The Metropolitan Museum of Art to Receive Major Gift of Relief Prints by renowned Inuit printmakers from René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer.
(New York, March, 2025)—The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced today the landmark gift of the René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer Inuit Print Collection, which features over 500 relief prints by renowned Inuit printmakers from multiple regions across Nunavut and Nunavik, the semiautonomous Arctic homeland of Canada’s Inuit population. This important collection, gifted to The Met by René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer, is among the strongest examples of Inuit graphic art in the United States. With works ranging from the mid-1940s to the present day, it includes major works by some of the most influential Indigenous women artists in history and will significantly enhance The Met’s collections of Inuit objects. The Balcer Collection represents diverse Inuit printmaking methods, including sealskin and paper stencils; monoprints; and carved stone, or stone-cuts, on paper, and features imagery of birds, animals, Inuit peoples, transformative figures, dreams, cosmologies, and hunting scenes.
Kenojuak Ashevak’s drawings and prints feature fantastical creatures and bold colors and forms. This captivating image of an arctic owl was among the first prints produced by the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative. It quickly became a Canadian icon, and in 1970 the print was chosen for the country’s commemorative stamp.
“We are deeply grateful to René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer for this extraordinary gift, which is a leading collection of Inuit masterworks in a U.S. museum,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and Chief Executive Officer. “Mr. and Mrs. Balcer’s dedication to the support of Inuit artists is evident in this magnificent and comprehensive collection that celebrates the remarkable artistry of Native and Indigenous individuals and communities, and we are thrilled to be able to share these prints with visitors in our American Wing galleries.”
René Balcer began collecting Inuit art in Montreal, Canada, in the late 1970s. The René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer Inuit Print Collection highlights the famous artists’ collective and printmaking studio at Baffin Island’s Cape Dorset, the source of Inuit printmaking that was established in the 1950s. The original artists working at Cape Dorset collectively identified as the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative, and in 1960 they released their first official catalogued collection of 41 prints to great critical acclaim. The René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer Inuit Print Collection includes some of the most celebrated Inuit artists associated with the collective, such as Jessie Oonark (1906–1985) and Kenojuak Ashevak (1927–2013), whose print The Enchanted Owl (1960) was featured on a commemorative Canadian postal stamp in 1970 and was on view in The Met exhibition A Decade on Paper: Recent Acquisitions, 2014–2024(August 26, 2024–February 23, 2025). Looking ahead, select works in the Balcer Collection will be included as part of ongoing annual rotations in the Art of Native America installation in the Museum’s American Wing.
“This is an aesthetically and culturally significant gift, and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer in our mutual goal to more strongly represent Inuit artists in The Met collection,” said Patricia Marroquin Norby (P’ urhépecha), Associate Curator of Native American Art in the American Wing. “The arrival of this beautifully curated collection aligns with our departmental vision to prioritize previously underrepresented artists and the presence, voices, and experiences of peoples and communities who have contributed greatly to our cultural and national identities. We look forward to collaborating with Inuit communities and individual artists to highlight these works in our galleries and programming.”
René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer said, “One of the greatest challenges the Inuit face vis-à-vis the southern world is invisibility. At best, the Inuit and their brethren in the Circumpolar region are an abstraction to the rest of the world, glimpsed mostly through the distorted lens of pop history. At worst, the reaction the Inuit get when meeting non-Indigenous people is, ‘Oh, I thought you all died off years ago.’ It is our modest hope that this collection will demonstrate that the Inuit and their culture are very much alive and very much engaged in the modern world (to wit, see the following image of Annie Pootoogook’s Watching Jerry Springer from 2003). My wife, Carolyn, and I are very grateful to The Met for accepting the collection and committing its vast resources and reach to showcase to the world the creative brilliance, wisdom, and humor of Inuit artists.”
About René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer
René Balcer is an Emmy-winning writer, producer, and creator of critically acclaimed TV series and documentaries. René’s engagement with the Canadian North began as a teenager working in lumber mills, hydro projects, and construction on airstrips in remote communities, often alongside First Nations and Inuit coworkers.
Among other artistic endeavors across North America and Asia, René and Carolyn recently organized and participated in a multiyear artist’s residency with Chinese artist Wu Jian’an and Inuit artists at the Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts and Crafts in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, and with renowned artists Shuvinai Ashoona, Ningiukulu Teevee, and Qavavau Manumie at Kinngait Studios (Cape Dorset). René’s poignant photographs of the Arctic have been featured in gallery exhibitions in New York and appear in his recently published portfolio, Seeing As (ACC Art Books UK). For the Silo, Meryl Cates/ The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
(above) Sample pages from Rene’s “Seeing As” Artbook
About The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870 by a group of American citizens—businessmen and financiers as well as leading artists and thinkers of the day—who wanted to create a museum to bring art and art education to the American people. Today, The Met displays tens of thousands of objects covering 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online. Since its founding, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum’s galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing both new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.
Feature Image: Kenojuak Ashevak. “Untitled (red woman/birds/wings/feet),”Drawing, pencil and ink 10x14in, 25.4×35.6 cm. Waddington, 9/18/20. René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer Collection, Gift of René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer, 2024 Kenojuak Ashevak. “Untitled (red woman/birds/wings/feet),”Drawing, pencil and ink 10x14in, 25.4×35.6 cm. Waddington, 9/18/20. René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer Collection, Gift of René Balcer and Carolyn Hsu-Balcer, 2024
One of only two McLaren F1 road cars finished in the striking Marlboro White exterior
Attractive interior configuration with light blue Alcantara driver’s seat and dark blue/grey leather and Alcantara passenger seats
Incredibly low mileage with just 1,291 kilometers (802 miles) from new
Unaltered and maintained exclusively by McLaren Special Operations in Woking throughout its life
Received a fuel cell replacement in 2021, followed by comprehensive recent maintenance in November 2024
Documented ownership history from new, beginning with Japanese racing team owner Kazumichi Goh
Complete with original owner’s manuals, fitted luggage set, tool roll, and Facom toolchest
Chassis No. SA9AB5AC6S1048053
The McLaren F1 emerged from what might be the most consequential airport delay in automotive history. In 1988, following the Italian Grand Prix, TAG-McLaren Group executives Ron Dennis and Mansour Ojjeh found themselves stranded at Linate Airport alongside McLaren’s Technical Director Gordon Murray and head of marketing Creighton Brown. Their conversation turned to creating the ultimate road car—not just another supercar, but in Dennis’s words, “…the finest sports car the world had ever seen.”
In May 1992 at Le Sporting Club Monaco, the McLaren F1 redefined the supercar genre upon its unveiling. Built around a carbon fiber monocoque—a world first for a production road car—and powered by a bespoke 6.1-liter BMW Motorsport V12 engine, the F1 delivered 627 horsepower and a power-to-weight ratio of 550 horsepower per ton. Its unique central driving position, gold-lined engine bay, and no-compromise approach to performance and driver engagement set new standards that remain unmatched to this day. Limited to just 106 examples across all variants, only 64 were built as standard road cars, making them the most revered and sought after supercar of the modern era.
This superlative example of the F1, chassis number 053, was ordered on 31 March 1995, and assigned production sequence 044. Assembly began on 28 July 1995, with the car being officially delivered “ex-works” on 27 November 1995, showing just 193 kilometers on the odometer. The original purchaser was Kazumichi Goh, the Japanese businessman behind Team Goh, which would go on to win the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC) in 1996 with a pair of McLaren F1 GTRs sponsored by Philip Morris cigarette brand Lark.
Chassis 053 featured a highly distinctive specification highlighted by its Marlboro White exterior finish—one of only two F1 road cars to wear this color. The cabin was finished with a unique blue-themed interior featuring dark blue/grey leather with pierced blue/grey Alcantara cloth central panels for the passenger seats, while the central driver’s seat was entirely covered in light blue Alcantara. This bespoke specification was completed with blue Wilton carpet, light blue Alcantara headlining, and an optional black suede steering wheel. The car was also delivered with a matching bespoke luggage set in dark grey leather with a blue Alcantara strip carrying the embossed chassis number. Factory driver settings were configured with the steering wheel at height position A (highest), pedals at position C (long), reach at position A (near), clutch foot rest at position D (extra long), and standard seat with extra long rails.
In 2004, chassis 053 was purchased by another Japanese collector. By late 2006, the car showed just 432 kilometers when it was sold by WHA Corporation of Nagoya, Japan, to dealer SPS Automotive Ltd. (Hong Kong) on 28 November. The car subsequently came to Europe in 2007 when it was acquired by dealer Lukas Huni AG in Switzerland on behalf of a European client with a recorded mileage of 482 kilometers. On 14 March 2014, chassis 053 was sold via Morris & Welford to collector in the United States. During this ownership, the car spent time in both the U.S. and U.K., and the mileage had increased to 1,108 kilometers. On 16 November 2016, the car was acquired by its next long-term European owner via McLaren Special Operations in Woking and subsequently registered in the U.K. with the appropriate license plate “53 MCL.”
Throughout its life, chassis 053 has been meticulously maintained by McLaren Special Operations. The service book records regular maintenance with all work completed at McLaren’s Woking headquarters on December 12, 2006 (481 kilometers), 14 June 2010 (998 kilometers), 25 October 2016 (1,185 kilometers), 24 April 2018 (1,238 kilometers), and most recently on 12 November 2024 (1,290 kilometers). In July 2021, the car received a comprehensive fuel cell service at McLaren Special Operations totaling £52,061.55 (excluding VAT), which included £31,624.50 in labor charges and £15,472.74 for the fuel cell unit itself. A covering letter from McLaren Heritage Manager Thomas Reinhold noted the return of a “favourite F1” to MSO, an F1 that also “drives extremely well.”
Further work was carried out in November 2021, including replacement of various pipes, fittings, suspension rose-joints and bushes, plus a new water pump at a cost of £23,992.05 (excluding VAT). Most recently, the car returned to MSO in late 2024 for a “3 Year Life Items” service, during which the steering wheel battery, instrument binnacle battery, key fob battery, air conditioning receiver dryer, engine oil and filters, gearbox oil, and coolant were all replaced. The car also underwent a full suspension set-up and headlamp alignment at a cost of £4,861.10 (excluding VAT). Heritage Manager Michael Wrigley’s covering email following this most recent service summed up the car’s exceptional condition: “It’s a truly lovely example so there is very little of note to comment on!”
With just 1,291 kilometers recorded from new, chassis 053 represents one of the lowest mileage and most original McLaren F1 road cars in existence. Its unique color combination, low mileage, comprehensive documentation, complete set of factory tools, owner’s manuals, and fitted luggage make it an unparalleled example of Gordon Murray’s masterpiece. Maintained throughout its life without regard to cost and exclusively serviced by McLaren Special Operations, this McLaren F1 offers its next custodian the opportunity to acquire the ultimate modern collector car in truly museum-quality condition.
ArtyA unveils an avant-garde horological creation:
“Purity Wavy HMS Mirror” A fully in-house caliber reimagined through masterful handcraftsmanship. The perfect union of design and comfort, encased in the groundbreaking Wavy case, crafted from titanium with a transparent protective DLC coating. The first-ever mirror casebackStairway To Heaven: The Movement At the heart of this exceptional timepiece, ArtyA’s latest in-house caliber: Stairway To Heaven HMS. This manual-winding movement embodies the Manufacture’s dedication to both visual spectacle and horological excellence: • Microbead-frosted and hand-chamfered minute wheel train and balance bridges. • Pulsing at 4 Hz, the spectacularly “starified” escapement is positioned like a podium centerpiece, suspended in mid-air. • Traditional fine regulation – a hallmark of haute horlogerie that ensures optimal precision. This process involves meticulously adjusting the balance wheel’s inertia using peripheral weights (inertia blocks) to maintain the hairspring’s steady and consistent oscillation. The result: optimized caliber performance and lasting chronometric stability. • Twin barrels, working in parallel, equipped with longer, finer mainsprings for a more stable and linear energy release. The polished barrel blade reduces friction for improved efficiency. The redesigned drum barrels, with fluid, curving lines, seamlessly integrate with the bold bridge architecture of the movement. Proudly bearing the manufacture’s name and caliber designation, this subtle detail completes the movement’s refined aesthetic. Wavy Titanium Case A bold evolution in the Wavy collection, this is the first case crafted from grade 5 titanium, a material prized for its strength and lightness. • Ultra-light yet incredibly strong, titanium embodies both modernity and innovation, delivering exceptional comfort without compromising durability. • The matte finish results from meticulous hand polishing, followed by microbead frosting for a refined texture. • A transparent DLC coating boosts resistance to scratches, shocks, and fingerprints. For comparison, stainless steel has a Vickers hardness of 200 HV, titanium 400 HV, and transparent DLC-treated titanium an impressive 1,200 HV (1,800 HV for the black DLC version). • A mirror-polished lug-to-lug contour adds a discreet yet sophisticated touch, enhancing the timepiece’s elegance without diluting its avant-garde appeal. This meticulous finish – exceptionally complex to achieve on titanium – creates a striking contrast with the case’s matte surface, balancing power with refinement. • Designed by Jérémie Arpa, son of Yvan Arpa, the case embodies independent, family-driven watchmaking at its finest. Its flowing, organic contours evoke the power of ocean waves, an effect heightened by titanium’s natural opacity – delivering a case design unlike anything seen before in haute horlogerie.
Mirror Effects The Wavy Titanium’s mirror caseback introduces an unprecedented innovation, a world first in watchmaking: • A fully reflective surface that offers a striking new way to experience the movement. • From the front, seeing through to the mirrored bottom creates the illusion of depth, with the movement seemingly floating in space, enhancing the ethereal purity of the skeletonized caliber’s aesthetic. • From the back, the one-way mirror effect teases the complexity of the movement without fully revealing it complexity, adding an element of mystery and sophistication.
Limited Edition of 99 pieces Case Grade 5 titanium, satin-finished, mirror-polished lug-to-lug contour Transparent or black DLC protective coating Diameter40 mm Thickness13 mm Water resistance50 meters Caseback Screw-in, engraved, fitted with a one-way mirror Crystal Sapphire, triple ant-reflective coating, laser-engraved chapter ring Hands Brushed and diamond-polished Crown Engraved with the ArtyA signet Caliber ArtyA Purity Stairway To Heaven HMS in-house movement Winding Manual Indications Hours, minutes, and central seconds Power reserve Minimum 72 hours, thanks to twin parallel barrels Frequency 4 Hz (28,800 vph) Finishes Fine regulation through precision adjustment of inertia blocks on the balance wheelMicrobead-frosted minute wheel train and balance bridgesHand-chamfered edgesPolished mainsprings to optimize friction in the barrel assemblies Strap Alligator or grey nubuck leather Buckle ArtyA pin buckle, available with or without black DLC coating Swiss Made Entirely designed and crafted between Geneva and the Swiss Jura Price (excluding VAT)Titanium & Black Titanium CHF 25,900 (reference price) EUR 27,900 (subject to exchange rate) USD 29,900 (subject to exchange rate) CAD 42,754 Also available with transparent, hued or NanoSaphir case From CHF 44,900 (reference price) From EUR 47,900 (subject to exchange rate) From USD 50,900 (subject to exchange rate) VERSION FRANÇAISE
If you have them should you keep them? Read on via this interesting article from our friends at Hagerty.
The nuts and bolts that make up our beloved automobiles have not changed that much over the last 150 years. But the tools needed to maintain them? Those have changed a lot. Software has cemented itself as part of a service technician’s day-to-day regimen, relegating a handful of tools to the history books. (Or, perhaps, to niche shops or private garages that keep many aging cars alive and on the road.)
How many of these now-obsolete tools do you have in your garage? More to the point, which are you still regularly using?
Though spark-plug gap tools can still be found in the “impulse buy” section of your favorite parts store, these have been all but eliminated from regular use by the growing popularity of iridium and platinum plugs. These rare-earth metals are extremely resistant to degradation but, when it comes time to set the proper gap between the ground strap and electrode, they are very delicate. That’s why the factory sets the gap when the plug is produced.
These modern plugs often work well in older engines, meaning that gapping plugs is left for luddites—those who like doing things the old way just because. Nothing wrong with that; but don’t be surprised if dedicated plug-gapping tools fade from common usage fairly quickly.
Verdict: Keep. Takes up no real space.
Dwell meter
sodor/eBay
50 years ago, a tuneup of an engine centered on the ignition system. The breaker points are critical to a properly functioning ignition system, and timing how long those points are closed (the “dwell”) determines how much charge is built up in the ignition coil and thus discharged through the spark plug. Poorly timed ignition discharge is wasted energy, but points-based ignition systems disappeared from factory floors decades ago, and drop-in electronic ignition setups have never been more reliable (or polarizing—but we’ll leave that verdict up to you.)
Setting the point gap properly is usually enough to keep an engine running well, and modern multifunction timing lights can include a dwell meter for those who really need it. A dedicated dwell meter is an outdated tool for a modern mechanic, and thus most of the vintage ones are left to estate sales and online auction sites.
Verdict: Toss once it stops working. Modern versions are affordable and multifunctional.
Distributor wrench
Snap On tools
When mechanics did a lot of regular timing adjustments and tuning, a purposely bent distributor wrench made their lives much easier. However, much like ignition points, distributors have all but disappeared. Thanks to coil-on-plug ignition systems and computer-controlled timing, the distributor is little more than a messenger: It simply tells the computer where the engine is at in its rotation.
Timing adjustments have become so uncommon that a job-specific tool is likely a waste of space. If you’ve got room in your tool chest, keep yours around; but know that a standard box-end wrench can usually get the job done and is only fractionally less convenient than the specialized version.
Verdict: Keep if you have them. No need to buy if you don’t.
Prior to the required standardization of on-board diagnostic computers by the U.S. in 1996, a single car could host a wild mix of analog and digital diagnostic methods. OBDII, which stands for On-Board Diagnostic II, wasn’t the first time that a small computer was used to pull information from the vehicle via an electronic connection; it merely standardized the language.
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s each OEM had its own version of a scan tool. Now those tools can be reverse-engineered and functionally spoofed by a modern computer, allowing access to diagnostic info tools that, at the time, were only available to dealers. Since many pre-OBDII cars are now treated as classics or antiques and driven far less frequently, the need for period-correct diagnostic tools is dropping.
Verdict: Keep. These will only get harder to find with time, and working versions will be even rarer.
Distributor machine
A distributor is simple in concept. Trying to balance the performance and economy of the ignition system, with the distributor attached to a running engine, and achieving proper operation starts to get pretty complicated. That’s where a distributor machine comes in.
A distributor is attached to the apparatus and spun at engine speed by an electric motor. This allows you to literally see how the points are opening and closing. You can also evaluate the function of vacuum or mechanical advance systems. These machines are still great but the frequency that this service is needed these days is few and far between, especially when trying to justify keeping a large tool around and properly calibrated.
Verdict: Keep, if you are a specialty shop or tool collector.
Engine analyzer
ajpperant
Even a casual enthusiast can see there is a lot more information that can be gleaned from a running engine than whatever readouts might be on the dash. Enter the engine analyzer, a rolling cabinet of sensors and processors designed to fill in the data gaps between everything that is happening in a car and what its gauges report.
An engine analyzer is essentially a handful of additional instruments packaged into a small box hanging around the bottom of your tool drawers. It can also house a lot of sensors in a giant cabinet, which was likely wheeled into the corner of the shop in 1989 and left to gather dust. Now engine analyzers can be found listed online for as cheap as $200usd/ $287cad.
The funny thing is that many of the sensors in these engine analyzers are often the same systems that come built into modern dynamometer tuning systems. In a dyno, the sensors allow the operator to see more than max power; they also show how changes to an engine’s tune affect emissions. Maybe engine analyzers didn’t disappear so much as change clothes.
Verdict: Toss. The opportunity cost of the space these take up can be tough for most home garages. Sensors went out of calibration decades ago so the information you might get from one is dubious at best.
Most pneumatic tools (for home shops)
Ingersoll Rand
Air tools hold an odd place in the hearts of many gearheads. For many years the high-pitched zizzzz and chugging hammers of air-driven die grinders and impact drills were the marks of a pro. Or, at least, of someone who decided that plumbing high-pressure air lines around the shop was easier than installing outlets and maintaining corded tools. Air tools are fantastic for heavy use, as they are much easier to maintain and can be rebuilt and serviced.
Those tools can really suffer in lack of use, though, since pneumatic tools rely on seals and valves, neither of which deal well with dry storage. Battery tools have caught up to air tools for most DIY folk. No more air lines or compressors taking up space in the shop—and requiring additional maintenance—and, in return, a similarly sized yet more agile tool.
Verdict: Keep, if you already have the compressor. Don’t have one? Invest in battery tools.
Babbitt bearing molds/machining jigs
Every engine rebuild has to have bearings made for it in some fashion. Today’s cars use insert bearings that are mass-produced to surgical tolerances for a multitude of applications. If you wanted—or more accurately needed—new bearings in your Model T circa 1920, you needed to produce your own … in place … inside the engine. Welcome to Babbitt bearings.
The process is a true art form, from the setup of the jigs to the chemistry of pouring molten metal and machining the resulting orbs to actually fit the crankshaft and connecting rods. Now there are newly cast blocks for your T that replace the Babbitt with insert bearings. Since those antique Ford engines just don’t get abused the way they used to, and lead fairly pampered lives, they need rebuilding far less often than they did in-period. Modern oils also do a better job of protecting these delicate bearings. Since they are less and less in demand, the tooling and knowledge to make Babbitt bearings are difficult to find, and precious when you do.
Verdict: Keep. It’s literally critical to keeping a generation of cars alive.
Split-rim tire tools
Universal Rim Tool Company
Among the realm of scary-looking tools that have earned their infamy, split-rim tools hold court. The concept is simple: The rim is sectioned, allowing it to contort into a slight spiral that can be “screwed” into a tire. (This is almost the reverse of a modern tire machine, which stretches the tire around a solid wheel rim.) When tires needed tubes, both tire and rim were relatively fragile, and the roads were rough, split rims were popular—and for good reason. Now the tooling for drop-center wheels is ubiquitous and shops often won’t take on split-rim work. Success is hard to guarantee, even if techs are familiar with split rims—and they rarely are.
Verdict: Keep. No substitute for the right tools with this job.
These tools might not make much sense in a dealership technician’s work bay, but that doesn’t mean they should disappear forever. Knowing how to service antiquated technology is as important as ever, whether using old tools or new ones. If you’ve got any of these items, consider it your responsibility to document what the tool does and how to safely use it. Keeping alive the knowledge of where our modern tools came from is powerful.
JG O’Donoghue imagines a ‘versus’ scenario to demonstrate the struggle of ‘languages at risk’
There is a mass decline in linguistic diversity happening all over the planet and in places geographically far apart and I think that if things don’t change, the loss of language diversity will be immense.
In the book, Irish in the globalcontext, Suzanne Romaine mentions that linguists believe 50 to 90 % of the world’s estimated 6,900 languages will simply vanish over next 100 years.
At this moment in time, 85% of the world’s languages have fewer than 100,000 speakers and over half of the world’s remaining languages are spoken by just .2 % of the world’s population. These facts have informed my work and have become the wider subject of my illustrations, specifically the linguistic decline of the Irish language.
In some ways the battle between the Irish and the English languages is one of the defining features in modern Irish culture, but it is Irish which defines this island more, and the Irish language tells the entire history of Ireland in its influences and in its form.
Ruairí Ó hUiginn said in his book The Irish language: you have influences of Latin from the Christianization of Ireland in ecclesiastical words, influences from Viking invasions in words for “seafaring, fishing and trade”, influences from the militaristic Normans [ French CP] in words for “architecture, administration and warfare”, and from English colonialism you get English in every day words.
“To create my intended mood, the english words are given a general typography while the Irish words are given a distinctive script reminiscent of Geoffrey Keating’s book Foras Feasa ar Eirinn”
Each influence shows an aspect of Irish culture. What people forget to realize is that a language is much more than something spoken to express oneself. Ancient peoples created language in an attempt to describe the world around them and the world within them, in other words their worldview.
An example in Irish is- you don’t say ‘I’m angry’, you say ‘tá fearg orm’, which means ‘I have an anger on me’.
Nevertheless, Irish is important internationally too, and Irish is the third oldest written language in Europe, after Latin and Greek, and as a spoken language it may even be older than both.
How should an artist illustrate a language? And more specifically the struggle of one language with another? I choose nature as my metaphor, from the ancient forests of Ireland, mostly gone now, to Islands which stand for thousands of years but are slowly worn away by the tide. The words that make up these landscapes are either ‘for’ or ‘against’.
My illustrations therefore visualize the real life drama of ancient language versus modern language.
I imagine a “versus” scenario. On the “against” side I chose English words plucked from peoples statements in online forums and in letters to newspapers. On the “for” side I chose Irish words, and they were chosen from recent investigations into the creation of the ancient Irish language. Irish words in my illustrations such as “dúchas (heritage), tír (country), litríocht(literature), and stair(history)” reflect the Irish language’s cultural importance, while “Todhchaí(future), féinmhuinín(self-confidence), beatha(life), and anam(soul)” reflect its importance in a metaphysical way to Ireland.
The Irish language forest- An Coill Teanga Gaeilge
The english ‘against’ words can range from the practical benefits of english within subjects such as “tourism, movies, business, and comics,” to words that reflect the interaction of English speakers with Irish. To illustrate the concept, I chose words like “conform, bend, harass, and adapt”.
To create my intended mood, the english words are given a general indistinctive typography reflecting uniform mono-linguilism, while the Irish words are given a distinctive Irish manuscript/Gaelic script reminiscent of Geoffrey Keating’s 17th century book- Foras Feasa ar Éirinn/History of Ireland.
The core message in my illustrations is a positive one, the sun is rising for a new day as the Irish language holds on, like a lot of minority languages. It is diminished but not beyond hope. I believe it can make a comeback, and this is exactly what is happening all over this country today, because of the work of people far more dedicated than myself. I hope my work can help reinforce linguistic diversity as well as all forms of heritage. I have the will to preserve these for future generations, so they too can live in a world full of diversity spending their lives discovering and exploring it in all its beautiful variety.
Brunette knockout Christina Estrada modeled for some of the world’s top brands and appeared in the famous Pirelli calendar. Born in the USA, the glamorous Estrada has been based in London since 1998. She was previously married to Saudi billionaire Sheikh Walid Juffali, but the couple divorced in 2016, leaving Estrada the sole owner of a fabulous Beverly Hills villa. The supermodel has listed the stunning estate for sale at $26 million usd/ $37.7 million cad. According to the listing agent, Gary Gold, “This is the quintessential Beverly Hills estate located on the best block of the best street in the Flats. This is the type of home you see in a movie portraying the good life.”
Built in the 1930s, the mansion has been painstakingly restored, blending the irreplaceable craftsmanship of a bygone era with all the latest in modern luxury.
Spanning 9,000 square feet with five bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and luxe modern amenities, the residence will be sold fully furnished.
The two-story home boasts an imposing Italian-style facade. Old World styling is evident throughout the mansion, with columns, archways, wrought-iron details, and exquisite beamed ceilings. Enter through the impressive two-story foyer, featuring double staircases, coved archways, a wonderful chandelier, and a hand-painted ceiling. The chef’s kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances and a spacious butler’s pantry, while the formal dining room includes seating for 12. A cozy breakfast offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with yard access for al fresco dining.
The spacious primary suite includes big windows for lots of natural light, a generously appointed bathroom with marble accents and a glamorous mirrored powder room, plus a walk-in closet fit for a supermodel’s wardrobe. Upstairs, find three more bedrooms with their own en-suites, furnished in a classic style. A step-down living room with steel-case windows and an attractive great room with an inviting fireplace offer lots of space for lounging. Meticulous attention to detail is evident in every room, while the chic but understated furnishings allow the home’s timeless beauty to shine.
The spectacular yard offers a resort-like atmosphere with a stylish pool, manicured lawns, and tall hedges for lots of privacy. Multiple balconies offer pool views, while the den and family room connect with the outdoor spaces for seamless indoor-outdoor living, taking advantage of LA’s year-round pleasant weather. The covered loggia is especially lovely, with intricate columns and a curtained gazebo. Other amenities include a library with built-in bookshelves, a five-car garage, and a separate guest house with two bedrooms and two baths.
Located just off world-famous Sunset Blvd, the mansion is convenient to the music and entertainment venues of the Sunset Strip, the high-end shops on Rodeo Drive, the Getty Museum, and the Los Angeles Country Club. Known for its beautiful homes on large lots, the Flats is one of 90210’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Just a few of the zipcode’s illustrious residents include Adele, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Aniston, Jack Nicholson, Ashton Kutcher and Katy Perry. For the Silo, Bob Walsh/ toptenrealestatedeals.com.
The listing is held by Gary Gold at Forward One. Photo Credit: Jennifer Mann, The Luxury Level
LANDSCAPES 2025 is an impressive online survey exhibition adjudicated by the notable public art gallery programmer Krista Young and the celebrated artist Clint Griffin. The John B. Aird Gallery is proud to presentitsfirst large group project organized around the Landscape Genre, a genre of art practiced for centuries around the world.
Broadly defined, a landscape practice is a migratory representation of an artist’s creativity within the fluid realms of two- or three-dimensional art, whether representational or non-representational.
This intentionally broad definition allows for a diverse range of artworks, reflecting the variety of contemporary art techniques and practices today.
LANDSCAPES features new work by fifty-five artists inclusive of John Abrams, Rhonda Abrams, Sue Archibald, Joe Atikian, Phill Atwood, Jarrod Barker, Ioana Bertrand, Matthew Brown, J. Lynn Campbell, Alyson Champ, Ava P Christl, Frances Cordero de Bolaños, Glen Cumming, Grace Dam, Fanny Desroches, Jennifer Dobinson, Edward M. Donald, Janice Evans, Tanya Fenkell, Marie Finkelstein, Julie Florio, Robert Fogel, Anna & Richelle Gaby-Trotz & Forsey, Elena Gaevskaya, Arnie Guha, Stev’nn Hall, Michael Hannan, Emily Honderich, Carol Hughes, Connie Ivany, Marlene Klassen, Lisa Litowitz, Ramona Marquez-Ramraj, Claudia McKnight, Susan Munderich, Mahnez Nezarati, Allan O’Marra, Sherry Park, Karen Perlmutter, Piera Pugliese, Jackie Rancourt, Katie Rodgers, Lynne Ryall, Kaija Savinainen, Lee Schnaiberg, Wendy Skog, Carolynn Smallwood, Margaret Stawicki, Kate Taylor, Robert Teteruck, Steph Thompson, Joanna Turlej, Dejana Veljko, Victoria Wallace and Don Woodiwiss.
The landscape work of these artists spans various themes, from expansive vistas and sophisticated gardens to untamed wilderness.
These pieces engage with the dialogue between traditional art history and contemporary interpretations. Some explore the connections between mythologies and landscapes, investigating the relationship between spirituality and nature, which may lead to more abstract representations. Conversely, other works critically examine the impacts of the railroad, displacement, and extraction industries, illustrating the lasting scars these forces leave on the land.
JURORS BIOGRAPHY
Clint Griffin lives and works in Toronto. His work has been widely shown in Canada and the United States. Celebrated in both the contemporary and folk art worlds, Griffin’s work can be found in many private and public collections including the Art Gallery of Ontario, Bank of Montreal and Canada Council Art Bank. Clint currently owns and operates a fine art services business providing service to galleries, artists, collectors and institutions throughout Ontario.
Krista Young has held roles in both administrative and programming capacities at public art galleries in Northern and Northeastern Ontario. Krista has assisted in the development of programming, publications and touring exhibitions. Now based in Toronto, Krista is a small business owner and mother of three.
Seasoned Canadian Actor Randy Thomas Put Forward for Canadian Screen Award Nomination for Best Supporting Performance in a Drama.
Toronto, ON – Seasoned actor Randy Thomas has been officially put forward for nomination by Brainpower Studio for the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television’s prestigious Canadian Screen Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Drama for his riveting role in The Jane Mysteries: Murder at Moseby starring Jodie Sweetin and Stephen Huszar.
Known for his commanding presence as stoic corporate executives and his undeniable charm as comedic father figures, Thomas stunned audiences with his transformative performance as an emotionally distraught and lonely antagonist in the Hallmark mystery franchise.
His portrayal—layered with heartbreak, volatility, and an unexpected path to redemption—took fans by surprise, further solidifying his range and talent as a seasoned performer.
The industry has taken notice, with Thomas’ nomination consideration reflecting the powerful impact of his performance.
Randy is a special actor. He has Leading Man charisma like George Clooney but with a unique knack for comedy. We are incredibly grateful to Director Marco Deufemia and Brainpower Studio CEO Beth Stevenson for seeing the depth of Randy’s talent and entrusting him with such a complex role. The fact that they put him forward for nomination tells us that Randy far exceeded their expectations. Let’s hope the Academy recognizes his extraordinary work as well. A win in this category would be a career highlight, and we anticipate this nomination will open even more doors for him across Canada and the U.S.
As the industry eagerly awaits the final nominations, Randy Thomas’ performance in Murder at Moseby stands as a testament to the rich and evolving talent pool within Canadian entertainment. With growing anticipation from his peers and fans alike, one thing is certain—this should be the beginning of a thrilling new chapter in Randy Thomas’ career that’s long overdue. For The Silo, Sandy Martinez. 514-286-6001
It’s that time of the year again…time for a perennial favorite read. Why favorite? Because we all want to know how much longer Winter will last. At this point on the calendar, at the second day of February, it feels like warm days are lost forever. But there is always hope. Hope in a critter and a shadow. Let’s begin. Again.
Maybe Groundhog Day can become a National or Provincial Stat Holiday because February 2nd isn’t officially known as Groundhog Day. Technically it isn’t a National Holiday. It isn’t a Provincial Holiday. [Is Quebec the only province with a Provincial Holiday? CP]
But maybe it should be.
Groundhog Day isn’t an exclusive celebration that targets a specific demographic such as Family Day. It isn’t religiously or politically motivated. It doesn’t specify Muslim, Buddhist, Marxist, agnostic or atheist beliefs. It is inclusive, quirky, wacky and fun. There is no need to worry about political incorrectness.
Maybe Groundhog Day can become a rallying point for Ontarians because in many ways they are like us: Groundhogs are robust creatures. They handle a long winter with style. Groundhogs might be cute but they are also tough!
Maybe the Groundhog can become Canada’s national animal.
Does anyone remember the politician who wanted to make the polar bear our national animal? Most of us aren’t likely to run into polar bears. It’s that old adage: “Out of sight, out of mind” and since we’re more likely to see a groundhog and associate with a groundhog it is an ideal choice. Incidentally Canada’s national animal is the beaver. Another obscure animal that most of us have never seen.
Maybe Groundhog Day is spiritual after all.
If a Holiday needed ever to be justified on a basis of spirituality or community consider the following short list:
Mysticism (Shadow casting or lack their off = Long range weather forecast)
Fatalism (Let everyone believe that an animal can come out of the ground on a specific day and tell us how the next six weeks will turn out)
Anthropomorphism (Groundhogs can really see? Can they talk? How do we know if they have seen their shadow?)
Human/Animal Communication or Telepathy (Groundhog interpreters/ Groundhog whisperers? Are they specific to Wiarton, Punxsutawney?) Feature image- Punxsutawney Phil. For the Silo, Rick Fess.
We’ve touched on the symbiotic relationship between film and art in the past, such as our comparison between Blade Runner and Barry Lyndon. Let’s take a look at a few other examples. Hope you enjoy the article below and as always, if we have missed any please comment at the bottom of the page.
Art and cinema, two powerful forms of creative expression, often intersect in fascinating ways. Many of the most visually stunning movies, like the examples below, take their cinematographic style from the world of fine art. While fine artworks are only single frames, they are able to convey a sense of movement and story through their composition, perspective, form, color, and style.
For example, dynamic brushwork and lines can create a sense of energy and movement, while color and contrast can evoke emotion and progression in the narrative. Those same creative techniques are used by cinematographers to create unique cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences. And in some cases, a film’s visual inspiration is taken directly from specific fine art pieces rather than an overarching fine art visual style.
For artists, examining how filmmakers have drawn from fine art can help gain insights into how visual elements impact storytelling, convey emotions, and engage audiences, offering a wealth of inspiration and new approaches to consider in their own work.
The Exorcist – A Surreal Dance of Light and Darkness
“The Exorcist,” directed by William Friedkin, is a seminal horror film that tells the chilling tale of a young girl possessed by a demonic entity. This film’s stark and realistic visual style heightens the horror of the supernatural events unfolding on screen. There’s a scene in the film where Father Merrin, played by Max von Sydow, stands in front of the MacNeil residence, a street lamp casting an eerie glow in the foggy night.
Scene from “The Exorcist”: The eerie glow of the streetlamp mirrors Magritte’s paradoxical day and night, setting the stage for a chilling tale of good versus evil.
This iconic scene (also used for the movie poster) pays homage to René Magritte’s “Empire of Light” series. In Empire of Light, each painting in the series features a paradoxical scene where it is simultaneously day and night – the sky is bright and clear as if it’s daytime, while the landscape below is shrouded in the darkness of night, often with a single-lit street lamp. This juxtaposition creates an eerie, dreamlike atmosphere that challenges the viewer’s perception of reality.
Magritte’s signature surrealism style often embodied contrasts and contradictions, combining ordinary objects to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. In “The Exorcist,” the same visual concept was used to create a sense of dread and foreboding, using the bright light from the windows above against the lone streetlamp lit on the dark, desolate street. The use of this visual reference amplifies the film’s underlying theme of the clash between good and evil, light and darkness.
Empire of Light” by René Magritte: A surreal dance of light and darkness that challenges our perception of reality.
William Friedkin, director of the film, commented on that scene during an interview. He said:
“I chose the house to match the Magritte painting. . . I saw [this painting] in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, it’s called Empire of Light by Rene Magritte. I had that in mind, and I chose the house to match the Magritte painting… the streetlamp…the shaft of light.”
Using the same style of juxtaposition as Magritte’s painting helped Friedkin create tension and foreboding seen throughout this film. Whether it’s the contrast of light and dark, old and new, natural and artificial, or any other disparate elements, this technique can be a powerful tool for creating compelling and provocative art.
Also, by referencing a well-known piece of art, “The Exorcist” connects with the audience, adding depth to the film’s visual storytelling. Incorporating references to other works of art can be a way to engage the audience, create a dialogue with other artists, and contributes to the ongoing conversation that is art history.
Inception – A Labyrinth of Dreams and Reality in Visually Stunning Movies
Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” is a mind-bending exploration of dreams and reality. This visually stunning movie is characterized by its complex, surreal architecture and mind-bending visuals that defy the laws of physics. The scene where the dream architects fold the city onto itself is a clear homage to M.C. Escher.
Scene from “Inception”: The city folds onto itself, creating a multi-dimensional dreamscape that echoes the impossible spaces of Escher’s work.
Escher’s work is renowned for exploring impossible spaces and optical illusions, often playing with perspective and gravity to create mind-bending visual paradoxes. “Relativity” is a prime example of this, featuring a labyrinthine structure where staircases ascend and descend in various directions, defying the laws of gravity and normal spatial orientation.
“Relativity” by M.C. Escher: A mind-bending labyrinth of staircases that defy the laws of gravity and spatial orientation.
In Inception, Nolan employs similar visual trickery. The cityscape folds and twists in impossible ways, creating a multi-dimensional space that simultaneously feels possible and impossible. The scene is difficult for our minds to comprehend, much like the world depicted in Relativity. The scene is a visual spectacle and serves the narrative by symbolizing the boundless possibilities within the dream world.
In an interview with “Wired,” Nolan spoke about the influence of paradoxical architecture on the film and stated, “In trying to write a team-based creative process, I wrote the one I know.” Noting that he and his team “liked the idea of exploring paradoxical architecture,” the concept became a key element in the film. The visual correlation between Escher’s “Relativity” and the dream architecture in “Inception” is unmistakable.
For fine artists, the “Inception” and “Relativity” examples offer valuable insights into the power of perspective and the manipulation of space. By referencing “Relativity,” “Inception” brings these impossible spaces to life, creating a visual spectacle that serves the film’s narrative about the malleability of dreams.
Although these surrealist works go to the extreme in manipulating perspective and space, the same idea can be used in non-surrealist works to provide unusual viewpoints, adding a sense of intrigue and dynamism to other traditional art styles.
The impossible, labyrinthine architecture also serves as a visual metaphor for the complexity and unpredictability of the human mind. Artists should consider how visual elements can provide more than aesthetic value or overt narrative context. They can also convey deeper meanings, alternate themes, or subtexts, making the artwork more interesting and evocative.
There Will Be Blood – The Struggle of Man and Nature
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood” is a captivating film that delves into the ruthless world of oil drilling in the early 20th century. This beautiful movie’s visual style is stark and gritty, reflecting the harsh realities of its setting and pays homage to the works of Charles Marion Russell.
“Jerked Down” by Charles Marion Russell: A dramatic depiction of the struggle between man and nature in the American West.
Russell’s work often captures the dramatic tension and struggle between man and nature in the American West as exemplified in works like “Jerked Down,” depicting a cowboy being thrown off his horse amidst a thunderstorm – a powerful representation of this struggle. In There Will Be Blood, the scene where an oil derrick catches fire and creates a towering inferno against the barren landscape is reminiscent of Russell’s painting both in style and content.
Scene from “There Will Be Blood”: The towering inferno of the oil derrick, a stark symbol of man’s destructive ambition, mirrors the tension and drama of Russell’s painting.
Both works use light and shadow to heighten the tension and drama of their respective scenes. In “Jerked Down,” Russell uses stark contrasts between the dark stormy sky and the lightning-lit foreground to create a sense of impending danger. Similarly, in “There Will Be Blood,” the scene of the burning oil derrick is dramatically lit, with the fiery glow of the inferno starkly contrasted against the dark, barren landscape. This creates a visually striking image that underscores the danger and destruction caused by something uncontrollable.
Additionally, both works use composition to emphasize the scale and power of nature compared to man. In “Jerked Down,” the cowboy is depicted as small and vulnerable against the vast, stormy landscape, emphasizing the power of the natural elements he is up against. Similarly, in “There Will Be Blood,” the oil derrick, while man-made, is dwarfed by the towering inferno, symbolizing nature’s overwhelming response to man’s intrusion.
These similarities in the use of light, shadow, and composition create a visual link between the two works, suggesting a stylistic influence or at least a shared visual language in their depiction of man’s struggle against nature.
The visual elements create drama and a sense of tension but, more importantly, have a huge impact on the narrative. Depicting a struggle between opposing forces can add a sense of dynamism and narrative to an artwork.
Imagine the same scene in Anderson’s film, but instead of the character being small compared to the fiery event, the main character was in the full frame looking up at the fiery plume, which from that perspective, would be far above in the background of the shot. Such a change would remove the idea of a struggle between forces and minimize the metaphor of the oil derrick representing the protagonist’s destructive ambition.
Melancholia – a Psychological Masterpiece of Beauty and Despair
Lars von Trier’s “Melancholia” explores its characters’ psychological and emotional turmoil against the backdrop of an impending planetary collision. This beautiful movie’s visual style is lush and dreamlike, reflecting the inner worlds of its characters. One of the film’s most memorable scenes is directly inspired by John Everett Millais’ “Ophelia,” a painting that depicts the tragic heroine from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” floating in a stream before her death.
“Ophelia” by John Everett Millais: A serene yet tragic scene that captures the beauty and despair of its titular character.
The painting is renowned for its detailed and emotive depiction of the famous character and for its lush, vibrant colors, intricate details, and sense of serene despair. In Melancholia, von Trier captures a similar mood in the scene where Justine, played by Kirsten Dunst, also floats in a stream surrounded by flowers and foliage. Justine’s floating figure, the serene water, and the surrounding nature all mirror the composition and mood of “Ophelia.” The scene is visually striking and serves the narrative by symbolizing Justine’s despair and resignation in the face of the impending planetary collision.
Scene from “Melancholia”: Justine floats in a stream, her despair and resignation in the face of impending doom mirroring the tragic serenity of Millais’ Ophelia.
The Pre-Raphaelite style that Millais helped pioneer, characterized by its vibrant colors, attention to detail, and emphasis on emotion, is apparent throughout the film, and the visual correlation between this particular scene and the painting is unmistakable.
By referencing Ophelia, Melancholia brings the beauty and tragedy of Earth’s impending doom to life, creating a visual spectacle that serves the film’s narrative about the psychological impact of the event.
The Whispering Wheat Fields of “Days of Heaven”
In the world of beautiful movies, Terrence Malick’s “Days of Heaven” stands as a testament to the power of visual poetry. The film’s imagery, a symphony of natural light and earthy tones, seems to whisper stories of the American heartland, echoing the quiet intensity of Andrew Wyeth’s painting “Christina’s World.”
“Christina’s World” by Andrew Wyeth: A quiet yet intense depiction of solitude and longing in the vast, open landscape.
“Days of Heaven” is a cinematic canvas where the characters are painted against the vast, open landscapes, much like the solitary figure in Wyeth’s work. The characters, dwarfed by their surroundings, become part of the landscape, their stories intertwined with the whispering wheat fields and the ever-changing sky, where humans are but a small part of the larger natural world.
Just as Wyeth captured the subtle play of light and shadow on the grass and Christina’s dress, Malick uses the soft, diffused light of dawn and dusk to paint his scenes, lending them an ethereal, almost dreamlike quality. This masterful use of light enhances the film’s visual appeal and adds depth to its narrative, reflecting the characters’ hopes, dreams, and inevitable disillusionments.
Scene from “Days of Heaven”: The characters, dwarfed by their surroundings, become part of the landscape, their stories whispered by the wheat fields and the ever-changing sky, echoing the quiet intensity of Wyeth’s painting.
The visual language of “Days of Heaven” speaks volumes about its influences. While Malick is a man of few words, letting his films speak for themselves, the cinematographer Nestor Almendros once mentioned that Malick wanted the film to resemble an “old family album.” This desire to capture the past’s fleeting, ephemeral moments resonates strongly with the nostalgic undertones of Wyeth’s work, suggesting a shared artistic vision.
So, what can fine artists glean from this? First, the power of light. Just as Malick and Wyeth used light to infuse their work with a certain mood, artists can experiment with light in their own work to create a specific atmosphere or to highlight certain aspects of their subject. Second, the importance of the environment. “Days of Heaven” and “Christina’s World” shows how the setting can become a character in its own right, influencing the work’s narrative and emotional tone. Artists can think about how the environment interacts with their subjects and how it can be used to convey deeper meanings and themes.
The Enduring Dialogue Between Cinema and Fine Art
The intersection of cinema and fine art is a fascinating exchange that enriches both mediums. As we’ve seen in these examples, beautiful movies like “The Exorcist,” “Inception,” “There Will Be Blood,” “Melancholia,” and “Days of Heaven” have drawn inspiration from fine art masterpieces, creating visually captivating films that audiences will enjoy for decades.
These films demonstrate how the language of fine art – its techniques, motifs, and themes – or its basic principles – such as composition, color, light, and symbolism – can be applied to other mediums to convey emotion, tell stories, and engage audiences.
Ultimately, the dialogue between cinema and fine art is a testament to the power of creativity and the endless possibilities of artistic expression. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a fine artist, or simply an art lover, there’s much to learn and appreciate in this fascinating intersection of art and cinema. For the Silo, Steve Schlackman/artrepreneur.
The Gibbes Museum of Art presents the world premiere of Statement Pieces: Contemporary Fashion Design and the Gibbes Collection (January 31‒April 27), featuring designer treasures from Barrett Barrera Projects’ acclaimed fashion collection alongside works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Exquisitely designed garments are curated with select artworks spanning from the 1770s to the 2020s. The exhibition is the centerpiece of this year’s Art Charleston, the city’s annual visual arts festival (April 23‒27). Statement Pieces shines a light on extraordinary fashions by Alexander McQueen, Charlie le Mindu, Comme des Garcons, Dapper Dan, Gucci, Molly Goddard, Pam Hogg, Richard Quinn, and Serena Gili.
Their designer looks are paired with artworks by Joan Mitchell, Romare Bearden, Jasper Johns, Barkley Hendricks, Gilbert Stuart, Sir Martin Archer Shee, and Utagawa Hiroshige, plus nationally renowned Southern artists Merton Daniel Simpson, Donté K. Hayes, and Edward Rice, among other artists in the museum show.
Pictured above is Molly Goddard’s green tulle dress with embroidered flowers, from the Autumn/Winter 2017 Collection. The garment is paired with Joan Mitchell’s 1966 painting, titled Series: July 25 I, oil on canvas. In celebration of the artist’s centennial year, the Gibbes Museum is one of eleven American institutions awarded a grant by the Joan Mitchell Foundation. (Fashion photo by Jonas Gustavsson)
S t a t e m e n t P i e c e s
The exhibition is co-curated by Sara Arnold (Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Gibbes Museum of Art), and Kelly Peck (Chief Curator/Vice President of Barrett Barrera Projects). The gallery settings and staging for these one-of-a-kind pairings were designed by Nic Cherry (Director/Barrett Barrera Projects). Portraits by American and European masters from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries showcase historical figures who were so confidently fashion-forward, they boldly hold their own when positioned next to the high glamour of current fashions.
Their sense of style continues to influence present day fashion designers, centuries later. Abstract mid-twentieth century paintings, and contemporary artworks of today, signal how art and fashion always influenced each other ‒ a theme clearly evident when viewed through this fashion lens.
Pictured above is the 1804 portrait by Gilbert Stuart of Charleston-born General John R. Fenwick (1780-1842), oil on canvas, exhibited alongside Alexander McQueen’s blue velvet embroidered coat with tulle replica dress, from the Autumn/Winter 2008 Collection. (Fashion photo above by Giovanni Giannoni) Pictured below is the red dress from the Comme des Garcons Spring/Summer 2015 Collection, paired with Sanctuary, the stoneware sculpture created by Donté K. Hayes in 2020.
(Fashion photos below by Jonas Gustavsson)
Above: the Museum exhibition pairs Harlem-inspired streetwear by Dapper Dan (pictured left) from his wildly successful 2018 collaboration with Gucci, and the 1972 painting on the right by the late artist Barkley Hendricks, titled Ms. Johnson (Estelle), oil and acrylic on linen canvas.
The Museum purchased this painting with funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. During his career, Hendricks influenced Black portraiture and conceptualism, and was known for his life-sized portraits of Black Americans. “The Gibbes Museum of Art is thrilled to kick off the new season by celebrating the many ways art and fashion are forever intertwined in our culture,” says Angela Mack, the President and CEO of the Gibbes Museum. “The dialogues between each artwork and garment create a striking visual courtship between the two art forms.
By pairing these works from our Museum’s permanent collection with the fashions from Barrett Barrera Projects, together we are taking the phrase Statement Pieces to a whole new level,” adds Angela Mack. Pictured below: the 1823 portrait by Thomas Sully of Sarah Reeve Ladson, oil on canvas, with Alexander McQueen’s two-piece floral ensemble with brown leather corset, Spring/Summer 2009 Collection.
(Fashion photos below by Jonas Gustavsson) The curators emphasize a dramatic focus on form, line, shape, texture, and color, creating fresh explorations of the Gibbes Museum’s collection through fashion. Traditional portraits by prominent American and European painters are re-contextualized with modern takes on power-dressing. The longstanding interplay between fine art and contemporary fashion design is showcased by combinations that examine technique, materiality, memory, identity, and style between each of the coupled fashions and artworks.
Pictured below: The 1770 painting by Benjamin West depicts Charleston-born Thomas Middleton, oil on canvas, presented with Gucci’s gold dress with feather embellishments from the Spring/Summer 2011 Collection.
The style of sumptuous costume was often used in 18th Century paintings to create an air of pageantry and elegance ‒ a nod to the garment’s assertive provocation of glamour.
(Fashion photo by Jonas Gustavsson)
Fashion designer Richard Quinn’s sequin embellished floral dress, from his Autumn/Winter 2019 Collection, is shown with Childe Hassam’s 1920 painting, April (The Green Gown), oil on canvas. This painting is unique among the American artist’s work because of its personal subject matter, recreating a moment from the artist’s past ‒ the artwork is believed to be a portrayal of Hassam’s mother in 1859 while she was pregnant with her son. Quinn describes his fashions as being “designed with the most meaningful moments of our lives in mind, inextricably linked with time, place and memory.”
(Fashion photo by Jonas Gustavsson) Several of the artists in this exhibition use their depictions of dress and fashion to emphasize the personal style of their subjects. The artists also used this emphasis as an expression of their own aesthetic sensibilities. This creativity and flair are comparable to the way modern day stylists and art directors work at fashion shoots today.
Above: The red tartan plaid pleated dress from the Comme des Garcons Spring/Summer 2017 collection is presented alongside the 1820 portrait titled Mrs. George Hall (Jane Ross), by Sir Martin Archer Shee, oil on canvas. Fashion designer Rei Kawakubo’s clothing designs are known for exploring volume and shape, with amplified proportions. In the painting, the artist Martin Archer Shee likely included tartan to denote his subject’s Scottish heritage.
(Fashion photo by Giovanni Giannoni)
Above: The winged figure rising in the center of the 2015 mixed media work They Combined Beauty, by Stephen L. Hayes Jr, calls out to the gold embroidered wings on the black sheath dress by Alexander McQueen, Spring/Summer 2008 collection.
The many layers of found objects in Hayes’ artwork convey the resilience and strength of the African American community, despite centuries of adversity ‒ from symbols referencing the transatlantic slave passage, to the fight for legal civil rights.
(Fashion photo by Jonas Gustavsson)
Pictured above: a rare 1800s Japanese color woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai titled South Wind, Clear Dawn (Gaifu kaisei), with Alexander McQueen’s silk ombre kimono dress, Spring/Summer 2008 Collection. McQueen was fascinated with Japanese culture and dress. The visually pronounced gradations in McQueen’s fabric marry well with the color technique effects in Hokusai’s artwork.
(Fashion photo by Jonas Gustavsson)
Pictured above: visitors to the museum will be able to view one of Romare Bearden’s rarely seen mid-century abstract paintings. Untitled (Green), ca. 1950s, (oil, casein, and colored pencil on canvas, that has been cut and mounted on painted board), is juxtaposed with fashion designer Serena Gili’s golden fiberglass skirt and cashmere beaded top.
Gili’s acclaimed 2012 Collection earned rave reviews. Bearden’s abstract paintings are not usually exhibited to the public, and are heralded as some of his best work by the art critic Roberta Smith.
(Fashion photo by Saga Sig, courtesy of Serena Gili)
Pictured above: Pam Hogg’s “Black Dress #4” from the Spring/Summer 2013 Collection, paired with the 1919 painting Mrs. Asher D. Cohen, by Martha Simkins, oil on canvas. Hogg’s collection was titled “Save Our Souls” when it debuted at London Fashion Week, emphasizing the punk aesthetic and London club scene looks that Hogg is known for. During the historical period when this painting was made, it was common for women to have their portraits painted while in mourning. (Fashion photo courtesy of Pam Hogg)
Above: Merton Daniel Simpson’s 1991 painting titled Grand Dance, oil and Mali hunting cloth, paired with the Alexander McQueen moth print silk dress from the fashion house’s Spring/Summer 2010 Collection. The decade-defining collection was one of the first to feature 3-D printing techniques.
Simpson was born in Charleston in 1928, and was influential in bringing African art into mainstream culture when he opened his art gallery in New York in the 1950s, introducing tribal and African art to museums and collectors. He worked for social justice, incorporating political themes into his art. (Fashion photo by Jonas Gustavsson) For the Silo, Jarrod Barker. @jarrod_barker_
Exhibition Events and Programming
The exhibition comes to life through a series of events and programming from January 31 through April 27. Visit gibbesmuseum.org/programs-events for updated events information.
About Art Charleston 2025
Art Charleston (April 23-27) is the city’s annual visual arts festival, presented by the Gibbes Museum of Art. The five-day celebration features signature events, exhibition tours led by experts, artist lectures, panel discussions, gallery walks, professional workshops, and more. Read the full festival event guide at the link above. The centerpiece of this year’s festival is the Museum’s exhibition Statement Pieces: Contemporary Fashion Design and the Gibbes Collection.
About Barrett Barrera Projects
Barrett Barrera Projects is a cross-disciplinary group of originators who redefine art experiences and push boundaries to explore the continuously expanding spectrum of art forms. We see art where others see separate disciplines. At Barrett Barrera Projects we focus on the intersections, because that’s where new ideas and experiences emerge. Our team produces, manages, consults and advises on emerging contemporary art and non-traditional media. Barrett Barrera Projects offers complex, multi-disciplinary exhibition experiences that challenge the traditional boundaries separating art, fashion, design and performance.
About the Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes Museum of Art, a beacon in the American South for arts and culture since 1858 when the Museum’s art collection was founded as the Carolina Art Association, is heralded as one of the earliest and most longstanding arts institutions in the United States. The Museum’s collection spans 350 years, and features some of America’s most celebrated artists ‒ including contemporary, modern and historical works. With world-class rotating exhibitions and a dynamic visiting artist residency program, the Gibbes is a southern museum with a global perspective. The Museum’s mission is to enhance lives through art by engaging people of every background and experience with art and artists of enduring quality, providing opportunities to learn and discover, to enjoy and be inspired by the creative process. Museum hours and visitor info at: www.gibbesmuseum.org/visit
Maximizing workspace in smaller environments is a common struggle, leaving many people feeling cramped and unproductive. The frustration of limited space can lead to discomfort and decreased efficiency. Small sit-stand desks are an innovative solution for optimizing your workspace and enhancing productivity. They allow you to alternate between sitting and standing, making the most of your workspace while promoting better health and efficiency throughout your day.
As remote work continues to rise in popularity, having functional and ergonomic solutions is more crucial than ever. A small workstation can transform your workspace by providing flexibility and promoting a healthier posture. Studies show that using a small sit stand desk can reduce sedentary time by up to 50%, leading to health benefits.
Small Sit-Stand Desks: Why Choose Them?
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Choosing the Right Small Sit-Stand Desk
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Choose a model with a height range of 28” to 48”. It accommodates most users, with adjustability allowing for sitting and standing positions. When selecting, check if the workstation’s height range fits your body’s needs (your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle when seated).
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Select a solution that supports your equipment without compromising stability. Small sit-stand workstations have a weight capacity between 50 to 300 pounds. For models supporting multiple monitors or heavy equipment, aim for variants with a weight capacity of 150-300 pounds.
Mobility
For small spaces that double as multi-use areas, you might want to consider an option with wheels or one that is easy to move. A mobile sit-stand workstation will allow you to switch from a workstation to a meeting area or move the desk for cleaning. If working in a shared environment, portability can provide much-needed flexibility without sacrificing functionality.
Popular Small Sit-Stand Desk Options
When choosing a workstation, understand the differences between electric and manual models to find the best fit:
Electric vs. Manual Adjustments
Electric sit-stand models allow for quick adjustments at the touch of a button. It makes them ideal for remote workers, freelancers, or anyone who frequently switches between sitting and standing. These desks are helpful if you spend long hours at your desk and need to adjust height smoothly throughout the day. However, they tend to come with a higher price tag.
Manually adjusted workstations, on the other hand, are a more affordable option and work well for individuals who do not need frequent height adjustments. Home office workers or students who use the desk less often may find manual desks the perfect budget-friendly option. While manual desks require some physical effort to adjust, they are reliable and long-lasting.
Price Considerations
Electric desks usually range from $300 to $800, depending on the brand, features, and size. While they may seem more expensive, the convenience and ease of use could be worth the investment, especially for individuals with ergonomic concerns or those who use their desks for long hours each day.
Manual desks are priced between $150 and $400, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The trade-off here is that while manual desks are more affordable, they may require more effort to adjust, which could be a drawback for those who prefer a smoother transition between sitting and standing.
Setting Up a Compact Workspace
A small sit-stand desk requires an efficient and thoughtful layout to ensure you make the most of your compact space.
Position your desk near a corner or wall to minimize distractions and save space. Incorporate vertical storage solutions, such as shelves, to keep essentials within arm’s reach while maintaining an uncluttered, organized workspace.
Accessories like keyboard trays and adjustable monitor arms are great space savers. A keyboard tray keeps your wrists in a neutral position and frees up valuable desk space. Adjustable monitor arms allow you to position your screen at eye level, which helps reduce strain on your neck and back.
With a small desk, cables can quickly create clutter. Use cable trays, clips, or a cable management box to keep wires organized and out of sight. It will help you maintain a professional look and prevent tripping hazards.
Keep your monitor at least an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at or below your eye level. Your keyboard should be at a height that allows your elbows to be at a 90-degree angle when typing.
Investing in a small sit-stand desk can enhance your workspace’s functionality and comfort. With the best setup, you will enjoy better health, productivity, and satisfaction in your work environment. Explore the available options today to find the perfect fit for your compact workstation! For the Silo, Anna Melnikova.
Ugh it’s winter and here in Southern Ontario as I type this we are at the tail end of the Polar Vortex. It’s damn cold out. But there are some things that lend themselves well to “tossing another log on” and staying cozy while enjoying being indoors or perhaps in your heated shop or garage.
In fact, the winter is a great time to take stock and plan for your automotive future. Maybe you’ve packed your summer car away for the season and realized there’s still room for one more, or perhaps you’ve been whiling away the winter daydreaming about the car that got away years ago.
Get Out The Hair Gel
Whatever the case, our friends at Hagerty put together their latest valuation info to find some cool ’80s-vintage North American cars and trucks that we would like to add to our collections, and we think you might agree with at least some of them. Read on brave winter warrior….
The following six vehicles can all be had for less than $25,000 usd/ $35,8300 cad in #3 (Good) condition. That’s a solid starting place for a classic you plan on putting some miles on, and a great place to start if you want a running and driving project that you can cruise to RADwood with. Here then are their excellent picks, in descending order based on value.
1989 Ford Mustang LX 5.0
Ford
#3 Value: $24,900 usd/ $35,680 cad
The LX was a bit of a sleeper as it had the same EFI 5.0-liter V-8 as the GT without the flashy bits. We like the later Fox-body styling, and while the ’89 comes close to the $25,000 usd price cap, 1987 and 1988 models look just as good and tend to be just a bit more affordable. Of course, four-eyed Fox-body Mustangs (which some of the Hagerty team find more stylish) tend to be even less expensive, but they are also less powerful. One of these later LX models would be a great place to start for a mild build to enjoy the fantastic 5.0-liter soundtrack, as few platforms have the kind of aftermarket behind it that the Fox-body still enjoys.
1987 Buick Regal T-Type Turbo
Mecum
#3 Value: $23,800 usd/ $38,400 cad
Speaking of sleepers, the turbocharged Buicks of the ’80s are some of the most infamous. Even when the sinister black Grand National gained a reputation, the less overt turbocharged Buick models still flew under the radar. The later turbo Buicks were fuel injected and Buick kept improving the punchy 3.8-liter V-6, with final models getting upgraded airflow by way of a new charge cooler, an aluminum intake manifold, and an improved turbocharger. The final tweaks gave 1987 turbo Buicks 245 hp and 355lb-ft of torque. While those numbers aren’t particularly impressive when compared to more modern performance cars (keeping in mind that hp isn’t everything when it comes to performance measurements) , or family sedans for that matter, they put Buicks firmly in the fight for the title of quickest new cars on the market. Their interesting development history makes them a worthy collectible, and the less flashy T-Type is a great entry point at about 35 percent less than a comparable Grand National.
1989 Chevrolet Corvette Callaway
Callaway Cars
#3 Value: $23,800 usd/ $34,100 cad
If 245 horsepower was a lot in 1987 (it was), imagine how exotic a 382hp twin-turbo Corvette must have been. The late Reeves Callaway had a long history of building exciting and powerful Corvettes, and even the earliest models were an ambitious project. The first twin-turbo Corvettes his company turned out in 1987 produced 345 hp, the same rating the first C5 Corvettes would receive with their naturally aspirated LS1 V-8s starting in 1997. Ever improving, Callaway soon had the 350-cubic-inch small-block pumping out 382 hp and 525 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful cars you could buy. It even came with a 12-month warranty. Just 69 Callaway Twin-Turbo Corvettes were built in 1989 and today their #3 value is just less than the $26,000 usd cost of the B2K RPO code that indicated the rare powertrain option. They might be more trouble to maintain than the rugged and simple 350 that came in everyday C4 Corvettes, but the Callaway Twin-Turbo mill was truly special. It’s also one of the best-looking C4 variants ever created, if you ask us.
1988 Stutz Bearcat
Stutz Motor Car Company
#3 Value: $23,100 usd/ $33,100 cad
The Stutz Bearcat is not well known, and those that do have any knowledge of the low-volume cars probably remember the ’60s iteration, a reemergence of the nameplate, and based on the Pontiac Grand Prix. Few will remember the original: a racy, brass-era runabout, and you can bet that if you arrived at a show in the final version of the Bearcat, based on the third-gen Firebird and sporting a carbon fiber composite body built in Turin, you’d be met with a lot of puzzled looks. Only about a dozen were built on the F-body platform, making them a truly rare sight. While the ubiquitous small-block drivetrain would make them easy to maintain, everything else about the car would be difficult to replace. Still, it’s quite a head-turning piece of American and Italian coachwork.
International Harvester gave its Scout lineup a makeover for its final year, featuring a new grille designed by Dick Hatch that used rectangular headlights. We think that the final grille is a great fit for the simple, blocky trucks and SUVs. The one shown above, with orange and yellow graphics, is practically perfect. While the standard wheelbase Scout II and the stretched Scout Traveler SUV are both outside of our $25,000 usd threshold, the stretched wheelbase Terra pickup is a more affordable entry point to Scout and meets the criteria when equipped with either the six-cylinder Nissan turbodiesel or the 196-cube four-cylinder that used the passenger bank of the company’s venerable 392 V-8. We love these rugged rigs and the Terra, with its 118-inch wheelbase and short overhangs, combines a decent-sized bed with maneuverability that’s appreciated off-road. The final year of Scout production would make an excellent addition to a collection where it could pitch in with its rugged utility and look great doing it.
1989 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
Courtesy Throttlestop/Andrew Marvan
#3 Value: $18,800 usd/ $26,900 cad
Chevrolet’s competitor to the lighter, more angular Mustang GT was the IROC-Z, the performance-oriented F-body that finally got the 350-cubic-inch Tuned-Port Injection (TPI) engine from its big brother, Corvette, starting in 1987. The 5.7-liter powerplant was only available with a four-speed auto as the T5 transmission that fits under the Camaro’s floorplan couldn’t handle the larger motor’s torque. The TPI intake, perched like a spider on top of the engine, featured long runners that favored low-speed torque. Unfortunately the intake, and the engine’s meager cylinder heads, weren’t great at maintaining that torque to get the power numbers up, Still, it competed well against the smaller Ford V-8 in the Mustang. Contemporary reviews praised the IROC-Z’s power, road-holding, steering feel, and traction compared to its Mustang counterpart, but the 5.0-liter Mustangs were formidable opponents. Your choice might come down to brand loyalty or whether you prefer the boxy Fox-body or the sleek F-body. If we found one of these in our garage, we’d be tempted to troll eBay and swap meets for vintage ’80s speed parts to build a day-two IROC-Z for canyons and backroads. But that is just us.
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier, faster, and more efficient way to prepare meals—but they aren’t foolproof…especially when cooking frozen foods. Below, “The Queen of Air Fryers” Cathy Yoder shares some essential tips, tricks, and common pitfalls for perfecting frozen food in the air fryer. From achieving the ideal crisp without excess oil to avoiding rookie mistakes, this comprehensive guide ensures delicious results every time. Perfect for food and lifestyle coverage, this piece offers value to novice and seasoned air fryer enthusiasts, alike.
Can you cook frozen foods in the air fryer? Yes, you can! In fact, the air fryer cooks up frozen food items faster than the regular oven. While the air fryer is something different than a deep fryer, it can also do most if not all of the same things that a deep fryer can do, but in a healthier fashion. By using less oil, you can cut down on the fat content of some of your favorite fried foods.
Tips and tricks for cooking frozen food in the air fryer:
Food will cook slightly differently in the air fryer than in a deep fryer. So, you will have to do some adjusting of cook times and temperatures, as well as a few other ways to make sure you are cooking frozen food well. There are very extensive internal temperature charts available that can be very helpful as well.
Best Practices:
Preheat the air fryer: this can help get the air fryer to the right temperature and potentially cook faster. However, it is not always necessary in order for frozen food to cook properly.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket: make sure to leave space between the food always for it to cook through evenly without undercooking parts, leaving them unsafe to eat.
Shake or stir the food: Most air fryers will require the food to be shaken or stirred in order to get the food cooked evenly, especially for foods like fries.
Use oil sparingly. Lots of frozen foods already have oils in them and so they don’t need a lot of oil, just a little. So don’t use too much oil to make it too greasy or unhealthy. Or, if you want it to be extra crispy, then spritz a little extra oil and bump up the heat.
Check internal temperature. The recommended internal temperature of most frozen foods is 165 degrees F or 74 degrees C.
Top Frozen Food Air Fryer Mistakes
Only using an air fryer for frozen foods. Avoid this by branching out and committing to make one new air fryer recipe a week!
Using aerosol sprays in the air fryer – these are full of propellants and chemicals that you not only don’t want to consume, but it’s not good for the air fryer basket coating. Instead, buy an oil sprayer and put pure avocado oil in it (which has a high smoke point, is healthier than other oils, and tasteless).
Using metal utensils with the air fryer. Protect coating the air fryer basket by using silicone coated tools. I also like to use air fryer parchment paper liners which also protects the basket AND makes cleaning the air fryer so much easier (see mistake 7).
Overcrowding the basket – depending on what you’re making, you want to allow room for air flow around the food you’re cooking. If you’re doing a mix of veggies with protein for example, the food does not need to be in a single layer, but you also don’t want to fill the basket up so much that the food has a hard time cooking. Generally I try and keep it no more than ⅓ full and be sure to stir food around during cooking so everything can cook evenly.
Following oven directions. Since the air fryer is essentially a mini convection oven, foods cook faster since the heat is contained in a smaller space and the air flow is more powerful. A good rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature by 25˚ and cut the cook time in half. Then you can add more time as needed.
Not using an instant read food thermometer… Using this will help you know when your food is actually cooked. That way you stay safe by not undercooking foods AND your food tastes better because it won’t dry out because you’re over cooking.
Not cleaning the air fryer basket after each cooking session – which leads to a gross build up of grease and food that will be harder to clean later! After using the air fryer I will let it cool slightly and then I usually wipe up any grease or food drippings with a paper towel, then spray on some Dawn Powerwash and let it sit for a few minutes. Then I’ll wipe up any remaining grease and then wash it down with some hot water. That usually cleans it all up with minimal effort. Don’t forget to wipe the inside of the air fryer and around the heating element with a damp cloth. With some of the foods you cook in the air fryer, consider using air fryer parchment liners to avoid any large messes in the first place.
Cooking fatty foods wrong! First, you likely do not even need to use oil because the protein already has fat. Second, the fattier the food, the more grease that will drip thru the tray. Depending on your air fryer, this might cause alarm because the air fryer will start smoking! One tip is to place a piece of bread between the basket and tray of the air fryer to catch greasy drippings.
Relying too much on preset buttons. Just because the button for fish or chicken has a set time and temperature, doesn’t mean you should follow that exact time and temp. Defer to mistake #6 – use the food thermometer to know when your food is actually done. Otherwise, you will likely overcook your food if you just push the button and walk away. “Roast” “Broil” “Bake” in most cases, this does not change the function of what is happening inside the air fryer, but is actually just adjusting the programmed temperature and time.
Expecting the air fryer to perform just like a deep fryer. This means battered foods will not turn out well in the air fryer, save those for your deep fryer instead. Yes, some things do just taste better deep fried, but in many cases air frying is a close 2nd and the health benefits of way less oil in your food make using an air fryer worth it.
Yes, the air fryer is a great tool to cook frozen foods, like those included on my list of my list of “Frozen foods to make in the air fryer.” This handy appliance can cook frozen foods fast and just as crispy as a deep fryer … but with less fat. All great things. For the Silo, Cathy Yoder.
Widely regarded as the “Queen of Air Fryers,” Cathy Yoder—a mother of eight—wanted to prove that air fryers could do more than reheat frozen foods and leftovers. So, she documented her journey on YouTube. Today she boasts over 742,000 YouTube followers and yet more across other socials, over 6 million video views and tens of thousands of cookbooks sold.
January 2015, Villa Erba, Italy. Our friends at Broad Arrow Auctions are thrilled to announce the consignment of what many consider to be one of the most original early Ferrari models extant to its inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction. Never before offered for public sale, the 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa with Coachwork by Carrozzeria Ansaloni is one of two examples purchased by the Besana brothers, Ferrari’s earliest customers.
Complete with Ferrari Classiche White Book certification with its original body, chassis, 2.0-liter V12 engine, and five-speed racing gearbox, it is further complemented by 50-year family ownership from 1965 to 2015 with multiple in-depth editorial pieces documenting its impressive provenance.
1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa Coachwork by Carrozzeria Ansaloni Chassis No 004 C Engine No. 004 C Estimate: €5,500,000 – €7,500,000 / $8,180,000 cad- $11,540,000 cad. Classiche White Book certified with its original body, chassis, 2.0-liter V12, and five-speed racing gearbox. One of two 166 Spyder Corsas purchased by the Besana brothers, Ferrari’s earliest customers. Sixth overall at the 1948 Targa Florio, a veteran of the 1948 and 1949 Mille Miglias, period Formula Two races, and hill climbs. Long-term 50-year family ownership 1965-2015 with multiple in-depth editorial pieces. 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance class award—displayed at Pebble Beach within Casa Ferrari in 2019 and 2022. Best of Show at the 2003 FCA National Meet, Cavallino and FCA Platinum Awards; feature car at the 2006 Cavallino Classic.
The rise of AI is truly remarkable. It is transforming the way we work, live, and interact with each other, and with so many other touchpoints of our lives. However, while AI aggregates, dyslexic thinking skills innovate. If used in the right way, AI could be the perfect co-pilot for dyslexics to really move the world forward. In light of this, Virgin and Made By Dyslexia have launched a brilliant campaign to show what is possible if AI and dyslexic thinking come together. The film below says it all.
As the film shows, AI can’t replace the soft skills that index high in dyslexics – such as innovating, lateral thinking, complex problem solving, and communicating.
If you ask AI for advice on how to scale a brand that has a record company – it offers valuable insights, but the solution lacks creative instinct and spontaneous decision making. If I hadn’t relied on my intuition, lateral thinking and willingness to take a risk, I would have never jumped from scaling a record company to launching an airline – which was a move that scaled Virgin into the brand it is today.
Together, dyslexic thinkers and AI are an unstoppable force, so it’s great to see that 72% of dyslexics see AI tools (like ChatGPT) as a vital starting point for their projects and ideas – according to new research by Made By Dyslexia and Randstad Enterprise. With help from AI, dyslexics have limitless power to change the world, but we need everyone to welcome our dyslexic minds. If businesses fail to do this, they risk being left behind. As the Value of Dyslexia report highlighted, dyslexic skillsets will mirror the World Economic Forum’s future skills needs by end of this year (2025). Given the speed at which technology and AI have progressed, this cross-over has arrived two years earlier than predicted.
Image: Sarah Rogers/MITTR
With all of this in mind, it’s concerning to see a big difference between how HR departments think they understand and support dyslexia in the workplace, versus the experience of dyslexic people themselves.
The new research also shows that 66% of HR professionals believe they have support structures in place for dyslexia, yet only 16% of dyslexics feel supported in the workplace. It’s even sadder to see that only 14% of dyslexic employees believe their workplace understands the value of dyslexic thinking. There is clearly work to be done here.
To empower dyslexic thinking in the workplace (which has the two-fold benefit of bringing out the best in your people and in your business), you need to understand dyslexic thinking skills. To help with this, Made By Dyslexia is launching a workplace training course later this year on LinkedIn Learning – and you can sign up for it now. The course will be free to access, and I’m delighted that Virgin companies from all across the world have signed up for it – from Virgin Australia, to Virgin Active Singapore, to Virgin Plus Canada and Virgin Voyages. It’s such an insightful course, designed by experts at Made By Dyslexia to educate people on how to understand, support, and empower dyslexic thinking in the workplace, and make sure businesses are ready for the future.
It’s always inspiring to see how Made By Dyslexia empowers dyslexics, and shows the world the limitless power of dyslexic thinking. If businesses can harness this power, and if dyslexics can harness the power of AI – we can really drive the future forward. Richard Branson, Founder at Virgin Group.
Once again it’s Christmas Eve and time for our perennial Christmas post which seems to gain more relevance and urgency with each year. Merry Christmas to you all!
It seems that every where you turn these days, it is becoming incorrect to celebrate the Christmas holidays in “the manner in which you have become accustomed”- at least in the manner in which I have become accustomed.
To truly celebrate the Christmas season, and that’s what it is, no matter what anyone says, I have become open-minded and willing to accept EVERYONE’S ideas for the holiday season. If you disagree, please refrain from attending any “holiday” parties or dinners, taking the day off on December 25th or 26th (should you work for a company that still acknowledges these days as holidays) and carry on as usual. Should you happen to work for the government you are safe (for now) as they would never legislate against their own days off, although when it comes to politicians, I don’t believe never is in their vocabulary (particularly when it comes to matters involving taxes).
The true “spirit” of the holiday season (oops, I meant to say Christmas) is for people to pause and give thanks. According to the man-made calendar of months and years, we are getting ready to start a New Year.
We give thanks for the things we have received in the past (not to be confused with Thanksgiving, another man-made tradition) and offer gifts to the people that have blessed us over the past year.
Being the humble (not humbug, Mr. Scrooge) creatures that we are, we also accept gifts from others (although for most it is not OUR birthday), all the while muttering that we aren’t worthy. Once these gifts are exchanged, a significant amount of “Why would she buy me this?” and “I don’t NEED another scarf” or “Does he think I’m that big?” are voiced in private, to be repeated over the next month or so. In the days immediately following Christmas, our thankful spirit has usually been diminished significantly.
The greatest reason for pausing at the end of the year (and any time, for that matter) is to be grateful for what you have.
Being grateful does not mean that you have to thank every one in your life personally, and you DON’T have to buy them a gift. If you are expecting a gift from someone you are probably going to be disappointed, and if you don’t reciprocate in kind you are going to be REALLY disappointed. If you have chosen to be open-minded I want to thank you for getting this far. I hope that you will also be open to a spiritual suggestion that will make you feel happy inside even though you may have received nothing outside.
Whether it is Christmas, Rosh Hashanah, the Chinese New Year, Hanukkah or Guy Lombardo’s Rocking New Year’s Eve, let those people who enjoy these festivals enjoy them. When someone acknowledges you with a holiday greeting that you are unfamiliar with, don’t believe in or if it makes you blow a gasket, pause for a moment and reply with a hearty “That’s The Spirit!”. Unless they have an aversion to ghosts, that reply should be fairly safe no matter what the season.
Let others grumble and complain that Christmas is too commercialized, the spirit of giving has been lost (or is too expensive), kids are spoiled today, no one appreciates anything and the holidays are just too much of a hassle anymore. Bellowing “That’s The Spirit!” right back at them is a great stress reliever, and at the very least will allow them to walk away from you (quickly, perhaps) in much the same way Lucy was bowled over by Charlie Brown’s enthusiastic “That’s It!” in “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.
At the risk of revealing my upbringing, I wish everyone a “Merry Christmas”, “Happy New Year” and a “God bless us, everyone”. By the way, for me it truly IS a wonderful life… For the Silo, Rick Fess.
Chef Shelley Alexander is a big fan of “start your day off with a green smoothie” even if that day is Christmas morning.
For many people, the holidays involve indulging in buffet tables loaded with lots of fattening, processed foods and sugary sweets.
For those of us who strive the rest of the year to eat a healthy diet while leading busy lives, it can be a challenging time. Not only are we busier than ever, we know that all those foods we usually try to avoid are going to give us indigestion, sap our energy, and pile on the pounds.
“It really isn’t hard to give yourself, your family and friends the gift of delicious, nutrient-rich meals over the holidays,” says holistic chef and certified healing foods specialist Shelley Alexander, author of “Deliciously Holistic,” (www.aharmonyhealing.com), a new, full-color cookbook featuring more than 154 of her favorite healing foods recipes and 50 pages of holistic lifestyle tips to increase energy and immunity.
“Instead of heading to the local supermarket, visit a farmers’ market, where you can buy fresh, local, seasonal and organic produce, along with other nutritious foods created by farmers and local food artisans,” she says. “You’ll have a much more enjoyable experience in addition to stocking up on all the ingredients you need to have handy. You can also find excellent choices at natural and health food stores.”
Nutrient-rich, whole foods that don’t have unnatural fillers and other additives, including seasonal, organic vegetables and fruits, wild-caught
seafood, and pasture-raised, organic chicken and meats that come from well-fed, unadulterated, healthy animals, will completely nourish your body, make you feel better and ramp up your energy, she says. And you’ll find you won’t overeat, so it’s much easier to maintain your weight without counting calories.
Unbelievable calorie count!
Alexander offers six tips for quick and convenient healthy eating during the holidays.
1• When shopping, check labels and avoid foods with a long list of ingredients. The best whole foods have one or just a few unprocessed or minimally processed, easily recognized ingredients, Alexander says. Among ingredients to avoid: chemicals, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, nitrates, MSG, genetically modified ingredients and preservatives (indicated by the initials BHT, BHA, EDTA and
THBQ.)
2• Set aside a few hours each week to prep foods to eat in the days ahead. Cut up produce and store it in airtight containers. Lightly wash produce before using with natural vegetable wash or use one part white vinegar to three parts water. Make several homemade vinaigrettes or dressings to last all week so you can make leafy greens and vegetable salads in minutes. Clean and marinate enough meat or poultry for dinners over the next few days.
3• Start your day with a green smoothie. Cut and freeze organic fresh fruit to use in green smoothies. You can also buy frozen fruit that’s already cut up. Add organic kale or spinach, coconut water or nut and seed milks plus natural sweeteners such as dates or stevia for an energy-boosting beverage.
4• For your holiday dinners, plan on making at least three to four dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. Good examples are pasture-raised, wild turkey with sage and garlic, baked wild salmon with lemon and herbs, steamed greens, roasted heirloom root vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze, pureed winter squash soups, and desserts made with seasonal fruits, spices, and healthy sweeteners like coconut sugar or raw honey.
5• Invest in a dehydrator. Dehydrate fruits and vegetables and raw nuts or seeds that have been soaked in unrefined sea salt water (which removes anti-nutrients, kick-starts the germination process, and increases key vitamins), and you’ll have plenty of on-the-go snacks with a long shelf life. Dehydrators are convenient and easy to use; Alexander recommends Excalibur branded products.
6• Make batches of fermented vegetables twice a month. Alexander recommends eating fermented vegetables every day to keep your digestive system healthy. They’re loaded with probiotics – the good bacteria your intestines need. Mix a variety of organic vegetables such as carrots and celery into brine with warm filtered water, unrefined sea salt, and cultured vegetable starter or liquid whey, and mix with shredded cabbage heads. Pack the mixture into sterilized glass jars and allow the vegetables to ferment for five to seven days. Once done fermenting, store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
“Stick to whole, healthy foods this holiday season, and you’ll feel so good, you won’t want to go near the buffet table at your office party,” Alexander says.
Shelley Alexander, CHFS: Shelley Alexander has enjoyed a lifelong love of delicious, locally grown, seasonal foods. She received her formal chef’s training at The Los Angeles Culinary Institute. Alexander is a holistic chef, certified healing foods specialist, cookbook author, and owner of the holistic health company, A Harmony Healing, in Los Angeles.
Whether you’re hosting a family Christmas dinner or are planning the office holiday party, your goal is the same: to make it a gathering your guests will always remember. Fun, unexpected surprises are an easy way to delight your co-workers, friends and loved ones. From keepsakes to party themes to the menu, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative and serve up something your guests haven’t experienced at a Christmas party before. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Keepsakes that Keep on Giving
Hosts of a holiday party aren’t usually expected to give their guests gifts, which is one way to surprise partygoers. Ideally, a gift the recipient can use over and over again will remind them of the good times they had at your party. Custom-printed hoodies, sweaters or long-sleeve shirts definitely fit that bill. Once you find a company that offers screen printing in Ottawa for small and large orders alike, you can think up a funny saying, exercise your drawing skills, use digital images or simply commemorate the event with your family or company name. Your guests will have unique, comfy hoodies or sweaters to wear at the party and something to remember you by whenever it gets chilly for years to come.
Keep in mind, however, that regardless of what you gift your guests, it’s all in the presentation. A fun way to gift custom sweaters, or any other gift this holiday season, is in a personalized DIY gift bag. Making them can be a fun and creative activity for you and the kids to experience that involves them in the gifting-giving and helps them practice their crafting skills.
Fun Christmas Dinner/Party Themes & Activities
Here are a few non-traditional Holiday party themes and activities that you can use to add a little variety to your annual dinner or get-together.
Outdoor Christmas Party Activities
Yes, Ottawa winters can get painfully cold outside in the wind. But there are also plenty of sunny winter days that are perfect for ice skating, tobogganing, a bonfire or building snow castles using sand & snow castle-building kits. Just be sure to have backup activities planned in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on the day of your party.
If frozen toes, fingers and noses would interfere with the joy of an outdoor Christmas party, or your brood is just not the outdoorsy type, you can combine your Christmas party with one of your favorite nights of the week (or month) – karaoke, game or movie night.
Unlike the impromptu sing-alongs, games of charades or traditional gatherings around the TV for a classic Christmas film, plan your holiday party as a night of full-on:
Board games. If your family and friends are board gamers, you already know that they’ve come a long way since the days of Scrabble, Monopoly, Snakes & Ladders, etc. They’re better than ever at teaching players of all ages critical thinking skills like logic, strategy and planning. Many newer games also incorporate teamwork, with players working together to beat the game itself. There are also numerous games based on popular movie franchises and stream-able series, which can make a board game an exciting pastime that ties into a Movie/TV-themed party.
Movie or Binge-TV Night Christmas Party. Films and TV shows provide an infinite number of themes to help you plan an outside-of-the-box Christmas dinner party. You can base your party on a tried-and-true family favorite, the latest global smash hit or a movie or TV show that fits a pre-determined theme.
Karaoke Competition Christmas. If you have a family filled with aspiring pop stars or better-than-average shower soloists, you can plan a karaoke party of Christmas/holiday songs or curate a playlist based on the theme of your party. You can really spice things up by making it a competition with plenty of prizes for all the participants.
Christmas Pageant Dinner and a Show
If your party will have a significant number of kids (of any age) who like to put on a show, consider sending out scripts, holding rehearsals, and turning your home or party room into a dinner theatre. Costumes can be readily thrifted or thrown together, and if you really want to go all out, backgrounds and curtain frames can be assembled easily enough by enthusiastic DIYers. Don’t forget to have a proper video camera set up on a tripod so you’ll always have the recording to enjoy with (and at the expense of) the cast.
Alternate Holiday Dinner Menu Items
Your holiday dinner menu can be influenced by your party theme, it can be based on modern takes of classic Christmas dishes, or you can simply add random non-traditional dishes like the ones below.
Holiday Taco Night
Taco night is generally a fan favorite, so why not give the people what they want? You might have to use burrito shells depending on your meat of choice, but don’t be afraid to get creative and consider the following options:
Fish. Fish tacos are a popular choice taco choice, but when was the last time you had fish tacos at a Christmas party? Also, you can use fish sticks if you’re looking for a convenient, easy-to-prepare meat filling.
Steak or ribs. Try braising or marinating them in pomegranate juice with a hint of cinnamon and/or chile pepper to spice things up a little. As an added bonus, both pomegranate and cinnamon are recommended to strengthen your immune system and help you fight off colds and flus.
Turkey. The line between a taco and a wrap can get a little blurry here, but whatever you call them, using traditional turkey accompaniments, corn, cranberries, potatoes, gravy, mac & cheese, etc., make delicious toppings.
Christmas Jambalaya
Not much can hit the spot as well as a hearty helping of jambalaya can on a cold holiday dinner night. Really, the only rules to a jambalaya are that your ingredients taste good with Cajun spices and that it’s all cooked together. Whether you go with Christmas dinner ingredients, New Orleans-inspired flavors or some type of fusion, a big pot can satisfy a lot of people.
Homemade Holiday Donuts
Puddings, pies, cakes and cupcakes are understandable go-to choices for Christmas dinner desserts, but homemade donuts with a holiday twist can ignite some excited chatter when they make their way to the dessert table. Feeling overly patriotic? Try maple glazed donuts topped with candied bacon crumble for a taste that’s both distinctly holiday and Canadian.
For the Silo, Jeg Duaso. Featured image: by Nicole Michalou via Pexels
There is no denying that Christmas is an expensive holiday. In the past, or perhaps right now, you may have found yourself spending a substantial amount of money on things like food, decorations and travelling.
However, the heftiest expense is usually the presents — approximately 34% of North American parents spend $500 on gifts (per child) during the holiday season. If you have a large family, this adds up quickly.
Instead of frantically emptying your wallet, consider using these money-saving tips over the holidays because by doing so you’ll be able to get more bang for your buck and potentially save hundreds or thousands of dollars on gifts.
1 — Use an Online Shopping Directory
Shopping local is always the best idea but let’s face it, not everything on your list can be sourced locally and including online shopping options is a no brainer. In fact, it’s fair to say that no holiday shopping trip is complete without an online shopping directory. If you’ve never used one, an online shopping directory is an innovative tool that offers a wide variety of features.
One of the primary benefits of using one of these directories is that you can use them to access digital coupons and flyers. You can use these coupons to save a significant amount of money on your purchases.
Additionally, you may need to shop in a larger outlet and if so, you can use these directories to find a shopping centre near you and important pieces of information like store hours. This way, you won’t waste your time by showing up after the Kingsway Mall or your chosen shopping mall closes.
2 — Ship Directly to the Recipient
Shopping online makes the gift-giving experience quick and convenient. With a few clicks, you can have a gift hand-delivered to your door. Although, if you won’t be seeing the recipient over the holidays, you will have to ship the item yourself. This process can get expensive!
Although it may seem unconventional, you can make your Christmas shopping easier by shipping your gifts straight to the recipients.
Even though this may take some of the fun out of it, direct shipping is a practical and cost-effective way to give gifts to people. This is especially true if the recipient lives far away.
If you want to save even more money, you should go to sites that offer free shipping.
3 — Look for Ways to Buy in Bulk
If you’re planning on hosting a holiday event, you’re probably looking for ways to save money on food. An easy way to cut back costs is by purchasing items in bulk. Although you may not want to purchase turkey or eggnog in bulk, it is practical for staples like water bottles, cookies or festive treats.
You should avoid purchasing perishable items in bulk. Some things to avoid purchasing include:
Produce (Fruits, Vegetables)
Dairy (Milk, Cheese)
Baked Goods That Are Difficult to Store
It is worth noting that you can store some of these items by freezing them.
4 – Make Your Gifts
Are you good with your hands? Do you love to create things? Have you been told that you have a knack for building stuff?
Instead of going to the Dixie Outlet Mall, you should consider making some of your Christmas gifts yourself. This is a thoughtful gesture that goes a long way with friends and family members.
To save even more money, try making your own Christmas cards. This will add a personal touch to any gift that you give.
There’s the mailman, mail woman and the doorman, door woman, the pet sitter and personal trainer, not to forget the housekeeper, home healthcare worker and many others. So just who do you tip this holiday season and how much?
Sharon Schweitzer, an international etiquette expert, author, and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, offers this simple tipping checklist of which service providers you need to tip this holiday season and how much:
Business (check corporate policy):
Clients: Business gift baskets of chocolate, edible fruit, nuts, cheese, wine, cookies, petite fours; golf balls & non-logo gifts.
CEO/Boss: Group gift to their favorite charity or non-profit foundation
Assistant: Bonus or gift based on relationship length
Colleagues: gift they will like for sports, hobby, or dining, gift card.
Office Gift Exchange: don’t go rogue, follow the spending guidelines.
Education & Schools (follow policy):
Professor: greeting card, no gift
Teacher: Consider a group gift with parents pooled funds
Assistant /Aide: $25 – $50 gift certificate
Multiple Teachers: small gift, candle, baked goods, gift certificate.
Principle: Holiday card & baked goods
School Secretary: café gift card, small gift or gift certificate
School Nurse: café gift card, small gift or gift certificate
Home or Building Personnel:
Live-in help (cook or butler): between a week-month’s pay, plus a gift
Housekeeper: if they come once a week: equivalent of a day’s pay, or $50. If they come daily: equivalent of a week’s pay, and possibly a gift
Gardener: equivalent of a week’s service
Landscaping crew: equivalent of a week’s service, divided among the crew
Pool cleaning crew: equivalent of one session, divided among the crew.
Garage attendant: between $15 and $40 or give a small gift
Garbage/recycling: if city permits, $10-$30 each for extra holiday effort
Doorman: between $50 – $100 each, or gift, depending on extra duties
Elevator Operator and Handyman: between $20 – $50 each
Newspaper delivery: between $10 – $35, or give a small gift
Healthcare providers:
Private health care nurse: week’s pay or a gift of similar value
Home health employee: follow policy / generous gift basket of holiday treats
Nursing home staff: follow policy / gift basket of holiday treats for all
Personal grooming:
Hairstylist, manicure, pedicure, specialist: equivalent of a visit
Barber: haircut & shave equivalent or give a gift
Massage therapist/personal trainer: session equivalent or give a gift
Pet care:
Groomer: equivalent of one session or give a gift
Walker: week’s pay equivalent or “1-2 visits” per com
Sitter: a week’s pay and a paw print note from your pet
Package & Mail Delivery:
The United States Postal Service provides the public with a tipping and gift receiving policy on their website, FedEx and UPS do not. The information provided for FedEx and UPS is from customer service representatives who preferred not to give their names.
United States/Canada Postal Service:
Employees may accept baked goods (homemade/store bought) items to share with the branch office. Customers may give edible arrangements, gift cards for merchandise or services valued up to $20 per interaction. Gifts cannot exceed $50 per calendar year.
Company policies discourage gift cash or gift cards. The driver will politely decline the holiday gratuity. If the customer is insistent, the driver may ultimately accept the gift.
UPS
UPS does not have a limit; tipping is left to customer’s discretion.
Avoid giving holiday tips to people on this list; send holiday e-cards instead:
Theodore “T.R.” Roosevelt, Jr. was an American politician, author, naturalist, soldier, explorer, mason and historian who served as the 26th President of the United States.
With ongoing UAP/Drone activity hitting the news cycle and without any official explanation of what is happening over the skies of New Jersey and the rest of the world, it is fascinating to consider that this phenomena is in fact not new and has been reported for over one hundred years.
The drones have become unsettlingly frequent in Monmouth County, New Jersey (Picture: Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. Dec 2024)
When one thinks of U.S. Presidents and UFOs several of our Chief Executives come to mind. Firstly, there is President Eisenhower purportedly meeting aliens at Edwards Air Force Base in 1954.
Then there is JFK’s memo to the CIA asking for disclosure on UFOs ten days before his assassination:
More humorously but perhaps true is the story of Richard Nixon treating comedian Jackie Gleason to a view of dead alien Grays at Homestead Air Force Base in 1974.
But what about Teddy Roosevelt?
Is anyone in the UFOlogy Community even aware of a documented UFO sighting over the 26th US president’s home, Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay, New York on August 1, 1907 when he was in his second term of office?
According to an old clipping found by UFOlogist Kay Massingill from a newspaper called the D.C. Evening Star dated August 2, 1907, two events of a mysterious nature occurred in the town of Oyster Bay in a twenty-four hour period and both concerned Mr. Roosevelt.
In the latter, the town librarian Miss Denton opened up the library on the morning of the 1st and discovered a beautiful mahogany chair donated by Teddy to the museum from his days as Governor of New York had split down the backside sometime the night before. More peculiar was the fact that on the reverse back of the chair was the Bald Eagle Seal of the United States of America and it was split in half! An ominous sign indeed! Was it an omen?
However, the main event occurred the evening before between the hours of 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. when a brilliant white light was seen to hang motionless over Sagamore Hill.
According to the dispatch, it was a light “considerably larger than a star” and hung about 300 feet in altitude over the house according to numerous witnesses. It was an “intense white light” and after 11 p.m. it began to fade to a spark and then extinguished. Meanwhile in the library a short distance away, a chair associated with Sagamore Hill’s occupant was coming undone in a most mysterious way.
The home on Sagamore Hill
Was Mr. Roosevelt home the night of the UFO sighting? The article doesn’t say and we’ll probably never know but it is known that Sagamore was called Roosevelt’s Summer White House and it was the middle of summer.
So the main question to ask is why would a ball of light attend to Mr. Roosevelt in the heat of 1907? Two clues can be found concerning his agenda as President that year.
The speech is mundane for the most part dealing with anti-trust actions, railroads, the Department of Agriculture, conservation, unions and such but near the end of it Roosevelt begins to lay out the groundwork for creating the world’s most dominant modern navy. It seemed Roosevelt had a great grasp of what was happening in the world concerning Japan, Germany and China and their eventual rise on the world’s stage. He specifically recommended dredging Pearl Harbor to make it a world class naval base and increasing Alaska’s defenses. Did he know something about the world no one else did? His maneuvering just months after the Sagamore Hill incident directly led to America’ emergence as the modern world’s greatest Suprerpower. Did he have help from E.T. whispering in his ear? During his tenure America’s Navy grew from 5th to 3rd in the world in size.
The second clue is the very interesting coincidence of the Second International Peace Convention held at The Hague, Netherlands that year from June 15 to October 18, 1907 which was during the Sagamore Hill sighting. That convention was the brainchild of none other than Teddy Roosevelt! It was an attempt to codify the rules of war – particularly naval warfare. More importantly, it was seen as the world’s first attempt at an international governing body – a forerunner to the League of Nations and the United Nations.
The Tin Foil Hat Question
Are aliens attempting to lay out the groundwork for, or interfere with, the earth’s direction in the 20th and 21st centuries? And might they have been in contact with American Presidents long before Eisenhower’s 1954 encounter? To see the complete newspaper clipping go to http://www.worldufowatch.com/historical_newspaper_clippings For the Silo, Robert Spearing.
I was travelling a local highway a few years ago when my friend pointed out the license plate on the rear of the car ahead of us. It read, somewhat cryptically to me at first, XLDBLDBL.
Then I looked again and realized this automobile owner had created a move-able billboard, and perhaps loving tribute, to the most popular and recognizable coffee brand in Canada- Tim Hortons.
The “Canadian” coffee giant is owned by American corporation Burger King and has had a presence in the U.S.A. since 2012. It made the move of super-sizing its retail coffee format over half a decade ago. The small was now called an extra-small, and was the same price as the old small. The old medium was now a small, the large was a medium and so on. You paid the same price for the same amount of Joe, you just call it by a different name. And for 20 cents or so extra, that XL double-double now got you 24 oz of coffee. That’s 3 full cups of strong coffee y’all.
Now, I love coffee as much as the next person.
Maybe more. I enjoy sampling the near infinite combinations of blends and roasts from the various growing regions of the world, much like wine. But, as with alcohol, I have found that moderation in my coffee intake is key to my mental, emotional—even physical—health.
Is anyone reading this old enough to remember when a cup of coffee used to literally be a cup of coffee: around 8 ounces (the amount in the Tim Horton’s extra-small)? But as our conception of “large” becomes ever larger, it’s like food where like so many things, excess becomes easier.
This trend is actually an American-style sizing format that’s been in place south of the border for years. Remember when Starbucks came north? Remember when you thought the Venti was an outrageous amount of coffee? That’s 20 oz., just so we’re clear. What will come to us next? The $3.99 All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet? Just how many sausages can you eat in an hour? How many do you want to eat? And for the record, Starbucks has the 31oz. size for its iced drinks called the Trenta.
That’s a lot of beverage. Trenta, in Italian, means 30.
Excess coffee consumption, according to Health Canada, can have results from irritability and sleep disturbances to muscle tremors, nausea and mood swings, according to this CBC News article from February 2010. In more extreme cases: irregular heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea—even convulsions.
There’s positives though.
Coffee’s high antioxidant content may also be responsible for a host of health benefits: decreased susceptibility to some cancers and type-2 diabetes, and increased cardiovascular health and memory function in older adults. But Health Canada also suggests that 400mg of caffeine should be the maximum daily adult dose—the amount contained in about 3 cups, or 24oz, of coffee.
Frankly, I think there is enough rage, anxiety and insomnia in our culture without people regularly downing two or three 24oz javas every day. It’s not that everyone is going to do that. It wouldn’t even be bad for everyone. Just for most of us. So I believe a note of caution is in order: as with anything, think before you drink. – For the Silo,Alan Gibson.
DECEMBER, 2024– Scottsdale, Ariz.Diné Artist, Dealer, Curator and Antiques Roadshow Appraiser Tony Abeyta to Curate Special Exhibition, “Desert Modernism,” at Scottsdale Ferrari Art WeekExhibition to Showcase Rare Works by Fritz Scholder, Charles Loloma, Lloyd Kiva New, Frank Lloyd Wright, Phillip Curtis and Paolo Soleri.
Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week Fair is pleased to announce that Diné artist, dealer, curator and Antiques Roadshow Appraiser, Tony Abeyta, will curate a special exhibition, “Desert Modernism,” which will show the convergence and progression of Phoenix artists of Native, Anglo and Hispanic descent, from approximately 1930-1980. The exhibition will feature rare and hard-to-find works by artists, architects and designers such as Fritz Scholder, Charles Loloma, Lloyd Kiva New, Frank Lloyd Wright, Phillip Curtis and Paolo Soleri.
Abeyta is also serving as an Advisory Committee member for the Fair. The Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week Fair is a unique event at the historical and cultural crossroads of the American Southwest. Set in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities with an ascendent contemporary Indigenous culture, the fair will showcase over a hundred leading international galleries at Westworld, March 20-23, 2025.”We are absolutely thrilled to have Tony participate in Scottsdale Art Week,” says Trey Brennen, co-owner of the inaugural Fair.
“We are set to become the leading art fair in the West and that requires a strong Indigenous representation among our dealers and curators. Tony approaches art and art history with a deep understanding of the region and the contemporary work being produced at this moment. He has worked at many of the major museums in the area and has a wonderful reputation across the Southwest.”About his curation of a special for sale exhibition at the inaugural Fair, Abeyta says, “This has given me a chance to do a deep dive into one of my favorite subjects, the evolution of Modernism through the disparate art communities that converged in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area in the middle portions of the twentieth century. I’ve long been fascinated by the work Native artists were doing in the area and I want to show how they worked, showed and created alongside great artists such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Phillip Curtis and Paolo Soleri.”
Preston Singletary, “A Canoe Entered a Dream” – courtesy of Blue Rain Gallery
As a curator, Abeyta co-organized the exhibition New Terrains: Contemporary Native Art which was held at Phillips Auctions January 5-23, 2024. The watershed selling exhibition explored the influences of modernism, post-war and pop influences on work by 50 contemporary Indigenous artists including Fritz Scholder, Preston Singletary, TC Cannon, Cara Romero, Diego Romero, Jaune Quick-to-See-Smith, Virgil Ortiz, Jamie Okuma, Kent Monkman, Michael Kabotie, Oscar Howe, Allan Houser, Cannupa Hanska Luger and others.
The recently closed show, Abeyta\ To’Hajiilee K’e’, at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe, featured the paintings of Tony and his father, Narciso Abeyta (Ha-So-De), and the ceramic works of his sisters, Pablita and Elizabeth. Abeyta is represented by Owings Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more information, please visit www.scottsdaleartweek.com. For the Silo, Jennifer Parks-Sturgeon.
About Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week Scottsdale Art Week (SAW) is situated at the historical and cultural crossroads of the American Southwest. It is a reflection of today’s more dynamic and contemporary community, but is rooted in our unique landscape and history. Visionary art figures from Georgia O’Keeffe to Max Ernst and James Turrell were so inspired by the local landscape that they either settled here or created monumental land art. Today the art of the Indigenous Navajo, Apache and Hopi tribes who first occupied this land to Spanish colonialism and centuries of settlement is recognized alongside them. SAW is an exciting combination of historical American Art, contemporary art and design, with a special focus on contemporary art from Indigenous and Latinx, who often blur the lines between what constitutes art and design.
About ASU, SAW Gala Benefit Partner ASU Art Museum centers art and artists in the service of community well-being and social good. The Museum is a learning-centered teaching institution, providing interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students from across the university ranging from the sciences, humanities, journalism, sociology and schools of arts and design. A teaching museum, much like a teaching hospital, is responsible for training the next generation of arts professionals and are the frontrunners in research in art history and museum studies while delivering the highest possible level of artistic standards through collection teaching, exhibition making, research and audience engagement. The museum is different from other non-profit art museums in the region because of its unique ability to leverage the resources of the largest public research university in the country for community good. ASUAM fulfills ASU’s Design Principles by serving as a bridge connecting the breadth and scope of scholarly research and learning to the experience, knowledge and needs of our local communities, thereby co-creating and creating arts and culture opportunities available for all.
Article featured image- Horseworld, 1989 by Snellen Johnson (gift of Howard E. Kleim). This bronze sculpture, signaling the entrance to Westworld, shows a group of three horses which represent an Arabian, Thoroughbred, and a Quarter Horse each representing a different behavior: the Quarter Horse is cutting, the Thoroughbred is racing, and the Arabian is showing. Snell Johnson, a self-taught artist and his sculptures are known world-wide including the MGM Lion in Las Vegas and Caesar in Johannesburg, South Africa.
With over 100 galleries displaying a curated selection of fine art and design, guests will also enjoy cultural performances, fashion shows, pop-up displays and immersive experience throughout each day.
Fashion
Daily fashion shows will be produced by Phoenix Fashion Week. All clothing is provided by select Phoenix Fashion Week designers and boutiques.
“Our ultimate mission is to garner global exposure to Arizona’s fashion industry, and this event is the perfect way to do so,” said Brian Hill, Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week. “It’s a great, innovative way to find emerging models while showcasing top brands and fashion in Arizona.”
From utility to showpiece, cars are a unique art form. Guests can celebrate clean lines and smooth curves while enjoying our extensive display of luxury and collector automobiles. Enjoy a special Ferrari showcase onsite at the event. Check out their entire inventory here >
Performances
Set in one of the country’s fastest growing cities with an ascendant contemporary Indigenous art culture, the fair will showcase over a hundred leading galleries at the scenic Westworld alongside cultural performances, sculptural installations, and innovative programming including collaborations with institutions, galleries, artists, and prominent collectors.
Special Events
Guests looking to explore the best the city has to offer can attend their choice of multiple off-site events during the week. From guided tours to VIP invite-only receptions. There is something for everyone at the event and throughout this great city.
Let’s get right to it. How about an extraordinary gift for the whiskey lover in your life this season? The WhistlePig 10 Limited Edition PiggyBank Rye from WhistlePig Whiskey is pure gold in a bottle. In its third year, the brand’s annual WhistlePig 10 PiggyBank Rye Limited Edition shines bright with an all-gold makeover to celebrate WhistlePig’s standing as the world’s most awarded rye whiskey. The original Berkshire Bitter Pig replica decanter is gold-coated from the snout down to the jingle balls, making a hog-like home for WhistlePig’s flagship, 10-year aged rye whiskey with an extra 10 proof for holiday cheer—bottled at 110 proof. With each year adding a little more sparkle and shine, this limited-edition collectible is the golden hog of the holiday season, the crown jewel of any festive feast and sure to hog all the attention on your home bar or mantle. The one-of-a-kind collectible packaging even doubles as a piggy bank, complete with a coin slot to begin saving for that next great cause. The WhistlePig farm is a rugged and fertile ground for whiskey exploration and is surrounded by 500 acres of rye and experimental crop fields in Shoreham, Vermont. Always brimming with new ideas, the WhistlePig team focuses on big-age statements and bold flavors that can be found in its collection of 16 available whiskeys.
Grand Cru Collection Gift Set by L’Ecole № 41
Do you have a few wine lovers on your gift list this holiday season? Look no further than the Grand Cru Collection Gift Set by L’Ecole № 41. This luxurious offering features three of the brand’s most esteemed wines—each representing the pinnacle of L’Ecole № 41’s winemaking expertise: The 2021 Ferguson from its Estate Ferguson Vineyard; 2021 Perigee from its Estate Seven Hills Vineyard; and 2021 Apogee from Pepper Bridge Vineyard, all hailing from the renowned Walla Walla Valley. With its robust structure and complex flavors, the 2021 Ferguson showcases the unique terroir of the winery’s Estate Ferguson Vineyard in a pre-eminent Bordeaux blend. Customers can expect complex, mineral-laced aromas of cassis, blueberry, boysenberry, iron, tobacco and sandalwood. The 2021 Perigee from L’Ecole № 41’s Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, on the other hand, offers a harmonious blend of perfumy fruit and refined tannins—embodying the essence of its celebrated vineyard. And, as the winery’s flagship wine, the Perigee explodes with pretty aromas of spiced cassis, black raspberry, tobacco leaf, pencil lead, leather and cocoa lifted by notes of spring flowers, sage and rosemary. The last of the trio, the 2021 Apogee, derives from L’Ecole № 41’s Pepper Bridge Vineyard and delivers a bold, spicy and sophisticated profile—making it a standout in any collection. Each gift set is beautifully presented in a box with a personalized gift message and complementary ground shipping throughout the United States. Whether for the holidays, a special occasion or a thoughtful gesture, L’Ecole № 41’s Grand Cru Collection Gift Set is the perfect choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors, alike.
Premium Wine Gift Sets—Silver Oak & Donum Estate
What better way to toast the holiday season and usher in the New Year than with a stellar glass of wine? Donum Estate and Silver Oak wineries both have premium gift sets that are sure to impress any wine aficionado. Donum Estate’s 2020-2022 Zodiac Vertical celebrates the winery’s 2020-2022 Carneros Estate Pinot Noirs with this special collector’s bundle, created in homage to artist Ai Weiwei’s “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads.” Ai Weiwei’s iconic artwork adorns Donum Estate’s wine labels, with this unique vertical of its flagship Carneros Estate Pinot Noir helping to recognize Weiwei’s talent. The 2020-2022 Zodiac Vertical includes a bottle from the Year of the Rat (2020), the Ox (2021) and the newly released Tiger (2022). A perfect gift for any wine collector, this set beautifully blends fine art with exceptional winemaking. Another exclusive set, Silver Oak’s Two-Bottle Holiday Gift features one bottle each of Silver Oak’s famously American oaked 2020 Alexander Valley and 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The fan-favorite bottles come packaged in the brand’s classic holiday gift box and are sure to make a luxurious addition to a red wine-lover’s collection.
Frog’s Leap Wine: Chavez Leeds Ranch Collection Gift Set
Here’s an A-plus wine gift sure to please. Frog’s Leap’s Chavez Leeds Ranch Collection Gift Set showcases the best of the Napa Valley-based winery, including a special appearance of its estate-grown olive oil. An homage to Frog’s Leap’s special relationship with the Chavez-Leeds family, and their ranch which has been part of the winery since 1989, this collection highlights made from some of the finest crops grown on the prized Rutherford land. The 2019 Chavez Leeds Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon features a rich, black and silky fruit that offers notes of dried herbs and flowers that embody the “Rutherford dust.” The second bottle in the Chavez Leeds Ranch Collection Gift Set, Frog’s Leap’s 2022 Cabernet Franc is a special, rare lot of Cabernet Franc and is prized for its lush red fruited character, black pepper and spice aromas. The winery’s estate grown Extra Virgin Olive Oil showcases the olive trees that feed pollinators and provide habitat for birds and other organisms essential to organic farming. Growing olives extends Frog’s Leap’s harvest season—ensuring the winery’s crews have year-round employment. Frog’s Leap is a family-owned and-operated winery with 100-percent organically grown grapes and upholds a commitment to eco-friendly practices with deep respect for the natural expression of the vine to promote balanced farming. Frog’s Leap wines are deliciously drinkable, versatile and ideal for food pairing. For wine and food lovers in your life, the Chavez Leeds Ranch Collection Gift Set helps you feel good knowing you’re choosing a wine that’s as ethical as it is exquisite.
The Stemless Glassware by Glasvin
Housewarmings aren’t the only reason to elevate a living space and its accessories. Give the gift of premium, versatile drinkware with Glasvin’s Stemless collection. This ultra-light, all-purpose option is ideal for any household, whether for drinking fine wine, a crafted cocktail or simply hydrating with water. Every glass is hand blown and crafted by skilled artisans—making each one unique. The stemless glassware’s elegant and modern design, along with a functional aesthetic, ensures that the glassware can be a sophisticated addition to any table setting. Glasvin takes pride in its partnerships with experienced glassblowers, working directly with them to refine the craft and ensure fair compensation for their expertise. By cutting out the middleman and offering direct pricing, Glasvin delivers luxury, hand-crafted glassware that is accessible to all for everyday use (and is dishwasher-safe) without the fear of high-breakage costs typically associated with premium glassware. The company is breaking metaphorical glass as well—working to increase the participation of minorities in the exclusive world of wine as a proud minority-owned business. Glasvin is the trusted choice of 100-plus restaurants, including more than 25 Michelin-starred establishments such as Torrisi, Oiji Mi and Gabriel Kreuther in New York, Alinea and Indienne in Chicago, Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco and Kato in Los Angeles.
Personalized Wine Selections via the ‘VinoVoss AI Sommelier’ by BetterAI
The VinoVoss AI Sommelier app is a revolutionary smartphone app and web-based semantic wine search and recommendation system, developed by BetterAI, is designed to elevate your own wine discovery experience—and that for gift-giving. VinoVoss picks the perfect wine for any occasion courtesy of a highly advanced artificial intelligence architecture. The tool leverages advanced artificial intelligence to act as your personal sommelier, providing tailored wine recommendations based on your unique taste preferences, occasion, and budget. The app’s signature feature, Smart Somm, is an AI-powered chatbot trained by world-renowned sommeliers, ready to answer any wine-related questions and guide you to the perfect bottle. The interactive Smart Somm chat intelligently assists in wine exploration, answers questions, and provides educational insight. The database is continually updated and monitored by the VinoVoss team of wine experts and sommeliers to keep up-to-date with today’s wine trends. From beginner to seasoned devotee, this search engine is a powerful and streamlined tool to help users build knowledge and shop, sip, and savor. VinoVoss understands that the process of selecting wine can be overwhelming. The breadth of viniculture is challenging to navigate without a skilled guide, and the subjective nature of taste has long stumped traditional search engines. The VinoVoss platform provides a solution, combining the power of AI with the knowledge of sommeliers in a pocket-size package. With an intuitive interface, VinoVoss allows users to search for wines by grape variety, region, or price, and offers detailed tasting notes to enhance your wine appreciation. On iOS, Android, and Desktop, users can browse wines using its advanced natural language search bar, which can understand prompts of any length or complexity. The app also includes innovative features like scanning multiple wine bottles simultaneously, comparing expert and peer ratings, and creating a personalized wine collection. Whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur, VinoVoss makes finding the ideal wine for any occasion effortless and enjoyable. VinoVoss greatly simplifies wine discovery, exploration and enjoyment of wines of the world. It is a personalized, interactive experience that empowers users to make wine selections with confidence.
FOR THE HOME
Green Chintz Tablecloth by Decor Mantra
When it comes to mealtime, who says the food has to be the centerpiece of the dining table? Decor Mantra’s Green Chintz Tablecloth is the perfect addition to a host’s arsenal—helping infuse timeless charm into any dining space for both casual or formal gatherings. Inspired by the historic “Indian chintz,” the tablecloth’s pattern features intricate florals in a fresh green palette, which are meticulously hand-painted, block-carved and printed by skilled artisans. The Green Chintz Tablecloth is also crafted from 100 percent premium cotton, is durable, machine-washable and easy to iron—making it both practical and beautiful. After all, its versatile and monochromatic design offers endless styling possibilities and ensures the dining table is always beautifully set. Committed to preserving traditional textile arts, Decor Mantra supports artisan communities through ethical sourcing, small batch productions and fair wages. Through this mission, the company delivers sustainable, beautifully made products that bring both elegance and a touch of tradition into customers’ homes. And, with more than 450 five-star reviews, Decor Mantra is sure to complement anyone’s personal style and taste, while livening up the space, with its diverse tablecloth selections that are available in various shapes and sizes.
PeachSkinSheets’ Luxury Bedding Products
‘Tis the season for all things cozy and comforting! The Original PeachSkinSheets has just the items for all your gifting needs this year. The brand’s luxurious Sheet Set, available in fully 34 colorways, is made from a breathable, high-performance and athletic-grade SMART fabric that is great for hot sleepers since it has thermal-control and moisture-wicking properties. In addition, the ultra-soft, brushed finish provides a softness level that parallels 1500 thread count cotton, without the high cost, shrinkage, wrinkles and pilling. PeachSkinSheets’ quality product also includes OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification that keeps owners safe from harmful substances. Versatile and suitable for bed frames of all sizes, these deep-pocket sheets include elastic all the way around—capable of fitting mattresses up to 22-inches thick, such as memory foam, custom number and double pillow top. Instead of a mattress, the company’s PeachyMink X PeachSkinSheets Luxury Faux Mink Robe was created to be wrapped around its owners—whether they’re indoors or outdoors. The incredibly soft and luxurious garment features a shawl lapel, oversized hood, lined pockets, belted tie with loops, soft jersey lining and an ultra-plush faux fur exterior. Made from 100 percent polyester, the Luxury Faux Mink Robe is an equal opportunity robe ideal for both men and women and is available in sizes small to 5X in colors Arctic White Mink and Black Mink.
Live Moss Air Filter Minis by MossPure
Transform your loved one’s space this holiday season with stunning live moss art Minis by MossPure. After all, who doesn’t want a little greenery to liven up their home or office décor? MossPure is the world’s only company to use 100 percent live moss as an air filter, stress relief device and aesthetically pleasing accentuate that requires no watering, sunlight or maintenance. The brand’s patent-pending design and award-winning science allows the moss to live indefinitely, and the company reports it has also been tested for air quality by a certified U.S. laboratory. Rather than simply adding live moss to a décor piece for it to only last a few days, every square foot of MossPure’s live moss air filters capture 300,000 ppm of carbon dioxide and 1.5 million particles of toxic pollutants, including dust and allergens — all in just two minutes. MossPure was created at a startup competition at MIT in June 2020, where it won first place. During the competition, it was realized that other moss wall and décor companies use preserved moss, which is no longer living and processed with toxic chemicals. This type of moss has several disadvantages: not lasting more than one year without needing to be replaced or thrown out; producing a strong chemical smell; and being a low-quality product. MossPure’s founder reportedly applied their 20 years of experience in biology and engineering to create the Minis’ revolutionary technology that is now the world’s only plant-based product to have certified air quality testing—all while helping to create a modern environment for owners to enjoy.
Outdoor Cushion Seat Set by BADESOFA
Add a touch of comfort to you or your loved one’s outdoor space with the ultra-versatile Outdoor Seat Set by BADESOFA. Perfect for use both in and out of the water, this set of three seat pillows is especially great for placement on a hot pool deck surface, a Jacuzzi with a hard exterior or in shallow pool water. After all, relaxation truly becomes a complete experience when it maximizes comfort and is free of sharp edges and rough spots. Developed with sofa-style quality, the Outdoor Seat Set pillows retain their shape with CleanDry+ technology—effortlessly preventing water logging for continued use. The UV-resistant fabric makes the pillows ideal to withstand the elements of the outdoors, and the cover and inner pillow can be separated for washing purposes. BADESOFA was founded with the goal of revolutionizing the bathing and wellness experience. In fact, the name “bath sofa” is a direct translation of the brand name from German’s “Badesofa.” For Founder Natalie Steger, even bathing in her beautiful—yet oversized—bathtub felt more like acrobatics than relaxation. This discomfort was the catalyst for her to tackle the problem and develop the first comfortable bathtub cushion: BADESOFA. With the innovative product’s creation, the case for outdoor use became even more apparent. Consumers can complete the set with optional back and foot cushions—helping to set a new relaxation standard.
Pro-Lifter 20 Heavy Lifting Tool by GRABO
Transform your favorite do-it-yourselfer, hobbyist or construction worker into the ultimate pro this holiday season with GRABO’s Pro-Lifter 20. This smart and professional-grade power tool revolutionizes heavy lifting with its robust vacuum pump technology—capable of handling surfaces weighing up to 375 pounds. The Pro-Lifter 20’s digital pressure sensor and display, smart weight and pressure settings can lift any slab of flat, solid material. And, unlike other large and expensive material handling solutions, this device is portable, reliable and ergonomically designed to provide better grip and less fatigue when moving heavy objects. It works perfectly with glass, wood, ceramic tiles, metals and other flat materials, and also serves as an effective vacuum lifter for dusty, semi-porous or rough surfaces. The Pro-Lifter 20’s operation is also simple. Just turn on the unit and place it straight onto the surface you want to lift. Its innovative technology automatically activates the vacuum pump, maintaining optimal pressure and performance while eliminating guesswork. With an impressive airflow of 20 liters per minute, the tool can last for 900 cycles or up to 1.5 hours on nonstop running. Users can also expect the Pro model to come with four metal external anchor points for official and third-party attachments—opening up a world of lifting possibilities.
SELF CARE
‘BFF’ Beauty, Fresh & Fun Makeup Starter Set from M2U NYC
If there’s a popular makeup trend that’s taken 2024 by storm, it’s the no-makeup, makeup look. For this holiday season, M2U NYC has shoppers covered with its BFF: Beauty, Fresh & Fun Makeup Starter Set. Whether just starting a makeup journey or refreshing the tried-and-true routine, this kit includes everything needed to enhance natural beauty with ease. Inside, owners will find five essential products designed to deliver performance, versatility and convenience. The Liquid Blush offers a lightweight, blendable formula for a healthy, rosy glow, while the Tubing Mascara provides smudge-proof, buildable volume and length for lashes that last all day. The Liquid Highlighter adds a radiant touch to any look, while the creamy Eye Crayon brightens eyes effortlessly. To finish, the Lip Gloss does its job by giving a glossy, moisturizing touch for a polished look that feels as good as it appears. Each product is crafted with skincare-infused, clean, vegan and cruelty-free formulas—making it a thoughtful choice for beauty lovers. The set’s compact and travel-friendly design ensures easy touch-ups at home or on the go. Either as a gift for a loved one, or a little self-care treat, this all-in-one collection will inspire confidence, elevate routines and help everyone shine this season.
Medical Grade Silicone Gel Scar Diminishing Serum from ScarScience
Help your friends and family say goodbye to scars old and new this year with ScarScience’s Medical Grade Silicone Gel Scar Diminishing Serum. Perfect for sensitive skin, this self-dispensing treatment comes in two no-touch application formats: Brush or Massage Roller. Both are housed in a clickable, pen-like tube that is portable and easy-to-use—even for children. The odorless gel dries in minutes to form a flexible, breathable, non-tacky and waterproof protective covering over the affected area. Massage as long as recommended by doctors to break up collagen and soften tissue, improving the appearance of scars. The massage roller option combines this technique with clinically-proven silicone technology to offer a unique, two-pronged approach to scar reduction. It’s proven to eliminate redness, maintain moisture and hydration, improve elasticity and soften and minimize the appearance of scars and blemishes. The Scar Diminishing Serum is ideal for hypertrophic or keloid scars resulting from injuries, burns, surgeries, cosmetic procedures, piercings, acne, stretch marks, cuts and more. Trusted globally by doctors, dermatologists and plastic surgeons, ScarScience is dedicated to merging dermatological expertise with pioneering technology, ensuring every scar is just a chapter and not the entire story of its owner’s experience. Even more, it’s the No. 1 doctor-recommended scar reduction treatment in the U.S.
For the Silo, Merilee Kern. Happy Holidays!
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
The holiday gifting rush is here, and finding the perfect item for everyone on your list can feel like a daunting task. Sound familiar? Don’t stress because we have so many perfect ideas for you that we have split this article into two parts. Let’s begin!
Whether you’re shopping for the tech-savvy, the fashion-forward, the wellness enthusiast, the gourmand, the home body or the impossible-to-buy-for, our curated holiday gift guide has you covered. From splurge-worthy surprises to budget-friendly finds, these handpicked ideas are sure to make your loved ones smile—and maybe even earn you the title of “Most Thoughtful Gift Giver.” Get ready to wrap up the holidays with confidence and ease.
GADGETS
JURA ENA 8 Automatic Coffee Machine
The new JURA ENA 8 Automatic Coffee Machine expands the possibilities for coffee lovers, with more one-touch specialty options than ever before for the award-winning ENA 8 design. This high-technology compact machine now features a two-cup function to brew two cups of coffee or espresso at the same time – and an Extra Shot option to supercharge a cappuccino, flat white or latte macchiato for an extra boost. A brilliant combination of state-of-the-art technologies guarantees the ultimate coffee experience – always freshly ground, not capsuled. The Professional Aroma Grinder achieves a more consistent grind, enhancing coffee aroma by 12.2% versus conventional grinders. With its two-cup function, the ENA 8 can now make two black coffee specialties at the same time. JURA’s innovative fine foam technology creates beautifully light milk foam for trend specialties. With the easy-to-use touchscreen display and intuitive operation, 15 specialties can each be prepared at a single touch. The milk system cleaning function can be initiated at the touch of a button, ensuring the utmost in hygiene. Thanks to integrated Wi-Fi technology, the ENA 8 is compatible with the JURA Operating Experience (J.O.E.®), so it can be operated from a smartphone or tablet. J.O.E. lets users personalize their favorite beverages, initiate brewing, view maintenance instructions and videos, and more. The ENA 8 stands out for its compact footprint that fits anywhere. The minimalist design features clean lines, high-quality materials, and elegant accents, such as the chrome-plated cup tray and the crystal-clear diamond-look water tank – perfect for anyone who appreciates good design and perfect coffee.
X-TERRA ELITE Metal Detector from Minelab
Help your loved one strike gold this holiday season. The X-TERRA ELITE Metal Detector from Minelab redefines treasure hunting by combining cutting-edge Multi-IQ technology with affordability, versatility and unmatched performance. Perfect for both professionals and hobbyists, it’s designed to excel in all terrains with features that elevate the hunting experience. The X-TERRA ELITE combines the capabilities of multiple detectors—ensuring no terrain or treasure is out of reach. Its pre-programmed search modes (2 Park, 2 Field, 2 Beach) make it effective everywhere, from open fields to underwater depths of 16 feet, thanks to its IP-68 waterproof rating. Other key features include stable IDs and 25 sensitivity levels for extreme precision, versatile audio tones for target clarity and advanced iron bias and volume controls to separate treasure from trash. Plus, the included V12X coil offers exceptional coverage, with additional compatible coil options for greater flexibility. Built for durability and extended use, this metal detector features lighting, vibration alerts and backlit controls for nighttime scavenging. The X-TERRA ELITE comes with a three-year warranty and is supported by Minelab’s global network—affirming the company’s place in the market as where innovation meets adventure.
TikiTunes Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker by Limitless Innovations
This holiday season, create the ultimate oasis atmosphere with the perfect pairing: A playlist and some mood lighting. The original TikiTunes Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker provides up to nine hours of continuous audio playtime and a tiki-inspired LED flickering flame. Equipped with an IP65 rating, which indicates a product is protected against dust and water, it’s the perfect speaker for use at home or on-the-go—offering true stereo sound by connecting the two speakers together for a dynamic experience. Or, if you want an even more authentic tiki look, grab a pole and ground stake to easily attach the speaker and line the yard in tropics-inspired style. The company even offers its own compatible accessory Pole & Ground Stake for an additional cost. TikiTunes Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker is compatible with iPhones, Androids, Pixels, tablets and laptops from Apple and other brands. Since 2012, Limitless Innovations has operated as a small, family-owned business with a passion for conceptualizing and developing products that help consumers simplify, charge and enjoy their life. Limitless Innovations has grown from the idea of a single cable organization, to developing several award-winning and nationally-recognized brands of products that span across five different categories: Consumer electronics; home goods; lighting; hardware; and personal protective equipment.
G-ROK Wireless Golf Speaker by ROKFORM
Wanting to upgrade your loved one’s golfing experience this holiday? Look no further than ROKFORM’s G-ROK Wireless Golf Speaker. This award-winning tech allows users to enjoy great music on the green—all from a magnetic, rugged and portable device. With a 24-hour battery life, 30-foot range, quality sound and powerful ability to hold to golf carts or any other metal surfaces, the waterproof G-ROK Wireless Golf Speaker provides directional audio control through your phone and can be connected to a TV, tablet or any Bluetooth device. Even more, it includes a handy aluminum hook that can easily attach to a golf bag. No phone? No problem. The speaker comes with an optional SD card that can store up to 5,000 songs, so owners can play music with or without a device. It can also be double-upped with a second G-ROK for the ultimate stereo experience. These durable speakers have an IPX7 water rating and can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. They’re also dustproof for use in rain or shine, while their heavy-duty construction resists shocks and drops.
FlexBeam Wearable Red Light Therapy Device by Recharge Health
Looking for an effective way to relieve pain, recover faster, boost energy levels and optimize health? FlexBeam by Recharge Health is a powerful, wearable red light therapy device that’s transforming the world of recovery and longevity. Developed with NASA-inspired technology and trusted by global elite athletes, this non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive solution offers 5.9 watts of total optical power output—outperforming competitors threefold. It also is engineered for maximum effectiveness in the infrared spectrum and delivers eight times more power than leading products in this space. How does it work? Scientists discovered that light at specific red-and near-infrared wavelengths stimulate the body’s natural process of healing. FlexBeam’s targeted infrared light therapy device can be worn on different areas of the body, helping to support gut health by boosting the microbiome and promoting melatonin production for better sleep. Even more, customers experience 33 percent faster recovery after a muscle pull, 40 percent improvement in strength performance and 75 percent reduction in muscular-skeletal pain. Based in Norway, Recharge Health’s team of innovators are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of the human body. The company’s FlexBeam device has gained the endorsement of top-tier athletes like Casper Ruud and Martin Ødegaard—making it a game-changer in the athletic world. With many ways to wear for the ultimate benefits, give the gift of better health this holiday season with this revolutionary device.
Smart Lock U100 by Aqara
Give the gift of peace of mind this holiday with Aqara’s Smart Lock U100. This advanced home system seamlessly blends reliable security features with a sleek and modern design. Users can enjoy keyless entry, remote access control and real-time monitoring—all through the convenience of their smartphones. Its high-precision fingerprint reader offers unparalleled convenience with an accuracy rate of 98.6 percent and the ability to store up to 50 fingerprints locally, serving you and your family effortlessly. The Smart Lock U100 also integrates with Apple Home Key—allowing your loved one to say goodbye to the hassle of fumbling with keys, instead welcoming the efficient experience of unlocking their front door with a simple touch of an iPhone or Apple Watch. Other features include easy installation with simple tools, without the need of drilling for most doors, and permanent, periodic and one-time passwords to grant access to friends, services or guests in an Airbnb. Even more, Aqara’s device touts a long battery life that lasts up to eight months and functions off AA batteries that can be easily replaced. Live in areas with extreme weather? The Smart Lock U100’s outer panel is 1P65-rated and operates at temperatures ranging from negative-31 degrees Fahrenheit to 150-degrees Fahrenheit. It even offers additional ways to access your door during an emergency, including physical keys or the USB-C emergency port located on the outer panel to ensure there’s always a back-up plan to enter the home.
Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars by Nocs Provisions
An ideal present for outdoor enthusiasts, the Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars by Nocs Provisions are ready to join on any trip and bring owners closer to their surroundings. These pro-level performance accessories offer an unrivaled, ultra-wide field of view with true edge-to-edge clarity, multilayer phase-correction coatings applied to the Swiss-designed prism and a close focus of less than 6 feet—allowing the light of the outside world to match the inside optics. Other notable core features include its IPX7 waterproof and fog-proof capabilities, which make the binoculars submersible for 30 minutes in up to 3 feet of water, while their medical-grade, O-ring assembly injects the binoculars with inert nitrogen gas so they will never fog up in the field—guaranteed. Lastly, the binocular’s ridges are not only aesthetically pleasing but are designed to fit in small and large hands alike and provide plenty of grip. These patented ridges also double to protect the optics from impact by dissipating impact force, making them rugged enough to take just about anywhere.
Ayla Mini Vacuum by Ayla & Co.
We all know that a home or office full of chaos can make it difficult to stay efficient, and it can increase the stress in our lives, too. Meet The Ayla Vacuum by Ayla & Co.—the trendy and effective new way to clean at home, work or traveling that can help you be your most productive self. Cleaning up after spills and messes is part of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to resort to a shop vac or heavy vacuum to get the job done. Why not opt for convenience and use a lightweight, powerful and cordless device that easily fits in your bag or tucked away in any cabinet at home? Think about those nooks and crannies of the couches, car, refrigerator, freezer, pantry, office space, etc. It’s an everyday lifesaver designed to make daily tasks easier by providing a quick cleanup wherever and whenever it happens. The 1-pound vacuum has several key features, including dual suction, a removable and washable filter, rechargeable USB battery and patented, ergonomic design. Since 2020, Ayla & Co. has grown from a small start-up with three products to a reputable brand with more than 300 product stock keeping units (SKUs). Still, the family-owned company’s goal behind its creation remains the same: help parents everywhere navigate the chaos of parenthood with a little more ease.
FASHION AND STYLE
Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet from Diamond Veneer
Looking for a show-stopping gift for that special someone, without breaking the bank? Diamond Veneer has you covered with the Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet with Safety Chain. This stunningly-crafted alternative captures all of the brilliance and elegance desired from a traditional diamond bracelet—at a fraction of the cost. Plus, safety chains serve both practical and aesthetic purposes and are true chameleons in the jewelry sphere. Not only do they provide bracelets with an air of authenticity, but also give the sparkling accessory more weight and value with its added security. Think of them as the bouncers of the bracelet world, helping to prevent the wrist adornment from making a dramatic exit during wild dance moves or accidental tugs. Adding a safety chain also instantly elevates the bracelet’s style. It’s like slipping on a tailored blazer over a T-shirt—it says, “I’m here to impress.” The chain dangles gracefully, catching the light and winking at admirers with extra flair. Diamond Veneer’s Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet and Safety Chain comes in the standard seven-inch length, but is available in varying longer sizes for an extra cost. This piece offers a combination of benefits making it a great gift choice1) Deceptive Glamour: Safety chains can give your bracelet an air of authenticity. At a fancy event, when onlookers admire your wrist, you can hold your secret with a smile, letting them wonder if it’s the real deal; 2) The Illusion Game: Just like makeup can enhance features, safety chains can make your CZ bracelet appear more substantial and valuable. With a slight tilt, you’ll leave people guessing if it’s platinum or white gold; 3) Value Perception: Wearing a bracelet with a safety chain elevates it in others’ eyes, suggesting you have taste and sophistication, making it a delightful accessory; 4) Sophistication Upgrade: A safety chain adds instant class, catching the light and drawing admiration. It transforms your CZ from ordinary to extraordinary; 5) Security Last: Think of safety chains as protectors, ensuring your bracelet stays secure during lively outings. Enter code FLASH60 at checkout to receive the $19.99 usd price, which is 60% off the regular retail price of $49.99 usd.
Artisan Fine Jewelry with Lifetime Buy Back Guarantee by Sonalore
In today’s saturated jewelry market, finding the best brand from which to gift someone something special during the holidays can be challenging. But, thanks to Sonalore Fine Jewelry, you can find gorgeous, ethically made artisan pieces made to last. From bracelets and necklaces to rings and earrings, Sonalore Fine Jewelry prides itself on offering a selection of gold jewelry and precious stones without the inflated industry markups and full product transparency. Even more, the company’s lifetime buyback guarantee program allows customers to get instant and fair buyback valuations based on the current market price of gold, turning your accessories into assets … also allowing you to refresh your collection anytime. In fact, Sonalore Fine Jewelry’s AI-powered platform offers upfront estimates and one click transactability—similar to how other industry technologies can provide instant estimates for a new car or home. Other brand highlights include exclusive designs crafted by global artisans from India to Italy, fair wages for workers, virtual try-ions and superior customer service. Sonalore Fine Jewelry was founded by two friends who wanted to shake up the U.S. jewelry market by offering affordable, quality 18-karat gold pieces and precious gemstones that don’t tarnish. Its products were crafted with the freedom to be passed down through generations or sell back whenever.
Lucy Ostrich Feather Handbag from Gus & Violet
Do you have a fashionista on your gift list this year? Elevate their versatile style with Gus & Violet’s fashionable and functional Lucy Ostrich Feather Handbag. The accessory’s stunning fusion of genuine ostrich feathers and patent leather trim screams luxury, and is available in chic black and nude/cream colors. But, that’s not all. Owners can mix it up with interchangeable bracelet handles or a sleek chain strap in gunmetal, silver or gold—giving fashionistas endless styling possibilities with a single handbag. The bag includes a drawstring interior to keep phones and necessities protected inside, while the felt dust bag keeps the exterior in tip-top shape with proper storage. Whether you’re feeling bold and edgy or classic and elegant, Gus & Violet allows you to effortlessly switch up your look, believing accessories should be as unique as you are. The company’s premium handbags and belts are designed with interchangeable hardware to match any mood or occasion—ranging from feather and fringe handbags to knotted belt buckles. Gus & Violet’s build your bag or belt feature on its website showcases just how customizable its accessories are, and encourages shoppers to create their own garment from the handle to the finished piece. After all, when it comes to style, why settle for one when you can have it all?
Floral Red Mary Poppins Weekender Carpet Bag from Max Carpetbags Works
Elevate someone’s travel game with the Floral Wine Mary Poppins Weekender Carpet Bag, a stunning fusion of Victorian elegance and modern practicality from Max Carpetbag Works. Handcrafted with care, this bag features thick chenille carpets for a luxurious feel, paired with genuine leather accents that add timeless charm. Perfect for weekend getaways or short trips, the Floral Red Mary Poppins Weekender bag offers both style and functionality and measures at 19 and ¼ inches wide, 8 and ¼ inches in diameter and 14 and ⅛ inches tall—providing ample room for all your essentials. The interior is thoughtfully designed with a zippered pocket covered in leather and six slip pockets for easy organization, while the bronze stands at the bottom add vintage flair that keep the bag stable and upright. For added versatility, the weekender bag comes with a detachable and adjustable 55-inch shoulder strap made from the same lush chenille material, allowing you to carry it comfortably in hand or as a crossbody option. Whether for yourself or as a gift, the Floral Wine Mary Poppins Weekender combines classic design, durable materials and practical features—making it a must-have for stylish travelers.
Classic Mulberry Silk Pajama Set from Fishers Finery
Winter is pajama season and what better way to ring in this cozy time of year than with a brand-new set? Introducing the Classic Mulberry Silk Pajama Set, Fishers Finery’s two-piece item that includes a button-front top with silk covered buttons and a full-length pant with drawstring waist. This luxe duo is constructed with 100 percent pure mulberry silk—the same as the brand’s Good Housekeeping award-winning pillowcases—and is beautifully constructed with high-quality French seams. The set also comes with a gorgeous gift box and mesh wash bag for easy cleaning. Perfect for a slumber party with friends or the night before your wedding, the Classic Mulberry Silk Pajama will make for an amazing gift or addition to your or your loved one’s wardrobe with nine different color options. Plus, this stylish outfit will even provide its wearer a more restful sleep. With all the benefits of silk’s natural fibers, sleeping in Fishers Finery’s 100 percent silk pajama set provides breathability, sleep temperature regulation and a hypoallergenic option all year round. Earning the tried and tested Good Housekeeping seal and the Oeko-Tex “Made in Green” certification, the industry standout sleep outfit gives owners peace of mind that their pjs have been tested for harmful substances, manufactured using environmentally friendly processes and created under socially responsible conditions.
Eco-Minded Clothing by Coalatree
Not sure how to show your favorite outdoor enthusiast you care this season? Get them some quality gear that they can look and feel good about wearing. Coalatree’s Trailhead Pants are constructed from revolutionary ripstop nylon with four-way ripstop stretch, anti-microbial fabric and a water-repellent finish. These fan-favorite pants already have more than 2,000 five-star reviews and are available in seven colors and two pant widths. A popular feature of the Trailhead Pants is that they can be packed down for easy travel and storage by stuffing them into the front right pocket of the garment. They’re also adaptable for both an urban or mountain adventure, featuring functional drawstring ankle ties to wear long or cinch up into capris. Coalatree’s Trailhead Shorts are another ideal option for movers, coming in identical styles for men and women. Wearers can expect that same breathable, four-way stretch the brand’s bottoms are known for and offer extra versatility with its pack-down into the front pocket function. Even more, the shorts’ water-proof, stain-resistant, tear-resistant and antimicrobial design allows customers to wear them all day long. Coalatree strives to use sustainable materials throughout the production process, including recycled coffee grounds. The company regularly gives back to its surrounding communities by partnering with local organizations to maintain the hiking and biking trails its employees frequent and to protect the integrity of area watersheds.
Forme’s Posture-Correcting Fitness Apparel
Do you find yourself or someone you know slouching over the computer during the work day? Collectively improve posture this year with Forme’s Posture-Correcting Garments. The company’s Power Bra is an FDA-registered posture-correcting bra designed to immediately improve the wearer’s upper body alignment and body foundation. Celebrities like Taylor Swift can even vouch for the bra’s effectiveness, as she’s been seen wearing Forme’s posture-correcting sports bra while rehearsing for the Eras Tour. Embedded with posture-correcting, wearable technology, the six varied tension fabrics and eight double-fabric panels aid in both fashion and function. Forme’s posture bra has patented technology inside that transforms and trains the body to develop muscle memory that allows people to walk, sit and stand straighter without conscious effort. The brand’s best-selling Sculpt+ Leggings and Sculpt Shorts go a step further by not only correcting its owner’s posture, but also helping prevent hip, knee and foot pain. These leggings are designed to provide lower back support and engage the core, spine and hip muscles—allowing customers to get the most out of their yoga practice. The item’s patented, five-inch, triple mesh high waistband engages muscle memory in the core, glutes, hamstring and spine to improve owners’ daily ergonomics and tucks. It also supports the midsection to streamline the wearer’s silhouette and improve form and posture. The leggings come in six colors and sizes from XS to XXL. Forme is ranked in the top 20 percent of Inc.’s Fastest Growing Companies in America this year and offers a transformative solution for daily posture training.
T-100 Elite-Series Insoles by Protalus
While the outer look of shoes is important, what’s on the inside can actually have the most impact. The T-100 Elite-Series Insoles by Protalus are designed for running shoes, tennis shoes, dress shoes, athletic shoes, sneakers and everyday wear–helping you to feel comfortable from the first moment you step into them. This universal insole is constructed with patented rebound foam and patented alignment technology that provides superior relief by keeping your ankle aligned and in a safe range of motion. In fact, Protalus insoles improve the alignment of the ankle by 31 percent when compared to generic stock shoe inserts. They specifically offer support for the subtalar joint, preventing overpronation or oversupination and reducing stress on the ankles, knees and hips by creating less weight per square inch of your foot. The innovative combination of high-quality materials provides excellent impact reduction and moisture-wicking capabilities for unmatched comfort for up to a year of use. Protalus based its unique insole design on 50-plus years of medical research and third party laboratory testing, breaking down everything medical history knows about foot pain and relief. It’s no coincidence that over 95 percent of people who try Protalus have positive results—it’s by design.
Personalized Dog Collars by Angie & Allie
Gift your favorite dog parent something for their furry friend with Angie & Allie’s comfortable and stylish Personalized Dog Collars. Made with 100 percent organic cotton, these soft and breathable accessories are gentle on dogs’ skin, ensuring ultimate comfort even for pets with sensitivities. They are a natural choice for eco-conscious pet owners who want the best for their four-legged companions and the planet, and not only look great but are also incredibly functional. The collars’ organic cotton material provides a lightweight yet durable solution, perfect for daily wear. Customization is made easy with options to engrave you or your loved one’s pet’s name, phone number and address in six elegant fonts—giving l peace of mind in case your pet wanders off. Paired with sleek black or brass hardware, the collars balance practicality with a touch of sophistication, with sizes ranging from XX-Small to XX-Large so every breed can find the perfect fit in Angie and Allie’s collection. And, shopping couldn’t be easier—enjoy worldwide shipping and free delivery on all U.S. orders. This holiday season, choose Angie & Allie’s Personalized Dog Collars for a blend of comfort, safety and timeless style that’s as unique as your pet.
FOOD & KITCHEN
14-Piece Forged Cutlery Set by Viking Culinary
Give the home chef in your life the best tools to add to their culinary arsenal this year with essential, razor-sharp knives forged from high carbon, 1.4116 German steel. Viking Culinary’s 14-Piece Forged Cutlery Set features a collection of full-tang blades that run the entire length of the handle for impeccable balance—becoming natural extensions of any cook’s hands. The knives’ forged design showcases ergonomic, triple-riveted ABS handles that ensure a secure, hygienic and comfortable grip and heftier weighted bolsters for improved safety and accurate cutting control. Plus, the German steel’s high-carbon content allows these knives to hold a precise, sharper edge for much longer than other cutlery, while their taper ground edges are carefully laser tested for an exact, 15-degree cutting edge. The 14-Piece Forged Cutlery Set includes all the essentials, including an 8-inch chef’s knife, 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch carving knife, 8-inch honing steel, 5-inch utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, kitchen shears, set of six non-serrated steak knives and an elegant black rubberwood block for easy countertop storage. The Viking brand began 40 years ago with the introduction of the iconic Viking Range line, which was later followed by the creation of Viking Culinary to meet the performance levels of chefs and cooking enthusiasts with quality cookware and kitchenware for home kitchens.
12-inch Portable Electric Indoor and Outdoor Pizza Oven by Newair
Up your friends and family’s home culinary game this holiday with Newair’s 12-Inch Portable Electric Indoor and Outdoor Pizza Oven. It’ll transform your kitchen into a pizzeria, delivering delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas in minutes. Simple controls, dual-heating elements and temperatures reaching up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit ensure artisan-style results at home or on the go every time. The advanced heating elements and a ceramic-coated surface ensure a perfectly crispy crust and toppings cooked to perfection every time. This portable, electric appliance is compact and thoughtfully designed, coming with essential accessories to create restaurant-quality ‘zas cooked to perfection in minutes. Newair’s foldable legs and a compact construction that make it easy to bring along for tailgates, camping trips and any outdoor gatherings. Plus, it includes a durable, dustproof camp cover to protect the oven during transport and storage. All essential accessories are included for ultimate convenience: a door baffle, pizza peel and ceramic pizza stone. Its temperature control dial was crafted with convenience in mind—eliminating the cumbersome presets and control settings to automatically distribute heat throughout the oven evenly. Founded in Orange County, California, the 20-year-old company was built by and for the consumer, and aims to provide customers with quality products and services that make life more enjoyable where you live, where you work and where you play.
Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer by Fritaire
The Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer by Fritaire is the ultimate solution for smart, chic, healthy and more convenient cooking—and a top-tier gift for just about anyone this holiday season. Beyond its beautiful design, the air fryer’s 1500 watts, 400-degree Fahrenheit halogen heater and engineered vortex convection achieve crispy and even results every time, while the unique self-cleaning glass bowl makes for effortless post-cooking clean up. Fritaire’s Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer features three cooking accessories—the rotisserie, the french tumbler and the air stand—and offers six one-touch cooking functions for ultimate versatility and convenience. It’s also the first-ever self-cleaning air fryer with BPA-free and Teflon-free certifications, and is free of plastics and phthalates for an even healthier cooking experience. After enjoying a Fritaire-made meal, the air fryer’s self-cleaning process is simple: just fill the bowl with water, add some dish soap and turn it on according to the self-clean guide instructions. From there, the device does the rest. Choose from the brand’s eye-catching colorways and retro-chic aesthetic to make the perfect accessory for your loved one’s countertop, including lavender, mauve rose, cherry, sage green, lily white, orange and black.
Air Fryer Cooking Tools & Recipes from Cathy Yoder, the “Queen of Air Fryers”
Amid holiday cooking and gifting season and those New Year wellness goals beyond, Cathy Yoder—affectionately known as the “Queen of Air Fryers”—is helping us make festive meals easier, healthier and even more fun with an assortment of affordable air fryer finds under $25 usd. Yoder, a mother of eight who built a social media empire around her dislike for cooking, which she parlayed into air-frying expertise, went from simply experimenting with recipes to amassing nearly 730,000 followers across socials and over a million monthly visitors to her platforms. Each day, Yoder empowers throngs of home cooks to dust off their air fryers and turn quick, tasty meals into a daily routine. To help home chefs elevate their air fryer, or gifting, game without breaking the bank, Yoder offers a curated selection of budget-friendly tools and resources through her online store, Pine & Pepper—the eComm arm of her Empowered Cooks multimedia platform that provides an array of video instruction and other resources specific to the joy of air fryer cooking. The paperback book “Easy Air Fryer Recipe Book: Best Air Fryer Cookbook Recipes for Beginners to Advanced” provides readers find more than 150 easy and delicious recipes complete with gorgeous photos. This includes delicious, healthy and effortless meals conveniently organized into six sections: Breakfast, Main Dishes (grouped by protein), Veggies & Sides, Snack & Sandwiches, and Desserts. At the end of the book, you’ll find additional quick tips, cheat sheets, conversion charts, and other resources. For those who like precision, the Instant Read Food Thermometer is ideal for checking the internal temperature of meats and other delicate dishes. This little gadget ensures food is cooked perfectly, adding both safety and satisfaction to your meals. Achieve a perfect, light coat of oil without drowning your food in calories with the Mistifi 6oz Oil Spray Bottle. This compact sprayer helps evenly distribute oil on foods, making it essential for getting crispy results without excess oil. Plus, it’s easy to refill and looks sleek on any kitchen counter. Say goodbye to stuck-on messes! The Pine & Pepper Premium Air Fryer Liners keep food from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. They’re especially useful for messier recipes and ensure that your air fryer basket stays in pristine condition. A quick solution to save time, hassle, and scrubbing.
Self Heating & Cleaning Lunchbox by UVI
In today’s age, what’s old has been re-made new. That includes the dependable lunch bag of yesterday, which has gotten a major upgrade—and is the perfect gift for essentially everyone in your life. A brand of the The Future Products Company innovation house, the UVI Self Heating and Cleaning Lunchbox is the solution for enjoying hot and healthy meals on the go. Featuring a plug-in design with a powerful heat source, it can heat refrigerated food in 25 minutes, cook rice and steam vegetables, among other abilities. It boasts an integrated UV light that kills up to 99 percent of bacteria, along with a detachable power cord for easy refrigerator storage. The box’s insulated liner keeps food hot for up to two hours without power, while its movable divider easily accommodates different foods of various shapes and sizes. Durable and leak-proof, the UVI’s shell and odor-resistant liner are easy to maintain, too. After rinsing the box, simply put the washed tableware into the lunch box, close the lid and touch the UV button to start the disinfection process. Capture your loved one’s personality with one of the UVI Self Heating and Cleaning Lunchbox’s three contemporary colors: Green Pea; Salmon and Yellow.
Mrs. G’s Hot Pepper Jellies
Spice up your holiday table or loved one’s stocking this year with a little sweet heat. Mrs. G’s Hot Pepper Jellies can quite literally elevate hundreds of recipes with their fresh, non-GMO ingredients. With just enough sweet kick to complement grilled meats, veggies, desserts or charcuterie spreads, these gluten-free hot pepper jellies contain no preservatives to ensure excellent taste and quality. Mrs. G’s Hot Jellies are sourced, produced and packaged in Southern California—offering a delicious collection of four classic flavors: Ja-Ha (Jalapeño-Habanero), Jalapeño Garlic Lime, Mango Ginger Habanero and Peach Habanero. Each is sold individually in 10-ounce packaging or in the brand’s festive Sampler Collection Gift Box, which features 5-ounce jars of all four options. Now in its eleventh year of business, Mrs. G’s Hot Jellies began when Cindy Greaver started making jalapeño and habanero jellies for friends and family out of her kitchen and garden. Over the years, she began expanding her reach to various retailers and customers throughout the country but stayed true to her original recipes. In Temecula, California, you can find these sweet and spicy jellies in many of the area wineries’ lavish charcuterie boards and gift shops, on a PB&J burger at a popular local bistro or on the shelves of retailers in Old Town Temecula. Bottom line: they’re a sure hit for every creative home chef on your gift list.
Gourmet Chocolates and Treats from Bonnie & Pop
Whether you’re a certified chocoholic or just someone who appreciates a good sugar fix, chocolate is a classic holiday gift that’s always in style. As you put on your Santa hat and check your list twice this year, Bonnie & Pop has you covered. This mother-daughter-owned business has put together an unbelievable selection of irresistible gourmet treats—ranging from decadent chocolates and sweet and salty, to fruity and creamy and nutty and chewy for all your friends, relatives, co-workers, teachers, the dog-walker, your hairdresser (you get the picture) to enjoy! Take Bonnie & Pop’s Forbidden Fruits Basket. If you know a “hostess with the mostest,” they’ll love this brightly assorted basket turned tray that is filled to the brim with artisanal slices of Washington apple wedges, Mediterranean apricots and California yellow peaches. Other yummy fruits include mango slices, pears, kiwi slices, California dates, Angelina plums and prunes. All items are kosher-certified by Star-K-Parve. For cocoa fanatics, the company’s Belgian Bliss Truffle Treasures offer its best-selling batch of Belgian white, milk and dark chocolates. The perfect treat for the sweet-and-salty lover, this kosher-certified gift includes 36 individually wrapped Belgian chocolate truffles. Bonnie & Pop’s Savory Snacker’s Stash satiates your favorite cravings with treats like praline peanuts, spicy pub mix, decadent mixed nuts and more, and is also kosher-certified by OK Kosher-Dairy. Each festive gift box or basket is beautifully packaged, shipped and delivered contact-free right to the recipient’s door. Order now and the company guarantees customers’ purchases will make delivery in time for the December holidays. You can even enter code “PRBONNIE” at checkout and get $5 usd off your order. For the Silo, Merilee Kern. Just us next time for part 2 with more interesting and unique Holiday Gift ideas. Seasons Greetings!
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
The recent Netflix series, Senna, got our friends at Hagerty thinking about movie cars that—often for practical reasons—aren’t exactly what they seem. This story originally ran on their site in 2013, and we’ve freshened it up a bit to provide some helpful and entertaining context for today’s movie-car choices.
Hollywood loves to incorporate hot classic cars into movies and television shows. Producers and insurers are also notoriously risk-averse, preferring to use replicas rather than the hyper-valuable real deal whenever possible. Here are some of our favorite big- and small-screen fakes.
Nash Bridges
1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda: The ’90s San Francisco cop show revived Don Johnson’s career, pairing him with Cheech Marin (half of the stoner comedy team of Cheech and Chong). The yellow car that appeared to be an ultra-rare Hemi ‘Cuda convertible was actually what is known as a “clone,” or a car that started out as a lesser model but was restored to appear as a top shelf ‘Cuda. The difference in price is staggering—around $180,000 usd/ $259,000 cad for a convertible with the 383, more than $3M usd/ $4.25M cad for the real deal (both prices reflect #2 condition).
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1985)
1960 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder: The Ferris Bueller Ferrari is probably the best-known big screen fake and that’s why we choose it for this article’s feature image. From a distance, it appears reasonably accurate, but Ferrari aficionados can spot the differences in their sleep, from the Triumph-sourced gauges to the MGB taillights. And don’t get them talking about the bogus Italian Borrani wire wheels. A real California Spyder in #2, or Excellent, condition is nearly $20 million usd/ $28.3 million cad today.
Miami Vice (1984)
1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona: Don Johnson appears to be a bit of a magnet for fake cars. His black Daytona Spyder was actually a fake built on a Corvette chassis, and few Ferrari fans shed tears when the car was blown up in sight of Johnson’s character, Sonny Crockett, and his pet alligator, Elvis. Afterward, Crockett took to driving a white Ferrari Testarossa—a real one, this time.
Top Gun (1986)
1958 Porsche Speedster: Kelly McGillis’ character drove this one around San Diego in the classic ’80s movie. Porsche Speedsters are among the most replicated cars ever—most are convincing fiberglass bodies slapped on top of a VW Beetle platform.
The replica featured in Top Gun appears to have been one of the good ones, built by longtime Speedster replica-maker Intermeccanica. They’re still in business in British Columbia, Canada, turning out extremely high-quality vintage Porsche replicas.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster: Indy’s sidekick Short Round still holds the record for the best automotive chase involving a pre-teen driver. With blocks tied to the pedals, Short Round takes Jones and a lounge singer Willie Scott on a wild ride through prewar Shanghai. The car was, of course, a complete fake, and not a particularly convincing one at that. For the Silo, Rob Sass/Hagerty.
Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a cultural phenom. One that American and (in the past few years) hard-boiled Canadian consumers look forward to each year. They brave the crowds, set out a savings mission plan and shop like a thrifty gladiator entering the battle arena of value.
WHEN IT COMES TO BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY…
While images of people camped out in Walmart parking lots regularly dominates the Black Friday news cycle (as well as trampling and fights), we wanted to find out how people really intend to spend these consumer holidays-and more importantly, how much they intend to spend. We also looked at Holiday Gift searches from the last few years on our sister site-interestingly, there’s apparently a big market for discontinued perfumes.
SOME INTERESTING FACTS FROM THE STUDY
* Men are much more open to violence on Black Friday/ Cyber Monday: One out of 10 guys (11%) would pull something out of the hands of another shopper.
* 86% of Generation Y intends to use Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts on items for themselves.
* Men are the most generous: 26% of guys plan to spend at least $1,000 on holiday gifts.
* Very few people are procrastinating: While 4% claim they’re already finished with their holiday shopping, 41% intends to complete it on Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
* 43% will wait up to an hour on Black Friday; 24 people said they’d willingly camp out for MULTIPLE NIGHTS.
* Bosses and co-workers are at the bottom of everyone’s shopping list: Children, understandably rule (followed by spouses/significant others).
The following info-graphic is based on responses from 6,354 online shoppers who were surveyed last year immediately after checking out. Odds are things haven’t changed much this year. Here’s more from our friends at Tada, they are awesomely obsessed with reporting on all the things that online shoppers value. For the Silo, shopzilla.com/Jarrod Barker.
The true “spirit” of the holiday season (oops, I meant to say Christmas) is for people to pause and give thanks. According to the man-made calendar of months and years, we are getting ready to start a New Year.
