At my cappuccino with you
You stand quietly by the espresso bar,
As I place my cup near yours,
And we embrace in the crowd.
Holding my cup close to yours,
How I always fall into your arms,
At my cappuccino with you.
Reflection of Style: The Modern Gentleman’s Vintage Danish Look with Tom Ford Flair in the Hall of Mirrors
After a computerized workday filled with full production and board-level advisory meetings, as well as a project kickoff; my evening transition revealed the day’s attire.
A modern gentleman stepped into the hall of mirrors and discovered the look of the day reflected.
A vintage Danish country jacket and a vintage cap, complemented by Tom Ford eyewear and a tartan-patterned waistcoat.
Lion’s Tooth of McLaren Vale: Masterful Fusion of Robust Shiraz and Fresh Riesling
Brothers and sisters, it's with great privilege and honour I present to you 'Lion's Tooth of McLaren Vale Shiraz Riesling,' created by winemaker Elena Brooks.
This wine is a tribute to the classic blend of Northern Rhône, combining the robust character of shiraz with the subtle freshness of riesling. Blending blue and green grape varieties, a common practice in Rhône where viognier is often used, Lion's Tooth adopts this tradition with an Australian twist. The wine has been recognized for its quality, including receiving 94 points from James Halliday for the 2021 vintage, offering a unique taste experience for wine connoisseurs.
Fish of the week or shellfish
I live by the sea and embrace Captain Nemo’s quote, ‘Here on the ocean floor is the only independence. Here I am free!’ Thus, every weekend, I select my ‘fish of the week,’ or shellfish. Now, it’s time for crab, and I need to have the hammer. As Hemingway said, ‘Neither for you nor for me. I’m sorry, fish.’ Will it be as black as black for the crab; perhaps a stout?
My mind then takes flight to a green island, to a pub on a street corner in Cork. I imagine watching old men in their caps, seated in their usual spots, inviting me to join a community chat as the pubs fill up, echoing with cheers and the sound of church bells signaling the start of Sunday lunch. But my journey wouldn’t stop there. Next, I’d go to France for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the southwest, a fitting companion for the crab. I envision hearing church bells ringing out as squares fill with people at bistros, engaging in philosophical discussions around the tables.
Ending with a stout or Sauvignon Blanc?
Top Five Essentials for Effective Board Meetings
With 15 years of experience and certification in board management, serving as a board member in publicly traded companies, growth businesses, and municipal committees, as well as an adjunct organizer and producer of board meetings, I have built extensive experience and knowledge. In this blog post, I present one of my top five lists to optimize board meetings and contribute as an active, engaged, and professional board member:
A. Preparation: Ensure that meeting calls are sent out well in advance, with start and end times, and classify each agenda item as informational or decision-making. Ensure that all board members have access to meeting materials and attachments at least 5 days before the meeting.
B. Agenda with Clear Structure: Create a detailed agenda with specified time frames for each item. This helps keep the meeting focused and efficient.
C. Active Participation: Invite members to prepare to contribute actively. Send out specific questions or topics for discussion in advance, so that members can prepare to provide insightful contributions.
D. Financial Overview: Always include a current liquidity forecast and relevant financial reports as part of the preparations. This ensures that all members have a clear view of the company’s financial position and that taxes are paid.
E. Follow-up: Ensure that a signed protocol from each meeting is reviewed and approved. This ensures that all decisions and actions are documented and traceable, facilitating follow-up.
Embracing Southern Elegance: Black Velvet and a Boy’s Smile at Dinner Time
They usually say, ‘Black velvet and a boy’s smile, in a Southern style, Black velvet if you please.’ And I say, ‘Dinner time with Black velvet, if you please.’
