Congratulations Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom on tying the knot this month. Best wishes!
The Giving Pledge
On the subject of giving, a long time ago author Andre Gide wrote these proving lines, “Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you.” Paul Simon later sang “Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life, the greatest gift of all.”
Last week forty American billionaires including CNN founder Ted Turner, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and Hollywood director George Lucas as well as Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates publicly pledged the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.
The Giving Pledge according to the press release was initiated by Buffett and Gates as an effort to help address society’s most pressing problems by inviting the wealthiest American families and individuals to commit to giving more than half of their wealth to philanthropy or charitable causes. At its core, the Giving Pledge is about asking wealthy families to have important conversations about their wealth and how it will be used.
The interesting feature is that this is a public declaration of intention. A moral commitment to give, not a legal contract, and does not involve pooling money or supporting a particular set of causes or organizations.
"Everybody has their own interests," said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who participated in a teleconference with Buffett as one of the individuals who has signed the giving pledge. "That's what's wonderful about private philanthropy. If you want to do something for your children and show how much you love them, the single best thing – by far – is to support organizations that will create a better world for them and their children. And by giving, we inspire others to give of themselves, whether their money or their time.”
Ellison, known more for yacht racing than philanthropy, said he had intended for years to donate 95 percent of his wealth to charity. He has given hundreds of millions to medical research and education.
"Until now, I have done this giving quietly — because I have long believed that charitable giving is a personal and private matter," he wrote in a letter that was posted on givingpledge.org, the website for the effort. "So why am I going public now? Warren Buffett personally asked me to write this letter because he said I would be 'setting an example' and 'influencing others' to give. I hope he's right."
In similar letters, other donors talked about what they hoped their money could achieve. George B. Kaiser, chairman of BOK Financial Corp., said he is concerned that America is failing its social contract as a land of equal opportunity.
"It is the most fundamental principle in our founding documents and it is what originally distinguished us from the old Europe. Yet, we have failed in achieving that seminal goal; in fact, we have lost ground in recent years," he wrote.
It was clear from comments of Buffett and others that donors intend to send a message to future generations, including those around the world, to change the way people view wealth.
"If life happens to bless you with talent or treasure, you have a responsibility to use those gifts as well and as wisely as you possibly can," the Gateses wrote in their letter. "Now we hope to pass this example on to our own children."
Bloomberg, who has a fortune estimated by Forbes magazine at $18 billion, said he has changed his personal philosophy over the years from wanting to be more private about his giving toward trying to play a leadership role. He said his whole family is in tune with his giving plan.
"I've always thought your kids get more benefit out of your philanthropy than your will," he added.
John Houghtaling and Franco Valobra Hold New Orleans Fundraising Dinner
In support of Louisiana cuisine at a time when its seafood industry has been jeopardized by the Horizon oil spill, world-renowned chefs Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud and Jerome Bocuse will team with New Orleans Chef Scott Boswell for a September 14 fundraiser at his French Quarter restaurant Stella! The event will benefit the Barrier Islands Restoration & Development Society (B.I.R.D.S.) and the Bocuse d'Or USA Foundation. It is the first meal the distinguished chefs will cook together.
"These leaders of America's culinary revolution are committed to preserving our food culture and traditions," said Chef Boswell. "Like me, they're frustrated about the repercussions of the oil gushing in the Gulf, so we will unite in the kitchen to raise funds for our wetlands and the next generation of culinary professionals."
The benefit will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14, beginning at 7 p.m. with cocktails in the Ursuline Convent gardens, followed by dinner at Restaurant Stella! Tickets for the evening are $2,000 per person, and may be obtained by calling 504-587-0091 (Extension 100) or e-mailing cbrannon@chefscottboswell.com.
New Orleans businessmen John Houghtaling and Franco Valobra organized the event to raise awareness of the region's cuisine and Louisiana's wetlands.
B.I.R.D.S. was formed by a group of concerned civic leaders and Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser to establish, maintain and restore the precious barrier islands of Southeast Louisiana. These natural barriers, which have been disappearing over the last century, provide a first line of defense for the fragile marshes, estuaries, and animal habitats that permeate the landscape surrounding the lower portion of the Mississippi River as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
"We've gathered some of the best culinary artists in the world to highlight our cuisine and draw attention to our struggle," Houghtaling said. "The barrier islands are home to brown pelicans, the symbol of our state and the wildlife upon which many of our cultural traditions are based. B.I.R.D.S. is a critically important cause."
Laurence Graff Aquires One Of The World's Rarest Diamonds
One of the world's rarest diamonds - a 24.78 carat pink has been sold by Sotheby's in Geneva for a world record US$46 million. The gem had been expected to achieve an impressive US$1 million per carat but exceeded even that and became the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction. Bidding for the stone was intense before it finally sold to London based jeweller Laurence Graff who described it as the most fabulous diamond that he had seen in his career. He has named it The Graff Pink. The pink diamond is among less than two per cent of the world's diamonds categorised as ‘potentially flawless’ because it needs re-polishing.
The previous highest price paid for a diamond at auction was US$24.3 million for The Wittelsbach blue diamond in 2008. It too was bought by Laurence Graff.
David Bennett, Chairman, Europe and the Middle East, Sotheby's International Jewellery Department, states: "During my 35-year career at Sotheby's I have had the opportunity to examine many magnificent and rare gemstones and, put simply, this stone is one of the most desirable diamonds I have ever seen. What makes it so immensely rare is the combination of its exceptional colour and purity with the classic emerald-cut - a style of cutting normally associated with white diamonds and one that is so highly sought-after when found in rare colours such as pink and blue. The stone's character is further enhanced by the gently rounded corners which impart a unique softness and charm to this truly outstanding gemstone."
'It is a world record price for a jewel at auction,' said David Bennett, chairman of Sotheby's jewellery department in Europe and the Middle East, as he brought down the hammer to applause in the packed sales room. 'It's like pink champagne.'
The stone's rare, perfect pink colour is thought to have been caused by it absorbing light in an unusual way when it was formed deep inside the earth over millions of years.
The stone came to the market from a private collection and has not appeared on the open market since it was purchased some 60 years ago from Mr Harry Winston.
Little House On The Prarie
Sienna & Marlana have discovered Little House on the Prairie..... so cute... they love it! The first shows Charles struggling to support the family, he is injured, and his daughters make a show of support to help their father. The series get's a bit of negativity from some for it's lack of modern ideals, but I'm liking the way it motivates our daughters to see our family.
They're also choosing to watch their favourite movie in French, Italian and of course Spanish...which doesn't cease to amaze me... Donnell hopes it will help them develop an ear for languages.
Marc and Lynne Benioff's Gift to UCSF Medical Center
Mark R. Laret, chief executive officer of UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, and UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann have announced a $100 million gift from San Francisco residents Marc and Lynne Benioff to help build a new home for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital at Mission Bay. The private gift is the largest donation ever made by the Benioffs and is the largest gift ever made to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. Laret and Desmond-Hellmann also announced that the hospital is being renamed the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. Construction of a 184-bed new children's hospital is expected to be completed in 2014.
"This generous donation brings UCSF Medical Center to $320 million in pledges for our philanthropic goal of $600 million toward building a 289-bed, $1.5 billion Children's, Women's and Cancer hospital complex at Mission Bay.
Lynne and Marc Benioff are amazing people. Marc is the co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Salesforce.com; and Lynne serves on the UCSF Foundation Board. Their daughter was born almost two years ago at UCSF. Marc designed philanthropy into the very fabric of Salesforce.com, donating 1 percent of the company's equity, 1 percent of profits and 1 percent of employee time to support community needs. The Benioffs have decided to focus their personal philanthropy on UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, with the goal of not only seeing the new hospital built but significantly advancing children's health worldwide."
Donald T. Sterling To Sponsor Summer Clinics
Los Angeles Clippers Owner Donald T. Sterling, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Clippers Foundation, will again conduct the Clippers Summer Clinic Program, tipping off with 10 free clinics in the Los Angeles area this summer. From July 12-16 and August 9-13, Sterling and the Clippers will provide 2,500 children the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of basketball. The Summer Clinic program, now in its fourth year, was initiated by Sterling in 2006 and has thus far accommodated a total of 7,200 southern California youths.
Travis Knight Named President And CEO
LAIKA has announced that Travis Knight has been named President and CEO of the company. Knight succeeds Dale Wahl, who has held the position since 2005. Knight, who sits on the LAIKA Board and has been Head of Animation since 2007, was one of the lead animators on Coraline, the first stop-motion animated feature film to be produced in 3D. The appointments were announced by Philip H. Knight, LAIKA’s owner and Chairman of the Board. Mr. Knight is also Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of Nike, Inc. “Travis’ passion has always been the arts in general and filmmaking in particular,” said Phil Knight. “He was Coraline’s earliest champion, playing a key role in our decision to greenlight the project and his creative contribution as lead animator on the film was immense. His ambitious business vision for LAIKA grows out of a first-hand understanding of, and reverence for, the creative process. I’m confident that our new leadership team will continue to move LAIKA to the forefront of the animation industry.
“Dale Wahl steps down as CEO at his request,” Mr. Knight continues. “After four years and at age 65 he felt, in his words, it was time to smell one rose. Dale moves into the position of Vice-Chairman to help Travis transition into their new positions until his retirement from LAIKA at the end of this October. In addition, he will temporarily fill the role of Executive Vice President of Business Operations and CFO until we complete our search to fill that position. With his steady leadership and business acumen, Dale has presided over our nascent feature film operation as well as our thriving commercial division, led by LAIKA/house President Lourri Hammack. The success of both areas of the company under his leadership has gotten us off to a great start.”
Travis Knight says, “At our core, LAIKA is an audacious, scrappy, and inventive community of filmmakers, driven by our love of animation, a belief in its endless possibilities, and confidence in its promise to touch the world. LAIKA’s potential is limitless. In both the entertainment and commercial arenas, we will continue to develop our visual and storytelling expertise across all animation formats. Simply put, we hope to grow into the boldest, most innovative animation studio in the world.”
Travis has been involved in all business and creative decision-making at LAIKA since the company’s inception in 2003, when Phil Knight took over Vinton Studios, Portland’s renowned animation studio with a distinguished 30-year history, and re-christened it LAIKA. Travis joined Vinton Studios in 1998 as a stop-motion animator, working on the Emmy Award-winning television series The PJs, produced with Eddie Murphy Productions and Imagine Entertainment, as well as the animated series Gary & Mike on UPN. He earned his CG animation stripes by animating numerous television commercials (McDonald’s, Hostess, M&M’s) and promo spots, including the NFL on Fox campaign. In June 2007, he was honored by Animation magazine as one of the Rising Stars of Animation. He has served on LAIKA’s Board of Directors since 2003.
Tesla In Zurich
Tesla Motors will open its newest showroom June 10 in Switzerland’s largest city. The store – located at Pelikanstrasse 10, in the heart of Zurich -- will host a media preview with Roadster test drives and executive interviews June 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An invitation-only VIP gala with celebrity guests and other surprises will follow, including the delivery of a one-of-a-kind car – an Arctic white 2010 Roadster that recently stole worldwide headlines as the record-setting winner of the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally, piloted by motorsport star Erik Comas.
Steps away from the city’s famous Bahnhofstrasse, the high-profile Zurich store will allow prospective customers to test drive the Roadster, the only all-electric car on sale and in production now. Tesla, which has already delivered more than 1,000 cars in at least 25 countries, sells its own vehicles and has forged strategic alliances with Daimler and Toyota to produce zero-emission cars.
Tesla has already delivered about 50 Roadsters throughout Switzerland, the company’s largest per-capita market. The Zurich store will serve as the epicenter for Tesla's fast-growing Swiss community, and it will be the base for more zero-emission Alpine road rallies, owner-appreciation parties and other exclusive events.
"Tesla’s remarkable success in Switzerland makes perfect sense – testimony not only to Swiss consumers' longstanding focus on innovative technology but also to the Roadster's all-weather durability," said Cristiano Carlutti, Vice President of Tesla’s European sales and operations. "We certainly share their passion for both the environment and high-performance sports cars, and we look forward to becoming even closer to our community of customers and fans when we open the new showroom."
The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional sockets – at owners' garages or offices, hotels, parking decks or at a growing number of charging stations throughout Switzerland – and several Swiss customers charge on 100 percent solar power from their photovoltaic panels.
Unlike petrol-powered vehicles, the single-speed Roadster does not require oxygen and therefore does not lose efficiency at altitude. Roadster drivers can drive with utmost confidence on Alpine passes, enjoying the car’s legendary torque without lag or downshifting. Regenerative braking allows the Roadster to recover energy on downhill stretches. Sophisticated power management software means the Roadster's revolutionary traction control is almost instantaneous.
The Roadster qualifies for numerous incentives in Switzerland, a hydroelectricity-dominated country with one of the cleanest grids in Europe. In some cantons, EVs get a 100 percent waiver of the annual road tax. Some cities, including Zermatt, ban internal combustion engine cars from the city center and only allow EVs to drive and park there.
Congratulations to Linnea Conrad and George Roberts
Linnea Conrad and George Roberts were married today at Lake Como, one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Tesla Debuts In Madrid
Tesla Motors is making its first appearance this week at Spain’s premier auto show, and the company is hosting test drives all week. The Madrid Motor Show, a top venue highlighting fuel-efficient cars, is May 20-23. Among hundreds of prototypes and concept cars on display at la Feria de Madrid, the Tesla Roadster stands out as the only highway-capable electric car already on sale.
In fact, Tesla will have an additional Roadster outside the expo available for test drives with qualified prospective customers – including those who reserved the Tesla Model S and those eager to "go electric" as soon as possible.
"More and more people want to start accumulating zero-emission miles today, and the Roadster lets them do just that in one of the fastest and most stylish cars in the world,” said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla Vice President of European Sales and Operations. "Why wait when you can be part of the green revolution today?"
¡Viva la energía solar!
The Madrid debut comes weeks after Tesla delivered its first car to a customer in Spain. The new owner charges his twilight blue Roadster exclusively with renewable energy and lives “off the grid” in a remote valley of the Sierra Nevada.
The Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars, yet it produces no emissions. The Roadster, which consumes no oil whatsoever and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe, can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.
Spain, a leader in the development of solar energy, expects to derive 12 percent of the nation’s primary energy from renewable resources by the end of this year. That means Roadster owners in Spain get to drive world's hottest sports car – and charge it from one of Europe’s cleanest energy grids.
The Roadster qualifies for a national rebate of at least €6,000 and a provincial rebates of €3,000 or more. Spanish owners get 75 percent off the yearly car tax. Roadsters get free metered parking and free use of the high-occupancy vehicle and bus lanes – a priceless advantage in the dense traffic of Madrid and Barcelona.
The Roadster can be recharged at millions of conventional power outlets throughout Europe. In addition, "Project Movele" is building free charging stations in Seville, Barcelona and Madrid.
1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic
Internationally celebrated auction house Gooding & Company, announced that it has sold the unparalleled 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic to an undisclosed buyer. As the official broker for the Trust that formerly owned the Atlantic, Gooding & Company found a devoted connoisseur who will become the guardian of this treasured piece of automotive history.
“I am extremely pleased to have found the new buyer for the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, one of the world’s most significant and valuable automobiles that has been in a private collection and rarely seen during the past four decades,” says David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding & Company.
“It has been a great pleasure to work with the Williamson Family and Trust in this important endeavor.” Formerly the coveted pillar of the world renowned Williamson Bugatti Collection, the Atlantic was the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance best in Show car.
The Atlantic was an automobile derived from Bugatti’s prototype Aerolithe Electron Coupé that caused a sensation when it was unveiled at the 1935 Paris Auto Salon.
Bugatti later built just three Atlantics, each one different from the next, but this 1936 car (chassis #57374) is the first in the series and its historical significance, originality and restoration has been revered by enthusiasts throughout the world.
Johnny Depp on Fatherhood
“Certain things about Hollywood used to make me angry – now I go ‘Oh p*** off I’m going to play Barbies with my daughter.” - Johnny Depp
Clay Cliffs
I recently took the girls to a far out location called the 'clay cliffs' (Lord of the Rings location)... very dangerous the girls reckoned.... Sienna shoot me playing golf at 'the Hills' very exclusive Home of the New Zealand open.... wearing jeans....
YES! Some members have been known to play in shorts and singlets... and it's 'allowed' after all they ARE MEMBERS and have paid the big bucks!
Erik Comas and Tesla Sweep Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally
A Tesla Roadster has become the first electric vehicle to win the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally and the first to win any FIA-sanctioned championship. Driven by Formula One driver Erik Comas, the Arctic White Roadster beat 96 competitors in range, efficiency and performance. The Roadster’s victory in the three-day, nearly 1,000-kilometer challenge also marks the first time an electric vehicle has dominated a Federation Internationale de l'Automobile competition worldwide. The Roadster scored definitive victories in two additional categories, including the Efficiency Cup and the Electric Vehicles Cup. The course, which ended Sunday, covers highways, two-lane back roads, mountain passes and sprints on the Monaco F1 track.
"This is the first time ever that a 1,000-kilometer rally required only €24 worth of fuel – proof that the electric Roadster is definitively revolutionizing the car industry," said Comas, who has participated in 63 Grands Prix and dozens of other top races. "The Roadster is just as fast as some other supercars I’ve piloted – and it’s astoundingly more efficient than any rival. This was truly a team effort over the past days, and continued efforts like this will be vital in conquering the challenges of the future of motorsport." Clean Sweep for World’s Greenest Carmaker
The victory comes a year after Tesla set a world EV range record while competing in last year's rally. In 2009, an electric blue Roadster traveled the full 387-kilometer Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally from Valence, France, through the mountains to Monaco, finishing with 61 kilometers of remaining range. Although a world range record at the time, Simon Hackett subsequently drove his Roadster 501 kilometers in Australia, setting a new record.
In this year’s rally, which is certified by the Automobile Club de Monaco, a second Tesla Roadster was driven by Rudi Tuisk, Tesla's Australia general manager and former chief European technician. Tuisk successfully completed the range segment on this year’s slightly longer course, driving 390 km on one charge – with 66 kilometers remaining.
Tuisk compared the Roadsters' victories this weekend with the 24 Hours of LeMans of 2005, when an Audi prototype became the first diesel-powered car to win that world-famous event.
"In a humble way, I felt like I had the privilege of witnessing history today," Tuisk said.
In all, Tesla took home three prizes in the following categories:
- FIA Cup – Overall Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally
- Efficiency Cup
- Electric Vehicles Cup (IIIA)
Russell Crowe on Fatherhood
“I cannot understand how I managed to cope without getting cuddled this many times a day.” - Russell Crowe
Tea Time
Donnell hosted a very prim and proper 'tea party' for some of Sienna and Marlana's little (girl) friends... it was just brilliant... Donnell had a chef friend/Mum help with the 'food' and fancy stuff... very memorable...very cute and adorable..
Congratulations David Copperfield and Chloe Gosselin
Congratulations David Copperfield and Chloe Gosselin on the birth of their daughter, Sky.
Tesla In St. Moritz, Switzerland
Tesla Motors is offering test drives this weekend in St. Moritz, the world's oldest and most prestigious winter resort. Prospective customers and media can test-drive the 2010 Tesla Roadster at the Carlton Hotel (Via J. Badrutt 11, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland) Saturday and Sunday, during the last weekend of the exclusive "White Turf" horse race on frozen Lake St. Moritz.
Tesla has delivered about 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 21 countries, including 30 cars in Switzerland. That makes Switzerland one of the company's top markets on a per capita basis, testimony to the Roadster's all-weather durability and its solid performance in the rugged Alps.
The Roadster accelerates faster than a Porsche yet has zero tailpipe emissions and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. It consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe. It can be fully or partially recharged by solar or wind power.
The Roadster is ideal for discerning drivers who refuse to give up sports car performance during winter weather or at high altitude. Thanks to sophisticated software and a patented power management system, the Roadster's revolutionary traction control is almost instantaneous.
Unlike petrol-powered cars, the single-speed Roadster does not require oxygen and therefore does not lose efficiency at altitude. That means Roadster drivers can confidently overtake slower cars on Alpine passes without any lag or downshifting. Additionally, regenerative braking allows the Roadster to recover energy on downhill stretches.
"Unlike conventional competitors, the Roadster is as much fun on a high Alpine road in February as on a sunny weekend in July," said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla's Vice President for European Sales and Operations. "The Roadster gives you uncompromised, high-performance driving all year round -- without the hassle of conventional cars."
The Roadster qualifies for numerous incentives in Switzerland. In some Swiss cantons, electric vehicles get a 100 percent waiver of the annual road tax. Some cities, including Zermatt, ban internal combustion engine cars from the city center and only allow EVs to drive and park there.
Patrick Dempsey on Fatherhood
“Here’s the cycle: They wake up, they cry, they go to the breast, they eat, they poo or pee, you change a diaper, and they go back to sleep. It’s much harder for my wife than for me because she’s pumping or nursing.” - Patrick Dempsey