Recent Comments:
The Disappearing Cork Forests Of Portugal {Luxist}
Dec 1st 2008 7:39PM Unfortunately there are wineries out there claiming that using something other than cork is better for the environment. I wouldn't have said that if I hadn't heard it already.
Although arguing with The Wine Spectator is tough, a 15% spoil rate for any product is extremely high, and none of the wineries I've looked at buying have one even close to that.
I suppose one could argue they fudged their numbers for the sale, however even in the electronics business which has crazy spoil rates, 15% is high.
Every business that deals with spoil rates, builds these costs into their pricing and I have my doubt any of them are discounting their product 15% once they stop using cork.
There are also no proven statistics that suggest wine brands are tarnished when a consumer opens a bad bottle. Providing the consumer can return and exchange any bad bottle, there is no reason for the consumer to purchase anything but corked wine.
The Disappearing Cork Forests Of Portugal {Luxist}
Dec 1st 2008 6:10PM Forget the article at vinography refuting this, there are many reasons to use cork over plastic and screw-cap.
I have been looking into buying a winery for about a year now. I've done incredible amounts of research into all aspects of the business, and I haven't found enough proof to suggest the use of plastics and metal screw caps does anything but harm the environment.
All of those wineries out there advocating the use of those two items and claiming they're being environmental are simply mistaken, or were only looking for cost savings and passing them off as earth-friendly.
Deidre perhaps you could add this web link to your post [rather than just leaving it in the comments section], it certainly is complimentary to your article:
http://www.savemiguel.com/
Win Amano Chocolate {Luxist}
Nov 3rd 2008 7:40PM Sure it explains it, I'm all for quality control to maintain product integrity, however it's still disappointing.
Due to your increased border regulations following 9/11, actually it's more likely that Canadian companies shipping (items like chocolate) to the U.S. would get held up longer, than when you ship this way.
Oh well, guess that means I won't bother ordering any from you in the future either.
Win Amano Chocolate {Luxist}
Nov 3rd 2008 1:51PM What, no Canadians for this one.......come on.....
Work Stops At Vancouver's Ritz-Carlton Tower {Luxist}
Oct 22nd 2008 5:24PM Hi Deidre,
Living in Vancouver this is all over the news. The developer's marketing agent is quoted as saying that the project was halted because when all of the construction costs were tendered, the price of raw materials such as concrete, rebar, etc...were through the roof.
They "supposedly" are renegotiating those contracts to get better prices before continuing construction. With it being just a hole in the ground currently, it is the best time to halt a project of this magnitude.
I guess we'll hear over the coming weeks or months, if this really is the case, or if it is more. If I were the developer, I can tell you that I would be doing the same thing.
Selling out the other half of the project in a downward real estate market, at costs fixed for an increasing market would be a sure ticket to bankruptcy for most.
Expensive Olympic Packages Guarantee A Ticket For 2010 {Luxist}
Oct 13th 2008 12:11AM Olympic tickets and packages as far as I know are primarily sold through the Vancouver2010 web site and not third party companies.
I do not know if this company is a real provider and buyers should contact the real Olympic site to check.
For a true Luxist package, I believe there is an exclusive package of which 100 are available that goes for $285,000 which should be inquired about through the REAL Olympic web site for the 2010 Olympics. www.vancouver2010.com
Buy be very aware of this one. Luxist should check with the Olympic people to ensure this is not a scam.
The New Most Expensive Zip Codes in America {Luxist}
Oct 8th 2008 6:57PM Your link (in the quote marks) doesn't work:
You can see a slideshow of the full list ""here"".
New Tram at Jackson Hole {Luxist}
Sep 23rd 2008 4:25PM You wanna talk trams, Whistler ski resort in BC is almost finished installing their "peak to peak" gondola. It travels between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mtns, and is I believe 40 stories high making it one of the highest rides in the world. There are even two cars with glass floors for those unaffected by heights.
Check it out for another post if you like. This will be the best gondola ride in North America hands down.
La Place, Estate of the Day {Luxist}
Sep 18th 2008 1:23PM Deidre,
Although your suspicions regarding "something happening" may in fact be correct with this home, I do know that in Whistler, BC developers for years now have been building houses completely on spec, then selling them for outrageous sums of money to the wealthy.
I'm not talking about homes on the cheap either, I am referring to homes valued $8M and up. I believe the most expensive homes ever sold in Whistler were in fact built by risk-taking developers and their backers, without ever having a buyer in mind.
That would throw your theory into the wind.
Cheers.
You Just Dont Get It {Blog Maverick}
Jul 7th 2008 7:20PM From Hugh McLeod at gapingvoid:
"If you weren't so stupid, I could explain to you how stupid you are."
That's for the people who don't seem to get that it's Mark's blog that you're reading, and Mark's time and money that others are looking for.
What is it that you people slamming him don't get?
Do you let people come over to your house and insult you without throwing them out? Family doesn't count, although I have no quams about throwing them out as well.
If you don't like what he has to say, stop visiting or reading his blog.
If you have to ask ANYONE for their money or time for your idea, you are not in a position to insult their intelligence.
Yikes....
