Meet the Chef: Chef Lucio
Client: Grand Restaurant Group
Chef Lucio is a man driven by passion. After thirteen hours of working in a hot kitchen, he goes home and watches the Food Network. His daughter thinks he's crazy for spending his precious few moments of evening down time watching cooking programs, but Lucio doesn't see it that way. He has given his life to his career, and wants to be nothing short of the best.
To be great at something you have to be obsessive. Lucio keeps a pen and notepad on himself at all times so he can quickly jot down fresh ideas when inspiration strikes. After forty years in the industry, he still possesses the vigor and tenacity of a man less than half his age. His eyes light up when he talks about the evening special. He speaks melodically about braising, marinating, and sauteing with the same far away voice others use when they talk about making love. His commitment to his craft is nothing short of astounding.
Just as impressive as Lucio's love for cooking is his surprising success. Chef Lucio received virtually no formal education. He has no culinary certificates or fancy degrees. Lucio got most of the way through elementary school, before he needed to find work. He got his degree from the school of hard knocks.
Lucio began his culinary career at the prestigious Rancho Bernardo Inn. Over several decades, Lucio worked his way up from dishwasher to banquet chef, a department which pulled in over fifteen million dollars a year. For his largest event, Lucio plated over 1,100 entrees!
Today, Lucio is a cherished member of the GRG family. He feels a strong loyalty to his restaurant and its ownership, and he works tirelessly to do right by them. Lucio loves when Chief Executive Officer Sandy DiCicco and her husband Brian stop in for a meal. "I've never worked for such nice people. Sometimes, it almost feels like we're related."
What the Bronx Can Teach Us About the Impending AI Revolution
Client: Greenrope Complete CRM
“Humans are data. Data is the new oil.”
Miguel Sanchez gave an absolutely mystifying talk about the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI which, for a room of industry creatives, was like something out of a sci-fi horror film. We’ve long suspected that artificial intelligence could soon replace unskilled laborers. Far less of us have considered the possibility that AI could also take over creative and technical professions. Sanchez’s presentation cited examples of already existing AI enterprises which promise to do the work of graphic designers, videographers and coders for a fraction of the cost. And it’s pretty good! He showed us a web service for generating custom logos, a site which creates storyboards from provided dialogue, and a robotic tutor capable of improving children’s comprehensive reading level at a speed which brings shame to the public school system (for only $80 a month). There’s even AI for coding AI! It’s not inconceivable to think that, within the next few decades, artificial intelligence could even replace surgeons. Our society’s most elite professions could one be commandeered by sophisticated lines of code.
We’re presented with a future where technology created to serve humans threatens to render us virtually irrelevant. It’s a future in which a new breed of self generating super-minds have achieved near omnipresence, as they’ve become a central fixture of human civilization.
Sanchez, a Bronx area business owner and philanthropist, believes professionals should embrace AI if they want to avoid becoming consumed by it. “Every company has to figure out how to disrupt themselves, otherwise there will be another company who will disrupt you.” Fighting progress has never been the road to success. If a company can find a way to use cutting edge AI to gain a competitive advantage, they should press that advantage. Not engaging with the technology out of fear for its impact on job security could ultimately lead to a Darwinian style demise. “Most companies aren’t built for innovation.”
Sanchez’s recurring mantra “it won’t be me” reminds us of the need for proactivity and goal oriented thinking to avoid worst case scenarios. Wishful thinking alone won’t be enough to save marketers from the impending revolution. “I need to join a team that is creating my job of the future so I can profit off of it for as long as possible.”
While AI threatens to disrupt traditional modes of income, Sanchez believes that it’s also opens the door for entrepreneurs and innovators to create in ways never before imagined. For Miguel Sanchez this means pursuing business endeavors which ultimately allow him to improve the quality of living for struggling families in the Bronx. Miguel is the co-founder of MetaBronx, “an entrepreneurship education program created to accelerate startups owned by women and members of cultural minorities addressing an overlooked market of $2.5 trillion by solving the problems of the 99%.” He recognizes the capabilities this technology has to improve life in the Bronx, which is why his company Mass Ideation has invested heavily in AI.
When asked if anything could be done to combat AI’s economic impact on working Americans, Miguel offered an interesting solution. To counterbalance AI’s impact on income security, legislative reforms could be introduced that would stipulate that users were entitled to a percentage of the value of their data. In the cyberage “humans are data, and data is the new oil.”
Winter Swell is Here
Client: Vanish
Winter is well upon us, and the west coast is getting hit with some much anticipated northwestern swell. Brewing storms in far off Alaska are producing absolutely massive waves across the western seaboard. While fair weather surfers pack their gear into storage, and get ready for a dry, cozy winter, die hard veterans are itching for any excuse to get back in the water. Blacks Beach is firing at double, triple overhead, while Mavericks is pushing into the forties some days, earning it the rarely seen ‘Epic’ status on last week’s Surfline report. That’s right, big wave surfing in California is back!
Staring out at the vertical seven foot walls of water which abound all northwestern facing beaches, the sane mind may wonder, why would anyone subject themselves to that type of punishment? Meanwhile, a fourteen year old grom with bleach blonde hair a twig sized board goes rushing past you, charging gleefully into the frigid tumult of exploding waves.
Anyone who’s ever lived within ten miles of the west coast likely knows someone half-crazed enough to battle near freezing temperatures and constant bombardment by six foot walls of whitewash, just to earn their spot in the line up. Hell, if you threw a stone in any beach town, you’d probably hit one of these characters. There’s a good chance that one of them may have even found their way onto your winter shopping list.
To add some much needed clarity to this year’s chaotic holiday season, we’ve composed a list of essential products for every winter water warrior. If you know anyone brazen, foolhardy, and masochistic enough to get pummeled by overhead swell day in and day out, this list is for them!
A Wetsuit for the Hardcore
If the pioneers surfed, this would have been their wetsuit of choice. Patagonia’s Men’s R4 Yulex Hooded Full Suit is a hardy wetsuit built for a hardy man. Ideal for chilly water ranging anywhere from 38-48 degrees fahrenheit, the Yulex hoodie is a godsend to our friends up in the Pacific Northwest. It features a thermal microgrid lining, made of mostly recycled materials, for tree huggers who like to stay warm. The Yulex’s external triple-glued seams offer both durability and insulation, creating a long lasting wetsuit that keeps cold water out. Most importantly, the Yulex’s asymmetrical front-zip features a replaceable, corrosion-proof Salmi zipper, because anyone who’s ever owned a wetsuit knows, the zipper is the first thing to go.
A Wetsuit for the REALLY Hardcore
Patagonia’s Men’s R1 Yulex Impact Spring Suit is stretchy, durable, and, most importantly, safe. Designed for heavy and hazardous surf, the Yulex Impact Suit features 25mm foam padding and floating front zip. It’s built for easy entry, and is even inflatable vest compatible. This suit is practically made for Mavericks!
Surf is Where You Find It by Gerry Lopez
For all surfers who wish they could be out in the water, but are stuck at home, Gerry Lopez’s Surf is Where You Find It may just be the next best thing. Written by the Pipeline King himself, this memoir provides valuable lessons learned from a lifetime of surfing. In addition to the knowledge it offers, this sexy little book is filled with stellar surfing photography, and looks great on any coffee table.
Planing Roll Top Pack 35L
The Planning Roll Top Pack is a stylish and effective solution for transporting wet surf and dive gear from the ocean to your home, without drenching everything in its path. This pack easily hauls wetsuits and soaked gear, while keeping clothes and towels dry and organized. What more do you need to know?
R3 Yulex Split Toe Booties
Patagonia’s Yulex Split Toe Booties is the grippy foot warming solution the surf world has been waiting for! This booty easily adjusts to your body’s unique shape and contour, featuring a Y-strap closure that conforms to the foot for a snug fit. Most importantly, the Yulex Split Toe Booties is water resistant and includes microgaskets at the cuff openings to prevent water entry.
But what about the material? The Yulex Split Toe Booties include a fast drying spandex thermal microgrid interior lining and a natural rubber is exterior, certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
More
For more holiday shopping inspiration, check out these fine products:
VSSL First Aid Mini, MOC Hybrid Shorts, Alpine 2 Trail Runners, Quick Drying Tech Pants
How to Make Core Day Even Harder!
Client: Hiero AI
Are you the sort of bodybuilding masochist that thinks core day should be even harder? Or are you just looking for fun, challenging ways to spice up your core workouts? These five core workouts will challenge you in ways you never even thought possible!
1. Straight Leg Barbell Sit-up
As if sit-ups weren't already challenging enough, we decided to add a barbell to the mix and make them next to impossible!
To correctly execute a straight leg barbell sit up, start by laying all the way back and positioning your barbell directly over your chest. Then bend at the hips, using your core to raise your upper body so that it's perpendicular to your legs. As you rise, position the barbell directly overhead so that it's in line with your upper body. This will help keep the weight balanced while also offering the maximum resistance during your sit-up.
2. Hollow body
Almost all yogis will be familiar with this pose.
To perform a hollow body (also known as boat pose), lift your legs and arms off the ground so that your body forms a v shape. Avoid any rounding in the spine.
3. Ab Wheel Rollout
If you're like me, the ab wheel rollout is probably you'd seen on TV for years before actually trying it for yourself. And while balancing on this little wheel while slowly pushing it forward may look intimidating, it's actually pretty simple!
Is it tiresome — yes. Will it make your abs scream — absolutely! But that said, there really isn't much to it.
you'll want a mat for extra cushion
you'll also need the little wheel (obviously)
set up on your knees
slowly extend forward letting your arms lead you
keep your spine straight
4. Star Plank
How do you make planking even less comfortable? Simply take away the support of your hands and arms by moving them to the side. By moving your hands away from your center of gravity, you'll be forced to rely on your core muscles to stabilize you and prevent your mid body from collapsing to the floor.
5. Suitcase Deadlift
It's time to give your obliques the attention they deserve!
Obliques are like the abdominals neglected step siblings — you know that they deserve more attention, but you always forget them at the last minute in favor of more abcentric exercises. Well it's time to put all that to a stop!
And what better way to show your oblique muscles that you care than by absolutely obliterating them with suitcase deadlifts?
To perform a suitcase deadlift, grab a barbell (start light) and set it to one side. Bend at the knees and hips until your thighs are about parallel to the floor.Push the hips back and drive through the heels to lift yourself to standing. Then slowly lower the bar by hinging at the hips while keeping your back straight. Repeat until you feel like calling a the fire department to put out the burning in your side. (Or until you can no longer perform them with correct form).
Talk to a Trainer
Don't hurt yourself trying something new. Consult with a certified trainer to make sure you're performing every exercise correctly, so that you can maximize gains and avoid injury!
2023 Design Trends
Client: Cascade Greenery
Middle Ages Modern
2023’s most whimsical new design trend is making a huge splash!
Middle Ages Modern dazzles the eye and delights the spirit with its raw escapism. This fantastical new look uses metalwork, dark wood, jewel tones, stone fixtures, immersive tapestries, and shadowplay to capture the wonders of the High Middle Ages. It blends artisanal aesthetics with mid-century modern to transform your home into a castle fit for a king!
Turn your living room into an ancient forest with artificial greenery! Artificial wall plants add to the fantastical elements of Middle Ages Modern, while softening its more masculine elements.
The raw grittiness of candelabras, stained wood, and stone carvings can be intimidating. But you can easily restore balance using the calming, natural ambiance of nature-inspired designs. By framing your bookshelf with a strip of Clover or hanging Cascade over the mantle, you can gracefully blend the calming pastoral elements of Cottagecore with Middle Ages Modern.
Eclectic Kitchens
Today’s trendy kitchen features an eclectic mix of artsy tools, utensils, and accents. It wouldn’t be unusual to see a powder blue ceramic cow mixed with neon signage and food themed serve-ware. But here’s the problem with eclectic kitchens: your carefully curated chaos can quickly turn into actual chaos!
You can easily add balance to your exciting mix of styles with some earthy greens. Nature-inspired designs create a soothing, natural ambiance, which restores balance to cluttered spaces.
Modern Farmhouse
We have good news for our country chic fans — Modern Farmhouse isn’t going anywhere!
As Modern Farmhouse continues to grow in popularity, it’s broadening its horizons to include creative new takes on this iconic style! Cement floors, exposed wood beams, and minimalist furniture are all staples of Modern Farmhouse, but now we’re also seeing designers add colorful new twists, like exotic travel art and kitschy antiques.
As trendsetters boldly recreate this 21st century classic, they need to be careful not to lose touch with Modern Farmhouse’s rustic roots. Nature-inspired designs help simulate the look and feel of a pastoral setting, without the headache associated with living plants.
Greener pastures are only a click away! Jade’s rich palette of gorgeous greens establishes a definitively rustic look when used to offset Farmhouse Modern’s more industrial elements. Not including nature-inspired elements risks turning your country abode into a post-apocalyptic nightmare. Because let’s face it, exposed beams and cement floors take off a very different connotation when your design isn’t balanced by softer elements.