He’s also a font of knowledge not just about music but all the things that happened through the years at the station: all the different DJs and office employees, all the musicians who came through to be on air and so on. Needless to say, there’s a lot of personality in him, too. In combination with that musical knowledge and his voice, which is singular and truly stands out, the audience loves him.
JC: What takeaway would you like viewers to have after seeing the film?
JS: During the “golden years" of ‘HFS 102.3, from 1969 until they were sold and shut down in 1983, we were going through huge cultural, political and social changes - and it was coming out through the music they played and what the DJs had to say. I hear over and over from fans how these DJs were their musical teachers. Unlike today, with things like Spotify, you had a human being moved by what was going on and the bigger picture of politics, religion, social change, so you were always surprised, and entertained, by the “sets” they’d play in the moment. There were no playlists. As well, there was a very strong sense of belonging, community and family, and it was the focal point for a large sector of the DC region. So we want people to leave with a smile about how wondrous this was, what a gift WHFS was in its time and maybe shed a tear at what we’ve all lost. It wasn’t all a bed of roses and there were plenty of thorns, to be sure. But it was a fantastic time in FM radio broadcasting, and our country in general, that I doubt we’ll ever see again.
(Editor’s Note: In Part 3, we hear more from Schlossberg and interview former DJ “Weasel." Stay tuned to the Forbes channel.)
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3a1f4d168cf127a99a21ab8d849f4084 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2016/12/04/rolling-stones-pianist-chuck-leavell-on-mother-nature-network-jimmy-fallon-as-tonight-show-host/ | Rolling Stones Pianist Chuck Leavell On Mother Nature Network and Jimmy Fallon | Rolling Stones Pianist Chuck Leavell On Mother Nature Network and Jimmy Fallon
In the first and second parts of our interview series with Chuck Leavell, the versatile keyboardist/conservationist discussed his longtime touring and recording with The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and the Allman Brothers Band, how he handles fear, his new TV pilot about forestry and his thoughts about Donald Trump and climate change. Here Leavell, whose 2,900-acre tree plantation is just outside of Macon, GA, opens up about touring with David Gilmour, what he thinks of Jimmy Fallon as host of The Tonight Show and The Roots as its house band, his involvement with the environmental news site Mother Nature Network and how Mick Jagger and Keith Richards collaborate these days.
Keyboardist/environmentalist Chuck Leavell, December 2016, New York City. (Photo: Robert Mads... [+] Anderson)
Jim Clash: Last time you said you had a good story about how you hooked up with David Gilmour for his big tour last summer.
Chuck Leavell: In 1994, I was musical director on an MTV broadcast called Guitar Greats. David was part of that. It went very quickly, David was fantastic, we had a good time and that was that. Ten years later, we were rehearsing with Eric [Clapton] in London and David stops by and invites a couple of us to his home. We went, had a few glasses of wine and nice conversation, and that was that. Fifteen more years go by, and my wife is checking the guest book of my website. She says there's a guy there who says he's David Gilmour and wants to get in touch. The message read, "Hi Chuck, David Gilmour here....honest." I wondered about it at first. Is this real, you know? Why would he do this? But then again how else would he get in touch with me? He doesn't have my numbers or anything. So I reluctantly followed up with an email to the address he sent, and sure enough it was David! He said, "I'm going to tour Europe this summer and looking to change a couple of members of the band. I thought about you and would you be available?" The timing was absolutely perfect - we had finished the Latin American tour with the Stones - so what an amazing opportunity that was. I did it!
JC: How do you feel about Jimmy Fallon as host of The Tonight Show. You're guesting on that program tonight.
CL: I love Jimmy. I love when he does the musical skits - he's quite a talented guitar player and very creative and clever. He's a good host. When you think back on Johnny Carson, his modus operandi was to help the guests look as good as possible. I think Jimmy follows in that tradition. He wants his guests to look good, have fun and to come across well. I really appreciate that.
JC: How about the Roots as the house band?
CL: Are you kidding? Those guys are just one of the best bands ever, period. They're workaholics. When they're not doing Jimmy, Ahmir [Khalid Thompson] is out there as a DJ, has a cooking show and hosts an XM or Sirius radio program. So I have nothing but admiration for the work ethic of those guys, all great musicians.
JC: Talk a bit about your involvement with the Mother Nature Network.
CL: My longtime friend Joel Babbit, an incredible creative mind, was head of a huge company out of Atlanta in advertising, promotion and public relations. He calls me one day and says, "Listen, I know you are into environmental issues. I want to talk to you about something. My clients, big-name corporations, are making significant changes in their behavior towards the environment and want to get their messages out on the Internet. I have no problem with print, visual, other media, but I'm scouting the Internet and can't find anywhere comfortable to spend their budgets. What can you tell me, Chuck? If I resign my position, do you think there's an opportunity here, and will you come in with me and help start it?" I was a bit shocked and worried because Joel had a great position at the time. But I also thought it was a wonderful, unique, opportunity so I said, "Okay, if you're in, I'm in." That was the beginning of Mother Nature Network [www.mnn.com] and it has flourished since.
JC: You're with the Stones a lot. How do Keith Richards and Mick Jagger interact these days?
CL: In the old days, there was a lot more direct collaboration. When we're in rehearsal now, that still exists - we're communicating with each other and all that. But I think the writing these days is done more individually. And there are practical reasons for that. We don't all live in the same town anymore. It's not like you can walk around the corner and go to one of the apartments like in the old days. That doesn't surprise me, and it works very well. But there is still collaboration. It's not to say we don't sit down and discuss a piece of music. Keith might say, "Hey Mick, I think we ought to take a different approach in this part of the song." So that does go down, but less than it used to. I suppose when John Lennon, may God rest his soul, and Paul McCartney wrote, there were a lot of similarities. Lennon wrote a lot of things on his own, as did McCartney, but it was always Lennon and McCartney.
Part 1: Rolling Stones’ Chuck Leavell Discusses Breaking New Studio Release: ‘Blue And Lonesome’
Part 2: Rolling Stones Pianist Chuck Leavell Worries About Climate Change, Hopes Trump Does The Right Thing
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38af3f7b74c752179dd29f9d96bd2291 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2017/04/12/daredevil-felix-baumgartner-recalls-his-thrilling-128000-foot-parachute-jump/ | Daredevil Felix Baumgartner Recalls His Thrilling 128,000-Foot Parachute Jump | Daredevil Felix Baumgartner Recalls His Thrilling 128,000-Foot Parachute Jump
Felix Baumgartner in 2012 rode a gas balloon to 127,852 feet above sea level and jumped from his capsule gondola over Roswell, N.M., setting a world record for the highest parachute jump. Two years years later, Google executive Alan Eustace broke the record, jumping from 135,890 feet, but what Baumgartner did was impressive – both for its physical prowess and the marketing efforts of his sponsor, Red Bull.
Millions of people watched Baumgartner's jump live on television. As Buzz Aldrin, second man on the moon, joked to me afterwards: "One small step for Felix, one giant leap for Red Bull."
Felix Baumgartner jumps from 128,000 feet above the Earth Photo: Red Bull
What many don’t know is that Baumgartner trained extensively for his big day. In addition to past stunts -- including a 1999 BASE jump from the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil -- he had survived two high-altitude parachute training jumps. Following are edited excerpts from an interview awhile back with the daredevil, who turns 48 next week.
Jim Clash: You did training jumps before the big one. What did those teach you and how did the big jump differ?
Felix Baumgartner: Those two test jumps -- from 71,581 feet and 97,145 feet -- were important rehearsals for what was ahead. Not only did they allow us to fine-tune the equipment, but they also enabled us to refine our procedures. And they gave me a taste of what it was going to be like freefalling through a near vacuum in a pressure suit. In the final jump on October 14th, the descent through extremely thin air was much longer. Not having any wind resistance to work against is a strange feeling for a skydiver!
JC: For us mortals, describe the view as you prepared to jump. What was your last thought?
FB: It was beautiful -- I could see the curve of the earth below me, and above, the sky was just black. I’d never seen black sky before. I did try to breathe in that special moment, but at the same time, I was all business. I knew there was only about 10 minutes of oxygen on my back, and I couldn't allow myself to become distracted. I had to jump.
JC: When you broke the sound barrier on the way down, was there any feeling or sound you noticed as a jumper?
FB: No. I knew I was accelerating very fast, but in the suit I didn’t feel or hear anything significant at that moment. It was only when I landed and the crews said they’d heard my sonic boom that I was sure I’d broken the speed of sound. And then, of course, the data confirmed it.
JC: I know you had some problems with a flat spin coming down. What happened and how did you control it?
FB: As you know, spinning is common when objects fall from high altitudes. A flat spin is especially dangerous because blood can rush to your feet, causing a blackout, or to your head, which can be even worse. As I trained, I experimented with small movements -- like adjusting an arm slightly -- to try to control the spin. It took several attempts, but once I found the position that worked, I never lost it. Still, staying stable took a lot of effort all the way. The reassuring thing was that I knew the team had built a drogue stabilization chute into my rig, and I could have deployed that drogue if I needed it. It also would have deployed automatically if the G-forces had become too strong and sustained. I’m happy I was able to regain control without the drogue, because it would have slowed me down.
JC: When you felt the chute open, what were your thoughts?
FB: Even when my chute opened, there was still work to do all the way to the ground. It was only when I landed that I really felt as if a huge weight was off my shoulders. After so many years of planning and preparation, we’d finally done it.
JC: What's your biggest takeaway from the jump?
FB: There are too many memories to choose from. But I think the biggest scientific takeaway is that researchers now know a human can safely accelerate through the sound barrier without an aircraft. And the monitor I wore provided the medical team with over 100 million data points – the first physiologic data ever taken from a human falling at supersonic speeds. Hopefully this will be helpful information as aerospace researchers look for ways to enable escape in emergency situations. Something I will never forget is all the support and encouragement I received from people around the world. That really got me through the tough times and it still means a lot to me today.
JC: How do you handle fear?
FB: Personally, I think a certain amount of fear is healthy. It means you recognize the hazards and -- as long as you can manage fear -- it keeps you sharp. You have to be in the right mindset so it doesn’t block you. During the Red Bull Stratos preparations, for example, when I began to feel claustrophobic wearing the suit, I worked with a psychologist to help me see the suit as a tool that would keep me alive, rather than focusing on how it limited my range of motion for skydiving.
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b2fc576505211d35b9bed9544e3bfb41 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2018/12/06/five-questions-for-surfing-legend-kelly-slater/ | Five Questions For Surfing Legend Kelly Slater | Five Questions For Surfing Legend Kelly Slater
Robert Kelly Slater is one of the world’s best all-time surfers. As a pro, he won a record 11 World Surf League Championships. We recently caught up with Slater, 46, for a few questions at the Breitling Boutique in New York, where he is a watch brand ambassador. The new Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown was being featured. Following are edited excerpts from a longer conversation with the surf legend.
Kelly Slater Breitling
Jim Clash: What's the biggest wave face you’ve surfed?
Kelly Slater: About 45 feet. You work up to it. You don’t just jump on the biggest wave you’ve ever seen out of nowhere. As a kid, I was pretty scared of big waves because in swim class a guy held me underwater until I breathed in water, so I freaked out about drowning. In my teenage years, I wasn’t into surfing big waves. But when I became the next good, young guy, there was pressure on me to surf bigger. I decided that I had to go up in wave height a little every year – just a couple of feet. If I did two feet a year for 10 years, then I’m 20 feet higher than I was 10 years back [laughs]. The idea was to keep pushing myself a little each year, put myself in uncomfortable situations. I realized that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, and it wasn’t that difficult to move up faster than I had thought I could. So from age 16 to 20, I went from being afraid of sort of big days to I’d go out in anything.
Clash: Where is your favorite place to surf, and where is the scariest?
Slater: My favorite is probably Fiji. The scariest is either Jaws on Maui, Hawaii, or Half Moon Bay at Mavericks, California. Mavericks is frightening. They have cold, dark water there, and rocks. Two friends of mine died there, and there have been multiple shark attacks. It’s a half-mile offshore. You kind of just spin the wheel for dangers. I’ve almost drown there twice myself.
Clash: What are you afraid of?
Slater: I guess we’re all afraid of dying on some level. And that fear is realistic in what I do. I know about a half dozen surfers who have drowned. Formula 1 may be more dangerous. I don’t know how many people have died there. But I do know Ayrton Senna was one. I get scared of feeling like I’m all alone in the world, and that no one can help me but me. But that’s kind of why we do what we do. It gives this sense of freedom that it’s you making all of the decisions.
Clash: Who was your surfing idol growing up and who are the hot-shots today?
Slater: Tom Curren was my idol. I would watch him surf, and he surfed a wave the way my mind would surf a wave, if I could do it perfectly. In my head that’s what I wanted to aspire to – the level that Tom was. A current guy is John John Florence, a two-time World Champion. But he’s about to lose that crown because he’s injured this year. A guy named Gabriel Medina is likely to win it this year. I thought he could win 10 world titles when he started out. But he’s still probably the most dangerous guy out there. There is also a guy named Eli Hanneman from Maui who represents the new, new, new school.
Clash: What do you think of tow surfing?
Slater: It’s functional. It became a craze quickly when guys started towing in the late 1990s. I went out to Jaws then, and there were like 25 guys out there on jet skis. It was just mayhem. Now it’s gotten to the point to where it’s really rare to see someone towing into Jaws. On the big days now, most people are paddling, and it would be just too dangerous to have all the jet skis out there. The jet skis have basically been relegated to water safety there now.
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86a6c1f31b0adb31fb4d99fbd43621c7 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2021/02/24/talladega-channeling-ricky-bobby/ | Driving At Talladega Superspeedway, Channeling Ricky Bobby | Driving At Talladega Superspeedway, Channeling Ricky Bobby
The front-straight at Talladega Superspeedway. Jim Clash
Talladega Superspeedway, just across the Georgia state line in Lincoln, Alabama, is a behemoth of a race track. It measures 2.66 miles around, 0.16 miles longer than Florida's iconic Daytona International Speedway. It is also banked at an impressive 33 degrees in the corners, two degrees steeper than Daytona. In fact, Talladega is the largest oval track on the NASCAR racing circuit.
The speedway is also well-known from the 2006 comedy Talladega Nights. In it, former Saturday Night Live star Will Ferrell plays a lovable, aging stock car racer named Ricky Bobby, who is trying to regain his glory from years gone by.
For me personally, the track had been a difficult one to nail down. One year ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., my first trip to Talladega was abruptly canceled. Then, last fall, my second attempt at the place was thwarted by Hurricane Sally, which blew through Alabama the weekend we were supposed to be on-track. Racing fans know this, but you cannot drive on an oval in the rain. The slick tires on the cars will hydroplane off of any water accumulating on the asphalt surface.
Fast-forward to last week. A massive winter storm hit the U.S., especially in the south. Witness all of the carnage in Texas. My Talladega trip was threatened yet again when a number of flights from New York, where I reside, were canceled because of ice and snow. I left the city a day early to escape the white stuff, and landed at the Atlanta airport in a downpour. But the weather forecast for nearby Talladega on the weekend was decent - very cold, but clear.
Saturday morning at 6 a.m. sharp, I was off to the track with the NASCAR Racing Experience (NRE) crew. The temperature, in the 20s, would definitely present problems for the cars. Engines would have to be heated up slowly, to avoid damage, and tires would need to be adjusted to cold-weather pressures, then warmed by running practice laps on the track. And drivers would need to wear multiple layers under their racing suits.
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NRE is a two-decade-old company that allows race fans to feel what a driver or rider might experience in a race car at speeds approaching 170 mph. G-forces in the corners are intense, too, around 2.5, or two-and-a-half-times one’s body weight. NRE has put almost two million customers through its school, and with a good safety record. For a fee, customers can either drive on the track by themselves after a short course and with the aid of a radio spotter in the grandstands, or experience a high-speed ride-along with a pro behind the wheel.
I had been driving as an NRE student since 2000. Two years ago, I graduated to ride-driver, meaning I get to thrill passengers from the left seat. Since securing the position, I have given several hundred rides at tracks including Charlotte Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, California Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Daytona.
But, as I said, this was to be my first time at Talladega. So, on Saturday, I drove initially as a student, following in the line of another ride-driver, David Le Beau, a professional racer. I also helped buckle in passengers with the help of Miss Deb, as she's affectionately called, who has been with NRE for eight years. Right away, I noticed differences between the Talladega and Daytona tracks, not so much in length or banking, but in width. Daytona is a fairly narrow track, Talladega much wider, making it easier, and safer, to pass on.
NASCAR Racing Experience rides at Talladega Superspeedway approach 170 mph. Steve Pigot
At first, if you can believe it, I was a little bored, even at 170 mph. But, as I got into a rhythm, I began experimenting with different, and more challenging, lines. By Saturday afternoon, I felt comfortable enough to give rides myself, alternating with Le Beau.
Ride-driving can be fun (often passengers will ask me how I got such a dream job), but it is also a huge responsibility. You not only hold your own life in your hands, literally, but that of another person. It is serious business, especially when newbie students are circling the track at the same time you are. You must be vigilant when approaching and passing them, and when blending onto the track.
At one point during a ride-along Saturday, I had committed to the low line through turns one and two, when suddenly a student car, traveling much slower, tried clumsily to climb up onto the 33-degree corner banking from the flat apron lane just below the track. I was surprised to see it there - cars normally blend onto the track from pit lane at the end of the front-straight, or on the back-straight from the apron. I reacted quickly, moving up the banking toward the wall, avoiding the errant car. I made a mental note to discuss the incident with the spotter instructors later in the day, though. It was an unusual occurrence.
Will Ferrell arrives for the premiere of Talladega Nights: The Ballard of Ricky Bobby, at The ... [+] Empire, Leicester Square, central London. (Photo by Anthony Harvey - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images) PA Images via Getty Images
So you say ride-driving is stressful? Sure. But it can be calming, too. When you head into a corner traveling at a rate close to the length of a football field per second, you must focus on the task at hand. You have no time to think about anything else - politics, personal matters, COVID-19, whatever - just the corner. And that, to me, is both liberating and relaxing.
All told, I gave north of 50 rides that weekend without incident. It’s always fun driving around a big track, but what really does it for me these days are the looks on the faces of the customers afterward. Most people are amazed by the visceral experience. Sometimes, before a ride, I will ask passengers to try to lift their legs off of the car floor as we speed through the corners. Because of the stout G-forces, many can’t. At the end of the rides, all of them say they have a much better appreciation for what pro drivers endure in 500 mile races.
By the way, I did ask around at the track about Ricky Bobby, but there was no sign of him (perhaps he got caught up in bad winter weather, like much of the U.S.). But that’s okay, I finally got to drive Talladega! Wherever Ricky is, though, I’ll bet that he—or his ghost—would be proud.
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ac954d8b4c4375a80b0730091df0ac52 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimcollins/2018/05/14/tesla-executives-continue-to-flee-as-the-company-goes-rogue-with-its-balance-sheet/ | Tesla Executives Continue To Flee As The Company Goes Rogue With Its Balance Sheet | Tesla Executives Continue To Flee As The Company Goes Rogue With Its Balance Sheet
The torrent of executive departures from Tesla continued this weekend as news emerged on Friday night that senior vice president of engineering Doug Field is "taking a break from the company," and the Wall Street Journal reported that Tesla’s former director of field performance engineering, Matthew Schwall, left for Alphabet's Waymo last week. Field’s decision to take a hiatus is a stinging blow for Tesla, as he was the closest thing to a "car guy" in Tesla's senior leadership team. That Field could be considered a car guy when his automotive experience, according to his LinkedIn profile, consisted of six years as an engineer at Ford that ended 25 years ago shows how bereft of automotive manufacturing experience Tesla is at the senior level.
Rescue workers proceed with caution around the spot where a Tesla slammed into a tree in Baarn, on... [+] September 7, 2016. Pioneering US electric car firm Tesla said on September 8, it was investigating a fatal crash in The Netherlands when a Model S sedan ploughed at high-speed into a tree. (ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN/AFP/Getty Images)
That dearth of talent has reared its head in the excruciatingly slow launch of the Model 3. If Musk's decision last month to remove Field as Tesla's production czar (in favor of himself) caused hurt feelings, it certainly wouldn't be the first time that has happened in Fremont. As those departures and the exit of Autopilot and chip architecture guru Jim Keller to Intel receive all the headlines, though, the departures in March of Tesla's vice president of finance, Susan Repo, and chief accounting officer, Eric Branderiz, were more disturbing to me.
A thorough reading of Tesla's first quarter 2018 10-Q showed the company making two moves that I would consider aggressive from an accounting standpoint, and also red flags in terms of financial stress. If one didn't read that document, one might have missed that Tesla created a special purpose entity (or SPE, the most reviled instrument on Wall Street since Enron’s 2001 collapse) and mortgaged its main assembly plant. I'm guessing Tesla's now-departed finance executives were aware of those two actions. Specifically:
Tesla created a special purpose entity to house the $546 million of automotive asset-backed notes (ABS) the company issued in February, and Tesla added its Fremont facility to the collateral package underlying its revolving credit agreement.
Financially healthy companies do not make either move, and that leads back to the rhetoric surrounding Tesla. In the last few months, I have heard the shorts yell “Tesla is Enron,” and I just had to chuckle and murmur to myself, "Incredibly unprofitable and overvalued, maybe, but not a product of financial malfeasance like Enron.” Putting the ABS into a special purpose entity changes all that. Yes, the ABS transaction is Tesla's first SPE, while Enron, at its height, had an incomprehensible 3,000 different SPEs floating off its balance sheet, but there is no reason proceeds of automotive leasing should not be presented in the same portion of the balance sheet as the assets that produce those autos.
That's the key here. In the Tesla world, there is recourse and non-recourse, and those words are thrown around in the way other managements use core and non-core. The non-recourse debt is presented separately, and before 2018 consisted almost entirely of legacy solar notes from SolarCity, so it's not an integral part of the "Tesla story." Selling cars via leasing, however, is very much a part of Tesla's core business. So, even though Tesla's ABS are not technically off-balance-sheet items (they are presented as part of long-term debt in note 10 in the 10-Q), they bear no recourse to the company, and therefore live in that part of Tesla's balance sheet that management tends to ignore.
Also, Tesla’s 10-Q notes that on the same day the ABS transaction closed, the company repaid $453 million under its Warehouse Agreement. Warehouse credit agreements are typically used by mortgage lenders and are quite common among solar panel suppliers. So, all but $93 million of the proceeds from the ABS transaction were used to pay off proceeds from the old SolarCity warehouse credit facility, which is also non-recourse. Again, funds are being used from Tesla’s most lucrative, if not ever profitable, business—sales of high-end electric vehicles—to support the debt left over from SolarCity’s years of unprofitability. In the process more non-recourse debt is being created.
The disclosure of the collateralization of the Fremont facility is buried even deeper in Tesla's 10-Q—it is part of the Ninth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated May 3, 2018, which is Exhibit 10.3 in Tesla's filing. Only those of us who are true geeks—and I asked boneheaded questions for 11 years as a sell-side auto analyst—read that far into a company's financial statements.
Clearly, though, Tesla is trying to increase the amount it can borrow under its credit agreement. As of the end of the first quarter, Tesla had only $543 million available under its Credit Agreement's maximum borrowing base of $1.829 billion. That is a tight window, especially since Tesla noted in its April 3 press release (emphasis added):
"Tesla does not require an equity or debt raise this year, apart from standard credit lines."
An availability of $543 million won’t get Tesla through the end of the second quarter, by my figuring, let alone through the end of the year. Don't forget this company's payables are four times larger than its receivables and its operations continued to be grossly unprofitable in the first quarter. So, if the revolver is the only financial lever Musk is willing to pull, then Tesla had better throw more assets into it. The fact that just two weeks ago Tesla dumped Fremont (and also the cars in transit to its Dutch processing facility) into its borrowing base shows just how desperate for liquidity this company is.
So, is that what drove out the two important cogs in Tesla's financial and accounting department? I don’t know. Nor do I know why Jim Keller left or why Doug Field is, after nearly five years at Tesla, deciding now is the right time to take a break.
I do know that creating an SPE and moving core liabilities to the non-core section of the balance sheet is aggressive from a financial statement perspective and that collateralizing the company's most important asset is quite risky. Long-term Tesla bulls and Musk’s apologists are living in ignorance of the company's short-term financial distress. In finance, ignorance is never bliss.
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fede71297e03c37b5827f58ad9edaae7 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimcollins/2018/11/12/i-believe-apple-shares-have-further-downside-from-here/ | Apple Shares Have Further Downside From Here | Apple Shares Have Further Downside From Here
I had a sense of déjà vu as I watched Apple shares drop sharply in Monday's trading. The decline in Apple’s share price was driven by massive cuts to earnings guidance from iPhone supplier Lumentum. Lumentum's CEO Alan Lowe noted:
"We recently received a request from one of our largest Industrial and Consumer customers for laser diodes for 3D sensing to materially reduce shipments to them during our fiscal second quarter for previously placed orders that were originally scheduled for delivery during the quarter."
Lumentum noted in its recent 10-K that Apple was its number one customer and accounted for 30% of revenues in the prior fiscal year. So, while Lowe did not name Apple in his release, the market quickly deduced that it must have been slower orders for iPhone components that drove Lumentum to cut its earnings forecast by 25%
This has happened several times in the last three years; an Apple iPhone supplier issues weak guidance and Apple stock drops as analysts impute lower iPhone unit sales for the following quarter. A quick peek at AAPL stock chart shows that every single one of those dips was an opportune time to buy Apple's stock.
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during an event to announce new products Tuesday Oct. 30, 2018, in the... [+] Brooklyn borough of New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) ASSOCIATED PRESS
I'm not buying Apple on today’s pullback, though, as I believe fair value for Apple shares is more than 10% below today’s level. Here’s why:
The amazing run of Apple from a close of $90.52 on May 13th, 2016 to the September 28th closing price of $225.74 created an almost inconceivable $630 billion in market value. Much has gone right for Apple since 2016, highlighted by the passage of Republican tax reform in December 2016. The new tax reform not only lowered the base corporate rate from 35% to 21%, but it also incentivized Apple to bring some of its much-ballyhooed offshore cash pile back onshore, where new tax rules streamline its use for dividend payment and share repurchases.
Most of that stock price appreciation was accomplished against a backdrop of record-low U.S. interest rates, however. With the 2-year U.S. Treasury note yielding 2.92% today while the 10-year Treasury yields 3.18%, it is clear to me that the free money punchbowl has been removed from this always-thirsty market.
So, the broad market started to turn in October, and as I have mentioned in prior Forbes columns, I believe this correction will continue. Against that backdrop, shares of companies that slash guidance--as Lumentum did--will be destroyed and companies that issue guidance that is mildly disappointing--as Apple did for its most-important December quarter when it issued quarterly results on November 1st--will be punished.
Apple has lost $120 billion in market capitalization since the last trading day of September. That is an extraordinary amount in dollar terms, but viewed against the $630 billion in appreciation since May 2016 still leaves huge unrealized capital gains for investors prescient enough to have bought Apple shares then.
So, the most relevant question is: now that its share price momentum is clearly headed downward and Street analysts have turned somewhat more bearish, what is an attractive entry point for Apple shares?
As a veteran of more than a decade in Wall Street sell-side equity research, I believe Apple's decision to cease reporting quarterly unit sales of the iPhone--announced on its November 1st call and effective as of the next report--is regressive and really unwise from such an otherwise well-run company. There's going to be a little more darkness around Apple's financials going forward, as the revenue Apple generates per iPhone (ARPU in tech terms) is going to have to be imputed, not computed. I believe Apple's ability to upsell the iPhone has been the most important controllable factor (obviously the company's management does not control its base tax rate) contributing to the stock's appreciation in the past two years.
Without the data to justify an ever-improving product mix, with higher interest rates, and obviously no cessation of the political and geopolitical noise that impacts every major multinational, I believe the correction in Apple’s share price will continue.
As someone who manages money for clients based on a strategy that comprehends both income and value investing, Apple is a profile-fitting stock. Apple pays a nice dividend--set for $0.73 for a November 15th payout, implying a 1.5% annual yield--something that companies like Amazon and Facebook and Google certainly could afford to do, but choose not to.
Based on FactSet’s consensus estimate for S&P 500 earnings, the forward P/E ratio for the U.S. market is 16.0x. The current Street consensus for Apple’s fiscal 2019 EPS is $13.35, which represents 12% growth from the reported figure of $11.91 for fiscal 2018. That 12% growth rate is in excess of the 9% consensus EPS growth forecast for the entire S&P 500 in 2019, according to FactSet.
Applying that 16x multiple to Apple's consensus EPS estimate yields a valuation of $213.60 per share. That is a material premium to Apple's current price of $195 per share, but I am not buying them today. Why?
I believe the perception that Apple is entering a slow-to-growth mode outweighs the reported EPS metrics, and actually justifies a discount to the market’s valuation. The Street values net income growth much more highly than earnings per share growth, and thus Apple's aggressive share repurchase program is not necessarily a value creator in the short term. Also, the chances of further tax reform are close to zero so I don't expect any more material reductions in Apple's reported tax rate.
“They made their earnings but it was only because of buybacks and a lower tax rate” is a frequently used criticism for many large companies. Apple's reported EPS growth of 29.0% in fiscal 2018 was more than double its 13.7% growth in pretax income, and thus the quality of the EPS growth can be questioned.
So, I believe we are entering a phase in which Apple shares receive a discount to the market. How much of a discount?
A quick glance at YCharts’ data shows that Apple shares’ forward P/E ratio fell below 14x on three occasions in the past 12 months. Of course hindsight shows those to have excellent buying opportunities.
As a value investor you always want to buy more cheaply, though, and the fact that Apple shares have fallen to a P/E ratio as low as 13x times in the past year tells me that the shares could do that again. We're in the middle of a "bad tape," especially for the Nasdaq, and one can never ignore the impact of broader market concerns on a bellwether stock such as Apple.
A multiple of 13.0x consensus fiscal 2019 earnings would imply a price for Apple shares of $173.55. At that level the shares’ yield of 1.68% would be close enough to the broader market yield--currently at 1.91%--to put Apple in both the growth and income buckets.
So, I'll wait until the low $170s to buy Apple stock. Obviously that introduces the risk that I miss out on owning Apple, but I have been on the sidelines through the boom in the so-called FAANG stocks (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Alphabet/Google,) and I don't want to make the mistake of buying too early in what may be the early stages of a FAANG bust.
The question of whether Apple shares continue their fall to the $170s can only be answered by those who own broad-market ETFs or program their computers to create portfolios that mimic them. That's not my investing style, and 26 years of experience has shown me that it often produces overreactions in terms of both buying and selling. If that overreaction brings Apple shares back to a level at which the company's deliberate growth rate is priced at a level that is not reflected in its forward valuation, then I will surely buy some. Not until then, though.
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5c1619d557d6c59769d535fd78654b5a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimcollins/2020/08/11/arcturus-therapeutics-has-begun-a-phase-12-study-on-its-covid-19-vaccine-candidate/ | Arcturus Therapeutics Has Begun A Phase 1/2 Study On Its Covid-19 Vaccine Candidate | Arcturus Therapeutics Has Begun A Phase 1/2 Study On Its Covid-19 Vaccine Candidate
Arcturus Therapeutics ARCT announced this morning that it has initiated dosing of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate—LUNAR COV-19, (ARCT-021)—in a Phase 1/2 study in collaboration with Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. So, Arcturus is in the game. The cohort of runners in the race to a Covid-19 vaccine includes no fewer than 42 entities named by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society, and even includes the Russian government, as announced this morning by Premier Vladimir Putin. So the key for any player in the Covid-19 vaccine sweepstakes will be speed and efficacy.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 05: Jess Baddams, paramedic, holds a blood sample as she poses for a ... [+] photograph during an antibody testing program at the Hollymore Ambulance Hub of the West Midlands Ambulance Service, operated by the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, on June 5, 2020 in Birmingham, England. The British government is providing antibody testing to NHS and care home staff as part of the first phase of its antibody testing programme. The blood tests, which can only be performed my trained medical practitioners, detect the presence of antibodies to COVID-19 to determine if a person has unknowingly contracted the virus and consequently developed an immune response. (Photo by Simon Dawson - Pool/Getty Images) Getty Images
Arcturus shares began this year trading at $10.00 per share on January 2nd and were last quoted at $51.68. Including the two public stock offerings Arcturus has completed this year and an additional purchase of 600,000 shares by strategic investor Utragenyx, the company's market value has risen from $154.1 million on January 2nd to $1.25 billion today.
So, it is inherent on those ”playing” a vaccine for Covid-19 to put the candidate companies under intense scrutiny. Companies like Moderna—whose messenger RNA technology is a similar construct to Arcturus’ STARR self-transcribing and replicating mRNA technology—have given new meaning to the term “pump-and dump.” In the past 2.5 months, Moderna executives have sold an astounding 800,000 MRNA shares, inducing 264,000 by the CEO, Stephane Bancel.
So, corporate governance is a key performance indicator in the analysis of my firm, Excelsior Capital Partners, toward potential investments. It’s difficult to say what my reaction would be to having a company I founded produce a candidate to vaccinate against the most widespread disease in 100 years, but, as a portfolio manager, I let the numbers be my guide. I want companies whose management teams believe in their profits, and believe their stocks enough to hold in in the midst of a Wild West-style gold rush in the Covid-19 vaccine space.
So, Arcturus has had minimal insider selling in the past six months, and the company’s stock offerings have been used to fund cash research costs. Also, the company’s agreement with public-company Catalent CTLT (NYSE: CTLT) will allow for mass manufacturing of LUNAR-COV19 by Catalent after all approvals are granted, allowing Arcturus executives to focus on R&D.
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Arcturus is not a one-trick pony, with a diverse pipeline that includes, according to the company,
programs to potentially treat Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency, Cystic Fibrosis, Glycogen Storage Disease Type 3, Hepatitis B, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and a self-replicating mRNA vaccine for SARS-CoV-2.
Obviously, though, the stock market is most-focused on the last program, and it is impossible for me to predict the winner of the Covid-19 vaccine horse race.
I would say, however, that it may not be a factor of “whose drug is best.” There is no simple answer to the complex puzzle of seroconversion, the rate at which antibodies are produced, and Covid-19 vaccination. It would seem to my untrained eyes that efficacy in producing a treatment for any disease, especially one as prevalent as Covid-19, is more easily measured than in producing a vaccine. But, for society’s sake, we need to figure out how to stop the novel coronavirus BEFORE it takes hold of its victims, as the current fatally rate (737, 224 out of 20,124,437 cases) of 3.7% worldwide and (163.505 out of 5,097,164 cases) 3.2% in the U.S are simply too high to be ignored.
Saving lives is the ultimate test of the efficacy of any biotech product. I am a shareholder of Arcturus, so of course I hope they “win,” but launching a first-to-market vaccine may not be the simple answer the world needs to kill this novel coronavirus. It has to be fast and easy. Arcturus continues to push toward a low dosage (2 microgram) injection which requires a single-shot application, as opposed to Moderna’s MRNA-1273, which was first given to mice in two separate 1 microgram applications three weeks apart. To be sure, the definitions of “fast” and “easy” in regards to Covid-19 are still being built.
The U.S stock markets have been as jaded and gullible as always of late, as Covid-19 is somehow “good” for companies like Apple AAPL and Amazon AMZN —even as so many of their customers die or are struck with Covid-19—as government spending floods the U.S. economy. I am often struck by the parochial nature of the U.S. markets; the abject failure to pay attention to any market other than our own is what left us so vulnerable to a huge slide in stock prices in February in the first place.
So, as of today, Arcturus is testing is Covid-19 vaccine candidate, LUNAR-COV19, in Singapore, with an agreement signed to begin such testing in Israel, as well. Going forward I wouldn’t expect the folks at CNBC to pay any more attention to those markets than they do today, because I know better. Science is global, however, and as we are unfortunately learning in 2020, so are diseases. So, I will continue to write about Arcturus’ LUNAR-COV19 test results in trials held in Singapore and Israel, and hopefully the market will break its recent habits and learn to read global tea leaves instead of just data points for the good ole’ US of A.
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9d48040b286d864bdd4e60f3786cfbca | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimcowen/2019/01/30/how-two-public-school-districts-are-improving-k-12-education-for-military-children/?sh=258c95a01d0f | How Two Public School Districts Are Improving K-12 Education For Military Children | How Two Public School Districts Are Improving K-12 Education For Military Children
In central Missouri, Knob Noster Public Schools and nearby Whiteman Air Force Base have formed a... [+] powerful partnership. Beyond strong classroom instruction, they prioritize access to specialized classes like Advanced Placement courses, as well as athletic programs and extracurricular activities like JROTC. Photo courtesy of Knob Noster Public Schools
Members of the military who have school-age children move six to nine times before their kids finish high school. Most of those 1.2 million students attend schools around military installations, so they are exposed to the vagaries of U.S. education far more than their civilian counterparts. The education of military children can suffer as students are regularly put at a disadvantage of being either ahead of or behind their peers.
What is unfolding outside the gates of two Air Force bases, one in Montgomery, Alabama and the other in central Missouri, highlights how two communities are addressing education quality issues in ways that could help other regions with sizeable military populations. What’s more, the solutions could also improve military readiness by ensuring service members are willing to stay in the military and relocate where they are needed most.
In Montgomery, the service is struggling to attract military families and faculty to take up residence in and around Maxwell Air Force Base, which is home to the service’s Air University, a major education center for the service that provides a range of programs including graduate level study.
The reason is the area’s struggling public schools. Some 34% of Montgomery County seniors in the 2016-2017 school year graduated without being college or career ready. The five regular high schools in the district had a combined average ACT score of 16, below the minimum score of 21 for enrollment at the University of Alabama. On the state’s own education report card, 66% of the Montgomery public schools received grades of D or F, according to the Montgomery Advertiser.
Lt. Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, says that in 2017 more than 56% of airmen arrived at the Air War College in Montgomery without their families, with schools cited as the top reason for separation.
"The reality is, 'If my kids aren't happy, I'm not happy,’ " Cotton said of the airmen mindset.
The Air Force is serious about finding solutions for service members so that they want to come to Maxwell. Service leaders and local officials have formed an education task force and recently held their first summit to consider how to do this. Some of the ideas they are kicking around include improving the process for course selection and Advanced Placement classes that consider the fact that service members may not receive orders to move to the area that line up perfectly with school deadlines. Other ideas include providing additional school choice options for military families including charters schools.
Cotton described the summit as “the beginning of a long journey that will require the engagement of the entire community.”
Maxwell is pushing to tackle the problem with possible solutions that might also point the way for other military communities struggling with similar education quality issues. Similarly, another Air Force community some 750 miles away is working to ensure that public education gives Air Force families a reason to relocate.
Knob Noster Public Schools in central Missouri serves 1,700 students, 70% of whom have parents assigned to nearby Whiteman Air Force Base, home to the B-2 bomber fleet. Over the last several years, Air Force families have worked closely with district leaders to implement new programs that directly align to college and career workforce demands.
"We have experienced an exceptional partnership with our installation leadership, military families, Department of Defense and other vested partners over the last three years, which has significantly improved our schools," said Superintendent Jerrod Wheeler.
The school district applied for and won nearly $3 million in Department of Defense-sponsored grants, all of which have dramatically expanded Advanced Placement, STEM2, leadership, cybersecurity and virtual course offerings for students.
In one powerful example of the partnership between the schools and the base, the local high school’s robotics team was asked by base leaders to work with pilots and engineers to design a 3D-printed prototype switch cover for the cockpit of the B-2 stealth bomber. After perfecting and testing the prototype, the students printed switch covers for the entire B-2 fleet and simulators.
The two Air Force bases are not carbon copies. They are in distinct regions of the U.S., and they have their own unique constraints and issues, so their solutions won’t be identical. But the commonality is that they recognize the impact of local education quality on military families and the need to rally local officials to the cause.
In fact, those bases that become desirable outposts are typically ones that institutionalize a high degree of collaboration between the base and the school systems. A recent report by the Lexington Institute found that military children excelled when the school “district and base staff collaborate closely on all aspects of support for military-connected students, including ways to integrate base staff and leadership into teaching and learning, as well as extra-curricular activities.”
Local K-12 education has the attention of the secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force. They wrote to the nation’s governors last year saying that among the factors most frequently cited as drawbacks to military service include “the quality of schools available for their children.”
The quality of public education is an issue for all parents, civilian and military alike. But if schools around installations are not performing well, there is an added dimension for those in uniform and for U.S. policy makers concerned about military readiness and ensuring sufficient retention in the armed forces.
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173220b063043efa5da5278c349eab06 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2014/10/21/bear-grylls-the-worlds-sexiest-adventurer-talks-luxury-travel-his-private-island-and-his-new-survival-academy/ | Bear Grylls: The World's Sexiest Adventurer Talks Luxury Travel, His Private Island And New Survival Academy | Bear Grylls: The World's Sexiest Adventurer Talks Luxury Travel, His Private Island And New Survival Academy
Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage for One for the Boys/Getty Images
On a private island off the coast of Abersoch in North Wales, the world’s sexiest survivalist lives with his wife Shara and three young boys; Jesse, Marmaduke and Huckleberry. The wind blown, 20 acre St. Tudwal’s Island West, with sheer, jagged cliffs comes complete with an historic lighthouse and living quarters featuring 2 foot thick limestone walls. It has become the sanctuary and playground for this modern day hippie Robinson Crusoe. Bear Grylls is happiest when he is at home as opposed to traveling the world risking his life on death defying adventures for his enormously popular television series. Handsome, rugged and charming at 40 years old, Grylls spoke with me in this exclusive interview about his softer side and the most important things in his life.
You have traveled to many different locations and have experienced a lot of adventures for your show. What are your top five favorite destinations?
I’ve been so blessed to get to travel to so many of the world's great extremes and I never take that for granted. We are the first generation of mankind that has such opportunities.
Being on top of Mount Everest was obviously an amazing life changing experience, but I also love the less dangerous and less hostile places too.
Our small island home is one of my favorite places to be because it’s away from the busy-ness of everyday life, it’s spectacularly beautiful and it is totally off the grid.
I love Greenland as a mountain adventure location as it has such huge expanses of genuine wilderness, totally unexplored, virgin peaks everywhere and a sense of awe that is hard to describe.
An international city I always enjoy is Panama City and I seem to be there a lot passing through to other Central American jungles and I have a few favorite hang outs there.
Was there an adventure that was too grueling even for you? What terrifies the ultimate survivalist?
The reality of a genuine survival situation is that it can be truly terrifying to be stranded and alone. But what I love is that hard places and tough situations also tend to bring out the best in people. I have learned from filming so many of these adventures that we’re all more resilient than we believe. We’re like grapes, when we’re pushed and squeezed; you see what we’re made of.
The biggest fear for me now as a father and husband is not being there for my family, and we have had a few close calls over the years. They have all taught me that life is precious, and that you have got to be smart and that you only get it wrong once. When I climbed Mt Everest I fell 200 feet into an icy crevice. At an altitude of 19,000 feet, I should have died which was terrifying. But my best friend Mick was able to pull me to safety. The wild brings you close to people and that is always wonderful to live through with someone.
At the same time I’m a believer that the adventure begins when things go wrong and a little bit of that is healthy!
Do you experience anything luxurious away from the wilderness? I am sure you must have a decadent side as well.
Everyone enjoys a little pampering I am sure! For me, the longer and harder the trip, the sweeter the return to soft beds and hot baths and good food always is. It is part of the appeal of extreme travel - it keeps us grateful! The Ivy at the Shore in Santa Monica is my favorite restaurant to eat at in California with friends (post expedition), and my favorite hotel is probably The Connaught in London!
One of my great passions in life is paramotoring. It’s an incredible sport where you can fly solo for up to three hours with a parachute wing above you and a small backpack motor on your back. It allows you to see the world from a whole new perspective. I once led an expedition to fly these machines over Everest which became a big mission but I also love exploring and unwinding soaring at only a few feet above English countryside or along the Welsh coastline. We recently released the BG Paramotor which many have since called the ultimate boys toy!
What is your most prized possession?
We spend much of the year on an old houseboat (a 100 year old former Dutch barge) on the Thames which has been home for a while now. If that was sinking, beyond saving our three boys and Shara, I would probably grab the few bits of SAS memorabilia I was awarded after I left the regiment or my grandfather’s old box of war secrets that I still haven't fully gone through. Or maybe our box of all my families’ school reports which are gems!
When you are not filming on location, what is the typical day like for Bear Grylls?
I tend to start each day with a bit of training- nothing too long or crazy. I tend to do 30 minutes of high intensity body weight training at one of our BG EPIC Training facilities that run these workout programs. My favorite place to be is quietly just with my family on the island. We get to spend the day exploring the caves, swimming or climbing on the cliffs. It's also an amazing place to fly our paramotors and we use our BG Rib to get back and forward to the mainland. My golden rule is when I am home then I am home. We tend to say no to a lot of the superfluous stuff and try and always keep family first. My weakness is homemade hot chocolate & baths with the boys!
As the ultimate outdoor adventurer, tell me about the Survival Academy and how it came to be?
The Bear Grylls Survival Academy teaches people the dynamic survival skills needed to stay alive in even the most hostile wilderness situations. We offer a huge range of courses for people of varying ages and abilities in locations all across the UK and the world. We have children’s courses, parent-child courses, more extreme adult courses in UK, USA and Africa as well as team building and leadership courses. They all vary from half a day in length up to five days and all of them build to an end challenge that will really stretch and empower you in a totally new way. The feedback we get is a testament to the hard work of our team and I am so proud of how they change lives all over the world.
People learn everything from appealing to self-defense, non GPS navigation to river crossings and fire-lighting. It’s a real variety that equips participants for any situations they may face - but above all it builds the sort of quiet confidence that comes from knowing you are able to look after yourself or your family in an emergency.
The academies came to be because so many people kept writing to us suggesting we started one. People want to learn the type of primal life and dynamic survival skills they see from TV but for me it is really about people being empowered personally. I hope in some small way that the TV shows I’ve worked on have encouraged a sense of adventure in people and the Academy is a great way to be able to share those techniques.
You have a passion for helping children all over the world. What are you most proud of accomplishing with your charitable work?
I am so proud to be Chief Scout and we belong to an amazing family now of over 30 million scouts around the world. My main goal is always to encourage those young people who might not normally get the chance, to get out there, experience the wild and then to learn how to build their own adventures.
One of my favorite charities is Global Angels who work with the most needy, often underfunded, small charities to equip families all over the world with life changing tools and clean drinking water to help the poorest children to reach their potential. Those guys that works for this goal are such heroes of mine - unsung but determined. It’s amazing to see.
There are always so many ways we can all help and improve people’s lives, whether it is helping as a volunteer with the Scouting Movement or exploring Global Angels' to find a project that resonates with you. All it takes is a lot of people doing a little to change the world.
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4ac15c9455dcb3743989a81037c0894f | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2015/08/10/vatican-for-sale-very-wealthy-rent-the-sistine-chapel-dine-with-the-pope-and-buy-secret-archives/ | Vatican For Sale: Very Wealthy Rent the Sistine Chapel, Dine with the Pope and Buy Secret Archives | Vatican For Sale: Very Wealthy Rent the Sistine Chapel, Dine with the Pope and Buy Secret Archives
With philanthropist and homeless advocate Pope Francis in charge, things are really changing inside the walls of the venerable institution, and the Vatican will never be the same again.
Over the last year the Vatican has been involved with countless fund-raising opportunities that have brought in private corporate dollars as well as income from high-profile celebrities and billionaires.
Last year Pope Francis for the very first time allowed the Sistine Chapel to be rented out for a private corporate event, with the proceeds going to his homeless charities. The Vatican would not reveal how much it was paid for the event, but the ultimate visit arranged by Porsche cost over $10,000 per person. The 40 wealthy guests enjoyed a spectacular dinner and concert in the Sistine Chapel, beneath its famed Michelangelo ceiling. The concert was performed by a choir from the historic Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome.
It is believed this is the first time that the chapel, which was built by Pope Sixtus IV starting in 1473, has been leased out to a company for a private event. The Pope now wants to use the Vatican's treasures to good use for the benefit of the poor. Porsche was required to make a sizeable donation for the use of the Sistine Chapel, with the money then passed onto charity.
But as the fundraising event was revealed, the Vatican announced it would limit the number of visitors allowed inside the chapel to just six million per year, fearing that the frescoes were being damaged by the huge swarms of tourists.
While Pope Francis urges the world to care for the poor, he presides over the world's most valuable collection of treasures. According to Catholic Church historian Michael Walsh, “If sold, the money could lift millions out of destitution. Pope Paul VI, whom Francis has just beatified, was so conscious of this paradox that he sold the papal tiara - the triple-tiered crown used in his coronation - to raise alms for the poor. It was bought by an American cardinal, and there has never been a papal 'coronation' since. But not everything is saleable. Certainly not the Sistine Chapel. The next best thing is to allow its use as a money-making enterprise with the profits going to the poor.”
Celebrities and billionaires have always had the opportunity to score private visits to the Vatican museums. Justin Bieber was reported to have offered over $50,000 on an exclusive private tour. Angelina Jolie met Pope Francis during a private audience at the Vatican this year as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Recently Pope Francis startled the old guard by closing portions of the Vatican and welcoming a group of 150 homeless for a VIP private tour including the Pope’s residence in the St. Martha guesthouse. After visiting the Carriage Pavilion, the large group ventured into the Upper Galleries with the Gallery of the Candelabra and the Gallery of Maps – before making a unique visit to the apartment of Pius V and finally the Sistine Chapel itself. They were then treated to a private sit down dinner.
The brainchild of Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the visit was designed to show the city’s homeless population not just the beauty from outside St. Peter’s Basilica, but also the beauty within, which belongs to everyone, including those who have met misfortune and are living in poverty.
Now word has come that even the most revered Vatican Secret Archives are for sale to very wealthy buyers. Billionaires now have the opportunity to not only visit the Archives but also purchase a one-of-a-kind high quality copy of a transcript on parchment with a very high price tag (over $100,000 per page). But only an elite group of investors know how to get involved in this opportunity.
As an attempt to showcase the Archives, the Vatican invited a journalist for the very first time to visit the inner sanctum. Belgian publisher Paul Van den Heuvel was handpicked to create a $5,000 photo coffee table book on the Secret Archives, which has now become a catalog of sorts for buyers worldwide. The one caveat is that no documents after 1939 were available to view, which for obvious reasons includes the most scandalous periods of time for the Vatican.
Scholars have been allowed in the archive since 2003, as long as they knew exactly which documents they will research. But now, elite visitors may have the opportunity to have the ultimate in bragging rights. They will be able to walk through an enormous pair of brass doors, through multiple security checkpoints, up a narrow winding staircase to the 73m Tower of the Winds, which was built by Ottavinao Mascherino in 1578. This is a sacred place where the public is never admitted.
Beyond the Tower of Winds are rooms lined with 50 miles (roughly the length of the Panama Canal), filled with dark wooden shelves. Inside are hundreds of thousands of volumes (some almost two feet thick) filled with antiquated parchment. This is the Vatican secret archive, the most mysterious collection of documents in the world.
Among the historic documents are: Handwritten records of Galileo’s trial before the Inquisition; the 1530 petition from England’s House of Lords asking the Pope to annul Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon; letters from Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis during the U.S. Civil War; the papal bull excommunicating Martin Luther, and letters from Michelangelo including one where he complained about not receiving payment for his work on the Sistine Chapel.
Some of the more controversial, and much argued theories about hidden documents include; documentation of the Jesus bloodline; secular historical proof of Jesus’s existence, with correspondence between Saint Paul and Emperor Nero; secular historical proof via the same correspondence that Jesus did not exist; and contemporary depictions of Jesus (formal portraits of Jesus made by people who actually saw and depicted him in real life).
Many historians and scholars have also hinted the Church has hidden the existence of various Biblical relics, either the relics themselves, or reliable documentation as to their whereabouts, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail, the True Cross, the truth about the Shroud of Turin, and many others.
Once, Napoleon had the whole of the secret archive transported to Paris. In 1817 it was eventually returned with countless documents missing. Private investors have speculated about what truly is available in the public sector, hidden for decades.
For now, the future of the Vatican is certainly changing forever. Many more opportunities will be unveiled in the coming year with fund raising efforts giving help to a lot of people less fortunate.... thanks to Pope Francis.
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1b7fad2319fe642c517cb4f8ccd28dbb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2015/10/05/the-ultimate-guys-getaway-in-costa-rica-deep-sea-fishing-night-golf-and-more/ | The Ultimate Adventure in Costa Rica: Deep Sea Fishing, Night Golf, Villas and More | The Ultimate Adventure in Costa Rica: Deep Sea Fishing, Night Golf, Villas and More
Traveling with a group of your friends and family is often difficult, finding the perfect location where everyone gets enough activities, luxury options and Instagram bragging moments. Costa Rica is that perfect place. There are many options from glamorous multi-million dollar villas to some of the most stunning resorts on the planet.
Located in Central America with unlimited tourist potential, Costa Rica is ranked as one of the most visited and safe international destinations. It is also one of the most tropical and diverse, filled with half a million species, an exuberance of wildlife and lush jungle all surrounded by canals and lagoons. Oh, and did I mention five active volcanoes?
I decided to create the ultimate getaway for a group of friends, and was convinced the spectacular Four Seasons Costa Rica was the perfect home base for my adventure filled week. This is an easy trip from the U.S. with brand new non-stop flights into Liberia Airport via Alaska Airlines. Upon arrival you are met at baggage claim and whisked to the resort in a private SUV with a bottle of chilled champagne waiting.
Taking a private, gated drive past immaculate grounds, I arrived at the Resort to an amazing VIP greeting by the staff, where we were handed rum-filled coconuts, and then off to tour the resort. Located along the sandy beaches of Peninsula on an isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Culebra Bay, the 45 acre resort is pure decadence. All refurbished and upgraded, the 181 guest rooms and suites are built into a tropical hillside along with two beaches and four swimming pools.
My focus however, was with the luxurious private residences at the Four Seasons. All offering enough space for a group of friends with tons of privacy, and all the comforts of home. Choose from 20 residences with full Four Seasons service and amenities – including infinity-edge plunge pools and outdoor showers.
I was lucky to stay in the magnificent 6,727 sf Casa del Cielo Estate with five bedrooms including a staff cottage. With a commanding view of the ocean and one of the largest private infinity pools I have ever seen, I couldn’t wait to jump in. While still feeling you are in a jungle with Howler monkeys lounging in the trees and enormous iguanas basking in the sun, this is true luxury, and with top notch service, is the perfect location for high-end travelers. While not an inexpensive option for sure, this is a place where a group of successful guys can unwind and relax on an ultimate holiday. The average nightly cost for the estate during high season is $25,000 per night.
My first plan on the itinerary for that afternoon was to unwind and indulge into a three hour spa treatment created for the ultimate luxury. An organic Costa Rican Coffee Scrub, a Green Coffee Detoxifying Wrap ending with a Rainforest Aromatherapy Massage. Followed by the best margaritas in Central America and a great meal I was ready to crash.
The next morning we woke early for a day of Deep Sea Fishing aboard the hi-tech and spacious EL JEFE fishing boat. We were picked up on the beach fronting the resort with a top notch crew who were accustomed to taking care of celebrities and successful executives, and knew how to instruct a novice like myself. In search of large elusive fish we ventured further north up the coast, and once our lines were out we began reeling in some amazing creatures. First up was a huge colorful Roosterfish, quickly followed by a five foot Needle Fish, a five foot Barracuda and more. There were so many fish that we decided to catch and release and only save one for fresh Ceviche prepared by the crew. Our gourmet lunch and drinks were custom prepared by the Four Seasons Resort.
Back at the resort we were treated to a gourmet meal at the gorgeous Sol y Sombra restaurant with the resorts GM, the charming Pascal Forotti and the resorts beautiful publicist Oriane Lluch (who quickly became our best friend on the vacation). They both engaged us with great conversation along with a delicious wine pairing. The menu featured a land-to-sea concept, showcasing fresh and sustainable items such as chicken and seafood cooked in a traditional South American style on a rotisserie. Chef Dario Montelvere and the amazing pastry chef Guillermo Soto contributed to a perfect evening.
One of the benefits of this resort, is you never have to leave for meals. There is such a wide variety of options at the resorts restaurants ranging from local fare to Italian and Mexican and beyond. Also the bar with live music provides an ample lively backdrop to mingle with other guests. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen and Michael Jordan are among the many regulars to the area, so who knows who you will rub elbows with.
The Four Seasons Costa Rica caters to thrill seekers as well as those wanting to unwind and relax, but I know most groups of men prefer active adventures, so I made sure to indulge in the best that Costa Rica has to offer. I can’t wait to head back to Costa Rica to the welcoming embrace of the Four Seasons Resort where you quickly become a family member and they eagerly await your return.
Here are my picks for the best activities to add to your luxurious vacation. The Four Seasons concierge will help create the perfect itinerary for your group as well as provide transportation.
ZIPLINE ADVENTURE
WITCH’S ROCK: Located just 20 minutes from Four Seasons includes 24 platforms, 11 cables from 100 to 450 meters in length, 3 suspension bridges and three climbing trees. The views range from dry forest to ocean to waterfalls to sunset. Better for all ages and novices.
MONTE VERDE EXTREMO: Located 2 hours from the resort above the cloud forest in central Costa Rica, this zip-ling extravaganza involves 14 platforms at a starting height of nearly 1,400 feet. Four of the rides go on for nearly a half-mile, and at the end, a free Tarzan swing awaits. The property also has a separate Superman zip-line that goes really far, really fast, and a bungee jump option.
GOLFING IN THE DARK
At the Arnold Palmer–designed Four Seasons Golf Club Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean or Culebra Bay await at 14 of the 18 holes, along with significant elevation changes and tremendous variety. The signature sixth hole features a dramatic 446-yard par-4 with a tee shot that plays 61 metres (200 feet) downhill to a receptive valley-shaped fairway.
Use night vision goggles to play you walk in the dark with your guide as you play holes 1 and 9. Hole 1, Las Huacas, par-5, 543-yards, features a sharp dogleg with the option to shorten the hole by shooting over the bunkers at the dogleg corner or drive down the wide fairway. Hole 9, Pizote, par-5, 522-yards, plays through the lush Nascascolo Forest, with a rock-lined stream that protects the course’s most severely contoured green.
Golfers are assisted under the starry night sky with a line of lights along the fairways and a circle of light on the greens. Lanterns are also available to light the way as you walk the course with pull-carts.
SURFING
The small town of Tamarindo caters to surfers at all levels, offering easy access to a number of beach and reef breaks, such as Playa Negra, Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point. Located on the Pacific Coast, this is a perfect area for exploring a variety of surfing breaks in a short period of time. Consistent swells and offshore winds provide good surf conditions throughout the year.
Playa Negra has one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica. It's a right point break with very fast waves best to be surfed during transition of the tides. Only for experts though. For more approachable surfing, I would try Playa Grande which has the most consistent waves in the area. When Tamarindo gets too crowded you can paddle with your board across the river to get to the surf spot "La Casita" with its fast beach break.
ISLAND PARTY AT COCO BEACH
I decided to experience the local Costa Rica life by visiting Coco Beach, a short boat ride from the Four Seasons Resort. Our host for the day was the gregarious owner of Ventas Coco Sea Sports as well as the legendary Claudio y Gloria Restaurant on the beach. Javier Rojas was born and raised on the beach and his family has owned the restaurant and property for decades. He is an expert at local fishing trips as well as hosting large groups at his authentic restaurant located right on the Playa Del Coco.
Javier picked us up from the beach at the Four Seasons in his yacht and took us to Coco Beach for lunch and a tour of the village, which includes a Hard Rock Hotel as well as a local Casino and tons of shopping opportunities to bring goodies back home. Javier’s wife has a great boutique shop that offers the best selection in the area.
We dined with local realtor Elena Rodriguez and Javier and discovered the many luxury changes coming to the area including new high end resorts and villas. Lunch was grilled Mahi Mahi and Lobster tail made to perfection with local Costa Rican beer.
Make sure you coordinate a private transfer with Javier and dinner with cocktails and live music at this charming and VERY local destination. Not luxurious for sure, more of a rough and ready party town filled with bars, but totally fun where you can mingle with the international surfers and locals.
VOLCANOES, RAPPELLING AND MORE
Adventurous groups like to visit the Canyon at Guachipelin, where you can rappel, rock climb and swing through the jungle before a horseback ride and a chance to swim beneath a cool waterfall. The location includes a steep canyon over a turbulent river, where you will zip line, rappel and rock climb, cross hanging bridges and ride Tarzan swings.
There are five active volcanoes: Arenal, Irazu, Poas, Rincon De La Vieja, and Turrial. The visit to Arenal Volcano near La Fortuna can be combined with a variety of other activities including hanging bridge tours, waterfall, mountain biking, thermal springs and more.
Also there is the Rincon de la Vieja National Park in a starkly beautiful area with widespread thermal activity, located two hours from the Four Seasons. The park’s natural features include geysers, vents and fumaroles, as well as the Santa Maria volcano, which rises to 6,286 feet.
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cd187b3ae610d0ae8d949f3ec17052ce | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2015/12/08/wireless-ibubble-underwater-drone-will-revolutionize-the-scuba-diving-experience-exclusive/ | Wireless iBubble Underwater Drone Will Revolutionize the Scuba Diving Experience | Wireless iBubble Underwater Drone Will Revolutionize the Scuba Diving Experience
iBubble is the brainchild of diver Kevin Delfour and tech enthusiast Xavier Spengler. As they looked for a way to create quality submarine videos with minimal equipment, the idea of an autonomous camera that was able to follow and film divers underwater became evident. The pair turned to Startup Maker to create the product (Startup Maker is the French startup studio behind Hexo+, the follow drone that raised $1.3M last year on Kickstarter). iBubble is currently being offered for pre-sales on IndieGogo.
Early on in the development of the product, Guillaume Néry was pulled into the project. Guillaume is a freediving champion (126m vertical depth), and filmmaker. He currently is the company’s ambassador.
Free from heavy video equipment, you simply enjoy your dive. The wireless iBubble follows divers and swimmers in the deep, thanks to its intelligent onboard software.
While silently capturing your submarine journey, it understands your way of diving. Gliding with you, analyzing your moves, sharing with your friends what you see and where you are.
iBubble shadows you via a connected bracelet. Smart and wireless, you can let it follow you while you focus on your diving. Features on the iBubble include Follow me, 360° selfie, zoom in, zoom out and several filming mode. Switch between them with a touch of your bracelet.
Connect your camera to iBubble for instant 2D or 3D video capability. The camera comes to life when the drone touches the water and withstands depths of up to 230ft. Thanks to integrated LED lights that adapt to the ambient light level, iBubble captures quality video, always.
iBubble will follow you for 1 hour on one battery. Simply swap batteries for a longer outing. Once the battery is empty, the drone automatically resurfaces. LED lights make it easy to locate.
iBubble works with most action sports cameras, including GoPro® Hero.No more bulky camera housing cases! iBubble keeps your equipment safe, in style. With convenient handles, the drone is a breeze to transport on land.
Pre-sales for the iBubble start in February 2016, with working prototypes being shipped to testers in September 2016. General sales will start in January 2017.
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5fbb17ddaa61b7bb2b40dec073f81c8c | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2016/01/13/concentration-camp-island-fortress-to-become-luxury-hotel-near-montenegro-exclusive/ | Former Concentration Camp Island to Become Luxury Resort in Montenegro (EXCLUSIVE) | Former Concentration Camp Island to Become Luxury Resort in Montenegro (EXCLUSIVE)
Plans to convert a former concentration camp island fortress into a luxury high-end resort in Montenegro have been approved this week angering families of locals imprisoned there during WWII. Despite protests, Parliament this week has given the go ahead for development of the Mamula Island Resort to begin immediately.
At the very entrance to the magnificent Boka Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world near Montenegro, is a foreboding, uninhabited island with a fortress. The island is called Lastavica, but is popularly known as Mamula. The monumental fortress was built by Austrian Admiral, Lazar Mamula at the end of the 19th century. At first sight, the fort looks terrifying, but once entered, visitors are amazed by the ruins left stranded in time surrounded by beauty.
For years, Mamula has had many purposes. Due to its isolated position, it was used as a concentration camp in both World Wars and the fort has also served as a prison. The main reason for building Mamula was to stop enemy ships from entering the Boka Bay. However, the fortress never served its purpose, since there was never a military attack.
For years Mamula has been one of the most popular tourist attractions of Herceg Novi. The fortress was well preserved and even includes the old prison cells that held concentration camp prisoners.
While making the project proposal for the reconstruction and development, the investors complied with conservation conditions, from the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments. "We will create a museum with the best restaurant and the best hotel on the Mediterranean,” Samih Saviris, president of Orascom, promised when he was recently awarded parliamentary approval.
The government insists that not only will the Orascom's development help the local and national economy, it will also serve as an educational monument as the new development will also include a memorial room and museum. The government stressed that the 49-year lease of the island to Swiss-Egyptian company Orascom will ensure Mamula “maintains the character of cultural heritage throughout the entire period of the lease. The fort is registered as a monument of culture and the investor is fully aware of this”.
“We are very proud that WW-II Veterans, local council and Montenegrin Government and Parliament are supporting our plans. I am looking forward to the day when the museum on Mamula is inaugurated and the buildings are restored to become an inviting venue to visit by every Montenegrin and every tourist adding a new bustling attraction to the beautiful sites of this wonderful country. I look forward to the day when this place is to regain its future and be able to tell the story of its fascinating history“ said Mr. Samih Sawiris, Chairman of Orascom
Among those who have openly supported Orascom’s Project are the local council in Herceg Novi, Government and Parliament of Montenegro as well as former international officials such as former UN General Secretary Mr. Boutros –Boutros Ghali.
The Austro-Hungarian fortress was used as a war prison during the Second World War, when the area was under occupation of Mussolini. 130 were killed or starved to death, while over 2,300 were imprisoned at Campo Mamula between the spring of 1942 and autumn of 1943
New renderings are now available from project designer Simi Multimedia and Orascom has recently launched the island fortress resorts new website promoting its plans for development. The creators of the graphical and architectural concept were created by Simi Multimedia and Mr. Raouf Lofti.
As the project shows, the islet can be accessed from the side where the marina is settled. On that side, there is a small sand beach where guests can go swimming while others can relax at the modern beach club in the middle of the fortress. The beach club is actually the most interesting part of the resort since it is surrounded with overflow pools and palm trees. That is also where all the events happen. There are also several restaurants planned and the wine bar. The spa room and all the hotel units are set inside the fortress walls.
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44e65658a9cfe8b5e029b2a36b42a3bb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2016/06/28/sleeping-with-cristiano-ronaldo-the-soccer-superstar-launches-a-line-of-boutique-hotels/ | Sleeping With Cristiano Ronaldo: The Soccer Superstar Launches a Line of Boutique Hotels | Sleeping With Cristiano Ronaldo: The Soccer Superstar Launches a Line of Boutique Hotels
Cristiano Ronaldo at opening of his Pestana CR7 Funchal Hotel (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Legendary Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has invested more than $40 million into a range of hotels in Madeira, Lisbon, Madrid and New York called CR7 after his successful underwear, footwear and fragrance companies. Add the recently titled Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport to his vast holdings as the former Madeira Airport just announced the name change in his honor.
The joint venture, which is co-owned by both Ronaldo and Pestana Hotels, will be managed by The Pestana Hotel Group and will be located in four spectacular destinations; Lisbon (in the Historic Downtown), Madrid (on the Gran Vía) Madeira Funchal (fronting the Cruise Harbor) and New York (steps from Times Square).
Dionísio Pestana, owner and chairman of Pestana Hotel Group, and Cristiano Ronaldo were both born and raised in Madeira, and their professional relationship is based on years of friendship.
Island of Madeira in Portugal is the first location for CR7 Hotels.
The first hotel opens this weekend on the island of Madeira, southwest of Portugal. Lisbon will open in August, with a New York Times Square location in 2017, and a Madrid hotel scheduled to open on the cities most famous shopping street in 2019. Despite press reports, he did not buy a hotel in Monte Carlo with Donald Trump and will focus on the New York property opening for next year.
Ronaldo is excited about his new hospitality venture and says, "My job is to play football, but life won't always be like this. I have to dedicate myself to this new project and I have the best team in the world around me. I am young but I feel very fulfilled so this project is exciting for me. I'm thinking about my future, and my son and my family."
CR7 Hotel on the harbor in Madeira
"The first hotel will be in Madeira and I want to be at the opening of all of them” he continues, “I'm very happy with Madeira and in Madrid, where I play, so it makes a lot of sense. I'm extremely happy because this is the biggest project in my life and it's completely different to what I do. We were considering only one hotel originally, so to start with four locations is a big kick-off! It's like playing for the first time and suddenly scoring lots of goals.”
Lobby Social Area at the CR7 Hotel in Madeira
Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 brand is the main inspiration behind the four hotels, which will be boutique in style and will appeal to young millennial travelers. While the hotels may not be considered luxury, they are being marketed to an upscale clientele.
Lobby social area at the CR7 Hotel in Madeira
Also, expect a lot of integration into the design and interiors of each property, with the Ronaldo signature fragrance, a planned furniture CR7 line and also Ronaldo-themed soccer art in the rooms. As the highest paid athlete in the world ($88 million), this 31-year-old superman is quickly becoming a corporate juggernaut.
Cristiano Ronaldo suite at the CR7 Hotel in Madeira
Cristiano Ronaldo suite at the CR7 Hotel in Madeira
Cristiano Ronaldo suite at the CR7 Hotel in Madeira
MADEIRA, PORTUGAL
The Pestana CR7 Funchal Hotel is located directly on the Harbor of Funchal and is adjacent to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Soccer Museum. The hotel has 48 rooms and 1 Ronaldo CR7 Rooftop Suite, with a rooftop swimming pool, a relaxation deck and unique views over Funchal and the harbor.
The hotel also includes a Lounge with performing “flair” Bartenders serving vibrant beverages and an open oven restaurant concept for casual fancy food.
Lisbon CR7 Hotel
Guest room at the Lisbon CR7 Hotel
Restaurant at the Lisbon CR7 Hotel
Reception area of the Lisbon CR7 Hotel
LISBON, PORTUGAL
In downtown Lisbon, the Pestana CR7 Lisboa Hotel is located near the water and has 82 rooms and 1 Ronaldo CR7 suite. Many of the guest rooms have views over Rua da Prata and Rua do Comercio, but the beautiful rooftop rooms offer marvelous views over the roofs of Lisbon and are the best luxury options.
With a modern concept, the hotels D&E Lounge is a multifunctional dining experience. It will offer cultural and traditional Portuguese food including Tapas & Petiscos. At the bar, there will be performing “flair” bartenders and weekly Dj events. Of course, the CR7 Sports Lounge will be the ultimate destination for all televised sporting events.
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90dbbc1aee95039f6cf7acb432bbbcb6 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2016/07/19/48-hours-in-machu-picchu-taking-the-orient-express-on-a-shaman-adventure-in-peru/?utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=social&utm_content=521043007&utm_campaign=sprinklrForbesLife | 48 Hours in Machu Picchu: Taking the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train on a Shaman Adventure in Peru | 48 Hours in Machu Picchu: Taking the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train on a Shaman Adventure in Peru
We were flying into Lima, the capital of Peru, and my starting point to an adventure high in the mountains. As I gazed through the airplane window overlooking the snow-capped Andes, my mind was wandering. I couldn’t help but think about the violent and tragic history of the place I was about to visit.
It was really a chance encounter, when in 1527, two small Spanish ships came across a balsa wood raft with cotton sails and twenty crew members. After seizing the raft, the Spanish discovered an Inca trading boat filled with treasures. They immediately set their sights on acquiring more of the bounty and began an expedition to its origin. In 1532, the Spanish conquistadors conquered the Inca empire with an army of 62 horsemen and 106 soldiers. One year later the Spanish had effectively destroyed the great Inca empire, all for the greed of treasure.
What the Spanish didn’t know, was that there were countless temples and treasure sites hidden far away in the highest mountains. In a location deep inside a mountain range between the Andes and the Amazon Jungle is said to exist the largest collection of treasure in the world.
All travelers into the area traditionally take a quick flight from Lima to Cusco to further their exploration of the historic sites and ultimate end up at Machu Picchu. An easy 20-minute taxi ride from Cusco to the train station of Poroy marked our first class voyage into the mountains aboard the magnificent Belmond Hiram Bingham train.
Named after the famous American explorer that brought Machu Picchu to the world’s attention in 1911, the Belmond Hiram Bingham is one of South America’s most luxurious train rides. Operated by PeruRail, the train is the most glamorous way to travel to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu.
Composed of two dining cars, a bar/observation car and kitchen car, the Hiram Bingham has a capacity to transport 84 people in the most elaborate fashion. Modeled after the Pullman carriages of the 1920’s, the Hiram Bingham has deluxe cars that were made with the highest standards. Appointed with fine beige fabric seats, tables draped with bright white linen and finished in dark wood veneer with polished brass fittings, the Hiram Bingham offers elegance from every angle.
Once at the beautiful small train station, passengers are met with a private performance of traditional Andean dancers, elegant champagne drinks and canapés. Onboard, the 3 ½ hour journey winds through some of the most breath-taking scenery through the Urubamba River Valley and onwards into the Andes mountains, while the passengers are served a 3-course brunch with endless wines and cocktails.
In the bar and observation car, a live band of authentic musicians accompany the free flowing local beers, sparkling Peruvian wine and Pisco sours (all included). Prices for a full day ticket start at $750 per person and include meals, drinks, a guided tour of Machu Picchu and afternoon tea at the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.
After much research, I decided to stay at the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, truly the ultimate luxury hotel in the area, located on the banks of the Vilcanota River in Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. This hotel offers the most amazing experience for travelers and ranks among the best food of any world class resort I have experienced.
The hotel meets VIP's with a porter at the train station and escorts you to its remarkable location overlooking the rushing rock river. Sumaq is at the farthest edge of the small town and is very quiet and private. I checked into the stunning new 800 square foot Imperial Suite with panoramic views of the Machu Picchu Mountains and the river. The suite offers two separate large rooms, a large balcony, hydrotherapy Jacuzzi with view of the mountains, a full bar and electric wine cellar, and even a butler to unpack your clothes.
We had a private Shaman perform a Payment to the Earth ritual before dinner. This traditional practice of giving offerings to Pachamama, Mother Earth, has been passed down from the time of the Incas, as Ancient Peruvians held Pachamama sacred. With a shaman as a guide to the traditional practice, you can discover a realm beyond the physical world and are open to emotional and spiritual healing. Our Shaman Willco, cleansed and blessed us while we offered a variety of spices and objects to the Mother Earth to be burned and buried following the ceremony.
We dined at the Sumaq Hotels packed Qunuq Restaurant (obviously the most popular restaurant in town), and enjoyed authentic dishes as well as inspired favorites with fresh ingredients from executive chef Carlos Pardo Figueroa. The Chef’s tasting menu paired with wines included Salmon Ceviche, Lamb Shank with gnocchi, and my favorite Avocado Risotto with Duck. It was such a pleasure meeting Anibal Clavijo, the handsome, charming and gracious owner of Sumaq, who quickly became our best friend in Peru.
A word of warning to all visitors to Machu Picchu, you must purchase entry tickets to visit well in advance, since they only allow a certain amount of visitors daily. Also try and get entry tickets to the neighboring Huayna Picchu mountain that overlooks the entire area (only 400 visitors allowed on the mountain daily.) Not an easy hike by any means but offers a sensational Instagram moment.
The best way to see Machu Picchu is with a private guide, and Sumaq Hotel offered up one of the best. Our guide was a long time native who knew everything about the area and the hotel surprised us with our own private Shaman to add to the experience. The Mystical Tour can be booked in advance and includes an authentic Shaman from the Sacred Valley of the Incas, using his natural gifts to introduce you to the cosmic world of the Andean belief.
Our Shaman Willco was amazing, and you should request him as well as our guide, the lovely Roberto Alvarez. One thing to note is that you will wake VERY early to properly visit Machu Picchu. We figured getting to the bus by 5:30am would be appropriate, but we were met with almost 1,000 people in line by 5am. I found that the line moves very quickly and you are never there for more than 20 minutes before the bus transports you for the quick ride up the narrow, lush, death defying roads to Machu Picchu.
The ancient site of Machu Picchu is located on top of a mountain ridge in the Sacred Valley. This densely forested and difficult location was apparently one of the reasons that Machu Picchu was not raided of artifacts like other Inca sites when discovered by explorers. There is a quiet and tranquil atmosphere here, despite the crowds of tourists, it is still in fact a spiritual location and ultimately a burial ground. It is believed that all of its inhabitants died of a smallpox epidemic, thus leaving the city totally deserted for centuries, without notice of its existence to the world.
Roberto and Willco handled everything from our entry tickets to getting us around crowds. They were also sensitive to the energy required of us, considering the high altitude and the steep stairs. They took us on a journey beyond the culture and history of the sanctuary. We learned about the magical connections with the Pachamama or Mother Earth and sacred temples as well as receiving a special cleansing at the Temple of the Sun, the most sacred site in Machu Picchu located at the Sacred Rock. We were guided through the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Puma and others.
This is truly the only way to experience this amazing location and takes you away from the other tourists. It's the best way to really understand the mystery of how the Incas built this stone city, including a genius water supply system, without using wheels or tools.
We arrived back to the hotel four hours later, in time for lunch and massages at the hotels beautiful underground AQLLA Spa. After the spa, still in our robes, we enjoyed a Pisco Sour making class in the suite with the hotel’s fabulous sommelier. We then went outdoors to experience the the Pachamanca, where our dinner for that evening was cooked deep in the earth, buried beneath hot stones. I passed on the guinea pig and llama meat options and chose the chicken and fish instead and it was so delicious.
The next morning was another very early wake-up call as we departed the train station to Ollantaytambo on the beautiful Vistadome Train with a glass domed ceiling affording passengers majestic views of the Andes Mountains. We were joined by Anibal where he had his private driver meet us at the station. Truly nothing better than being treated like visiting royalty from the owner of such a magnificent resort. Couple that with his knowledge of Peru, he quickly became the ultimate host and insider.
The perfect road trip back to Cusco airport, is through the Sacred Valley where we visited the amazing Natura Viva Skylodge Suites in Urubamba. Three vertically hanging transparent capsules are dramatically perched along a 1,200 foot mountain. At $1,000 all-inclusive per night (includes gourmet dinner and wine), this is the ultimate bragging experience where you need to mountain climb 400 feet to your hotel suite. Each capsule suite includes four beds, dining room and bathroom.
Continuing on we visited Explora’s first hotel venture in Peru, the new Explora Valle Sagrado. The hotel is located on an ancient corn plantation near Urquillos Village and features 50 guestrooms. The hotel features over 20 off-the-beaten-path excursions throughout the Sacred Valley. The Pumacahua Bath House, opening in Fall of 2016, is just steps from the main building and was built in the 17th century. The large colonial house once belonged to the Inca Mateo Pumacahua, a Peruvian revolutionary who led the Cusco Rebellion of 1814.
Our last stop was to the charming small Andean Indian village of Chinchero, and home to the famous Peruvian weaving merchants, all located within a small market. The women, dressed in traditional costume drink mate de coca with you while creating beautiful Alpaca pieces available for purchase.
Our final lunch before our flight was in the main square of Cusco. The Inca built Cusco, a city filled with palaces and temples, where 1,000 white guinea pigs were sacrificed every year to please mother earth. You will in fact still find guinea pig on every menu in town. This is a charming city where Quechua women in colorful skirts and bowler hats walk the steep streets while hundreds of stray dogs survive in small resilient armies.
We bid our host farewell and left our hearts in such an amazing country. Despite how poor people are in this country, it is filled with beautiful, smiling faces of resilience and great pride for their country. They are the ultimate survivors after all.
Most flights back to the United States from Lima depart very late at night or early morning, so the best option is to stay at the very best hotel in the city, the incredibly popular Hotel B. This historic mansion in the emerging Barranco arts district opened as a stylish 17-room hotel in 2013. The restaurant serves the spectacular experimental cuisine of chef Oscar Velarde while a rooftop terrace is the perfect place to sip the country's famous Pisco Sours.
Upcoming in 2017, Belmond will launch South America’s first luxury sleeper train, Belmond Andean Explorer in Peru. The train will traverse the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, exploring natural wonders and ancient kingdoms such as the Colca Canyon and the city of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on one- and two-night journeys.
GETTING THERE:
Up front, the new LATAM Airlines Premium Business Class is configured in a 2-2-2 layout, totalling 30 comfortable seats. Each Business Class seat has 75 inches of leg pitch and 23 inches of width, converting into full-flat beds with lumbar massage. I found the affordable fare was well worth it considering the remarkable service and the fact that this business class rivals all others with the most direct route to Peru from the U.S.
My movie star handsome flight attendant introduced himself and immediately offered me Champagne or the signature drink, Pisco Sour, as a pre-flight drink. Ferragamo amenity kits filled with Bulgari products were passed out and dinner orders were taken. I decided to sample every single wine on the menu an in-flight wine tasting and my attendant was more than excited to explain the great variety on board. The wine list on LATAM is created by the only Master Sommelier in Latin America, Héctor Vergara.
I really just wanted to sleep on my overnight flight to Los Angeles, and the airlines interior design is perfect with moody blue lighting and windows that don’t have pull blinds, but are time controlled going from private frosted to translucent and clear, all to create ambience in the cabin. The attendants make your bed with soft sheets and comforter and you are whisked away to enjoy dreams of one of the best trips ever.
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f8e8356093af97bb421a97d91256e9a1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2017/10/17/neiman-marcus-christmas-catalog-ultimate-fantasy-holiday-gifts-for-2017/ | Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog: Ultimate Fantasy Holiday Gifts for 2017 | Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog: Ultimate Fantasy Holiday Gifts for 2017
His and Hers Rolls Royce Dawn Coupes Neiman Marcus
Neiman Marcus has released its amazing Christmas Book known worldwide for its over-the-top gifts appealing to the world's wealthiest consumers and those of us who can only wish for the very best.
I grew up collecting the catalog every year while dreaming about one day being able to afford the most expensive and decadent items available. The items get more and more outrageous every year, and while few of the more over-the-top items don't actually sell, it is still fun to flip through the pages and make your ultimate wish list for Santa Claus.
This year’s 91st edition was carefully curated for almost a year to provide the most unique items available and include gifts for all budgets including this year's spectacular fantasy gifts ranging from the most expensive New Years Eve package for $1.6 million to the ultimate doll collection for your sweetheart at $8,000.
His and Hers Rolls Royce Dawn Coupes Neiman Marcus
His & Hers Rolls Royce Limited Edition Dawn Coupes ($439,625 & $445,750)
Exclusive Dawn Drophead coupes are the perfect gift for the extravagant couple. These V-12 engine vehicles were custom designed to celebrate two of the worlds most decadent locations St. Tropez and Lake Como. The Lago de Como car ($439,625) is Selby Gray with a black interior. The St Tropez ($445,750) is a brilliant orange exterior with white interior.
Champagne Armand de Brignac Winery experience Neiman Marcus
Armand De Brignac Travel to Champagne and create your own blend ($150,000)
This package includes a first class trip for four people to Paris with a stay at the Rosewood Hotel de Crillon followed by a 12-course meal at the famed L'Ecrin. A private car will take you and your guests to meet the De Brignac family and then a helicopter will fly over the villages and vineyard in the region. Spend a night at Domaine Les Crayeres followed by dinner at three-Michelin-starred L'Assiette Champanoise. Upon your return home, you will receive 12 bottles of each of the companies' Champagnes followed by 24 bottles of your custom blended cuvée inscribed with your name.
Dolce & Gabbana hand painted refrigerators Neiman Marcus
Dolce & Gabbana Refrigerator ($50,000)
A totally unique 1950's style single-door stainless steel refrigerator series produced by Dolce & Gabbana. Includes hand-painted appliances from a wide variety of artists including "Taratatà", by Michelangelo Lacagnina, "The Moors", by Michelangelo Lacagnina and "Giuseppe Garibaldi: The Hero of Two Worlds", by Michele Ducato.
Flight and photo with famed photographer Gray Malin Neiman Marcus
Private Flight and Photo Shoot with Gray Malin ($35,000)
Famed for his amazing aerial photos, the photographer will host a private one hour helicopter tour over the beaches of Malibu in search of the perfect image. Relax for three nights at a luxury hotel in Santa Monica and enjoy a champagne toast with Malin. Weeks later you will receive you're own custom signed print.
Madame Alexander dollhouse Neiman Marcus
Madame Alexander Dolls for a year ($8,000)
Eight dolls by Madame Alexander will be delivered throughout the year to your excited child as well as a limited edition dollhouse by KidKraft. The ultimate gift is the last doll that will be custom created to match the lucky girl including hair, eye, and outfit design all curated via Skype with the recipient.
Sisley Paris experience Neiman Marcus
Sisley-Paris Products for a year ($60,000)
Two nights and three days at the iconic George V in Paris, a spa day at Maison Sisley and a year worth of products. Includes a private dining experience with the family in their top clients-only cafe.
Visit Zambia with famed jeweler Stephen Webster Neiman Marcus
Explore Zambian Gem Fields with famed Jeweler Stephen Webster ($300,000)
An exclusive trip to Gem Fields Kagem mine in Zambia with famed jeweler Stephen Webster. Includes two days at the Royal Livingstone Hotel with a private excursion to Victoria Falls. Then it's off to London for a stay at the famed Connaught Hotel where you will spend time with the designer in his studio converting a 7.2-carat emerald into a custom piece just for you. Celebrate your final evening over dinner with the designer.
Olympia Le-Tan handbags package Neiman Marcus
Olympia Le-Tan Handbags ($45,000)
These famed clutches by Le-Tan are inspired by her literary heroes. You will receive six handbags delivered to you during your two night, three-day stay at the famed Ritz Paris followed by a visit to Le-Tan's private studio. A sketch session followed by lunch at Le Voltaire will compliment the package. Once you return home you will receive a custom bag every other month for a year.
The ultimate Ryder Cup VIP experience Neiman Marcus
Ryder Cup Ultimate VIP Package ($250,000)
In September 2018 you and three guests will fly first class to Paris and attend the Ryder Cup as guests of the team captain Jim Furyk. This is the ultimate golfer's dream to experience premium tickets at the most famous event in the world.
New Years Eve Knickerbocker Hotel package Neiman Marcus
New Years Eve Times Square Party for 300 at the Knickerbocker Hotel ($1,600,000)
Experience New Years Eve for you and 299 of your closest friends from the Knickerbocker Hotel. Your party will include 150 rooms for two nights. Your private party will include premium drinks, dinner, DJ and the perfect view of the Times Square ball drop.
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8eb27559092e0291fabef44a871899ff | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2018/03/15/exclusive-images-inside-amans-spectacular-new-resort-in-mexico-amanvari/ | Exclusive Images Inside Aman's Spectacular New Resort In Mexico, Amanvari | Exclusive Images Inside Aman's Spectacular New Resort In Mexico, Amanvari
Amanvari Residence in Los Cabos Aman
As I walked through winding pathways deep within a mangrove forest, by a gentle estuary where the river meets the sea, I marveled at the new location for the Amanvari Resort and Residences in Los Cabos, Mexico. I was fortunate to be the first journalist to visit the property, situated in a remarkable location that keeps in line with the aesthetic of Aman's throughout the world, and marks the iconic resorts first foray into Mexico.
Amanvari beachfront Residence in Los Cabos Aman
Amanvari is a tranquil and private retreat fronted by the Sea of Cortez with pavilions built on stilts over a stunning waterway. Positioned on the Eastern Cape of the Baja Peninsula and neighboring the upcoming Four Seasons Costa Palmas, the master development of Costa Palmas will soon feature some of the most amazing hotels and private residences. I am sure Amanvari (Peace+Water) will quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations in the world when it opens in 2020.
Amanvari estuary Residence in Los Cabos Aman
With a backdrop of the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range, and enjoying a wide expansive beach, the property was once the site of a historic hacienda. I sat among some of the original hacienda ruins as we drank champagne and discussed the future resorts design plans. You would never think you are in Mexico with such a tropical environment.
The property, developed by Jason Grosfeld's Los Angeles-based real estate firm Irongate, is set within Costa Palmas, a private beachfront resort community with almost two miles of swimmable beach. Irongate, working alongside Aman, has commissioned famed architects Heah & Co. to build around the environment rather than covering it. The design has individual pavilions made to appear as floating islands with the natural waterway and foliage to grow around and beneath it.
Amanvari Resort Main Pavilion Aman
Amanvari will offer up 20 bi-level hotel pavilions, each with an expansive space with floor to ceiling windows that open onto an outdoor terrace and wraparound sundeck, some with a cantilevered pool.
The main pavilion at Amanvari will be a large atrium design located directly on the beach. It will be the central point where guests and residents can enjoy three restaurants (including a major name Chef yet to be announced), a library and lounge, as well as a large infinity pool with four hot tubs. My favorite at all Aman properties is their devotion to wellness, and the new Spa pavilion will offer luxury services to Aman junkies worldwide.
Amanvari Residence with indoor/outdoor living spaces Aman
Homeowners will also have the opportunity to purchase among 24 Aman Residences which will be offered for sale. With enviable locations on the sandy dunes and waterfront as well as overlooking the properties adjacent golf course and organic farms, the Aman Residences will range from four to seven bedrooms. The Residences will also possess the same exotic design of the surrounding property. Homeowners will work directly with the architects for their custom Residence and can include many unique features and combinations. Among my favorites are the beachfront lots which will include stunning villas as well as a few very special cabanas with waves lapping at your steps.
Chairman and CEO of Aman, Vladislav Doronin fell in love with the area when he first visited, and his vision of the ultimate destination continues in one of my favorite locations in the world. By joining the amazing Costa Palmas community, this really puts the East Cape of Baja on the map as a world-class destination.
Interior Amanvari Residence Aman
The Costa Palmas master plan also includes a Robert Trent Jones II golf course, 18-acres of organic farms, the private members-only Costa Palmas Beach & Yacht Club where owners can join, and Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas.
The easy 45-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport (which also offers an exclusive terminal for private jets), takes visitors far from the maddening crowds of tourists in Cabo San Lucas and offers up a unique retreat for those wanting a private escape. During my recent visit hundred of whales were present as we rode horses along the wide, sandy beach. I have been a fan of the neighboring villages as well as the hot thermal pools in the nearby mountains, we have cliff dived off of waterfalls and even explored the coast on a superyacht and Aman will offer special experiences including exploring with their resident biologist.
Aerial view master plan of Costa Palmas Costa Palmas
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6802f7db0dec64a4830c44686f0d4582 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2018/05/03/supernatural-star-jensen-ackles-opens-a-new-texas-brewery-and-keeps-it-all-in-the-family/ | 'Supernatural' Star Jensen Ackles Opens A New Texas Brewery And Keeps It All In The Family | 'Supernatural' Star Jensen Ackles Opens A New Texas Brewery And Keeps It All In The Family
Jensen Ackles at his Family Business Brewery in Texas For Forbes by Julia Keim
Supernatural star Jensen Ackles and his family recently opened Family Business Brewing Co., outside of Austin, Texas. The brewery features a constantly changing variety of beers, ales, lagers, session IPAs, and barrel-aged stouts.
During breaks from shooting his long-running CW television show in Vancouver, alongside co-star and fellow Austin resident Jared Padalecki, he’s been extremely hands-on throughout the process. Whether he is hanging lights or helping with the design of the brewery or happily testing all of the beers, Ackles and his family have put blood, sweat, and tears into creating a spectacular 15-acre destination brewery in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Ackles owns Family Business Brewing Co. with his wife, Danneel and brother-in-law Gino Graul, and has created an amazing destination featuring not only a tantalizing mix of brews but also a stage for live music and a Southern-style food truck called Jep's Southern Roots operated by “Duck Dynasty” stars Jep and Jessica Robertson.
Jensen was born and raised north of Dallas and is a native third generation Texan. His wife Danneel was born in Louisiana. They both met in Los Angeles and ultimately moved to Austin in 2014.
Danneel and Jensen at the Brewery For Forbes by Julia Keim
I sat down with Jensen and Danneel to chat about their new venture and how they are keeping it all in the family.
What made you move to Texas?
“After my show was going for a while and we were living in L.A. we had our first child (Justice Jay)” says Jensen. “We had a heart to heart on where we wanted to raise our family, and we didn't have to be in California because I was shooting in Vancouver and I could commute pretty much anywhere. That opened up the idea of living in a different city, and then we started thinking about what cities would fit us and who we are, and Austin pretty much topped the list because it also brought our families closer to us.”
After settling in Austin for a few years, the couple had twins (Zeppelin and Arrow) in December of 2016. With Jensen’s family only 3 1/2 hours away in Dallas north and Danneel’s family five hours away in Louisiana, they felt at home in the perfect location.
Jensen Ackles (clockwise), Nate Seale, Gino Graul, Danneel Ackles in the brewery For Forbes by Julia Keim
How did the idea come about to start a brewery?
“The brewery started when Danneel's brother Gino moved out to California where we were living before our kids came along.” Jensen says, “After leaving the Navy, we put him up so that he could come out to California and finish school. He lived in our guest house which was great for me, because while I was away filming I had an ex-Navy brother in law living at my house protecting my family for me. It was a win-win.”
"Cut to seven years ago, a buddy of mine ("This is Us" actor Justin Hartley) was looking to store his small pilot brew systems somewhere while he moved," he adds. "We ended up storing it in a shed in our backyard and left it there for almost a year. Finally, Gino and I decided to fire the thing up and see if we could make beer since the whole craft beer industry was really growing in Southern California."
“I was adamantly against it in the beginning. I thought they were going to blow up our house,” interjects Danneel.
“Gino and I started making batches of beer in the backyard on the weekends, and just kind of really fell in love with it. We lived in Malibu and even put some of our tap at local bars. Gino ended up graduating school from Santa Monica College and then went to UC Davis taking a brewers course, and finally in Chicago where he studied at the Siebel Institute, a fantastic brewing school. That investment of his time and our investment of enjoyment into the whole craft brewery scene really started to flourish," says Jensen.
Exterior Family Business Brewery For Forbes by Julia Keim
'The idea of moving to Austin came up, and we thought it would be really cool to have a little brewery that was self-sustainable and kind of a passion project." adds Jensen. "We went down to Austin to check out the craft brewing scene, and it was the right location for starting something since the market was really starting to take off. There were only a few breweries, and they were really starting to see a market increase. We all decided to move the business to Austin and then shopped around for a spot to set up shop."
"We ended up buying some land just outside of town and building from the ground up," says Danneel. "It was a little bit more of an investment as opposed to renting a place, but we decided to just kind of go all in from the beginning. Everything that has happened so far with the brewery has been very organic, and while we were looking around for places, my Uncle (who had 365 acres out in Dripping Springs), called and said the little ranch next to him with 15 acres was going up for sale. We went out there, and it was absolutely perfect, and we bought it immediately. Then our whole concept started to evolve and change, and that’s how we ended up with the destination brewery. All we originally wanted was a little tiny spot" says Danneel.
Family Business brews Julia Keim
How did you come up with the name of the brewery?
"The name Family Business is a bit of a nod to the "Supernatural" fanbase because there is a famous saying on our shows, with hunting ghosts we call ourselves the family business," says Jensen.
Are you both hands on with the daily operations?
"Gino is really the boots on the ground, and he's the day to day guy, while Danneel's out there multiple times per week dealing with things. When I am in town, I visit the employees to make sure they're encouraged and know they are doing a good job. So it certainly is a family business, and we all take it very seriously, but we're all enjoying it" says Jensen.
"I have the best gig as one of the head taste testers, which is one of the reasons we started doing it in the first place because we really do enjoy the beer" he adds, "But the process is super fun and I have been able to brew multiple times with Nate Seale, our Head Brewer. The process itself is lengthy, but it's really enjoyable. Nate is like a mad scientist with the things that he creates and the ideas he comes up with. It's really fun to just kind of sit back and watch him go and lend a hand whenever he needs it."
What is your current output at the brewery?
"We are brewing at least two to three times a week," says Jensen," "We're running a 15 barrel system, and we'll do double batches into our 30 barrel fermenters. We have three 30 barrel fermenters and two 15 barrel fermenters."
Tasting room at Family Business For Forbes by Julia Keim
Will this be in bars and stores?
"We are trying to keep it all in-house, so all of the beers are out on the property," says Danneel. "It is not beneficial to us to distribute, and we do better selling ourselves. We are also very mindful of what our brand is, and we will never be a beer that is served up and down 6th Street in Austin."
"We have quite a good name for ourselves as far as the brewer industry goes with Nate," adds Jensen, "He started at 512 Brewing Company, and he has a great name. He's really kind of elevated the quality and put us in the game as far as being a high-quality craft brewery."
Who is your customer?
"We get a lot of locals out there that live in Hill country and Lakeway, they're a fixture there, and it feels more local. I'm sure there are fans of the show that might make a little pilgrimage out there to see the brewery," says Jensen. "We have a 10,000 square foot red barn looking building, and the majority of it is the production side. We have a fairly big tasting room that opens out to an oak grove with a giant 15-foot wide wrap around porch. It's a nice open indoor-outdoor space for visitors."
What are you brewing?
"We've got brewery tours, and we generally have about 10 to 12 different styles of beer on tap," says Jensen. "We kind of let Nate go nuts. He wants to keep creating, keep innovating and trying new things by rotating tap and different kinds of beer. It's more expensive as far as materials go, but it's a great thing when people come back and enjoy the space. They won't have the same four beers lined up that they had before."
"We will always have a new beer to try on tap" he adds. "There might be three or four seasonal beers. Right now we've got a Kolsch and an IPL that's coming down the pipe that we've never had before. Nate certainly caters to the time of year. When we opened in January, we had winter warmers and some Stout's as well as really nice winter ales, and now he's moving more into spring/summer style here."
Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles at the brewery Instagram/jensenackles
"The very first beer that we wanted to serve since the beginning was our pale ale," says Jensen. "We call it the Hamilton Pale Ale based on the nearby natural Hamilton Pool. We've got a series of IPA's that are not incredibly hoppy. We also offer a new England style IPA which is a softer bitter, and we have a white IPA and a black IPA which is really interesting."
"The ESB we have is one of my favorites, but I'm not much of an English Ale fan," says Jensen, "We've taken an English style ale and put a North American twist on it, and it's fantastic. We've got a great brown ale, but the one that gets talked about the most is our Imperial Stout. Nate knows how to make his dark beers taste amazing. We are serving the Imperial Stout as is, but we also started a barrel aging program and put the stout into whiskey barrels, and that's maturing right now, so hopefully, that will be ready after a three-six month age."
Jep and Jess Robertson in front of their Jep's Southern Roots food truck at the brewery Julia Keim
Any of your celebrity friends come to visit?
"Jared Padalecki also lives in Austin, and we do “Supernatural” together," says Jensen. "He was out there during the build out and helping us put in the walk-in cooler and tearing down some barn structures and sheds and stuff to pour concrete. Jared was friends with Jep and Jess Robertson, and they were fans of our show. They eventually came up to Vancouver and visited the set, and are really easy to get along with. Jep is an amazing cook, and they were talking about doing a food truck in Austin. They’re from Louisiana, and Danneel and Gino are from there. Now they have a food truck at the brewery. So we get really good Louisiana food to go with our Texas beer."
What's on the horizon?
"There is a beautiful old ranch house on the property that we want to convert into a restaurant," says Danneel. "It's a beautiful old Texas style house we think will become a great restaurant." The couple is also considering adding accommodations in the future for overnight experiences.
Family gathering at the brewery Family Business Beer Co.
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064da45984cc3f1ad5c67275b020974a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2018/07/22/porto-montenegro-is-becoming-the-ultimate-superyacht-sanctuary-along-the-adriatic-coast/ | Porto Montenegro Is Becoming The Ultimate Superyacht Sanctuary Along The Adriatic Coast | Porto Montenegro Is Becoming The Ultimate Superyacht Sanctuary Along The Adriatic Coast
Porto Montenegro marina and resort Regent Porto Montenegro
It wasn’t just the remarkable diversity of Montenegro that convinced me to visit or the fact that you can swim on the Adriatic coast in the morning and go snow skiing in the mountains in the afternoon. Or the fact that this Balkan country offers dramatic northern mountains, lush green canyons, medieval villages, fortified towns, wide, narrow beaches and likely Europe’s largest untouched pine forest formed by glaciers filled with bears, wolves, limestone lakes, and glaciers.
I was excited to also check out Porto Montenegro, an area quickly becoming the new Monaco with the largest superyachts and billionaire visitors, making it the most sought-after resorts for the world’s wealthiest individuals. With a stunning amount of new resort development slated for the next five years, Montenegro will quickly seal its place as the top luxury destination in Eastern Europe.
Superyacht sunset at Porto Montenegro Matthew Mitchell
The former Yugoslavian republic is located between Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Albania on the eastern shore of the Adriatic. Podgorica is the country’s capital with an international airport; the other one is located in the resort town of Tivat. Montenegro (Black Mountain) got its name from the mountain forests that were so dense and thick that they looked black to outside observers.
The Porto Montenegro project started when Canadian mogul Peter Munk purchased the Arsenal shipyard, a former Yugoslav Army military base in the town of Tivat in 2007, with the purpose of building a superyacht marina that would rival all other destinations. With backing from LVMH Chairman, Bernard Arnault, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska and Lord Jacob Rothschild, the Barrick Gold founder created the largest private-sector investment in the country, and before his death this year, he had already sold Porto Montenegro to the Investment Corporation of Dubai.
Porto Montenegro Yacht Club pool Regent Porto Montenegro
I made the Regent Porto Montenegro my base for my quick visit to the area. Located on the shore of the UNESCO protected Boka Bay, Porto Montenegro is more of a city in itself offering everything a spoiled visitor would want. Featuring an elegant nautical village, (their version of Rodeo Drive), the bustling community is filled with restaurants, bars, boutiques and even a new Veuve Clicquot champagne bar. My best word of advise if you are planning a visit is to fly into Tivat Airport (10 minutes away) rather than the exhaustive, winding drive from Podgorica Airport which reminded me of the perilous Amalfi Coast roads. Of course, you can always arrive like most visitors on their superyachts as you cruise the coastline.
Aqua penthouse swimming pool Regent Porto Montenegro
Inspired by Venetian-Renaissance architecture, the nautical-themed Regent recently debuted its Aqua Wing this month, featuring 62 suites and guestrooms as well as a 10,000-square-foot pool complex comprising four pools as well as cabanas and a pool bar with live DJs. The Venezia Wing, the main building of the hotel that opened in 2014, offers a gym, infinity swimming pools, and the Regent Spa.
Aqua Penthouse Living room Regent Porto Montenegro
The Platinum rated Porto Montenegro Marina has 450 berths and can accommodate the largest mega yachts in the world up to 800 feet. The beautiful Porto Montenegro Yacht Club is really the place to be, where members can experience the newly refurbished 200-foot infinity pool including daybeds for up to 188 people, an Italian poolside restaurant, as well as a 20-seater lounge area and outdoor theater. Evenings are spent at the Italian-inspired De Gustibus seafood restaurant, with a rooftop bar and the yacht club's private Platinum Nightclub.
Bay of Kotor Diego Cupolo (Nur Photo -Getty Images)
My time was limited, but I wanted to explore the area, so I took a private Riva boat from the marina to Kotor and Perast. In the Old Town of Kotor I enlisted the help of local expert Vanja Pavlovic, the charming and very handsome Vanja was the perfect choice to guide us through the Old Town and made exploring so much fun. He showed us around the well-preserved medieval town surrounded by stone walls, built like a maze to confuse invaders, its narrow streets, and squares filled with cafes and shops and include a charming combination of Baroque, Venetian and Austrian architecture. Vanja is also launching a living history museum in Kotor for visitors to get a hands-on experience on what it was like living in medieval times. How fun for families to learn the basics of sword fighting while wearing authentic body armor?
Medieval Kotor experience with guide Vanja Pavlovic http://medievalkotor.me
We enjoyed a delightful lunch on the water in neighboring Perast on Boka Bay, filled with 17th and 18th-century buildings, including sixteen Baroque palaces and seventeen Catholic churches. The best spot for dining is at the Conte Hotel and Restaurant, where your private boat will moor adjacent to a waterfront table overlooking the famed Our Lady of the Rocks. According to legend, the man-made islet was created rock by rock over centuries by local seamen after they found the icon of Madonna and Child on a rock in the sea.
City of Perast in the Bay of Kotor John-Greim (Light Rocket-Getty-Images)
The ultimate way to depart Montenegro is by helicopter to Dubrovnik for easy transfers onwards to the Mediterranean, and the coolest way to experience it is with Laura Protat with Discover Montenegro. Not only is she the most beautiful pilot I have ever seen, but she is also the best, having flown many celebrities and VIPs and is filled with great stories of the area. The route takes you along the coastline where you can see first hand the massive development in the area including neighboring Portonovi with a new One&Only Resort in the works and a 238 berth marina for yachts up to 394 feet. Additional resorts now open or launching soon include the popular Aman Sveti Stefan on its own private islet or along the Bay of Kotor with a planned Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons Hotel, Chedi Lustica on Boka Bay, Allure Palazzi and Iberostar.
Helicopter excursion flying over the Bay of Kotor with pilot Laura Protat Discover Montenegro
Once in Dubrovnik, as you wait for your afternoon flight, make sure to visit the stunning Villa Orsula, which is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, for lunch on the large terrace with dramatic views of the walled Old Town. Built in 1939, this boutique five-star hotel was completely restored and features stone architecture inspired by Mediterranean tradition. The decor of the intimate villa's 11 rooms and 2 suites combines vintage style with modern minimalism. If you want to spend the evening, check into the Royal Suite with private balcony and spectacular views, or at their other property, the 104-year-old Hotel Excelsior, where the cast of Game of Thrones stayed during the filming the Kings Landing location in the Old Town.
Brunch at the Villa Orsula with dramatic views of the walled Old City of Dubrovnik Jim Dobson
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4f7fb26cc16c3918535a699374c8d4a2 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2018/09/11/inside-olivia-newton-johns-stunning-gaia-health-retreat-spa-in-australia/?sh=45059117ff33 | Inside Olivia Newton-John's Stunning Gaia Health Retreat & Spa In Australia | Inside Olivia Newton-John's Stunning Gaia Health Retreat & Spa In Australia
Olivia Newton-John with business partner and friend Gregg Cave at their Gaia Retreat Gaia Retreat
I remember a casual encounter with Olivia Newton-John many years ago while living in Malibu. She had a calm and welcoming demeanor, unusual for a superstar. She embodied not only natural beauty but also a spiritual awareness that was not often seen in Hollywood. She has continued to have a radiance and pure energy despite the enormous obstacles that have come her way. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer around the same time she was, and we shared a similar bond.
Suite view from Gaia Retreat Gaia Retreat & Spa
Nearly 70 years old, the eternal beauty became an overnight sensation when she starred opposite actor John Travolta in the musical "Grease." She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 which she overcame and ultimately became a huge advocate for breast cancer screening. Newton-John was diagnosed for the second time in 2013, with breast cancer that had spread to her shoulder and following her third diagnosis, the singer said she was taking cannabis oil for the pain, a treatment she hoped would one day be available in Australia. This week the singer-songwriter revealed to the world that she is battling new cancer at the base of her spine and is using modern medicine and natural remedies as treatment.
Living area of the Acala 2 suite at Gaia Retreat & Spa Gaia Retreat
It is through this remarkable adversity and desire for wellness that Olivia Newton-John helped create a spectacular health retreat in the Bunjalung Country of Byron Bay often known as the healing heartland of Australia. Gaia Retreat & Spa is positioned on the highest point in the area with its wide-ranging views and completely sustainable design.
Founded in 2005, owners Gregg Cave, Ruth Kalnin, Olivia Newton-John, and Warwick Evans, helped launch the retreat as a shared dream. Gregg and Olivia were close friends and accidentally discovered the property while spreading the ashes of her mother, Irene. The original property was a 70’s health retreat called Bangalow Palms Health Farm before being taken over by a meditation guru who called it “The Sanctuary.” The existing structures still remained and included a Samoan style longhouse. Olivia fell in love with the property and felt it possesses a magical quality and even dreamt about calling it Gaia Resort. They ultimately decided to buy the property along with their partners.
Owners of Gaia Retreat (clockwise from bottom left) Ruth Kalnin, Gregg Cave, Warwick Evans, and... [+] Olivia Newton-John Gaia Retreat & Spa
Gaia Retreat & Spa has established itself as Australia’s most awarded boutique lifestyle resort including winning the World Traveler Award this week for Australasia's Leading Boutique Hotel. Focusing on pampering and relaxation, the retreat offers guests the freedom of choice and flexibility to personalize each experience. Guests can choose from a wide range of holistic specialized Day Spa treatments from the large team of wellness professionals that help guests create a place to refocus, rebalance and restore. The day spa at the retreat also takes advantage of the enormous amount of local healers in the area.
The name Gaia refers to the spirit of Mother Earth, and Olivia says “We created the retreat as a place to give our guests a truly personalized pampering retreat journey in a safe and healing environment. A place to surrender, recharge and feel whole again.” She describes the esthetic of the property as “barefoot meets Armani, luxurious yet simple and unpretentious. I have loved this area of Australia and Gaia has given me a place to restore my spirit and get back to normal.”
Olivia Newton-John and her dog in the meditation park of the Gaia Retreat & Spa Gaia Retreat & Spa
Each day guests have the choice to rediscover peace of mind with gentle restorative morning Yoga along with two or more daily activities. From the aptly titled 'Let’s get Physical – Fitness and Boxing', to Meditation and Clay Sculpture, the retreat offers a wide variety of activities. Organic Cooking Classes, Health and Wellbeing presentations or sleeping in the large outdoor daybeds, it is truly a retreat to let yourself go.
The chefs at the retreat personally choose the freshest organic produce available from a wide variety of local farms, including the resorts own organic garden. They create a balanced diet featuring seafood, chicken and vegetarian options and will customize personal diets to meet the individuals needs.
Poolside at the Gaia Retreat & Spa Gaia Retreat & Spa
Kukura, ancient Sanskrit meaning ‘People,’ is the main meeting place within the original contemporary style longhouse, the cathedral-like natural wood building includes a reception, dining area, and relaxation lounges, all leading out to the expansive Tevana deck.
Spa treatments at the Gaia Retreat & Spa Gaia Retreat & Spa
Accommodations include the beautiful new Komala Villas, one-bedroom split-level villas located on one of the highest North-East facing points of Gaia. With indoor/outdoor living areas, a large private deck, daybed cabana, saltwater heated infinity plunge pool, private massage treatment area, and double shower bathroom, it is the ultimate experience in pampering. Now we all need a bit of Olivia Newton-John's secret to eternal beauty and positive thinking, just like she once sang "You have to believe we are magic, nothing can stand in our way."
Komala Villa at Gaia Retreat & Spa Gaia Retreat & Spa
Komala Villa bedroom at Gaia Retreat & Spa Gaia Retreat & Spa
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7ec4adee0ed2a5fd05cb4ffa3418be16 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2018/12/06/the-best-caribbean-beaches-for-2019-the-ultimate-list/? | The Best Caribbean Beaches For 2019: The Ultimate List | The Best Caribbean Beaches For 2019: The Ultimate List
Best Caribbean Beaches Getty
One of my favorite destinations in the world is the Caribbean with its warm waters, sandy shores, and great cocktails. With so much destruction during Hurricane's Irma and Maria over a year ago, I am thrilled to report most of the best beaches and waterfront hotels are back in action with quite a few of them better than before. The perfect retreat for millions of tourists worldwide, the Caribbean not only offers up an amazing escape from cold winter climates but also creates memories to last for a lifetime.
Some of my finest memories include floating in the bathtub-warm waters of Aruba, sailing in the British Virgin Islands, deep sea fishing in Nicaragua and countless others. I have included several destinations like Bermuda, Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas that are not in the Caribbean but are an important part of the area, and also feature stunning beaches. I have become a bit of a beach aficionado having personally visited most of these beaches and am excited to present my favorites for 2019.
Shoal Bay in Anguilla Getty
Anguilla
Shoal Bay, Anguilla
This two-mile sandy beach with soft, powdery white sand also offers up several great bars, restaurants and some amazing resorts. Busier than other beaches in the area but on Anguilla nothing feels crowded. Runners-up include; Maundays Bay, Meads Bay, Rendezvous Bay, Merrywing Bay, and Savannah Bay.
Darkwood Beach, Antigua Getty
Antigua
Darkwood Beach, Antigua
What's great about Darkwood Beach is that there's not a single building on it. It feels like an escape from reality. It's undeveloped but still easily accessible. Runners-up include; Valley Church Beach, Dickenson Bay, Runaway Bay, Ffrye’s Bay, Crab Hill Bay, and Half Moon Bay.
Eagle Beach in Aruba Getty
Aruba
Eagle Beach, Aruba
I have visited this beach for over 15 years, and while it can often be crowded with a mix of East Coast beach lovers and Venezuelans, the sand and water keep me coming back for more. This is a special place that has become the ultimate getaway for so many people. Come as yourself and never be judged.
Kamalame Cay, Bahamas Sothebys
Bahamas
Kamalame Cay, Andros, Bahamas
While not in the Caribbean I had to include this stunning island, owned by a fabulous couple David Hew and his husband Michael King and features one of the most spectacular beaches in the Bahamas. Completely secluded for privacy, this is one of the best retreats in the world with a barrier reef for snorkeling. Runners-up include; Stocking Island, Exumas with the swimming pigs, Old Bight Beach, Cat Island, Old Fort Bay, Nassau, Treasure Cay Beach, Abaco, Sand Dollar Beach, Great Harbour Cay, and Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island.
Crane Beach on Barbados The Crane
Barbados
Crane Beach, Barbados
This is the most famous beach in Barbados and is surrounded by cliffs and lots of soft sand. Runners-up include Bathsheba Beach, Dover Beach, Mullins Beach, and St Peter.
Hopkins Bay Beach Getty
Belize
Hopkins Bay Beach
Enjoy the feeling of seclusion on your own patch of perfect beach, while being close to all the happenings of the local village. Take a kayak out to see the sunset over Victoria's Peak, one of the highest mountains in Belize.
Horseshoe Bay Beach in Bermuda Getty
Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Not in the Caribbean but a major destination for superyachts and wealthy Caribbean island hoppers, the calm water and hidden coves of this stunning beach can sometimes get crowded but you can venture further down the beach for a secluded experience.
White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke Getty
British Virgin Islands
White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke
I have visited this beach as a cruise ship passenger on multiple occasions, and there is nothing better than drinking from the Soggy Dollar Bar and relaxing with friends on this charming island paradise. Runners-up include Sandy Spit, Loblolly Bay, Devil's Bay in Virgin Gorda, Prickly Pear, Cane Garden Bay, Smugglers Cove, and Apple Bay in Tortola
Seven Mile Beach Getty
Cayman Islands
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
The beach measures only 5.5 miles, but its gorgeous clear waters and coral sands have made it one of the top picks by magazines every year.
Punta Uva Beach, Puerto Viejo Getty
Costa Rica
Punta Uva Beach, Puerto Viejo
Located four hours from the capital city, San Jose this is a great beach for more laid back travelers where sloths are a regular part of the scenery. The nearby town gets lively after dark.
Guardalavaca Beach in Cuba Getty
Cuba
Guardalavaca Beach
This beach is about 2 miles of white sand with turquoise colored water. Guardalavaca is known for its sporting activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, tennis, windsurfing, volleyball, catamaran sailing, and kayaking.
Cas Abao Beach Cas Abao
Curacao
Cas Abao
With its clear turquoise water, waving palm trees and white sandy beach, Cas Abao is a true paradise. Located at the northwest coast of Curaçao, the beach is ideal for swimmers with great reefs for snorkeling. Runners-up include Playa Knip, Westpunt, Playa Porto Mari, Klein Curacao, and Groot Knip.
Wavine Cyrique Beach Getty
Dominica
Wavine Cyrique Beach
The reward at the end of this hike down a steep cliff to the beach below is a large waterfall crashing on the beach. One of the most memorable beach experiences ever. Runner-up is Batibou Beach.
Playa Rincon in the Dominican Republic Getty
Dominican Republic
Playa Rincon
This spectacular secluded beach is one of the most beautiful in the Dominican Republic and has won many travel awards. The white sand beach stretches about five miles and remains very secluded, far away from any resorts or hotels. Best way to arrive is by ATV to this paradise. Runners-up include Saona Island and Playa Bavaro.
Grande Anse Beach, Grenada Getty
Grenada
Grand Anse Beach, Grenada
This amazing sheltered beach offers up stunning waters and warm sand and will become one of your favorite island escapes offering hotels and activities for families. Runner-up is Anse La Roche.
Ilet du Gosier, Guadeloupe Pays Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe
Ilet du Gosier, Guadeloupe
This small islet is a short boat ride from the mainland. This is the type of location where you would imagine a castaway living on its tropical shores. Runner-up is Pain de Sucre, Terre de Haut.
Playa Blanca Guatemala Getty
Guatemala
Playa Blanca
A nice stretch of white sand beach lined with palm trees along the peaceful Caribbean Sea, make this one of the area's finest beaches.
Abaka Bay Beach, Haiti Abaka Bay
Haiti
Abaka Bay Beach, Ile a Vache, Haiti
Spectacular sand on an island that has had so much tragedy. It is an amazing retreat of calm and peaceful repose on its stunning shore. Runner-up is Cocoyer Plage.
Graham's Place Island Getty
Honduras
Grahams Place, Guanaja Island
This 7-acre private island paradise is affectionately called Graham’s Place. It is situated a few miles off the northeast coast of Honduras in the Bay Islands.
Frenchmans Cove Getty
Jamaica
Frenchman’s Cove, Jamaica
This small white-sand beach is set by the jungle with a river that runs through it down to the surf. Runners-up include Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Laughing Waters, Ocho Rios, and Boston Bay, Port Antonio.
Anse Ceron on Martinique Getty
Martinique
Anse Ceron
One of the most popular beaches in all of Martinique. The slowly arching sand offers plenty of room for sunbathers to spread out while the gentle shoreline waters are perfect for swimming. Runners-up include Diamant Beach and Le Anses-d’Arlet.
Pinneys Beach on Nevis
Nevis
Pinneys Beach, Nevis
One of the most talked about beaches of the two islands. The smooth saffron-colored sands of the beach often grace the glossy pages of travel publications, and to most travelers, the beach lives up to its hype although rustic. Runner-up is Lovers Beach.
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua Getty
Nicaragua
Little Corn Island
One of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean, so much so that most Nicaraguans don’t know anything about it. Truly an oasis of tranquility, and a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Palomino island in Puerto Rico Getty
Puerto Rico
Palomino Island, Puerto Rico
A private offshore isle that’s surrounded by powdered sands and palm trees. Runner-up is Playa Flamenco and Culebra.
Soliman Bay, Tulum Jim Dobson
Riviera Maya
Soliman Bay, Tulum
I have visited many times and always keep coming back for more. Beautiful people, the rich and famous and bohemian bliss along its sandy shore ringed by jungle. For a more remote and exclusive experience, you should also visit Sian Ka'an for this out of this world natural biosphere. Runner-up is Tulum Beach which is thankfully no longer covered in sea weed on its shoreline.
Gouverneur Beach in St. Barth Getty
St. Barth
Gouverneur, St Barth
It's a drive to get there, but the reward is a feeling of remoteness and privacy. Celebrities and billionaires often dot this sandy beach to get away from it all. I have had many bottles of champagne reclining on its warm shore. Runner-up is Colombier, Rockefeller Beach and St. Jean.
Cockleshell Bay beach, St Kitts Getty
Saint Kitts
Cockleshell Bay Beach
Cockleshell Bay is a secluded stretch of powder-white sand. Over two miles long, it offers a stunning view of neighboring Nevis island. Runner-up is Frigate Bay and Banana Bay.
Trunk Bay Getty
St. John
Trunk Bay
One of the most popular beaches on the island, Trunk Bay is known for its amazing underwater snorkeling trail. The beach has also been awarded multiple times as the most photogenic beaches in the Caribbean. Runner-up is Maho Beach.
Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia Getty
St. Lucia
Anse Chastenet
The beach is flanked by the stunning Jade Mountain Resort which makes public access here difficult. You can get a water taxi to drop you at this beach. If you want to experience the best of both worlds, a sense of seclusion, and the option for activity, you will love it. I even convinced Jade Mountain to start beachside massages, and they have become very popular. Runner-up is Sugar Beach.
Cupecoy Beach in St. Martin Getty
St. Martin
Cupecoy Beach
One of the hardest hit after the hurricanes, all of the 37 beaches that ring the Dutch side of the dual-nation island are back in business.
One of Saint Martin’s quietest beaches, Cupecoy Beach is a clothing optional beach and is surrounded by sandstone cliffs. Runners-up are Long Bay Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, Simpson Bay Beach, Friars Bay Beach and Maho Beach with its famed airplane touchdowns.
Salt Whistle Bay Getty
Saint Vincent-and-the-Grenadines
Salt Whistle Bay Beach, Mayreau
This hourglass-shaped island beach overlooks the Tobago Keys for snorkeling and gives you a Robinson Crusoe experience at its best.
Sandy Point Beach Getty
St. Croix
Sandy Point Beach
Sandy Point is located on the West End of St. Croix and is one of the most beautiful beaches to escape. Its crystal clear blue waters back up to a two-mile long stretch of white sand beach and is the longest beach in the Caribbean. Runners-up are Shoys Beach, Coakley Bay Beach, Turtle Beach on Buck Island and Carambola.
Lindquist Beach in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands Getty
St. Thomas
Lindquist Beach
Lindquist is a stretch of bright, white sand and luminous blue water. Developers have been anxious to build on this prime site for years, but so far it has been left untouched, a secluded gem loved by locals.
Maracas Beach on Trinidad Getty
Trinidad-and-Tobago
Maracas Beach, Trinidad
Grab a bake and shark (fish sandwich) from one of the many beachside restaurants, then savor it on the sands of this northern strand about an hour from Port of Spain.
Grace Bay, Providenciales on Turks and Caicos Getty
Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales
While not in the Caribbean, I had to include one of my favorite islands in the world that is a popular destination for island hoppers. The area offers clear blue waters, white sand beaches and a wide variety of luxury hotel and villa rentals. Some of the best-rated hotels in the world are located on Grace Bay. Runner-up is Long Bay Beach and Pigeon Point.
Los Roques Archipelago, Venezuela Getty
Venezuela
Los Roques
1,500 miles of almost completely untouched coral reef that’s perfect for diving and sailing, and one of the most tranquil and beautiful beaches on Earth.
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e2932271b796160385a2a724712e6206 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2019/08/27/a-one-billion-dollar-treasure-is-buried-on-this-island-in-costa-rica-and-you-will-never-find-it/?sh=66b337da7c08 | A $1 Billion Treasure Is Buried On This Island In Costa Rica (And You Will Never Find It) | A $1 Billion Treasure Is Buried On This Island In Costa Rica (And You Will Never Find It)
Cocos Island Harald Slauschek/ASAblanca/Getty Images
I felt like I had been transported back in time to a long lost world as my helicopter hovered over the dramatically lush Cocos Island. Located 340 miles southwest of Costa Rica, the UNESCO World Heritage site has been part of Costa Rica since 1832, and is filled with a dense, tropical rain forest. I had always been enchanted by the island having heard so many pirate tales, and I figured I would make the journey to get a firsthand look. The tropical island is as mysterious and compelling as it appears.
Author Michael Crichton was so enamored by the island that he modeled his famed "Jurassic Park" Isla Nublar after it, and Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel "Treasure Island" catapulted Cocos Island to fame. I can understand the fascination as we hovered over the sheer 300-foot cliffs, black sand beaches, numerous rivers, and streams, and approached the stunning waterfall at Wafer Bay.
Dreams of chests filled with gold on Cocos Island Getty
I expected to see dinosaurs roaming freely, but the only actual creatures on the island are the 400 species of insects and 90 bird species. The real dangers lie below the surface and have often proved deadly as the island is surrounded by large populations of Tiger and Hammerhead sharks. The large extensive underground caves and volcanic tunnels provide for massive amounts of marine life.
THE TREASURE OF LIMA
The mystery that has confounded explorers for centuries are the estimated $1 billion worth of treasures hidden throughout the island. It all began in 1820 when Peru started a war against the Spanish Empire colonizing the Americas. The Argentine General Jose de San Martin planned to invade Lima, and the Spanish Viceroy decided it would be best to remove all of the areas riches out of the war zone for safekeeping and return when safe.
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The Spaniards commissioned respected British Captain William Thompson and his vessel Mary Dear to safeguard what is known today as the Treasure of Lima. A haul filled with gold coins, silver, diamonds, and a solid gold life-sized Virgin Mary statue. Captain Thompson and his greedy men ultimately killed all the Spanish Soldiers and Priests on board and headed towards Cocos Island where they buried the massive bounty.
Suspension bridge made from ship buoys and ropes on Cocos Island Getty
A Spanish warship hunted them down, and the crew was convicted, except for Captain Thompson and his first mate who both agreed to cooperate by locating and retrieving the treasure loot. But they both escaped once they landed on the Island and were never recaptured. Hundreds of explorers have since tried to locate the treasure but have failed. Early expeditions were mounted by a man named John Keating in 1844, who was supposed to have befriended Thompson. On one trip, Keating was said to have retrieved gold and jewels from the treasure location after receiving a map from Thompson. Upon his deathbed, it is rumored that he shared the following inventory that was documented of the treasure.
Scene from Jurassic World on the Isla Nublar modeled after Cocos Island JurassicWorld
*One chest containing altar trimmings of gold cloth with canopies, monstrances, chalices all coated with gem stones of up to 1,244 pieces.
*One chest with 2 gold relic containers weighing 120 pounds with 624 topaz, carnelians, emeralds and 12 diamonds.
*One chest containing 3 relic containers of cast metal weighing 160 pounds with 860 rubies, 19 diamonds and other gem stones.
*One chest containing 4,000 doubloons of Spanish Marked 8, 124 swords, 5,000 crowns of Mexican Gold, 64 daggers, 120 shoulder belts and 28 round shields.
*One chest containing 8 caskets of cedar wood and silver with 3,840 cut stones, rings offering plates and 4,265 uncut stones.
*Seven chests with 22 candelabra in gold and silver weighing 250 pounds and 164 rubies.
*One 7-foot Solid Gold Statue of Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus. Weighing 780 pounds, rolled on her gold chasuble adorned with 1,684 jewels including 4-inch emeralds, 6-inch topazes and 7 crosses made of diamonds.
Waterfall on Cocos Island Getty
When German adventurer August Gissler became the official governor of Cocos Island in 1897, he was not interested in the small group of tobacco growers living there, most of whom he had brought over from his home country. He was obsessed in locating the solid gold Madonna and also the treasure of pirate Benito Bonito, and over the years had dug out an extensive system of underground tunnels in his quest. He ultimately left the island in 1908 after assembling clues as to where the treasure was located, but only walked away with a few random coins.
Swarm of Hammerhead Sharks surrounding Cocos Island Getty
THE DEVONSHIRE TREASURE
Pirates hiding treasures in Cocos Island started a long time before the famous Treasure of Lima happened. In 1818, British Naval Officer Captain Bennett Grahame commanded the HMS Devonshire for a coastal survey in the South Pacific. He ended up changing careers to be a pirate after hoarding over 350 tons of gold from Spanish Galleons he raided during his duty. The Captain and most of his crew were ultimately arrested and executed for their actions.
One of the ship’s surviving crew members Mary Welsh, who was sent to a penal colony but was later released, said she saw Captain Grahame and his men bury the treasure on Cocos Island. With location bearings and memory of the exact location, Welsh led an expedition to Cocos Island, but after many storms, the landmarks she remembered were long gone.
View over Cocos Island Getty
PIRATE BENITO BONITO'S TREASURE
With a career of pirating over 350 tons of gold and burning Spanish Galleons in 1818, Benito Bonito is rumored to have buried his treasures in a deep tunnel in the Wafer Bay area on Cocos Island.
His biggest mistake was when he allowed two Englishmen to join his team of pirates. Several years later the two men were captured and sent to prison, and in exchange for freedom they promised that they would offer up the West Indian hideout of Benito Bonito which resulted to the end of Bonito’s pirate life.
Explorers have conducted over 500 expeditions on the island but with no success before the government finally banned entry. In 2012, British and Canadian media extensively reported that adventurer/engineer Shaun Whitehead would be carrying out a major archaeological survey of the island using Ground Penetrating Radar and snake camera. That expedition fell apart and never happened.
Cocos Island Treasure Map Visit Cocos Island
I spoke with Whitehead who told me, "Members of the team did visit the island, and we had permissions to carry out the more comprehensive archaeological- zoological survey. However, the permissions only last for six months, and while we waited for the TV production company to get their end of things sorted out, the permission lapsed. When we re-applied, the Costa Rican government decided that there was too much publicity related to the treasure aspects (rather than the serious archaeological/zoological survey) and so refused to grant further permission."
Concept map created by explorer Shaun Whitehead that ties together the various treasure stories ... [+] related to Cocos Island Shaun Whitehead
There have been reports that the alleged Treasure of Lima has been found and recovered but they are all considered to be a hoax created to divert attention away from the island. There are also reports that the treasure is in an alternative location but those have been unfounded. And many skeptics are quite vocal that there is no treasure at all and that it is all a fabulous pirates tale. I choose to believe in the mystery of the island and we will truly never know the truth since further exploration is permanently banned.
I spoke with Genna Marie Davis with the adventure diving company Undersea Hunter Group, who told me, "It's tricky writing about Cocos Island treasures because there is so much hearsay, lore and conflicting information all tangled up that it's difficult to discern the truth. The stories are very fun, but you have to take them with a grain of salt. There was even a lot of misinformation purposefully spread by treasure hunters trying to throw other treasure hunters off the track."
The presence of overnight visitors is strictly prohibited on the island, and the area can only be accessed by expensive scuba diving live aboard boat trips. Only park rangers living in ranger stations are authorized by the Costa Rican government to stay on the island while performing their duty in protecting the Nature Reserve.
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b411639cd8d0b3e5fa4d1fcbdef26323 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2019/12/13/billionaire-superyacht-showdown-whos-who-in-st-barths-for-new-years-2020/?sh=45c1b2036cbf | Billionaire Superyacht Showdown: Who’s Who in St. Barths for New Years 2020 | Billionaire Superyacht Showdown: Who’s Who in St. Barths for New Years 2020
Gustavia Harbor in St. Barths Getty
I make it an annual tradition to visit St. Barths during the holidays, and this year the island is looking the best it has in many years. Lush green landscapes, crystal clear and very warm waters, clean beaches, and famed resorts opening with stunning new additions. Locals tell me the hurricane that devastated the island ultimately led to much-needed improvements with infrastructure, and magically the island has turned green again.
Gallery: Superyachts In St. Barths New Years 2020 22 images View gallery
The legendary superyacht showdown, started early with several high profile billionaires already anchored outside of Gustavia and neighboring St. Maarten, and Antigua. Many will stay throughout Christmas on the island of Antigua and then party with the traditional fireworks New Years Eve celebration in St Barths.
Superyacht showdown in St.Barths Edmiston
Many of the resorts and hot spots, including one of my favorite restaurants Bonito, hosted New Year’s Eve parties, and iconic Nikki Beach offered superstar DJ Kygo. However, it is aboard the superyachts where the rich and famous ended up partying into the wee hours.
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Here is a selection of some of the largest and most spectacular yachts that are in and around St. Barths for the holidays. This list was updated daily throughout New Years Eve with new arrivals.
Eclipse, owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Getty Images
ECLIPSE (533 feet) owned by Russian Steel magnate Roman Abramovich *currently in St Barths
Ocean Victory owned by Russian steel magnate Victor Rashnikov Fincantieri
OCEAN VICTORY (459 feet) owned by Russian steel magnate Victor Rashnikov *currently in St Barths
David Geffen's superyacht RISING SUN Lurssen
RISING SUN (454 feet) owned by entertainment mogul David Geffen *currently in St Barths
Le Grand Bleu yacht owned by Evgeny Shvidler Kusch Yachts
LE GRAND BLEU (371 feet) owned by Russian oil billionaire Evgeny Shvidler *currently in St Barths
Superyacht ANNA owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev Feadship
ANNA (360 feet) owned by Russian fertilizer billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev *currently in St Barths
ANDROMEDA (351 feet) owned by mystery billionaire *currently in St Barths
SYMPHONY owned by billionaire Bernard Arnault Feadship
SYMPHONY (333 feet) owned by Louis Vuitton billionaire Bernard Arnault *currently in St Barths
Yacht LIMITLESS owned by Victoria Secret's Leslie Wexner Lurssen
LIMITLESS (315 feet) owned by Victoria Secret’s Leslie Wexner *currently in St Barths
Yacht MADSUMMER owned by real estate icon Jeffrey Soffer Lurssen
MADSUMMER (312 feet) owned by Florida real estate icon Jeffrey Soffer *currently in St Barths
EOS super sailing yacht owned by Barry Diller and Diane Von Furstenberg Lurssen
EOS (305 feet) owned by Barry Diller and Diane Von Furstenberg *currently in St Barths
AQUARIUS (301 feet) owned by casino magnate Steve Wynn *currently in St Barths
DREAMBOAT (295 feet) owned by Home Depot founder Arthur Blank *currently in St Barths
DAR (295 feet) owned by iron/steel magnate Ziyad al Manaseer *currently in St Barths
ATHENA (295 feet) owned by computer guru Jim Clark *currently in St Barths
INFINITY (290 feet) owned by billionaire hardware store magnate Eric Smidt *currently in St Barths
MALTESE FALCON (289 feet) owned by hedge fund guru Elena Ambrosiadou *currently in Antigua
ECSTASEA (282 feet) owned by Pakistani shipping magnate Alshair Fiyaz *currently in St Barths
AQUILA (278 feet) owned by Walmart heiress Ann Walton *currently in St Barths
HERE COMES THE SUN (272 feet) owned by drilling CEO Alexander Dzhaparidze *currently in Antigua
ALFA NERO (269 feet) owned by Russian fertilizer magnate Andrey Guryev *currently in St Thomas
ELYSIAN (252 feet) owned by Boston Red Sox honcho John Henry *currently in St Barths
AURORA (243 feet) owned by Russian construction magnate Andrey Molchanov *currently in St Barths
WHEELS (247 feet) owned by Uniwheels CEO Ralf Schmid *currently in St Barths
MOGAMBO (242 feet) owned by Ukrainian billionaire WhatsApp founder Jan Koum, he also owns the 182 foot support vessel Power Play. *both currently in St Barths
ODESSA II (242 feet) owned by billionaire investor Len Blavatnik *currently in Antigua
SIXTH SENSE (242 feet) rumored owner is Carnival Cruise CEO Micky Arison **currently in St Barths
SIREN (241 feet) owned by the real estate billionaire Reuben Brothers *currently in St Barths
GRACE E (240 feet) owned by Keurig Coffee billionaire Robert Stiller *currently in St Barths
NAUTILUS (240 feet) owned by Patek Philippe CEO Thierry Stern *currently in BVI
YALLA (240 feet) owned by Egyptian telecom billionaire Naguib family *currently in St Barths
PLANET NINE (240 feet) owned by Banking heir Nathaniel Rothschild *currently in St Johns
TITANIA (239 feet) owned by British mobile phone billionaire John Caudwell *currently in Antigua
AXIOMA (239 feet) owned by Russian banking icon Dmitry Pumpyansky *currently in St Barths
UTOPIA (235 feet) owned by mutual funds investor Bill Miller *currently in St Barths
SKAT (232 feet) owned by Microsoft billionaire Charles Simonyi *currently in St Barths
SHERAKHAN (229 feet) owned by Dutch ship builder Jan Verkerk *currently in St Barths
SPECTRE (227 feet) owned by Corona beer importer Rob Sands *currently in St Barths
INTREPID (226 feet) support yacht to INFINITY owned by tool retailer Eric Smidt *currently in St Barths
LADY S (225 feet) owned by Daniel Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins *currently in St Barths
SYCARA V (223 feet) owned by luxury car dealer Ray Catena *currently in St Barths
OKTO (217 feet) owned by Greek steel magnate Theodore Angelopoulos *currently in St Barths
INVICTUS (214 feet) owned by real estate developer Rick Caruso *currently in St Barths
LIONESS V (208 feet) formerly owned by British retailer Sir Philip Green *currently in St Barths
LADY BRITT (207 feet) owned by Swedish jewelry magnate Sten Warborn *currently in St Barths
SATORI (207 feet) owned by US steel magnate Eric Benson *currently in St Barths
BATON ROUGE (205 feet) owned by construction magnate Martin Bouygues *currently in St Barths
PARTY GIRL (205 feet) owned by pet store magnate Charles West *currently in St Barths
FLAG (205 feet) owned by fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger *currently in St Barths
LADY KATHRYN (203 feet) owned by asphalt contractor Leo Vecellio *currently in St Barths
SEALYON (202 feet) owned by real estate investor Anthony Lyons *currently in St Barths
SAMADHI (200 feet) owned by hedge fund billionaire Daniel Loeb *currently in St Barths
BLUE MOON (198 feet) owned by investor Richard Duchossois *currently in St Barths
ROCK IT (198 feet) owned by sandwich guru Jimmy John Liautaud *currently in St Barths
MIA ELISE II (198 feet) owned by car dealer Terry Taylor *currently in St Barths
EXCELLENCE (198 feet) owned by car dealer Herb Chambers *currently in St Barths
SEAHAWK (196 feet) owned by Esprit fashion brand founder Jurgen Friedrich *currently in St Maarten
SKYFALL (190 feet) owned by real estate developer Roy Carroll *currently in St Barths
GALAXY (184 feet) owned by Swiss entrepreneur Hans Thomas Gross *currently in St Barths
TURQUOISE (181) owned by Scottish investor Douglas Barrowman *currently in St Barths
ELIXIR (180 feet) owned by Dutch investor Rob Thielen *currently in St Barths
GENE MACHINE (180 feet) owned by Engineer/Scientist Jonathan Rothberg *currently in St Barths
STARFIRE (177 feet) owned by billionaire investor Carl Icahn *currently in St Thomas
KISSES (175 feet) owned by Florida car dealer Norman Braman *currently in St Barths
*special thanks to Superyachtfan.com for owner sourcing and details.
Any corrections or additions please email theluxeworld(at)gmail.com.
Here is live video I shot this week in St. Barths of the amazing 454 foot RISING SUN
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b60a056307bce6fc2cd02a3423df1476 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2020/06/22/the-underwater-wine-cellars-of-croatia-beneath-the-adriatic-sea/?utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=social&utm_content=3440518354&utm_campaign=sprinklrForbesLifeTwitter | The Underwater Wine Cellars Of Croatia Beneath The Adriatic Sea | The Underwater Wine Cellars Of Croatia Beneath The Adriatic Sea
Edivo Navis underwater winery Edivo
Once travel opens up to Croatia, visitors looking to escape the crowds of Dubrovnik should consider venturing an hour up the coast through the rugged Pelješac Peninsula filled with family-owned vineyards, charming old villages, and rocky beaches. The area is known for its mussels, oysters, and fish sourced directly from the waters, and is a stunning discovery that many tourists have not yet explored.
Hidden within the town of Drače, located between Ston and Orebić, is the country’s first underwater winery. Edivo Vina winery was created beneath the sea where visitors can join divers on a tour of the submerged jugs which house the wine, along with a sunken ship at the bottom of Mali Ston Bay. There is, of course, an above ground winery for those who are not scuba inclined.
Bottles of wine ready to go underwater Edivo Winery
The unique experience of visiting the underwater cellars showcases Navis Mysterium, which is kept in a sunken boat close to Žuljana. Nearly 5,000 bottles of wine are aged above-ground for three months and then stored in amphorae, a clay jug with two handles and a narrow neck, below the water for one to two years. All of the bottles are corked, and two layers of rubber are added to prevent saltwater from leaking in, and wine from leaking out. The amphorae are then packaged in cages and locked to avoid any unwanted divers from stealing the wine. With natural sea cooling, the winery discovered it was ideal conditions for the wine storage.
Edivo underwater winery Edivo
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According to the winery owners, “With the bottles, we immediately had good results, but the amphorae were more difficult. It was necessary to investigate whether it would be possible to put a glass bottle directly in an amphora because wine could lose quality from any penetration by the sea. Using a glass bottle with two layers of rubber, we submerged it in the sea to a depth of 18-25 meters for more than 700 days. After that, we knew that we had made something special, something that would make history. The unique essence of the Adriatic Sea combined with exquisite wine, Plavac from Janjina, clay that is baked in Petrinja, stands made of wrought iron from Sisak, pinewood boxes which are made in Varaždin, glass, cork. Everything is pure Croatian product.”
Wine lovers can enjoy a varied selection of wines like Navis Mysterium Amphora, Navis Mysterium Bottle, Dingač Edivo, Plavac Edivo Bottle, and Q Edivo Bottle.
During the winter (from November 1st to April 1st), tours are once a day and during summertime twice. You will dive with experienced and certified PADI instructors. Groups are small, and the number of people depends on the level of diving experience. The only requirement for visitors are that you have a diving license so that you can grab your own bottle of red wine beneath the chilly Adriatic Sea.
Pelješac has no commercial airport of its own, so most visits here will start in one of Croatia’s other major cities, including Dubrovnik, by far the closest, Split, and Zadar.
Wine casings brought to surface Edivo Winery
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5dbaf8e52ff2db9b8636ba6544ef95dc | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2020/07/29/a-dramatic-new-island-resort-opens-in-croatia-and-americans-are-allowed-to-visit/?fbclid=IwAR2c17pEcDhtVINFqW8Tp5p1R7ZDzlLk0QupHyboNhzWSG3wETVT3oyLPhA&sh=7c1026c02dbf | A Dramatic New Island Resort Opens In Croatia—And Americans Are Allowed To Visit | A Dramatic New Island Resort Opens In Croatia—And Americans Are Allowed To Visit
Suite views from Masline Resort SARGENT PHOTOGRAPHY / Maslina Resort
Croatia tourism is booming, with the tiny Republic in Southeast Europe among the few EU destinations allowing American’s to visit. New resorts are also coming to meet future demand (two Four Seasons Hotel projects on the island of Hvar and in Kupari, Hilton Costabella, Marriott in Split and a new Aman resort in Cavtat are currently in the pipeline.) On a recent visit, I had a birdseye view of the dramatic new Maslina Resort located on Hvar Island's stunning Maslinica Bay. Hvar and the surrounding Pakleni Islands are filled with superyachts this time of year.
Maslina Resort is surrounded by a rich pine forest and positioned overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It is an easy stroll along the coast that leads you to the UNESCO-protected town of Stari Grad. Created as a sustainability-focused luxury boutique resort, the new property opens in August and offers up 33 rooms, 17 suites, and three villas, all inspired by nature's elements.
Maslina Resort on the island of Hvar in Croatia Paradox Hospitality
Utilizing extensive gardens and terraces, eight of the suites have their own private plunge pools overlooking the bay. The Villas are perfectly positioned along the waterfront and have stunning indoor and outdoor living spaces, and private heated infinity pools. My favorite is Villa Uvala with its own gym, five bedrooms and extreme privacy.
Sea views from the restaurant at Maslina Resort Maslina
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Guests can choose between four and five bedrooms, but the villas make you feel like a local in your own home, including a professional-style kitchen to add on your own sommelier and chef services. All of the soft goods are organic, comfy king-sized beds, bathrooms with walk-in showers, and wooden bathtubs that contribute to the feeling of being connected to nature.
The resort also features a natural beach, heated infinity, and family pools, as well as a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant (led by American Top Master Chef Patricia Yeo), beach bar, and organic garden. Other amenities will include a Pharomatiq Spa, a library, a Wine & Culture Club, and a kid’s playroom.
Suite views from Maslina Resort Maslina
The company behind the project Paradox Hospitality explains “sustainability was forefront in the design, and include natural and local materials; a built-in modern heat recovery system; natural green roofs; ventilation designed to reduce the use of A/C including sensors for the windows; non-chlorinated pools; an organic garden; certified organic linen; and biodegradable options for slippers, straws and disposable underwear for spa treatments.”
They add, “To cultivate the same feeling upon first visiting Maslinica Bay, native and local species are used to maintain the landscape language already in place, where wild Mediterranean vegetation thrives thanks to thick Aleppo pines, mature olive trees, and fragrant herb bushes.”
Beach club at Maslina Resort Maslina
The low-profile architecture includes numerous scattered pavilions, all with ventilated wooden facades that seamlessly blend in with the island environment. The interior design is inspired by the four elements of nature, which helped the designers construct a palette driven by the cerulean Adriatic Sea, salty summer breeze, pearly white rocks, and dense green forest.
The historic town of Hvar aerial view, Dalmatia, Croatia. getty
Even though American’s cannot visit most of the EU, the Croatian Institute for Public Health recently announced that non-EU citizens, including those from the United States, can enter Croatia as tourists, as long as they provide evidence of a negative test for COVID-19 within 48 hours of their arrival. Important to note given the fluidity of the pandemic situation, the Croatian Government is posting any new requirements on their website, please check prior to making travel plans.
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210c980fa8368b1e77a2df0e32d73ee3 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2021/01/31/how-to-travel-in-pandemic-style-with-the-coolest-anti-microbial-protective-clothing/?sh=b3131cf462e7 | How To Travel In Pandemic Style With The Coolest Antimicrobial Protective Clothing | How To Travel In Pandemic Style With The Coolest Antimicrobial Protective Clothing
Traveling in Pandemic Style with silver anti-microbial clothing Better Off Alone
My first foray into traveling internationally during the pandemic was something I did not take lightly. I researched way too much about how dangerous it was to travel and probably over-prepared for my short journey to Mexico. I wore gloves, a double face mask, and a face shield but never went so far as to change my clothing. I noticed several other passengers were wearing disposable hazmat suits, which looked utterly ridiculous and uncomfortable and thus started my search for new fashionable options for my next trip.
While viruses are known to survive on clothes and surfaces, it isn't yet known how that translates to getting infected. But I wanted peace of mind, and finding protective clothing that is made of quality while at the same time comfortable enough to sleep in on a long flight led me to several companies with some beautiful products. While these are certainly not a guarantee you won't get infected, they are helpful to give you the peace of mind that you are trying your very best at protection while you travel.
Better Off Alone Travel Kit including seat cover, blanket, mask Better Off Alone
BETTER OFF ALONE
The creative force behind Lady and Butler, the hospitality uniform company that has designed the chic clothing worn by the staff at Equinox and Four Seasons Hotels, has launched a new brand, Better Off Alone. The new line of reusable protective garments launched after the team saw the environmental impact of single-use masks and other protective wear. Tanya Amini and Eli Caner, of Lady and Butler, teamed up with Bonnie Poon, the CEO of Golden Times Group Limited. Poon oversees an ethical manufacturing supply chain in China that promotes sustainability by recycling and avoiding plastic based packaging; as well as social responsibility by providing a living wage for its factory workers, while also hiring and housing family members together to avoid separating migrant workers from their children.
Better Off Alone Women's jumpsuit Better Off Alone
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I am a huge fan of the new collection featuring trench coats, pants, and hoodies, as well as an impressive travel kit. All of their products are made with 100 percent Egyptian cotton treated with nontoxic Silverplus® antimicrobial technology, designed to block and reduce surface contamination of microorganisms. The travel kit includes soft and cozy products, including an airline seat cover, a blanket (with a removable cover), a pillowcase, an eye mask, and a face mask.
I spoke at length with the team behind Better Off Alone about what inspired them to create the brand.
What was the inspiration behind the design?
"When the pandemic sort of hit, all of us were affected by it in different ways. Unfortunately, very early on in March, I caught a very severe case of covid and was out for about a month. I have a seven-year-old son, so I was in the midst of, you know, my God, what's going to happen to our business?" said co-founder Tanya Amini.
"We started to have a lot of our hospitality partners approach us. Many of them were closed at the time, but they were asking us for recommendations on masks. So Eli and I, with the help of Bonnie, started to do some research, and I wanted to make sure I was using the very best."
Kids protective jumpsuits for travel and school Better Off Alone
What was the process of the production?
"I did research on cotton, especially with a certain density and a certain type of weave, and it does offer some of the highest protection without any antimicrobial finishing," says co-founder Bonnie Poon. "We decided to go with SilverPlus® that offered very low quantities of natural silver ions and then mixed them with specific biocides that are not poisonous or harmful to the environment or people, and through that, making a finishing that goes on the fabric itself."
"I would say one of the big things is for us not just to focus on the finishing, but to focus on the material. A lot of what we see in the market is not comfortable, does not have the same quality texture or quality, and has color saturation. We are working with higher quality cotton from Egypt."
"I don't want to be naive, but let's just pretend it all goes away in a year," says Tanya. "That doesn't mean that our mentality hasn't changed. I think we're all still going to wash our hands better. We're getting used to hand sanitizer. We're going to use masks when we travel. It's an extra level of safety and peace of mind."
Any plans for future travel products?
"We want to introduce the travel kit to our hotel hospitality partners because that's something that we think they can offer in each room." says co-founder Eli Caner. I'd love to be able to design uniforms for airlines using this fabric. We think that it could be very beneficial for them as well. I think everybody within that industry is still trying to grapple with how they're going to recover. The concept of the trench coat was for the airlines because I was envisioning the flight attendants putting it on top of their uniforms."
Marta Scarampi Deco jumpsuit Lucia Scarampi
MARTA SCARAMPI
Another high-end designer of womenswear has jumped into the protective clothing world. Marta Scarampi has launched an elegant collection for the "new normal" as regions lift restrictions and people return to traveling and commuting for work. The collection, which is hand-made to order in Torino, Italy, includes a waterproof silk jumpsuit, matching face masks, and a travel bag. It was inspired by and designed for the brand's co-founder, Lucia Scarampi, and her sister co-founder, Marta Scarampi.
Among my favorite products is the Deco Travel Jumpsuit for Men ($440), made of comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, and silk-blend fabric. The focus is on comfort and protective wear with a flattering design, ideal for the fashionable traveler. The fit is comfortable and breathable enough to layer other garments underneath and feel at ease.
Marta Scarampi DECO jumpsuit Lucia Scarampi
I spoke with Lucia Scarampi about her inspiration for protective travel clothing.
“When Italy went into lockdown in March 2020, I happened to be with my sister, Marta, who’s also the co-founder and chief designer of Marta Scarampi, in our hometown Torino; it is where our atelier is based,” she says. “I was fortunate enough to be with my family, but at the time, I faced the problem of not being able to return home to New York where my husband and I live. My husband and I were apart for several months. When it was safe enough to travel, and flights became available, we decided it was time for me to fly back to be with my husband.”
What was the process from inception to production?
“The key aspects that Marta focused on was to ensure the product offers a head-to-toe cover, that it’s versatile enough for various occasions, and most importantly, that it’s something people would want to wear even post-pandemic.
Several fabrics were considered, but ultimately Marta went with a silk-blend waterproof fabric because it can repel droplets. The material is the key because it is lightweight and breathable, yet elegant and luxurious.
The final product is a jumpsuit with a hood that latches up around the neck and a matching face mask that can be worn alone or layered over another outfit. And I wore the first and last prototype from Torino to New York (Torino-Milan-Rome-NY!)”
Marta Scarampi Deco Travel Collection Lucia Scarampi
Was it challenging to get the product launched?
“Because our business is built around a slow fashion concept where everything is made on-demand, we were able to confirm the final prototype, test it, and launch it on the website all within two weeks.
While our Travel Jumpsuit is not approved as a PPE, we received a tremendous amount of positive feedback and comments since the first Travel Jumpsuit launch. People who ordered it and wore it told us they felt safer and comfortable in it. Many of them told us they would wear it on trains and subways, too. (And even in the rain, since it’s waterproof!)
We also received an incredible amount of requests for the jumpsuit in men’s sizes and style. And so, for the first time, we as a womenswear slow fashion brand created and offered a product for men.”
Any plans for future travel products?
“After the jumpsuit, we also came up with a two-piece travel set that essentially looks like the jumpsuit, but the pants and jackets are separates. They were mainly made for people who feel like they would make more use of them than a jumpsuit. And for women that have different sizing necessities for top and bottom.
As we are a brand known for handmade capes and blazers, we were once known for our Travel Sets that consist of wrinkle-free capes and blazer sets that can be easily worn together or separately depending on the different climates. Our direction for the future is to go back to our roots and continue to offer women who need to travel for work or for leisure an easier wardrobe option that is extremely comfortable yet always effortlessly sophisticated.”
BioRomper protective travel jumpsuits BioRomper
BIOROMPER
Launched in October 2020 by Noah Friedman, Arielle Crawford, Evan Boyd, and Ed McCabe, BioRomper is a head-to-toe bodysuit made with antimicrobial fabric. BioRomper is made in New York with sleek, recycled fabric. The material is a custom polyester-spandex blend and is breathable, stretchy, water-repellant, and, most importantly, comfortable. It is treated with an antimicrobial finish that helps eliminate germs on seats, headrests, and other surfaces. BioRomper is equipped with a hood, four pockets, elasticated cuffs, and an adjustable waist for a flattering fit.
According to the founders, “The last 12 months have had an unprecedented impact on our daily lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has made traveling — near or far — more complex and challenging than ever before. The team behind BioRomper wanted to create something to meet the moment; an innovative new garment that blends fashion and function for everyday people on the move in this new normal and beyond.”
BioRomper protective travel jumpsuits BioRomper
Inspired by images of travelers wearing hazmat suits to board airplanes, the team partnered with a local NYC fashion designer to prototype something more practical. The bodysuit helps its wearer feel safer without sacrificing style or comfort, whether they're headed across town or hopping on an airplane.
For the founders, innovation also implied high-quality, sustainable craftsmanship. So they built BioRomper in fair trade factories within New York City's legendary garment district, using a custom, recycled blend of polyester and spandex.
Vollebak Full Metal Jacket built with 11km of copper, and winner of TIME Best Inventions 2020 Vollebak
VOLLEBAK, DIESEL, UNDER ARMOUR AND THE REST
Numerous designers are jumping into the protective clothing fray, including Diesel denim, which uses Viraloff and will launch their new product in summer 2021, UnderArmour, and North Face, which uses PROTX 2 AV treated materials. Swiss textile firm HeiQ is also continuing to release antiviral denim and face mask collections.
Among the more cutting edge products out there, Vollebak has created a futuristic line of copper full metal jackets and was one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions last year. I spoke with co-founder Steve Tidball about the future of pandemic travel clothing and he said, “While disease resistant clothing looks like a luxury in 2021, over the next decade it may well become a standard requirement for travel. As we rapidly head towards some dystopian future in which air travelers pass through decontamination chambers and temperature sensors, the journey to that future may just start with us choosing which brand of hazmat suit we want to wear before we climb onboard.”
It's important to note that antimicrobial clothing should be used to enhance but not replace most safety precautions (washing hands, social distancing, and wearing masks.) I look forward to many new designers being creative with what will likely become the new normal when we are allowed to travel freely.
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d56b2d4b617f2709871f740780895df2 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2021/03/08/you-can-be-harry-and-meghans-neighbor-in-montecito-for-only-225-million/ | You Can Be Harry And Meghan’s Neighbor In Montecito For Only $22.5 Million | You Can Be Harry And Meghan’s Neighbor In Montecito For Only $22.5 Million
The former Rob Lowe estate named "Owenshire" is for sale for $22.5 million Will McGowan
A favorite weekend drive for many locals in Southern California is the easy 90 minute trip up the California coastline to Santa Barbara. Most drive right past its elegant, quiet neighbor Montecito, which maintains an exclusive aura away from the usual weekend crowds. With its secluded hillside estates and rarely a paparazzi to be seen, Montecito is loved by countless celebrities and billionaires. It has become known as the American Riviera for its elegant mansions cascading down the mountains towards the Pacific Ocean.
And with the recent arrival of new residents Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the area is having a boom in real estate sales. Among the most notable properties for sale is the former home of actor Rob Lowe in Montecito, Calif., which is on the market for $22.5 million and is walking distance to the former royal couple’s new 18,000 sf, $14 million estate.
The former Rob Lowe estate named "Owenshire" is for sale for $22.5 million Will Mcgowan
Formerly known as "Owenshire," the 5.5-acre estate is one of several Montecito properties sold by billionaire Peter Sperling, former chairman of Apollo Education Group. The Sperlings bought the estate from Rob Lowe for $25 million in 2005, according to the listing agents Joyce Rey and Timothy Di Prizito of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury.
The re-renovated house is designed to look like an English country manor, making Harry and Meghan feel right at home if you have them over for tea. At nearly 17,000-square-foot, the house has seven bedrooms and features classic English & French country home design, with multiple large fireplaces. The home has a lower level with a wood/metal workshop, a fire-safe room, humidity-controlled fur storage, and an eight-car garage. The grounds also include a guesthouse, a pool house, a commercial-rated gym, and a second 5-star all-stainless steel chef's kitchen with a pizza oven.
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The former Rob Lowe estate named "Owenshire" is for sale for $22.5 million Will McGowan
According to listing agents Joyce Rey and Timothy Di Prizito with Coldwell Banker, “Montecito is an extremely attractive market offering value but with a very tight inventory of available estate properties. High-end consumers are looking for more open/natural space away from urban settings to accommodate multi-generational family needs while supporting a more environmental & sustainable lifestyle.”
Montecito also has a de facto royal member of real estate in Ellen Degeneres, who, along with her wife Portia de Rossi, owns a $49 million compound within walking distance of neighbor Oprah Winfrey. The couple has flipped more houses than any other local. According to Variety, in 2006, the couple purchased a $15.8 million Montecito estate that they sold a year later for $20 million to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. In 2013, the couple spent $28.8 million for a Montecito property and flipped it for $34 million to Netflix head Ted Sarandos. In 2017, they paid $7.2 million for a Montecito ranch and flipped it quickly for $11 million to Tinder head Sean Rad. In late 2017, the couple paid $18.6 million for a waterfront property sold to cosmetics mogul Jamie Kern Lima for $23 million two years later. They then purchased a Bali-style mansion for $29 million and sold it for $33.3 million to a mystery billionaire. In August of 2020, they paid $27 million for a Tuscan-style Montecito mansion and flipped it immediately for $29 million.
Other notable residents in Montecito include new owner Adam Levine who recently purchased the stunning “El Miraval” estate for $22.7 million, Rob Lowe, who owns several properties and recently sold his massive “Oakview” estate for $45.5 million, Katy Perry, who paid $14.2 for a hilltop mansion, Ariana Grande who bought a 5,500 sf house from Ellen DeGeneres for $6.7 million, and longtime resident Oprah Winfrey, who famously owns a massive 23,000 sf estate called The Promised Land worth around $100 million. Oprah also owns a 23-acre luxurious equestrian horse ranch in Montecito ranch for $28.8 million.
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a2b1bcce4d0abff26ec4423d137302c0 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimdobson/2021/04/05/south-of-france-gets-a-new-luxury-seafront-resort-with-villas-and-vineyard/ | South Of France Gets A New Luxury Seafront Resort With Villas And Vineyard | South Of France Gets A New Luxury Seafront Resort With Villas And Vineyard
Aerial view of LUX* La Baraquette Resort and Residences LUX* La Baraquette Resort and Residences
LUX* La Baraquette Resort and Residences is a stunning new seafront resort planned for the Languedoc–Roussillon region of the South of France, featuring its own working vineyard. Located adjacent to the bustling city of Montpellier, the resort will open in 2023.
Offering a modern twist on French living, the resort’s architecture was designed by Slow Life Architects to be cohesive with the traditional buildings in the area, many of them dating back to the 12th century. The resort was developed by Propriétés & Co to extend the fishing village of Marseillan.
Villa at LUX* La Baraquette and Residences LUX* La Baraquette and Residences
The UNESCO Heritage site of Marseillan is perhaps one of the oldest French towns founded in the sixth century B.C. It is known for its wine production today and is the largest wine-producing area in the world.
The development will include 133 studios to four-bedroom stylish apartment residences, 30 Mediterranean patio villas, as well as four spectacular waterfront villas. Prices range from mid $350,000 for a one-bedroom Garden Suite to $5.3 million for a luxurious Waterfront Villa.
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Waterfront villa at lux* La Baraquette Resort & Residences lux* La Baraquette
The residences range from one-bedroom garden suites and larger apartments to the ultimate villas in the Waterfront Collection. Each of the four villas will feature private underground parking, a large basement with a state-of-the-art cinema, billiards room, a private wine cave, and a sauna. The villas will also feature a private elevator and a suspended fireplace.
Outdoor features of the villas include a private Jacuzzi, an infinity pool, and a ground-floor barbecue area, with a stainless steel sink and an outdoor fire pit, as well as an expansive terrace and pergola on the upper floor, all with gorgeous views of the resorts working, private vineyard, and the Thau lagoon beyond.
Garden suites at lux* La Baraquette Resort & Residences lux* La Baraquette
Lux* La Baraquette will be part of a large working vineyard, managed by the Seigneurie de Peyrat wine domain, a top winemaker in the region, and will provide villa owners with access to the vineyards to participate.
Owners will have direct access to LUX* La Baraquette’s 11-acre vineyard and Wine Academy, which includes winemaking courses and personal wine storage areas. A Nautical Club is also part of the offering.
Villa bedroom at LUX* La Baraquette and Residences LUX* La Baraquette and Residences
The development overlooks the world famous oyster beds of the Thau Lagoon, home to over 700 Mediterranean species including 18 varieties of shellfish, including the popular Pink Diamond oysters, a delicacy in this region.
Villa at lux* La Baraquette Resort & Residences lux* La Baraquette
Other properties offered by LUX* Resorts & Hotels include locations in Mauritius, Maldives, Ile de la Reunion, China, with new launches coming in 2023 in Vietnam, and France.
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834d70843f970594977f75fd58d6d3ea | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimfoerster/2019/01/18/weather-and-business-insights-and-ideas-for-weathering-the-storms/ | Weather And Business: Insights And Ideas For Weathering The Storms | Weather And Business: Insights And Ideas For Weathering The Storms
(AP Photo/Steven Senne)
“How about this weather we’re having?” “Can you believe how cold it is?” “The weather made my commute just brutal today!” Weather dominates small talk in the United States, and there has been a lot of research done on how weather influences behavior and emotions. But, weather also has strong financial impact; it is estimated that nearly 20% of the U.S. economy is directly affected by the weather, and it impacts the profitability and revenues of many industries, including agriculture, energy, events, construction, travel and others. In a 1998 testimony to Congress, former commerce secretary William Daley stated, "Weather is not just an environmental issue, it is a major economic factor. At least $1 trillion of our economy is weather-sensitive."
This regular column will focus on business and its relationship with weather. Our economy is dependent on weather, and increased weather volatility has forced businesses to be more proactive in including weather insights into operational planning. As weather-forecasting technology continues to improve, businesses are finding it easier to be more proactive in making decisions related to weather.
Of the more than 10,000 practicing meteorologists in the U.S., there is strong representation in the private sector. A meteorologist may be found in a variety of positions, ranging from weather forecasting duties, to non-forecasting roles like sales, marketing and business analytics. The job outlook for meteorologists is estimated to grow by 12%, which is almost 40 percent faster than the national average.
Public safety is a very visible example of weather forecasting for business. But there are many other ways weather plays a role in business. For some companies, it’s about risk management. For retailers, meteorologists help develop strategies that address how weather impacts purchasing trends. Meteorologists can help with business planning and developing strategies for expansion geographies. The impact of weather on business is real, and as forecasting and other technology continues to evolve, the weather-based decision making within business will also evolve.
Top of mind for so many folks right now is winter and safety, particularly as yet another storm rolls into the northeast. Severe weather will impact flights, road traffic, agriculture, the delivery of energy and the general safety of the public. When thinking about the current winter conditions and the impact on traffic and road conditions, it’s expected the plows will keep the roads clear, but there’s a lot of planning needed, not only to effectively keep the roads clear, but to also effectively manage budgets. In Minnesota for example, Anoka County is responsible for keeping 1,100 lane miles of roads clear with the work of 40 full-time, and 20 on-call, maintenance workers. These crews rely on the accuracy of each weather forecast and a big benefit of leveraging those forecasts is the effective use of budgets. Anoka County weather forecasts have specific pavement forecasts, which help the team schedule crews appropriately. The county is required to give night crews a 24-hour notice, and those crews are paid a premium rate for working after hours. Having an accurate forecast helps the department avoid scheduling workers for night shifts unless it’s necessary, ultimately protecting the bottom line.
Pavement forecasts also help the department use other resources efficiently. When freezing rain is predicted, it uses this information to help determine the optimal time to salt the roads, in turn, avoiding unnecessary applications. The department also knows the best time to pretreat roads, allowing it to avoid sending out a second shift which increases safety for everyone on the road. As this story from Anoka County, Minnesota, shows, there are real economic implications to everyday weather events.
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c68925cd6b944f3be58434c8d8c199f1 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimfoerster/2019/03/01/winter-weather-impacts-on-the-trucking-industry/?sh=5751801b5624 | Winter Weather Impacts On The Trucking Industry | Winter Weather Impacts On The Trucking Industry
Severe weather occurrences like heavy precipitation, blizzards and high winds are estimated to cause... [+] an average of 23 percent of all trucking delays. Getty
Mother Nature took an opportunity to remind the Midwest of her wrath this last week dumping up to 12 inches of snow in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Coupled with 50+ MPH winds, the storm made travel nearly impossible with whiteout conditions and significant drifting. Portions of interstate highways in Minnesota and Iowa remained closed for up to four days as the DOT’s worked to remove snow drifts measuring more than ten-feet tall in some places.
These closures impacted, on average, more than 300,000 vehicles a day, and wreaked havoc on the transportation industry, leaving hundreds of truck drivers stranded in truck stops and off the road.
Severe weather occurrences like heavy precipitation, blizzards and high winds are estimated to cause an average of 23 percent of all trucking delays. These delays cost the industry almost $3.5 billion annually. The winter storm last weekend was not unique; more than 50 percent of annual trucking delays stem from ice and snow. While these severe weather incidents may cost transportation companies more than $100 million daily, the ripple effects become apparent to retailers and eventually consumers.
Even if long-haul trucking and last-mile delivery trucks can safely drive on roadways, there can still be unexpected situations that hurt the transportation industry. When a winter storm hit portions of South Dakota in October 2014, power was lost to over 22,000 homes and businesses. These widespread power outages caused many businesses that relied on daily shipments, such as restaurants and grocery stores, to close unexpectedly. Roads were maintained in such a way that some shipments were able to get through, only to find the businesses closed because the shipping company was not notified in enough time to cancel the shipment or re-route it to another location, causing lost profits and time for the trucking companies and their drivers.
Extreme cold can also impact delivery schedules. In late January when the polar vortex descended into the northern Plains and upper Midwest, many delivery companies, including USPS and FedEx Freight opted to suspend service in up to 11 states, primarily for the safety of employees.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every year trucking companies lose 32.6 billion vehicle hours to weather-related incidents. Lessening these delays is key to maximizing profit and meeting customer needs. When major weather events occur, transportation companies rely on a variety of tools to ensure that their resources are being utilized in the safest and most efficient method possible. By leveraging the most accurate weather information available, transportation companies can continue to work to reduce the $3.5 million annual losses from severe weather events. But more importantly, they can keep their drivers, vehicles and other people on the roads safe.
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375ff70cca2276bbc0619cfd7c5bc630 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimfoerster/2020/10/15/two-wild-cards-impact-the-2020-winter-weather-outlook/?sh=1e7a6ced4a51 | Two Wild Cards Impact The 2020 Winter Weather Outlook | Two Wild Cards Impact The 2020 Winter Weather Outlook
La Niña plays a major role in this year’s winter weather outlook, but, two wild cards could be major ... [+] factors in how the winter forecast evolves. AFP via Getty Images
La Niña plays a major role in this year’s winter weather outlook with cooler than normal water temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean already developing. The intensity of that cooler water will peak sometime toward the end of 2020 before the water gradually warms through the late winter. This will ensure that the atmosphere will continue to respond to La Niña conditions through the entire winter. But, two wild cards could be major factors in how the winter forecast evolves.
One significant wild card is the Polar Vortex. Last winter, it remained strong and anchored across the North Pole. This kept most of the cold air bottled up and the result was a warmer than anticipated winter season. Some of the models suggest that could happen again this winter. However, if the Polar Vortex is disturbed, there are opportunities for brief colder stretches. Although this creates uncertainty, confidence in the forecast is high because the La Niña is forecast to be strong enough to be the main influence of the pattern.
The other wild card will be the month of November. It is a good indicator of how December and January might play out during typical La Niña winters. If we see persistent cold reaching the Central and Eastern U.S. during November, chances are there will be repeat bursts in December or January. However, if we get past November and there are no signs of cold through December, the chances are greatly reduced it will come later in the winter, especially in the Eastern and Southern US. This is key because when the cold does come in La Niña winters, it can be intense for a brief period, even if most of the remainder of the winter turns out to be warm.
Taking the aforementioned wild cards into account, here is the winter weather outlook for the United States.
Eastern U.S.
In the East, there will be some early cool risks that develop in November and December. This is likely to impact the Northeast more than the Southeast and will come in short bursts. Warmer periods are also possible, bringing the temperatures closer to normal early in the winter.
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While there will be opportunities for early season snow with the colder temperatures across northern areas, the winter is expected to start dry. The outlook is then for warming to build in January and February across most of the East. This is especially true across the Southeast where a few periods of spring-like weather will be possible. However, signs are pointing towards a cooler end to the winter in March, with the pattern gradually turn wetter later in the winter. For northern areas, that will mean more snow opportunities, while across the South, this this typically leads to elevated severe weather risks.
North Central U.S.
The North Central states should see a slower start to winter. Generally, temperatures should be near-to-above normal with below normal precipitation continuing through November and likely December. This will unfortunately add to drought concerns across portions of the region. The late winter period will likely feature a turn toward colder weather conditions, especially across the Northern Plains. Colder air will build up across western Canada and some of this air is expected to occasionally come down into the North Central states. This effort will be resisted by warmer air across the east and south, so we may have wetter conditions across the Midwest later in the winter. It will also mean higher risks for snow and mixed precipitation.
Southwest and South Central U.S.
The Southwest and South Central states are likely to experience above normal temperatures through most of winter. There will be cooler risks later in the year across California and Nevada, along with portions of the South Central states. These cooler periods could be intense across the portions of the South Central states. The main story will be expanding drought conditions across the Desert Southwest through Texas. Most storm systems should be located across the northern states with few opportunities for meaningful precipitation in these areas, which means the wildfire season in California and the Desert Southwest would extend into the early winter.
Northwest U.S.
The Northwest states should see a more active winter season. After a mild start to the season, especially in November, below normal temperatures will gradually take hold as the winter progresses, especially across the northern Rockies. Above-normal rain and mountain snow is likely across the Pacific Northwest through the northern Rockies. A few systems could feature significant precipitation, which is good news for extinguishing existing fires in these areas. However, rain falling over burned areas could produce enhanced risks of flooding and mudslides. These cooler and wetter conditions should linger into the early spring season.
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6b0389a3317865fbcc3f2c591d8ef02a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimfoerster/2020/10/23/a-snow-squall-in-october-iowa-experiences-more-unusual-weather-for-2020/ | A Snow Squall In October? Iowa Experiences More Unusual Weather For 2020 | A Snow Squall In October? Iowa Experiences More Unusual Weather For 2020
The devastating derecho that passed through Iowa in August has been followed this week by a snow ... [+] squall that dumped 9 inches of snow in parts of the state. Getty Images
First there was a derecho that passed through Iowa in August, decimating crops and damaging building and homes. Now, on Monday of this week the National Weather Office in Des Moines issued a snow squall warning. The sudden, and short-lived, event dumped 9 inches of snow in the city and caused several auto accidents. What makes this even more unusual is that the event occurred in October as Iowa typically doesn’t see significant snow until late November.
On Monday of this week, the National Weather Office in Des Moines issued a snow squall warning. The ... [+] sudden, and short-lived, event dumped 9 inches of snow in the city and caused several auto accidents. DTN
A snow squall is a limited duration heavy snow event that can produce quickly accumulating snow and strong winds, reducing visibilities within a short period. Most last less than an hour. However, in some cases, multiple squalls can impact the same area one right after another.
Like summertime squall lines, snow squalls typically develop along strong cold fronts. They require the same basic ingredients that thunderstorms need to develop (moisture, lift, and instability). Snow eventually begins to develop along and ahead of the front, though accumulations are usually low. When the lift along the front is strong, thundersnow can be produced. Although they can create blowing snow, strong winds, and low visibilities, they do not meet the criteria to be classified as a blizzard.
Snow squall warnings are a relatively new weather notification. The National Weather Service only started issuing snow squall warnings nationwide in November 2018. The first, and only other snow squall warning for Iowa, was in December 2019.
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Though snowstorms are usually forecast several days in advance, snow squalls typically are not, as was the case in Des Moines. The original forecast called for light snow. Snow flurries started in the metro at about 8:30 a.m. Around 11:45 a.m., a snow squall warning was issued and by 12:45 p.m. the event was over. In a span of four hours, the city experienced a 9-inch snowstorm.
The biggest risk for snow squalls is dangerous road conditions, mainly due to the rapid onset of these events. Roads can become slick as the snow rapidly accumulates; coupled with winds more than 50 mph, visibilities can drop to near zero, causing very hazardous travel conditions. Monday’s squall in Iowa closed a major interstate for some time and the National Weather Office in Des Moines noted several accidents. Last year a snow squall in Pennsylvania caused a 30-car pileup and white out conditions caused a 100-vehicle chain-reaction wreck in Ohio.
While this year’s winter weather outlook anticipated opportunities for early season snow in the north due a strong La Niña-related weather pattern, October is an early start for large amounts of snow in Iowa and certainly early for a potential snow squall. For Iowa, this year’s wild weather will one for the record books.
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07924c34644c66ee44cab906ed196f7a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimfoerster/2021/03/02/the-argument-for-a-more-active-spring-tornado-season/ | The Argument For A More Active Spring Tornado Season | The Argument For A More Active Spring Tornado Season
With the snowpocolypse behind us, most of the country is breathing a collective sigh of relief and looking forward to the milder temperatures of spring. What if I told you that the pattern that created the frigid temperatures is the same weather pattern that predicts an active tornado season?
Right now we are in a La Niña year, which typically means winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the South and cooler than normal in the North. We found out even with these expected patterns exceptions can exist, when the polar vortex brought arctic temperatures and snow as far as southern Texas in mid-February. Research shows that tornadoes and hail are more frequent during springs with La Niña.
Research shows that tornadoes and hail are more frequent during springs with La Niña than El Niño. DTN
The cold February has caused a slow start to the season, but a trend to more warmth in the southern and eastern parts of the country should ramp up activity in the next few weeks. Here are other signs to make the argument for a more active spring tornado season.
Weather history can help predict future patterns. Over the last 15 years, the two most active tornado years were 2008 and 2011 during a La Niña pattern. In May, 2008, 460 tornadoes were reported and in 2011, 362 tornadoes spun up in late April. A few weeks later, Joplin, Missouri, experienced an EF5 tornado which injured thousands of people and destroyed 7,000 homes. Based on these years the following highlight a few parameters relevant to an active spring severe weather season.
Spring temperature anomalies: A similar warm east – cool northwest pattern that occurred in the peak years of 2008 and 2011. This suggests an active frontal boundary will frequently exist between these regimes.
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Temperature Anomalies. A similar warm East – cool Northwest pattern that occurred in the peak years ... [+] of 2008 and 2011. This suggest an active frontal boundary will exist between these regimes. DTN
Spring rainfall anomalies: Wetter across the north and heavier rainfall in the Mid-Mississippi Valley northeastward. Drier anomalies in the central and southern Plains would support a dry line further east than normal. This sharp dry/moist boundary is typical of tornado events. Geopotential height anomalies for April: Lower heights in the Northern Rockies/Northern Plains would support an active pattern, with embedded disturbances rotating through the trough helping to initiate convection. Higher heights in the south and east support mildness.
Spring rainfall anomalies: Wetter across the north and heavier rainfall in the Mid-Mississippi ... [+] Valley northeastward. Drier anomalies in the central and southern Plains would support a dry line further east than normal. The dry/moist contrast is typical of tornado events. DTN
Windspeeds April - June: A stronger upper level jet stream over the northern U.S. provides enhanced vertical shear supportive of sustained severe convection. At the surface, stronger southerly low-level jet from the Gulf through Texas into the Mid-Mississippi Valley can bring enhanced moisture and instability northward. Also enhanced convergence would exist along the northern edge of the low-level jet.
A stronger upper jet over the northern US provides enhanced vertical shear supportive of sustained ... [+] severe convection. DTN
A stronger southerly low-level jet from the Gulf through Texas into the Mid-Mississippi Valley can ... [+] bring enhanced moisture and instability northward. Also enhanced convergence would exist along the northern edge of the low-level jet. DTN
Meteorologists also use forecast ensemble data to focus areas of greater risk for severe convection. Using models that look at changes in the water temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ENSO), long-term ocean fluctuation (PDO) in the Pacific Ocean and variability occurring in the North Atlantic Ocean (AMO ), in conjunction with the 2008 and 2011 predictors, there is a possibility for increased activity in the in the south-central U.S. In March, the potential is focused on Oklahoma and Arkansas, with moderate possibility in parts of Louisiana, Texas and Missouri. In April, there is higher frequency of potential severe weather events found from Texas through Oklahoma.
As we all know, weather doesn’t always follow predicted patterns and not all La Niña years are alike. However, by looking at past events and climate patterns and running weather models and extended forecasts we can help business and the public be informed and aware of a potentially active tornado season.
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494319d9ec7145a6c05afc75b7179220 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2011/06/15/10-used-cars-to-avoid/ | Used Cars To Avoid | Used Cars To Avoid
Gallery: 10 Used Cars to Avoid 10 images View gallery
For millions of cash-strapped motorists, it's an economic necessity to buy a used car instead of a new one. The average transaction price of a new vehicle is nearly $30,000 according to TrueCar.com, an industry research and forecasting company--a figure far too steep to absorb for many U.S. households. Consumers can indeed save thousands of dollars selecting a pre-owned car but buyer beware: shopping for a used vehicle can be in many ways far more difficult–and certainly more perilous–than buying a new one.
Photo Gallery: 10 Used Cars to Avoid
We’ve compiled a list of 10 used cars to avoid, based on data from multiple sources including reliability surveys, resale values and safety ratings, along with our own experiences road-testing these vehicles. Our selections are largely based on the most recent J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study which determines the least dependable three-year-old cars. The results are based on responses from more than 43,700 original owners of 2008 model-year vehicles regarding problems experienced during the prior 12 months. All of the models on our list were rated “below average” in overall reliability, specifically powertrain performance (engine/transmission/suspension); issues with the body and interior treatments; and failures with features and accessories.
Though the Mitsubishi Eclipse was the small sports car to beat during the early 1990's, its appeal has suffered a steep decline in recent years. It could have something to do with its dismal resale value. Offered in coupe and Spyder convertible renditions, the Eclipse not only gets poor marks from J.D. Power & Associates for reliability, Automotive Lease Guide says the Eclipse will retain as little as just 25% of its original value after five years of ownership, which is among the lowest residual values–percentage wise–among all cars.
Photo Gallery: 10 Used Cars to Avoid
Most three-year-old pickup trucks seem to fare well in the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, with the exception of midsize Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Offered in three cab configurations, they lack power, particularly when compared to the V6 and V8-equipped competition. An underwhelming 185-horsepower 2.9-liter four-cylinder standard engine makes these used duds suited only for the most-casual truck buyers.
As far as disappointing used luxury rides go, there’s the costly Land Rover Range Rover Sport, a top-shelf luxury SUV with certified brand cachet that, as a three-year-old model, gets slammed for its poor fuel economy, low resale value and dubious reliability ratings. Developed as a livelier alternative to its larger non-Sport Range Rover sibling, the 2008 vintage comes powered by a relatively lackluster choice of engines rated at 300 and 390 horsepower. Add to that, this generation of the Range Rover Sport remains plagued by what remain among the most confusing dashboard ergonomics in the auto industry.
Jim Gorzelany is author of the Automotive Intelligentsia Money-Saving New-Car Guide, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the Apple iBooks Store.
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a2b80cbc741f2472b9b4a7f7679f6dd2 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2011/08/26/calling-on-smartphones-for-better-mpg/ | Calling on Smartphones for Better MPG | Calling on Smartphones for Better MPG
Credit: Christine Daniloff, MIT News
A group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Princeton University have devised a system that uses a network of smartphones mounted on car dashboards to help motorists maximize their fuel economy.
Called SignalGuru, the system employs smartphones to collect information about traffic signals and tell drivers when slowing down could help them avoid waiting at lights. By reducing the need to idle and accelerate from a standstill, the system purports to save gas: In tests conducted in Cambridge, Mass., it reportedly helped participating motorists cut their cars’ fuel consumption by 20 percent.
According to Emmanouil Koukoumidis, a visiting researcher at MIT who led the project, cars are responsible for 28 percent of the energy consumption and 32 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. “If you can save even a small percentage of that, then you can have a large effect on the energy that the U.S. consumes,” Koukoumidis says.
Koukoumidis believes the system could be used in conjunction with existing navigation software. Rather than recommending, for instance, that a car slow to a crawl to avoid a red light, it might suggest ducking down a side street to avoid it altogether.
What’s more, because SignalGuru relies on images captured by the phones’ cameras, the system could, for example, capture information about prices at different gas stations, about the locations and rates of progress of city buses or about the availability of parking spaces in urban areas, all of which could be useful to commuters.
For their efforts the students from MIT and Princeton took home the best-paper award from the Association for Computing Machinery’s MobiSys conference last month.
Jim Gorzelany is author of the Automotive Intelligentsia Money-Saving New-Car Guide, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the Apple iBooks Store.
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d553f0bc14627d10c4a662f8a6d2fad2 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2012/05/24/zen-and-the-art-of-keeping-your-car-looking-beautiful/?sh=60ace38377d8 | Zen And The Art Of Keeping Your Car Looking Beautiful | Zen And The Art Of Keeping Your Car Looking Beautiful
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Proper car maintenance means a car should look as good as it runs. At the least, cosmetic car care should involve a thorough cleaning on an as-needed basis. Sure you could simply take it to the car wash, or if you’re feeling flush pay a professional detailer several hundred dollars to slave over its appearance, but it’s easy enough to do the job yourself.
Not only will you save money, you’ll find yourself connecting with your ride like never before. It’s a great way to spend a warm weekend afternoon with the ball game on the radio and a beverage or two at hand. We’ve always felt a certain Zen-like (if not overtly sexual) allure to the act of running one’s hands along a car’s gentle curves, while soaping, rinsing, rubbing and buffing the bodywork to bring back the sparkle and shine that once won your heart from across a crowded showroom floor.
Even better, maintaining a meticulously kept vehicle will bring in additional cash when it finally comes time to trade it in.
“Keeping your vehicle clean not only protects your valuable vehicle investment, it also fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment,” says Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council in Bethesda, MD. “It’s a task that takes very little money or effort, but has huge returns.”
What kind of returns are we talking about? According to Kelley Blue Book data, a three-year-old BMW 535i sedan that’s in “very good” condition with only minor wear or visible defects on the body and interior is currently worth about $3,700 more in trade-in value than an otherwise comparable version that’s in only “fair” condition (in which the paint, body and/or interior need reconditioning).
Here’s our time-tested three-step process to help "become one with your car" and restore its original appearance in the process:
1. Work From The Inside Out. Always clean a vehicle’s passenger cabin before washing the exterior to avoid getting dust and dirt on what would otherwise be spotless body panels. Start by vacuuming and spot-shampooing the carpeting – household rug-cleaning spray-foam will usually do the trick – especially after extended bouts of bad weather, to avoid permanent stains from ground-in mud or road salt.
For cloth seats, vacuum the upholstery using an upholstery attachment, and shampoo as necessary, using a spray-foam upholstery-cleaning product. Vacuuming the cushions prevents dirt from acting as tiny knives that will ruin fabrics. To repel dirt and stains, treat the seats with a spray-on fabric protector. For leather seats, apply a leather-restoring cream using a clean terrycloth towel.
Treat vinyl upholstery, as well as the dashboard and trim items, with a spray-on product specifically designed for plastic and rubber surfaces. In addition to restoring a like-new gloss, this will keep such surfaces from drying, fading or cracking. Use a cotton swab to work the treatment into seams and to brighten up vents, crevices and other irregular surfaces.
Common household window cleaners work well for most automotive glass surfaces, but a mixture of white vinegar and water is often recommended for tinted windows.
2. Wash (And Wax) Poetically. Once the inside is ship-shape, it’s time to pay attention to a vehicle’s exterior. Always wash and wax a car or truck in a shaded area to prevent water spotting and to keep the wax from drying too quickly and baking onto the car’s surface (sun-hardened wax is especially difficult to remove).
Inspect the bodywork regularly and fix small scratches and chips as soon as possible to avoid rusting. Most new-car dealers sell small bottles of paint for the vehicles they service that are ideal for touch-ups. Clean the damaged area and apply the paint sparingly with the brush provided. If the chip or scratch has already begun to rust, lightly sand the area, and apply a thin coat of primer to any bare metal before painting.
Be sure to use a soft rag, either made of terrycloth or flannel, when washing or waxing a vehicle. Nylon or synthetic towels or paper products are not as absorbent, and may scratch the finish.
Completely hose off the car and begin shampooing its exterior from the top down, using an acid-free non-abrasive cleaner that’s been diluted with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. While some owners may use common dishwashing soap, be aware that household cleansers or detergents that can remove the protective polymer coating from a car’s surface. Scrub wheels and tires using a stiff bristle brush, and a proprietary wheel-cleaning product if necessary, to remove dirt, grease and disc-brake powder.
Rinse off the soap, again spraying from top to bottom, letting an adequate supply of water stream down the finish. Be sure to spray thoroughly underneath the car and inside the wheel wells to loosen road grime. Allow the car’s surface to dry. Especially if you won’t be waxing the car that day, remove water beads using an absorbent chamois.
Before wiping down the bodywork, however, pay attention to the water beads that form on the surface. If the beads are smaller than a quarter, the surface’s wax barrier is still active. If water starts to form elongated beads or a thin sheet on the horizontal panels, it is time to re-wax the car.
Apply a coat of wax to the car according to the information provided on the can or bottle – for example, many waxes must be applied using a damp cloth. Various kinds of products are offered in this category including liquid and spray-on waxes in addition to the traditional paste variety. Unless the vehicle’s surface is badly dulled or oxidized, avoid using waxes that contain an abrasive compound. While most name-brand waxes will suffice, enthusiasts often sing the praises of pure carnauba wax for the dazzlingly deep shine it affords, but it’s costly, is more difficult to apply and tends not to last as long as silicone-based products. Still, a vehicle’s final appearance is generally proportional to the time and care that goes into waxing it.
3. Pay Attention To The Details. Finally, treat the tires, exterior rubber and/or plastic trim with the aforementioned plastic/rubber protector. You can also use a specific tire foam/shine product to give your car’s tires a wet-look shine and further protect the rubber compound against fading and cracking. Use a chrome treatment to polish exterior trim (but be sure the surfaces are actually metal, not merely brightly painted plastic). A household window-cleaner can suffice to shine metal surfaces, but apply it with a rag to avoid spraying an ammonia-based product onto freshly waxed paint.
If your car is more than a few years old, you may want to use a headlight lens restorer to help bring yellowed plastic headlight lenses back to their original transparency. It’s usually sold as a kit that includes sanding and buffing items as well as the lens polishing chemicals; it takes a bit of time and effort to accomplish, however.
Now it’s time to show off your vehicular companion out on the open road, riding with the wind in your hair and racing the sun to the horizon to complete, in the Zen vernacular, your “attainment of enlightenment and personal expression.” Just be sure not to get a speeding ticket in the process.
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4920757d4e4fdb979a2d994595c78386 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2012/06/18/five-dos-and-donts-when-dealing-with-an-auto-mechanic/?sh=52952e344d25 | Five Dos And Don'ts When Dealing With An Auto Mechanic | Five Dos And Don'ts When Dealing With An Auto Mechanic
(Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
With the average age of vehicles currently on the road reaching an all-time high of 10.8 years according to the market research firm R.L. Polk in Southfield Mich., cost-conscious consumers are choosing to keep their existing cars and trucks running rather than trade them in for new models. Unfortunately, as a Consumer Reports survey revealed, that also means many drivers are postponing needed repairs or maintenance as a money-saving measure.
Unfortunately, delaying service not only represents false economy, it can compromise a car’s safety. The car-care experts at AAA Motor Club in Heathrow, Fla. believe the best way to save money over the life of a vehicle is to choose a high-quality, full-service repair shop (or dealer's service department) and allow them do all of the necessary maintenance and repair work. "This helps prevent breakdowns, and often saves money by allowing drivers to make a small repair now rather than a much bigger one later,” says John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Repair.
But making the decision to bring in a car for service is only half the battle. To get the most for their maintenance and repair dollars consumers need to know how to best deal with an automotive technician so that a trip to the shop won’t ultimately turn sour. According to an informal survey of independent mechanics and repair experts conducted by the online auto-service resource AutoMD.com, here’s a list of do’s to follow and don’ts to avoid when taking a car in for maintenance or repairs.
1. Communicate Properly. The better a consumer is able to convey to a mechanic what’s wrong with his or her vehicle the easier it is for a technician to diagnose and fix the problem. It’s a good idea to write down ahead of time what ails your ride, noting specific sounds, sensations, leaks and smells, and when and how often they occur. What happened just before the car stopped running; how did it function the day before it didn’t start? Also note when the vehicle was last brought in for service, as today’s problem may be related to last month’s repairs.
Here’s a list of terms that can help explain common auto symptoms that can also serve as a checklist for a vehicle that’s headed for the repair shop:
Backfire. A gunshot-like sound that comes from the engine or tailpipe. Bottoming: Excessive noise or harshness that’s usually felt through the steering wheel or passenger compartment when going over bumps. Bucking: This is felt when the engine hesitates or the transmission slips as it changes gears and the vehicle lurches. Dieseling: What occurs when an engine continues to burn fuel and runs briefly after the car has been switched off. Hesitation: A brief loss of power upon acceleration. Knocking: Also known as “detonation,” this is a rapid rattling that’s heard upon acceleration. Misfire: Hesitation that occurs when fuel in one or more of an engine’s cylinders fails to ignite properly. Shimmy: A side-to-side motion that can be felt through the tires and/or steering wheel. Sluggish: How a car feels when it’s not accelerating smoothly or strongly enough. Surge: A sudden, usually upward, change in the engine’s speed.
2. Set Realistic Expectations. When it comes to auto repairs, quick, cheap and good are usually mutually exclusive terms. Plan to leave a car in the shop for the better part of a day to obtain necessary service and be prepared to pay the going rate for parts and labor. Even if it’s a quick fix realize there may be several other cars ahead of yours in the mechanic’s service queue. Ask up front how long the car will need to be in the shop and arrange for transportation to and from the repair facility. And always get a cost estimate before allowing the mechanic to proceed with repairs or service.
3. Don’t Drop Off a Dirty or Cluttered Vehicle. Not only is this common courtesy, it can affect the quality of a repair. Tidy up your ride before bringing it in for service and be sure to clear out the back seat and trunk of items like strollers, golf clubs and construction equipment. The mechanic may need to remove them to access a part or perform a specific repair, or they may weigh down the vehicle to the extent it affects its performance.
4. Make Yourself Available. Be sure to leave phone numbers with the shop where you can be reached and respond promptly. If the technician isn’t able to contact you to approve a repair, the car will sit and remain unattended for that much longer. Likewise, you’ll want to know that the car is ready and how much the service will cost before heading back to the shop.
5, Leave the Technician Alone. Just about every mechanic AutoMD.com conducted in the course of its service survey disliked customers hovering over him or her while they worked. While it’s appropriate to spend time with your car and the mechanic to explain the problem, it’s distracting and can be dangerous. If you’ll be hanging around for a diagnosis or quick service, take a seat in the waiting room, grab a cup of coffee and let a professional do his or her job.
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6b00af1c37937832a157cfe5da6bc724 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2012/11/12/best-deals-on-winter-rugged-family-vehicles/ | Best Deals On Winter-Rugged Family Vehicles | Best Deals On Winter-Rugged Family Vehicles
Gallery: 10 Best Deals On Winter-Rugged SUVs 10 images View gallery
After suffering a sizzling summer, much of the U.S. can expect the proverbial big chill this winter. Or so says the Old Farmer’s Almanac, with the 2013 edition predicting that temperatures will be much colder than last year from Texas to the Dakotas eastward, while the Great Salt Lake and the areas from El Paso to Detroit to Virginia Beach should brace for heavy snowfall. In other words, holiday travelers beware.
Despite the still-growing popularity of all-wheel-drive car-based crossovers in recent years, there’s still little Mother Nature can dish out that an old-school bona fide sport-utility vehicle with low-range four-wheel-drive (4WD) can’t handle. This may be a dwindling segment, but it remains a purposeful one. When properly equipped, a truck-based SUV delivers unmatched off-road prowess and can easily plow its way out of the deepest snowdrifts or mud ruts. Plus, unlike most crossovers, most traditional SUVs boast substantial towing capacities when properly equipped and can easily pull a sizeable boat to the lake or a family-sized trailer to a campsite once the weather turns warm.
To qualify as a traditional SUV, a vehicle must literally be built like a truck. This means a body-on-frame type of construction in which the shell is bolted onto to a separate chassis. Crossovers, on the other hand, are built like cars in that they’re based on so-called unibody underpinnings, with the frame and body constructed as a single unit. A conventional SUV’s robust truck-like design is what enables it to perform heavy towing and hauling tasks and the ability to survive and thrive during rigorous off-roading and the heaviest snowstorms. (This also means traditional SUVs weigh more than crossovers, which tends to negatively affects a vehicle’s ride comfort, handling characteristics and fuel economy.) What's more, traditional SUVs inherently ride higher than most other vehicle types because they’re built to traverse rocks and other off-road obstructions without suffering undue damage to their undercarriages – families with shorter riders will want a model that comes with running boards for easier ingress.
A few models manage to keep a tire planted in both SUV and crossover categories, however. The Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Land Rover LR4 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are built using a car-like unibody structure, but add a reinforced sub-frame and offer advanced traction management systems that give them added off-road and bad-weather prowess.
In Pictures: 10 Best Deals On Winter-Rugged Family SUVs.
For bargain hunters who may be heading “over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house” in the coming months, we've identified 10 of the most rugged, durable and foul-weather friendly SUVs in the accompanying slide show that are being sold with generous cash rebates and/or other manufacturers’ incentives.
We found great deals in virtually all price and size categories, including $1,500 cash back on the affordable Nissan Xterra, a $1,500 rebate on the family-favorite Jeep Grand Cherokee and up to $4,000 off the list price of the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. Buyers with big families are being offered $2,000 cash back on the living-large Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon/Yukon Xl and $4,000 or more in discounts on the Lincoln Navigator and Nissan Armada. Those with expensive tastes can avail themselves of up to $5,000 in incentives on the posh and roomy Infiniti QX56, and $7,000 on the upper crust Land Rover Range Rover.
For each model featured we’re highlighting direct-to-consumer cash rebates, discounted financing promotions and so-called marketing-support incentives, which we call additional dealer discounts. Often favored by luxury automakers, the latter are cash allowances given to dealers to lower the prices on select models without seeming to cheapen the brand by offering cash rebates. The only catch is that a dealer may or may not automatically pass them on without some hard-nosed negotiations.
In Pictures: 10 Best Deals On Winter-Rugged Family SUVs.
The Fine Print: Additional incentives may apply, such as those often offered to recent college graduates and members of the military and/or members of certain clubs or groups. Offers may vary by region and are subject to subsequent modification or termination by the manufacturer; cited financing rates are typically open only to qualified buyers with top credit ratings and may vary based on eligibility.
And no matter how great a rebate deal you may be offered, keep in mind that the final transaction price is always open to negotiation. Be sure to aim for the so-called invoice price (which is a few percent higher than a dealer’s actual cost) as a target, and that’s before deducting any applicable rebate or additional dealer discount. Always predetermine the invoice price, including options, of any vehicle you’re considering before heading out to a dealership via an online pricing service. Substantial discounts may not be forthcoming on some of the most in-demand cars, but they should be easier to come by on any of the models we’re featuring here.
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3d8db792a64d14431028549cc3ba3c56 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2013/05/21/the-worst-traffic-jams-in-history/?sh=4308763b3e1a | The Worst Traffic Jams In History | The Worst Traffic Jams In History
According to Wikipedia, traffic congestion occurs when a volume of traffic or modal split generates demand for space greater than the available road capacity; this point is commonly termed saturation. Most of us – particularly if we happen to be sitting in our cars crawling along at a snail’s pace at the time – refer to it in far less civilized terms than that.
Following up on our recent post on which cities suffer from the most grueling traffic congestion on the planet – and looking ahead to the inevitable Memorial Day weekend tie-ups here at home – we took to the Internet to identify what are arguably the absolute worst traffic tie-ups of all time. No mere rush-hour delays, these are epic standstills for which commuting becomes camping and roadways turn into parking lots. Here they are, listed in alphabetical order.
Beijing, China: August 2010. Imagine being trapped in a 62-mile long traffic jam that lasted for an incredible 12 days. That just what happened to the poor folks attempting to traverse the Beijing-Tibet expressways in August of 2010, for which the trip took as long as three days. Not caused by closure or natural disaster, this all-time tie-up cause was simply the result of too many vehicles clogging the road, particularly a bevy of heavy trucks carrying construction supplies into Beijing, ironically for road work that was intended to help ease congestion. Bethel, New York: August 1969. This three-day tie-up over August 15-18, 1969 is historic for more than just traffic. With more than 500,000 attendees descending on Max Yasgur’s famous farm for the Woodstock Music & Arts Festival, the New York Thruway became a stranglehold for more than 20 miles, with many motorists eventually abandoning their cars and hoofing it to enjoy “three days of peace and music” (and rain and mud and more than 10 times the anticipated crowd). Performers had to be flown to and from the site in helicopters to avoid the crippling congestion. Chicago, Illinois: February 2011. A near-record 20.2 inches of snow fell on the Windy City on February 1, 2011 in a late-winter blizzard that hit the hardest during the evening rush hour. The most unfortunate commuters were those on the otherwise idyllic Lake Shore Drive headed northbound from downtown Chicago. A series of weather-related accidents slowed, and then halted traffic and buried motorists for more than 12 hours in drifting snow that reached almost as high as the cars’ windshields. East/West Germany: April 1990. With the Berlin Wall between the East and West having finally fallen, the Easter holiday saw a massive influx of Germans eager to reconnect with friends and family members. The ensuing record-holding backup on April 12, 1990 was estimated at a whopping 18 million cars on a roadway that otherwise averages a half million vehicles a day. Apparently freedom from oppression doesn't necessarily mean freedom from traffic. Interstate 45, Texas: September 2005. With Hurricane Rita approaching Houston residents were told to evacuate on September 21, 2005, with as many as 2.5 million of them packing evacuation routes, creating a massive 100-mile queue on Interstate 45. The congestion reportedly lasted for as much as 48 hours, leaving motorists stranded for as long as 24 hours along the 300-mile route from Galveston to Dallas. Though crippling, the mass evacuation is said to have probably saved many lives. Lyon-Paris, France: February 1980. Noted as the longest traffic jam in the annals of congestion, a combination of hoards of winter vacationers returning to Paris and inclement weather caused a massive tie-up that stretched 109 miles long. Perhaps it would have been quicker had they simply skied back into the city. Moscow, Russia: November 2012. Another weather-related tale of vehicular woe, a snowstorm buried Highway M-10 that links St, Petersburg to Moscow on November 30, 2012 and stopped traffic in its tracks for up to three days. The government reportedly set up tents along the route to offer provisions and psychological counseling (what no vodka?) to mired motorists. New York City, New York: September 2001. In the days following the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, New York City was virtually locked down, with bridges and tunnels closed to all but emergency vehicles, public transportation shut down and traffic at a halt across the city. What’s more, the nation's air traffic was grounded, leaving thousands of travelers stranded across the U.S. San Paulo, Brazil: June 2009. We heard from several readers regarding our "worst traffic cities" post that tie-ups in Brussels or San Francisco pale in comparison to those in San Paulo. It’s said to be crippling on a good day, but the city set what must be some kind of record with more than 182 miles of traffic jams over 522 miles of road reported on June 10, 2009. Time magazine says the average motorist spends up to four hours sitting in traffic each day in this booming South American metropolis. Tokyo, Japan: August 1990. More than 15,000 cars reportedly crawled along for over 84 miles on a highway between Hyogo and Shiga prefectures in western Japan on August 12, 1990, in an artery clogging combination of holiday revelers heading home and residents evacuating the city subsequent to a typhoon warning. The holiday in question was "O-bon," the so-called Festival of the Dead when families gather to pay respects to their ancestors. Festival of the dead end is more like it.
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Gallery: The 10 Most Traffic Congested Cities In The World 10 images View gallery
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a51b92cbd7a1e732b87a1d063ad1ab3e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2013/06/14/adding-a-collectible-car-to-your-portfolio-for-fun-and-profit/ | Adding A Collectible Car To Your Portfolio For Fun And Profit | Adding A Collectible Car To Your Portfolio For Fun And Profit
Gallery: Top 10 Classic Cars To Buy And Hold (And Drive) 10 images View gallery
Well-heeled enthusiasts are dropping some serious money on collectible cars these days, not only as investments but as rolling works of art that can be appreciated as few appreciable assets can – out on the open road.
At a recent auction a specially equipped 1959 Chevrolet Corvette “Big-Brake” fuel-injected convertible that was probably optioned up to a then-costly $5,000 when new sold for $148,500, with a 1963 split-window ‘Vette coupe that carried an original base MSRP of just $4,257 going under the hammer for $96,250. Even more impressive, a vintage 1930 Packard 745 Dual Cowl Phaeton fitted with the desirable “Super 8” engine changed hands for $198,000, while an equally rare 1931 Auburn 8-98 Boattail Speedster was bid up to a whopping $159,500.
“Collectible cars have always been a great investment,” says Donnie Gould, president of Auctions America, which is expected to sell upwards of $75 million worth of cars in a half-dozen events in California, Florida, Indiana and Pennsylvania this year. “There’s a lot of people out there who love cars and feel more comfortable putting their money in automobiles than leaving it stagnate in a bank account.”
While Gould readily admits that like most speculative ventures, “there’s no crystal ball that lets an investor determine the future value of a collectible car,” he recently shared with us a few helpful tips for those looking to add one or more vintage rides to their portfolios, as well as a wish list of 10 affordable and up-and-coming classic models that can be expected to grow in value over the coming years.
We’re featuring Auctions America’s recommended list in the accompanying slide show, and they run the gamut from good old American muscle cars like the 1966 Ford Shelby Mustang GT350, to opulent cruise-night specials like the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. There’s even one genuinely eccentric oddity, the Fiat Jolly, which was essentially a beach car that was often transported by yacht for use wherever its wealthy owner was docked that particular weekend.
In Pictures” Top 10 Classic Cars To Buy And Hold (And Drive).
“These are all mainstream cars that modest investors can afford to buy and drive and still have the opportunity for appreciation,” Gould says. The price range here starts at about $40,000 and runs as high as $200,000, depending on the model, its condition and the aggressiveness of the bidding at auction on a particular day. Of course there are a slew of cars selling for far less that could well give someone of more modest means the opportunity to show a decent profit over time and have a good time in the process. Recent Auctions America events facilitated the sale of a 1969 American Motors AMX sport coupe for $9,900, a 1959 Cadillac Sedan DeVille with missile-like tailfins for $10,890 and a 1966 Chrysler Imperial Crown four-door hardtop for just $2,750. Guaranteed to turn heads at every stoplight, a tiny bubble-shaped 1957 BMW Isetta Cabriolet – in which the entire front of the vehicle opens as a refrigerator-like door – went under the hammer for $20,900.
The most important advice Gould has for budding collectors is to choose a particular model more for its personal and emotional appeal than strictly as an avenue for profit. “Choose what you like, something you’ll enjoy driving and owning, and if there’s a dividend down the road – congratulations.” At the same time he cautions buyers “not to fall in love at first sight, as some cars may have great visual appeal that may not translate into value or reliability.” In other words, do your homework and use the Internet and other resources to determine which models are most-desired by other collectors and to help estimate current values.
1959 Fiat Jolly. Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel © 2013 Courtesy of Auctions America
While American muscle cars have been among the hottest collectibles in recent years, especially among aging Baby Boomers looking to indulge themselves with the models they lusted after as youths, Gould notes other genres are beginning to come into demand and could be worthy purchases for future appreciation. These include European sports cars from the 1950s and ‘60s – Fiats, Triumphs, MGBs and the like – as well as the original Datsun (Nissan) 240Z and 260Z coupes from the 1970’s, all of which tended to have a low survival rate. A few vintage SUVs are also beginning to emerge as sought-after collectibles, he notes, particularly the original Jeep-like Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser SUV from the 1960’s and ‘70s. “Ten years ago people were scrapping them, now we’re selling them for near six figures in top condition.”
Old pickup trucks are both popular among collectors and still can be affordable. At a recent Auctions America event a classic 1951 Chevrolet 3100 “Rat Rod” pickup sold for just $4,730. “Guys just love old pickups for both cruising and utility,” Gould explains. “They keep them in their garages during the week and take them out to go to Lowes or Home Depot on Saturday mornings to pick up things for their ‘honey-do’ lists.”
In Pictures” Top 10 Classic Cars To Buy And Hold (And Drive).
As is the prudent course of action when buying any used vehicle, Gould encourages collectors to buy vintage cars only from reputable sources and to have an expert mechanic check out a model under consideration to ensure it's in good shape and is as advertised. Also, make sure the technician you choose is well versed in the peculiarities of the particular genre of vehicle in which you’re interested. “If you’re buying a British sports car, you need to find a mechanic that understands British cars, and the same goes for Japanese and American models,” Gould says. “The mechanic needs to appreciate how these cars were designed and built and how they’re supposed to be maintained and repaired.”
1947 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible. Photo Credit: © Courtesy of Auctions America
Gould further advises investors choose the best model in the best condition within a given class they can afford. Make sure any car you’re considering is well documented, with proven provenance (its history, to borrow a term from Antiques Roadshow) being a major asset. Keep an eye out for originality – the fewer numbers of a particular model built or the rarity of a particular option combination included the greater its value. “Fewer than 1,000 originally produced is good,” Gould advises, “but fewer than 100 is even more desirable.” Likewise, the fewer miles registered on the odometer the better.
Otherwise, owning a collectable car requires little more than garage space, routine maintenance and insurance. Vintage car insurance is surprisingly affordable, but owners need to be mindful of certain provisions. For example, a collectible vehicle covered for its full market value cannot be used as an owner’s commuter car, nor can it be parked on the street. Some companies restrict the number of miles a classic car can be driven in a given year, which is usually sufficient for modest weekend excursions, something Gould strongly encourages.
“Even when stored properly cars deteriorate when they’re not driven – by ‘exercising’ the cars they stay in shape,” he explains. “One of the best things you can do for a collectible car is to drive it.”
“There’s no other investment that allows that kind of enjoyment.”
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0275d4e10861643dc3b0155ea7fa9739 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2013/11/26/men-see-red-women-take-a-shine-to-silver-when-car-shopping-survey-says/ | Men See Red, Women Take A Shine To Silver When Car Shopping, Survey Says | Men See Red, Women Take A Shine To Silver When Car Shopping, Survey Says
(Photo credit: Wonderlane)
Just as vanilla continues to be the best-selling ice cream flavor, white is the most popular car color among U.S. car buyers according to paint provider PPG Industries. Twenty-one percent of new cars are painted white, with black and gray coming in second and third at 19 and 17 percent, respectively.
Yet a recent study conducted by the used-car-shopping site iSeeCars indicates there’s a sizeable rift between the sexes when it comes to choosing car colors, with men being more expressive in that regard. Male shoppers indicated a 12.3 higher preference for red cars than women, followed by orange at 11.8 percent and black at 9.6 percent. It should come as no surprise that all three were cited as being among the most popular hues for sports cars.
Women, on the other hand, seem to prefer more conservative and “richer” looking cars, being 9.2 percent more likely to prefer a vehicle painted silver than their male counterparts, followed by brown at 9.1 percent and gold at 7.3 percent. All are noted in the study as being common color choices for minivans and SUVs.
“These study results could suggest that women are more practical in their choices – for the most part, they may just want to buy a reasonably priced car that safely drives them around,” says iSeeCars co-founder and CEO Phong Ly. “On the other hand, for men, perhaps they may be a bit more idealistic about cars, preferring something that has speed and is fun to drive.”
For those choosing a car with an eye on bottom-line ownership costs, be aware that black cars ($21,719), white cars ($20,026) and brown cars ($20,019) were found to have the highest average used-car prices among colors listed in the study’s results, while green cars ($13,194), beige cars ($14,472), and gold cars ($14,953) had the lowest average used-car listing prices.
Here’s a closer look at the statistics:
Colors most favored by men:
Color Bias Average listing price 1. Red 12.3% $17,944 2. Orange 11.8% $18,863 3. Black 9.6% $21,719 4. White 7.0% $20,026 5. Green 6.8% $13,194 6. Gray 3.0% $19,390
Colors most favored by women:
Color Bias Average listing price 1. Silver 9.2% $18,048 2. Brown 9.1% $20,019 3. Gold 7.3% $14,953 4. Beige 4.7% $14,472 5. Blue 3.6% $16,982 6. Yellow 3.2% $18,284
The Fine Print: The above study was conducted based on the inquiries of hundreds of thousands of consumers among 30 million used cars listed on iSeeCars.com during the past 12 months.
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Gallery: 12 'Most Embarrassing' Cars 12 images View gallery
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61baf028213738b788cd66cd167b604b | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2013/12/20/where-to-find-the-best-and-worst-used-car-deals/ | Where To Find The Best (And Worst) Used-Car Deals | Where To Find The Best (And Worst) Used-Car Deals
The Honda Accord showed the largest price spreads across the U.S. among the most popular used cars.
As it is in the real estate market, the value of a used car is almost always affected by its location, though perhaps not as markedly so. Still, a recent study determined that sometimes the differences between the selling price of a given pre-owned vehicle from one geographic area to another can be so pronounced that it would be worth taking a road trip in order to pocket a nice return.
The statisticians at the autos website iSeeCars.com recently combed through 30 million used car listings posted over the last 12 months to quantify where in the U.S. the 10 most popular pre-owned rides from the last several model years can be found selling for the lowest and highest average prices.
The analysis determined that Miami, New York City and Buffalo, NY yielded the best deals on eight of 10 of the most-favored used cars and trucks. Meanwhile, Seattle and Memphis proved to be the most-expensive locales in which to acquire a popular pre-owned car, placing above average on fully half of the most sought-after models.
How rich of a spread are we talking about? According to the website’s data, a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickup would sell for 9.5 percent below the national average of $18,928 in New York City, while an otherwise comparable model in Charlotte, N.C. would go for 4.1 percent higher. That’s a $2,480 difference at stake based just on geography.
Okay, so maybe big trucks are in greater demand near the Great Smoky Mountains than they are at the core of the Big Apple, but what about a mainstream model like the Nissan Altima? All else being equal, a buyer living in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. will pay 6.2 percent less than the national average of $15,760 for the midsize sedan, while someone in Memphis would pay 6.7 percent more for a disparity of $2,033.
Of course this is all far more complicated than a mere measure of latitudes and longitudes. “A combination of both market conditions and local tastes with dealer competition and local demand account for the pricing differences,” explains Phong Ly, co-founder and CEO of iSeeCars.com.
Specifically, Ly notes that used hybrid cars generally command higher prices in the green-minded western states, used pickup trucks can be expected to be costlier in the southern and western regions and all-wheel-drive vehicles will be more affordable in the northeast than in other areas. What’s more, the study determined that comparable used cars tend to be less expensive in larger cities than smaller ones. “City metros with a population of greater than one million on average are slightly less expensive than in metros with less than one million in population by an average of 1.5 percent,” Ly says.
So let’s look at some hard numbers. Here’s where to find the best deals on the 10 most popular used cars and at what percentage they generally sell for below the national average market price, according to iSeeCars.com:
Chevrolet Silverado 1500: New York, NY (-9.5%) Honda Accord: Buffalo, NY (-8.4%) Ford Escape: Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL (-8.4%) Honda Civic: New York, NY (-7.5%) Chevrolet Malibu: Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL (-7.1%) Toyota Camry: Cleveland-Akron (Canton), OH (-6.6%) Chevrolet Impala: Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL (-6.2%) Nissan Altima: Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL (-6.2%) BMW 3 Series: Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL (-5.6%) Ford F-150: Detroit, MI (-3.5%)
And here’s where they tend to sell at the highest percentages above the national average:
Nissan Altima: Memphis, TN (6.7%) Chevrolet Impala: St Louis, MO (6.4%) Honda Accord: Seattle-Tacoma, WA (6.2%) Ford Escape: Indianapolis, IN (5.0%) BMW 3 Series: Detroit, MI (4.8%) Honda Civic: Seattle-Tacoma, WA (4.7%) Ford F-150: Denver, CO (4.4%) Chevrolet Malibu: Memphis, TN (4.7%) Toyota Camry: Memphis, TN (4.3%) Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Charlotte, NC (4.1%)
Of course, some used vehicles tend to vary more wildly in price between regions than others. The Honda Accord showed the largest spread between its least and most expensive cities at nearly 15 percent, while the full-size Ford F-150 pickup truck – both the best-selling new vehicle in the U.S. and the most popular used model according to iSeeCars.com – proved to be the most consistent in that regard, varying by no more than eight percent across all regions of the U.S.
What can we take away from this data? As usual, the best deals will tend go to those who are the most committed to obtaining them. “Consumers should shop around and not only compare similar cars within their own city,” Ly advises, “but they should also consider nearby cities or even look in New York or Miami where the most deals are found”
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Gallery: 14 Top Used Cars For Teen Drivers 14 images View gallery
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1207c13e834713ea39b61ba6efef852e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2014/01/23/men-love-european-sports-cars-women-want-korean-crossovers-survey-says/ | Men Love European Sports Cars, Women Want Korean Crossovers, Survey Says | Men Love European Sports Cars, Women Want Korean Crossovers, Survey Says
Sometimes it seems automakers should just stop trying to play both sides of the proverbial fence and develop distinct vehicle brands that are designed to appeal specifically and separately to men and women. According to a recent study of gender-specific online car shopping habits, those of the male persuasion are four times more likely to shop for a luxury sports car than their female counterparts, with Maserati and Porsche being the most male-specific brands. Meanwhile, those car shoppers lacking a Y chromosome are 67 percent more likely to look for a crossover SUV, with Kia and Hyundai being the most revered nameplates in that regard.
Talk about a gender gap.
That's according to an analysis of more than 30 million used-car listings and hundreds of thousands of consumer inquiries to dealerships conducted during the past 12 months by the vehicle shopping site iSeeCars.com.
Pickup trucks, non-luxury sports cars and convertibles round out the top body-style preferences sought out by the guys, with women instead favoring wagons, SUVs and sedans. Not all is night and day between the sexes, however. “While men and women have many differences in their vehicle preferences, they do share some similarities,” says Phong Ly, CEO and co-founder of iSeeCars. “For example, men and women equally prefer minivans and hatchbacks.”
Perhaps more accurately (at least from a “glass half empty” perspective) both genders seem to dislike minivans and hatchbacks with equal fervor, given the paucity of interest in either segment these days.
Maserati GranSport (Photo credit: Urban Mixer)
Though this all seems to be carved with the blade of sheer obviousness, the iSeeCars.com study did come up with a few interesting insights.
For example, men are four times more likely than women to buy a model costing more than $45,000 and twice as probable to pick a car or truck in the $30-$45,000 bracket. Male shoppers are 13 percent more likely to look at both recent-model (2012 and newer) cars and significantly older rides (from 1999 and earlier) than women, who show a greater preference for vehicles from the 2000 and 2011 model years.
The top brands searched by female used-car shoppers were found to be Kia (two times more likely), Hyundai (+67 percent), Saturn (+63 percent), Scion (+58 percent) and Volkswagen (+56 percent). On the testosterone-paved side of the street, men most often researched models from Maserati (10 times more likely), Porsche (4.6x), Hummer (2.8x), Jaguar (2.1x) and Cadillac (2X). If there’s a middle ground to be found, it’s among vehicles from Toyota, Dodge, Volvo, Jeep and Mitsubishi, which the study determined carry equal interest among male and female shoppers.
“All in all, the data signals women maybe more sensible in their preferences for cars that are reliable and affordable while men go for the flash like a Maserati even if it means shelling out a lot more money,” Ly explains.
One might even go so far as to suggest that women are the smarter shoppers, choosing a car for its inherent utility and value. Men, on the other hand, instead seem to squander their money on models that deliver plenty of flash, dash and brand cachet for bragging rights and (seemingly counterproductive to what the numbers might otherwise suggest)...to help attract women.
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Gallery: 10 Worst-Selling Cars Of 2013 10 images View gallery
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bcca15da758e57abcf559f5fe1872dfd | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2014/06/24/the-tiny-three-wheel-car-that-could-be-the-next-big-thing/ | The Tiny Three-Wheel Car That Could Be The Next Big Thing | The Tiny Three-Wheel Car That Could Be The Next Big Thing
Gallery: Elio Motors' $6,800 84 MPG Car 8 images View gallery
It’s not quite a full-blown automobile – at least not as we know it – and not quite a motorcycle, but it’s cheap and gets unbeatable fuel economy.
A sleekly designed three-wheeled two-passenger vehicle from startup manufacturer Elio Motors in Troy, Mich. is planned for introduction sometime during 2015 that promises up to 84 mpg on the highway and a sticker price starting at just $6,800. Being developed as an economical low-cost commuter car – ideally the second or third model in a family’s fleet – the as-yet unnamed “autocycle” will include amenities like three airbags, power windows and door locks, an audio system with an iPhone/iPod interface, air conditioning and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
“As a commuter, 93 percent of the time you’re in a car by yourself,” explains Jerome Vassallo, the company’s V.P. of sales. “You’d drive a small car like this to and from the office and leave a larger vehicle parked back home in the driveway for when you need to carry additional passengers or have more cargo room.”
We recently had a chance to drive a prototype of a bright orange Elio and discuss the fledgling automaker’s plans with Vassallo as part of a multi-city tour being conducted to show off the vehicle, gather impressions and take reservations, of which the company has racked up more than 22,000 thus far.
For starters, the Elio looks like no other car on the road. It’s about the length of a Honda Civic, but is nearly half as narrow, with a long hood, tall roof and back end and only a single conventionally hinged side door. The front wheels extend beyond the front-end bodywork, with an exposed suspension and individual aerodynamic fenders reminiscent of the hot-roddish Plymouth Prowler from the 1990’s.
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The interior is about as basic as could be imagined (at least in 1968), with simple gauges and controls adorning a color-keyed dashboard. Designed with a suitable solo commute in mind, it can nonetheless accommodate one additional passenger sitting directly behind the driver in what some might find to be a claustrophobic back seat. A solid hatchback covers a small backpack-sized trunk, with the rear seatback able to fold flat when additional cargo space is needed, say to carry a set of golf clubs to the links.
Officially classified as a motorcycle because it has fewer than four wheels, the Elio is nonetheless mechanically more car than it is bike and is every bit as instinctive to operate. It has a conventional steering wheel, foot pedals and shift lever and will come powered by a three-cylinder, 0.9 liter, 55 horsepower, fuel-injected automotive engine that drives the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Traction control, stability control and antilock brakes will come standard. A 70:30 front-to-rear weight ratio should benefit foul-weather traction for those living in the Snow Belt (see the embedded video at the bottom of this post).
With a curb weight around 1,200 pounds, the Elio would be the lightest passenger car on the road. For those nervous about driving such a small and lightweight car on the highway, Vassallo says it’s engineered to achieve a five-star crash rating by automotive standards with unibody construction, a hardened steel roll cage, crumple zones at the front and rear and added side impact protection. It would typically require motorcycle registration and plates but whether it would require a motorcycle license in most states to legally operate has yet to be determined.
Founded by automotive engineer Paul Elio in 2008, Elio Motors plans to build the new three-wheeler – ironically perhaps – at the former General Motors’ plant in Shreveport, La that used to crank out Hummers. Production is scheduled to begin next March with an initial hire of 1,500 workers. The company hopes to sell 50,000-60,000 cars during its first full year on the road, and as many as 250,000 units annually after five years. “Admittedly that’s a big number, but they’re so affordable that – at least theoretically – we could put one of these in every household’s garage,” Vassallo suggests. “If someone’s spending more than $150 a month on fuel just going to and from work this vehicle will indeed save them money.”
Plans are to sell the three-wheeler through a network of Elio-owned stores in the top 60 U.S. markets with multiple locations in each area. Since the vehicle is officially classified as a motorcycle and not a car, Vassallo says the company can side-step state laws that govern new-car sales and sell the vehicles themselves without facing the same legal pitfalls as Tesla has encountered for its efforts at bypassing the traditional franchised dealer arrangement. Sales in Canada and Mexico are planned moving forward, with expansion into emerging world markets an eventual possibility.
Options, which will include items like a sunroof, leather seats and audio upgrades, would be installed to order at one of as many as nine regional “marshalling centers,” with a next-day turnaround promised. “This allows us to build all the cars alike at the factory to maximize our efficiency,” Vassallo explains. In another departure from the norm, the cars will not be serviced at the company’s dealerships, but rather via Pep Boys car care centers. “That means we’ll have over 800 service locations nationwide from day one.”
Though its primary market will be commuters, Vassallo says the car will likely also appeal to cash-strapped buyers who might otherwise only be able to afford a well worn used vehicle. “At this price we can draw business from what would otherwise be the ‘clunker’ market and offer them a new car with a full warranty.” The company is actively reaching out to car sharing companies and fleet buyers and has been talking with hotels about the possibility of owning one or more Elios for rental to travelers for a few hours’ use at a time.
In Pictures: Elio Motors' $6,800 84 MPG Car.
So how’s the car drive? We took what turned out to be a very rough prototype out for a spin in suburban Chicagoland and found it to be, shall we say, interesting.
For starters, entry and egress is about on a par with most small cars, and once inside there’s generous headroom with adequate leg and headroom for taller drivers to stretch out, though its narrow fighter jet-like cockpit takes some getting used to. Forward visibility is good, but small side mirrors and a lack of a back window and rearview mirror conspire to make backing up more of a challenge than we’d like. Novice drivers should put up Post-It notes around the cabin to remind themselves that the front wheels are set significantly apart from the body to help avoid scraping the fenders on other cars, curbs or at ATMs, tollbooths and fast food drive-through windows.
Unfortunately we could only approximate the driving experience afforded by the final production version, as the prototype we piloted was fitted with a crude carbureted engine rescued from an old Geo Metro, and lacked an exhaust system of any kind. Still, with an ultra-low curb weight, the 55 horses with which it will roll off the assembly line should suffice, albeit barely. We’re told the car’s brakes, which faded faster than a black shirt in a bucket of bleach when asked to bring the car to halt, were mercifully not to final spec. Ride quality seemed adequate, at least over the well-paved roads to which we had access. While the Elio felt stable at higher speeds, low-speed handling was unpleasantly heavy, given the car’s unfortunate lack of power steering. This would definitely not be our choice for careening around twisty roads, though our biceps could probably stand the workout they’d get by maneuvering the vehicle into tight urban parking spaces.
Still, the Elio is all about providing basic transportation on a budget, and from that standpoint we anticipate the final production version should indeed deliver the goods. Whether sufficient U.S. commuters, otherwise accustomed to larger and more powerful rides, will embrace the tiny three-wheeled Elio in sufficient numbers for the company to turn a profit remains to be seen.
“We’ll never get around the need for a big vehicle – there will still be boats to be towed to the lake and kids to be driven to soccer practice or school,” Vassallo pitches. “But the kids and the boats don’t come to the office with us every day, and it’s wasteful to drive a big sedan or SUV with most of the seats unoccupied to travel maybe 10 or 20 miles at a time.”
For more information, log onto the company's website: www.eliomotors.com.
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724f824943cfd13ee6d331b381529561 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2015/01/23/2015-cars-trucks-and-crossovers-with-the-best-resale-values/ | Best Resale Values: 2015 Cars, Trucks And Crossovers | Best Resale Values: 2015 Cars, Trucks And Crossovers
Gallery: 10 Vehicles With The Best Resale Values For 2015 10 images View gallery
Choosing a model that holds onto its value dearly over time is one of the best ways a new-car buyer can help maximize his or her automotive investment.
Aside from the period following the onset of the Great Recession, when faltering new car sales and other factors combined to create shortages in the used vehicle market that actually caused values to rise, autos tend to be depreciating assets. Depreciation is usually a new-car buyers most significant long-term ownership expense, easily topping the cost of fuel, maintenance or insurance.
Picking a car or truck having a higher resale value becomes especially critical with more expensive models, simply because there’s more money at stake. A difference of five percent over five years in this regard might not be all that great on a car that originally sold for $16,000, but that same spread applied to a $60,000 model suddenly swells to what most of us would consider “real money,” about $3,000.
Resale value is also a key financial factor among those leasing a new car, as the monthly payments are largely based on the difference between the transaction price and its predicted worth at the end of the term, financed at a set interest rate.
The car valuation experts at Kelley Blue Book just released their annual Best Resale Value Award winners among 2015 models, with Subaru and Lexus being honored as the makes that deliver the best rates of return on average over a five-year ownership period. In the standard-brand category, three Subaru models were cited among standard-make vehicles, with Lexus receiving six honors among luxury segments. Chevrolet and Toyota otherwise landed five models each among KBB’s award winners for 2015 in 22 separate segments.
In Pictures: 10 Vehicles With The Best Resale Values For 2015.
“Lexus notably captured the top luxury brand honors for the fourth year in a row, and after previously winning the brand award in 2011, Subaru is back on top again for 2015 as the best mainstream brand for resale value across its entire lineup,” says Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting for KBB. “While both Subaru and Lexus deliver incredible resale value, we also are impressed with the strides made by General Motors, which tops domestic automakers with seven combined awards for Chevrolet and GMC."
We’re providing the full list of 22 segment awards and their predicted five-year resale values below, with the 10 vehicles having the best overall long-term values featured in the accompanying slideshow.
With fuel prices having dropped to pre-recession levels and sales of trucks, SUVs and crossovers booming, it should come as no surprise that the 10-best list is solely comprised of vehicles in those market segments. For their part, however, KBB feels the current truck resurgence is no fuel-price-fueled fluke, as evidenced by these positive long-range value projections. “It’s a testament to the strength these categories will carry in the future,” Ibara explains. KBB says the models in its top 10 list can be expected to retain their value better than 95 percent of all new vehicles on the market this year.
In Pictures: 10 Vehicles With The Best Resale Values For 2015.
Here’s the full list of KBB’s 2015 Best Resale Value Awards and the percentages of their original MSRPs they're expected to retain after five years:
Subcompact Car: Honda Fit, 47.7 percent. Compact Car: Subaru Impreza, 47.1 percent. Sporty Compact Car: Subaru WRX, 49.4 percent. Mid-Size Car: Subaru Legacy, 44.3 percent. Full-Size Car: Dodge Charger, 38.5 percent. Entry-Level Luxury Car: Lexus RC 350, 45.0 percent. Luxury Car: Lexus GS 350, 39.0 percent. High-End Luxury Car: Lexus LS 460, 39.5 percent. Sports Car: Chevrolet Camaro V6, 46.3 percent. High Performance Car: Chevrolet Corvette, 49.5 percent. Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car: Toyota Camry Hybrid, 46.7 percent. Plug-In Vehicle: Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, 35.0 percent. Compact SUV/Crossover: Jeep Wrangler, 57.4 percent. Mid-Size SUV/Crossover: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, 60.4 percent. Full-Size SUV/Crossover: Chevrolet Suburban, 43.3 percent. Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover: Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, 44.7 percent. Luxury Mid-Size SUV/Crossover: Lexus GX 460, 48.5 percent. Luxury Full-Size SUV/Crossover: Lexus LX 570, 49.0 percent. Hybrid SUV/Crossover: Lexus RX 450h, 46.0 percent. Mid-Size Pickup Truck: Toyota Tacoma, 60.4 percent. Full-Size Pickup Truck: Toyota Tundra, 58.4 percent. Minivan/Van: Toyota Sienna, 44.3 percent.
The fine print: KBB’s projected resale values are based on projections made by automotive analysts based upon statistical models derived from millions of transactions, specifically current vehicle data, sales data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition within vehicle segments and expectations of the future economy conditions. Awards are given to vehicles expected to earn the highest five-year residual values, expressed as a percentage of their original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Low-volume vehicles and models with a base MSRP greater than $60,000 are excluded from award consideration, except in the plug-in vehicle, luxury and high-performance categories.
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d64a4ef44468750a7f693ae5a940f4eb | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2015/05/04/fast-breaks-cars-consumers-cant-wait-to-get-rid-of/ | Fast Breaks: Cars Consumers Can't Wait To Get Rid Of | Fast Breaks: Cars Consumers Can't Wait To Get Rid Of
Gallery: New Cars Buyers Sell In A Year 7 images View gallery
Whether by economical or emotional choice, Americans are keeping their cars for longer periods than ever in the history of the horseless carriage. According to Experian Automotive in Schaumburg, Ill., the average length of ownership was 93 months, or 7.75 years last year.
Dodge and Buick currently have the longest ownership periods at an average 113 months each, with Chevrolet (110 months), Ford (110 months) and Mitsubishi (109 months) rounding out the top five makes in that regard, based on Experian data.
Of course not all car buyers are happy campers. Some apparently regret their vehicular choices almost immediately after driving them off a dealer’s lot. The used vehicle website iSeeCars.com says on average 2.7 percent of all new vehicles are traded in after only a year’s ownership, with some models changing hands that quickly at the rate of around 11 percent.
What’s more, it seems that such fomenting discontent knows no limits, with the list of the most “buyer remorseful” models cited by iSeeCars.com running the gamut of vehicle type and price, ranging from an $18,000 subcompact to a $45,000 luxury sedan. We’re featuring the list with our own commentary in the accompanying slideshow.
In Pictures: New Cars Buyers Sell In A Year.
“iSeeCars.com analysts think the fact that consumers are giving more of these cars up than the average is directly linked to quality or perceived quality of the cars," says Phong Ly, CEO of iSeeCars.com. (All seven of the models received average or below average grades by owners surveyed for the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study.) "Because purchasing a new car is expensive and something most people tend to spend a lot of time on, it stands to reason they would make a change shortly afterward if they felt the quality was lacking."
Ly is quick to point out that a lower initial-quality rating does not necessarily mean a given model is a mechanical lemon. Consumers (and journalists alike) tend to give cars low marks these days for what might be perceived by some as minor flaws, like cheapish feeling interior materials and issues with features that are difficult to master. "Quality issues that consumers often cite include issues with technology, such as problems with the audio system, voice recognition or Bluetooth pairing," he explains. "Often these aren't really 'problems' at all, just consumers having trouble using the systems or feeling that they aren't operating as they expect."
On the plus side, the law of supply and demand dictates that the cars cited for changing hands the quickest should be among the most affordable in the used market. For example, iSeeCars.com says the list-topping 2014 Buick Regal midsize sedan with average mileage is currently valued at 32.2 percent less than when it was new, with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class subsequently losing 31.0 percent of its new-car value and the Dodge Charger losing 28.4 percent of its original worth after one year.
In Pictures: New Cars Buyers Sell In A Year.
The Fine Print: The accompanying list is based on an iSeeCars.com analysis of nearly five million new 2014 model-year cars purchased between September 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014, and more than 140,000 used cars from the same model year sold a year later, between September 1, 2014 and March 31, 2014, with 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Fleet vehicles were excluded from analysis. The number of used cars was divided by the number of new cars for each model to calculate the proportion of new cars sold after one year of ownership. The overall average proportion was then calculated across all models, and the individual proportions were expressed as a multiple of this average. Models with sales greater than 2.5 times the overall average were selected for inclusion on the final list.
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864be3043bc88b4f230b5b11f7891eb7 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2015/06/12/auto-headlamps-found-to-be-dangerously-dim/?sh=1984d6624e72 | Auto Headlamps Found To Be Dangerously Dim | Auto Headlamps Found To Be Dangerously Dim
It seems today’s car and truck headlamps are failing at their basic task, namely illuminating poorly lit nighttime rural roads, which accounts for 40 percent of all miles driven in the U.S.
That’s according to testing conducted by the AAA in Orlando, Fla. in conjunction with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. Specifically, the organization found that halogen headlamps, which are currently included in over 80 percent of new vehicles, may fail to safely light the way on unlit roadways at speeds as sedate as 40 mph. Specifically, they don’t allow a driver enough opportunity to detect an object, pedestrian or animal down the road, react and come to a complete stop in time to avoid a collision.
Switching on halogen headlamps’ high beams were found to improve sight distances by 28 percent at the testing facility, though the AAA cautions that they may only provide sufficient illumination under real world conditions to safely stop a vehicle moving at speeds of up to 48 mph, which the association says would leave drivers at risk at highway speeds.
The front lamps on the high-performance SRT version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The lamps are tinted... [+] black, which the automaker said upon introduction made them look, "kind of like death." (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
“AAA’s test results reveal that headlights found in U.S. vehicles fall short on safety,” says Megan McKernan, manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. “By failing to properly light roadways at moderate speeds, a pedestrian or animal may not become visible to a driver until it’s too late to stop.”
Not as widely available and usually offered at an extra cost, the AAA found LED and high-intensity headlamps to illuminate dark roadways 25 percent better than halogen lights, though they still fall short at speeds over 45 mph. Choosing the high beam setting on these types of headlamps offered significant improvement, however, stretching visibility to as much as 500 feet on otherwise dark roads.
At that, the AAA concluded even the most advanced original equipment headlamps currently available in the U.S. only provide about 40 percent of the forward visibility that’s otherwise afforded on a clear day. Brighter bulbs are available, though they’re not approved for use here. “Unlike the more advanced headlight technology available in European vehicles, current government regulations limit the light output for vehicles sold in the United States,” explains John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of automotive engineering and repair.
While it’s not usually possible to upgrade a vehicle’s headlamps, consumers can ensure their cars are illuminating the way as brightly as possible by restoring the lenses, which can become cloudy after about five years; this reduces the light output and scatters the beams, which can, in turn cause glare for oncoming drivers. The AAA’s testing found that restoring a car’s headlamp lenses, using a simple kit available at auto parts and department stores, both doubles the maximum light intensity and reduces glare by up to 60 percent.
Unfortunately, a recent AAA survey found that only 20 percent of U.S. consumers with a need for better beams have yet to perform this service. “Deteriorated or dirty headlight lenses are not just an aesthetic issue,” cautions Nielsen. “An annual service on older vehicles will increase your nighttime visibility and minimize distracting glare for fellow drivers.”
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d967b442ed6a4d6a5c99f323d914912e | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2015/07/15/why-self-driving-cars-will-raise-your-taxes/ | Why Self-Driving Cars Will Raise Your Taxes | Why Self-Driving Cars Will Raise Your Taxes
Sure, once autonomous driving cars become prevalent in the not-too-distant future, we’ll all be able to read, watch videos and text message to our hearts’ content – safely, that is – while en route to a given destination, and probably enjoy lower insurance rates due to the resulting drop in accidents caused by human error.
But you can bet the proverbial farm that state and local taxes will rise in the process (as if they ever needed a reason). A recent Brookings Institution report by Kevin C. Desouza and Kena Fedorschak suggests that's because local governments’ coffers will sorely miss the lack of revenue from a dearth of citations being issued for moving violations.
State and local governments will likely have to mine new sources of revenue to make up for a lack of... [+] speeding tickets and other moving violations being issued once self-driving cars rule the roads. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Though we couldn’t verify the numbers elsewhere, according to the venerable Statistic Brain Research Institute, American drivers pay over $6 billion a year in speeding tickets alone. What’s more, an estimated average 4,000 people are nabbed for drunk driving every day in the U.S., which are even bigger-ticket items as far as revenues are concerned. We figure city and state governments in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, California and Texas – the top five states for issuing moving violations – are likely to feel the greatest financial sting once self-driving cars rule the road.
Take a human’s lead-footed acceleration out of the equation and self-driving cars are likely to get much better fuel economy, which will result in dwindling gas tax revenues, especially if and when electric cars prevail. And if increased car/ride sharing of self-driving cars indeed leads to fewer vehicles being sold, as has been suggested, that means fewer dollars coming in the door from registration and licensing fees as well.
Sure, we all like to pay less taxes, but tomorrow’s prevailing politicians will undoubtedly need to make up the shortfall to, say, help build and fix roads and bridges, subsidize public transportation, educate our kids, and so forth.
So what inventive ways might states and communities employ to recover the lost revenue? Aside from raising local property and/or sales taxes, we’d expect to see increased vehicle registration and licensing fees, along with higher gas/energy taxes as a starting point, with perhaps additional sales/use taxes for car-related costs like tires and auto repairs. Expect both a rise in the number of toll roads and bridges being established from coast-to-coast and their per-mile/crossing rates. And we’ll probably still require autonomous-vehicle owners to obtain and renew drivers’ licenses, if only to collect the associated fees, which will likely become quite steep.
On the plus side of the ledger sheet, the Brookings report suggests that many of us who might otherwise perish in auto accidents at the hands of human motorists – that’s some 32,675 Americans last year – will live on and continue to pay taxes. Also, with a prevalence of self-driving cars hoped to reduce congestion and road damage, and preclude unrealized safety improvements that waste resources, the report supposes states and cities could save an estimated $100 billion a year.
Not to mention the savings communities might realize in lower payrolls, namely the police officers who might otherwise spend the bulk of their days issuing said citations, traffic court judges and workers and the municipal workers who process all those tickets.
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c73172781b7be316246d0daf42863d6a | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2015/07/28/essential-new-car-features-to-keep-seniors-driving-longer/ | Essential New-Car Features To Keep Seniors Driving Longer | Essential New-Car Features To Keep Seniors Driving Longer
Taking the car keys away from an aging parent or other relative is one of life’s most traumatic moments, severing perhaps the last means of independence for someone who’s otherwise been a life-long motorist. And a new study suggests the distress that results from an older driver’s sudden lack of vehicular mobility can take a tremendous toll on one's health, both emotionally and physically.
According to a report released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Columbia University, seniors who’ve stopped driving are nearly twice as likely to suffer from depression, with a five times greater chance of entering a long-term care facility than those who remain behind the wheel. The report further suggests those restricted from driving exhibit an accelerated decline in cognitive abilities, diminished productivity and low participation in daily activities away from home.
"This comprehensive review of research confirmed the consequences of driving cessation in older adults," says the AAA foundation’s president and CEO Peter Kissinger. "The decision to stop driving, whether voluntary or involuntary, appears to contribute to a variety of health problems for seniors, particularly depression as social circles are greatly reduced."
With the so-called Baby Boomers marching into their Golden Years en masse, the number of drivers aged 65 and older in the U.S. is at 39.5 million and rising, according to the AAA. Unfortunately an earlier AAA report noted that 90 percent of motorists over 65 suffer from a variety of health issues, ranging from arthritis to diminished vision, which could adversely affect their performance. Worse, they’re almost twice as likely to die in car crashes than drivers aged 55 to 64, and that average risk increases to four times greater among those 85 and older.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, mature drivers most often face impairments to their vision (reduced contrast sensitivity, and increased time needed to adjust to changes in light levels), cognition (memory, visual processing, attention and executive skills) and motor function (muscle strength, endurance and flexibility).
Fortunately, automakers (who loathe to give up loyal customers under any circumstances) are now offering a wide variety of features that can help keep those with declining abilities keep driving comfortably and safely – albeit within limits – for an extended period. These include the latest high-tech safety features that can help motorists – especially those with diminished vision and/or reduced reaction times – avoid getting into a collision.
Whether you’re an older car buyer or are helping an aging parent fit into a new set of wheels, look for a model that fits your frame, needs and budget that offers most or all of the following items:
• Pushbutton entry/start. Drivers with arthritic hands, painful or stiff fingers or diminished fine motor skills should look for cars that come with a remote pushbutton entry/start feature that eliminates ever having to use a key, as long as an encoded keyfob is on one’s person. Likewise, a power remote-operated trunk or liftgate is effortless to use, and a few models now allow a driver to engage this feature by merely passing his or her foot under the rear bumper or standing at the back of the vehicle with the keyfob in his or her pocket or purse.
• Heated seats and steering wheel. Even among those living in warmer climates, heated seats can help ease creaking joints or lower back pain while en route; some high-end models offer massaging seats for added back-and-bottom comfort. Likewise, a heated steering wheel can help relive arthritis pain and stiffness in hands and fingers.
• Digital speedometer/head-up display. Seniors with vision problems should look for vehicles with a large digital speedometer readout that can be easier to spot and process at a glance than a conventional gauge. Some costlier cars offer a so-called head-up display that projects the vehicle’s speed and other pertinent information projected onto the inside of the windshield in a motorist’s line of sight to help keep eyes focused on the road ahead.
• Navigation system. Having turn-by-turn audible directions can help anyone get where they’re going directly and without fear of becoming lost, and can be especially handy for those who have trouble reading street signs. The downside is that nav systems are often difficult to program and operate. Look for one that comes with a large and legible display screen and voice-command operation, though be aware that the latter can a hit or miss affair. Better yet, have a relative program in a list of favorite destinations ahead of time.
• Parking aids. Choosing a model that comes with a rearview camera and/or proximity warnings can help drivers with diminished upper body range of motion by minimizing twisting and upper body rotation while backing out of a garage or packing space; just be sure the display is large enough to be legible and that the picture won’t get washed out in bright sunlight. Some models offer a similar system utilizing multiple cameras that shows a 360-degree view around the car, and a few Honda models offer a side camera that shows what’s along the passenger’s side of the vehicle when the right turn signal is activated.
What’s more, several cars, most notably from Ford and General Motors, now offer a self-parking feature that automatically steers the auto into a suitably sized parallel-parking space; all the driver has to do is modulate the brake pedal and shift gears.
• Adaptive headlamps. Anyone suffering vision problems while driving at night can benefit from high-intensity headlamps that pivot in conjunction with the car’s steering angle to more effectively light the way through curves. In some cars they can also automatically switch between high and low beams as needed to maximize visibility and to prevent blinding drivers in oncoming traffic. Similarly, many cars and trucks offer auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors to minimize glare while driving after dark.
• All-wheel drive. All crossover SUVs and most luxury cars offer optional all-wheel drive systems to help maximize traction on wet or snowy roads. If sensors detect wheel slippage the system automatically sends more or less power to either the front or rear wheels as necessary. While it’s not a necessity for most motorists, it does add peace of mind, especially for those who frequently encounter adverse climactic conditions.
• Adaptive cruise control. This high-tech twist on familiar automotive technology enables a car to maintain both a set speed and safe distance from the traffic ahead, slowing down and speeding up automatically as necessary. While most systems usually operate only at highway speeds, some can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if traffic comes to a standstill, and some can even operate in stop-and-go-driving.
• Blind spot warning. Here, sensors or cameras alert a driver to the presence of other cars to the side and rear of the vehicle on the highway he or she might not otherwise be able to locate, first with an illuminated warning, then with a loud alarm if the turn signal is engaged. Many such systems likewise issue an alert if there’s cross-traffic approaching when backing out of a garage or parking space.
• Lane departure warning. Here, cameras look for lane markers at highway speeds and alert the driver if the vehicle is inadvertently veering into another line of traffic; a few systems use the brakes or steering to help “nudge” the vehicle back into the lane.
• Forward collision warning. Usually bundled with radar-based adaptive cruise control, this system issues visual and audible alerts, and typically primes the brakes to full stopping power (along with other mitigation measures), if it feels the car is closing in on a vehicle or other obstruction in its path too quickly.
• Auto-braking systems. The best forward collision warning systems are those that can take over and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or lessen the effects of a crash if the driver isn’t responding quickly enough. Though most are designed to stop the vehicle at higher velocities, Volvo and Mazda offer low-speed auto-braking systems that are designed to work in city traffic and prevent both rear-end collisions and unfortunate encounters with pedestrians and bicyclists. And a few Nissan/Infiniti models will automatically engage the brakes while the car is in reverse gear if sensors determine a pedestrian, vehicle or object is in the vehicle’s path.
No matter what kind of vehicle a mature motorist owns, the National Institute On Aging suggests seniors heed the following safe driving tips:
Have your driving skills checked by a driving rehabilitation specialist, occupational therapist, or other trained professional, and ask your doctor if any of your health problems or medications might make it unsafe for you to drive. Drive according to conditions. Stay home if the weather turns ugly; if you need to get out, call someone for a ride or use buses, taxis, or other transportation services. Choose driving routes that avoid areas or situations in which you might feel uncomfortable; this can include fast-moving highways, high-traffic areas and routes having left turns across multi-lane intersections. Leave more space between you and the car in front of you, and start braking early when you need to stop. If you must take the highway, drive in the right-hand lane where traffic typically moves more slowly. Avoid driving at night if you have reduced night vision. Likewise, avoid driving during sunrise or sunset when the sun can be directly in one’s line of sight. Finally, consider taking a driving refresher course, which will help update your skills behind the wheel and could warrant a discount on your car insurance bill.
A wealth of information for senior drivers and caregivers, including car-buying tips, driving skills assessments and other resources can be found at the AAA’s site, seniordriving.aaa.com.
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fdb60789677a864db494808083380844 | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2016/01/19/cars-and-crossovers-drivers-would-buy-or-lease-again/ | Cars And Crossovers Drivers Would Buy Or Lease Again | Cars And Crossovers Drivers Would Buy Or Lease Again
Why will some auto owners remain fiercely loyal to a particular brand or vehicle, while others will reject a certain make or model entirely out of hand?
This is, of course, an elemental question upon which massive advertising, marketing, and consulting empires are built. Repeat business is the proverbial Holy Grail of any industry, and it’s something that has tended to slip through some automakers’ fingers since the tumultuous 1970’s and ‘80’s, when the domestic car brands lost their luster and the imports began to shine in the eyes of U.S. consumers.
While car buyers tend to be more fickle than they might have been in the fiercely brand loyal 1950’s and ‘60’s, some automakers still manage to hold onto 60 percent or more of their customers at trade-in time, according to a recent analysis of loyalty rates compiled by Experian Automotive in Schaumburg, IL. The leading line in that regard is Subaru, with 67.7 percent of its customers returning to buy another of the automaker’s models.
Even better, at least 10 separate models from nearly as many automakers enjoy the most repeat business in the industry, with over 40 percent of their owners coming back to purchase or lease a newer version of the same vehicle. The Land Rover Range Rover leads all comers with an impressive 48.2 percent loyalty rate, which is particularly impressive as this flagship SUV is only in its fourth generation since it debuted in the U.S. for the 1989 model year (with its last redesign coming for 2012). Results are based on an analysis of nearly 6.8 million auto repurchase transactions occurring between October 2014 and September 2015.
Gallery: 10 Cars With The Most Brand-Loyal Buyers 10 images View gallery
We’re featuring the 10 vehicles in the accompanying slideshow that, according to Experian Automotive, enjoy the most repeat customers.
As for which brands retain their customers the best, among the top 10 cited by Experian, only two – Mercedes-Benz and Lexus – are luxury automakers, with the rest divided fairly equally among U.S., Japanese, and Korean mainstream makes:
Most Brand Loyal Car Brands for 2016:
Subaru, 67.7 percent Ford, 66.7 percent Mercedes-Benz, 65.1 percent Toyota, 63.5 percent Kia, 63.2 percent Hyundai, 61.3 percent Nissan, 61.1 percent Chevrolet, 60.7 percent Lexus, 60.7 percent Honda, 59.9 percent
“It's exciting to see that manufacturers' efforts to improve owner loyalty are working," says Brad Smith, director of automotive statistics and consulting at Experian. "Over the last few years, loyalty rates have increased, and these improvements are key to the industry. Understanding rates of consumer loyalty among vehicle brands, makes and models helps to drive better business decisions, such as a dealer selecting inventory and targeting advertising or a manufacturer making adjustments to a vehicle's design and creating more competitive promotional strategies."
As it turns out, the welcome rise in the automotive brand loyalty occurs concurrently with the recent boom in new-car leasing. Experian says consumers who lease are more loyal to their chosen brands, with 69 percent returning for another at the end of the term, compared with 56.9 percent of consumers who purchase a car outright. Once limited primarily to luxury cars, leasing now accounts for around 27 percent of all transactions according to Experian. That’s up from 24.7 percent a year ago, and is the highest percentage Experian has recorded since it began tracking such data in 2006. Automakers love leasing because it brings customers back into dealers’ showrooms every two or three years with clocklike regularity.
But what about the other side of the fence – how to explain car brands and specific models that consumers tend to reject out of hand? While according to the recently released J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Auto Avoider Study, some motorists simply want to choose something different the next time around, vehicle reliability has fast become a major consideration, cited by 55% of nearly 26,500 owners queried who registered a new vehicle in April and May 2015. This is up from 48% of car shoppers in 2013. Importantly, 17% of those queried say they ignored one or more given models because of its poorly perceived reliability, compared to 14% a year ago.
In Pictures: 10 Cars With The Most Brand Loyal Buyers.
“With so many auto recalls in the news and challenges with the introduction of new technology, consumers are even more attuned to the expected reliability of new vehicles,” says Dave Sargent, vice president, quality practice at J.D. Power. “In the auto industry, building consumer trust, loyalty and advocacy is paramount to ongoing success.”
A vehicle’s exterior styling is both the number one consideration among shoppers (at 59% of those surveyed) and is also the top reason consumers eschew a particular vehicle (at 31%); next most cited rationales for avoiding a given model include a prohibitively high sticker price and dubious interior styling at 18% each.
And as they do in other aspects of existence, old prejudices run deep. Though the recorded reliability of domestic and import-brand vehicles has become increasingly closer over the years, 24% of those surveyed said they avoided a domestic brand because of perceived durability issues, compared to 13% of European and 12 percent of Asian brand car shoppers.
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b344d1198bc3b86997dc2cbb30c3aa4f | https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2016/08/26/cheap-gas-means-few-hybrids-make-financial-sense-to-own/ | Which (Of Only A Few) Hybrids Make Financial Sense | Which (Of Only A Few) Hybrids Make Financial Sense
The Toyota Prius c is one of only seven 2016 hybrid cars that will cost less to own than their... [+] conventionally-powered counterparts. (Image: Toyota.)
It should come as no surprise that, with gas prices remaining the lowest they've been in a decade, a just-issued analysis of model-year 2016 ownership costs by the market research company Vincentric in Bingham Farms, MI confirms that few hybrid-powered vehicles are able to recover the price premiums they exact solely in terms of fuel savings.
And with the fuel economy of conventional cars already reaching new highs, sales of costlier hybrid-powered models have been slipping. According to HybridCars.com, 14.4% fewer hybrids were delivered to buyers over the first seven months of 2016 than over the same period in 2015.
Vincentric determined that only seven out of 29 hybrids analyzed from the 2016 model year – that’s less than a quarter of the market segment, overall – will cost less to own than their gasoline-only counterparts over a five-year period. By comparison, back in 2013 when gas prices were fluttering at around $3.50/gallon, 13 out of 33 models made financial sense to own. Note that in addition to projected fuel costs, the company’s long-term operating estimates include variables like depreciation, financing, insurance, and so forth (see "The Fine Print" below).
Most hybrids are priced considerably higher than comparable conventionally powered models to cover the additional cost of the electric motor/generator, battery pack and other technical upgrades, which can run as much as $3,000 or more. In some cases, it’s a lot more. The champion of excess in this regard remains the Lexus LS 600L, where the hybrid system is arguably used more for added acceleration than anything but a token boost in fuel economy. It costs a whopping $35,924 more than a standard power version, and at an estimated $1,193 in fuel savings over five years (assuming our math is correct), it would take an owner – and his or her descendants – 151 years to recoup the added up-front cost entirely at the fuel pump.
Gallery: The Most Cost-Effective Hybrid Cars 7 images View gallery
Even with average gas prices currently at an affordable $2.20/gallon (according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report), at least some of hybrids cited by Vincentric can be real money savers over the long haul. For example, the Lexus CT 200h compact hatchback will save an owner a sizable $8,278 in operating costs over five years, compared to an equivalent conventionally powered model. (Note that Lexus sells no gas-only version of this car, so no 100% apples-to-apples assessment is available.) The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid makes the list with a five-year $2,602 savings, primarily by virtue of it being the only hybrid-powered vehicle that, for 2016, is sticker-priced on a par with the standard model at $35,190.
We’re featuring the most cost-effective hybrid models with their five-year savings data in the accompanying slideshow and video. The full report can be found here.
Of course, not all hybrid-car buyers choose their rides purely for economic reasons. Many pick them purely for altruistic purposes as “greener” cars having smaller carbon footprints. And as we like to say, should fuel prices again reach the $4.00 mark, they’ll suddenly look like the smartest people in the room.
"There are still instances when a hybrid's cost of ownership savings justify the hybrid price premium," says Vincentric President, David Wurster. "Hybrids, however, may be losing their competitive edge due to the decrease in fuel prices and improved fuel economy of all-gasoline-powered vehicles. Buyers should analyze the individual models and their own driving patterns to decide whether a hybrid or its gas counterpart is the best choice to save them money in the long run."
The Fine Print: Vincentric’s study was based on total cost of ownership factors for 2016 models over a five-year period, assuming 15,000 miles driven and included depreciation, financing, insurance, maintenance, repairs, fees, and taxes as well as fuel consumption. Gasoline prices were averaged over a five-month period to negate sudden peaks and dips in per-gallon gas prices.
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