Category: Sports & Toys

Ice hockey players have to be fast, highly coordinated, and tough.  On ice, they barrel through on high-speed chases, slam against boards, and perform a competitive and dangerous ballet, all while poised on lethal weapons and facing hundred-mile-per-hour flying discs. Off-ice they play hard, they train early, and every waking moment, they long to get back out there.  

Fans across the world, from those who play on rinks shoveled out on Northern Hemisphere lakes, or in frosty-filled arenas, to those who just love to watch; all swear allegiance to their favorite teams and follow the tournaments avidly. Team players show off their great sense of camaraderie, espousing elegance in off-ice oxymoronic bravura, donning Sunday suits and neckties over their finely-tuned presence.

Canadians Have a Knack for It

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretsky

Wayne Gretzky, known as The Great One, has broken almost every record and still holds the most NHL points scored record. Playing career: 1979–1999.      

“Every day is a great day for hockey.” – Mario Lemieux

Mario Lemieux racked up points and brought his team two championships before taking time off to fight Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, only to come back to win the scoring record, with160 points in 60 games.  Playing Career: 1984–1997, 2000–2006.

Lemieux now owns the Pittsburgh Penguins, safeguarding their Canadian captain, Sid the Kid, aka Sidney Crosby, who is considered this generation’s player of the era. Playing Career: 2005-present.

“Crosby has a subtler brand of exceptionalism, born of outsized effort and impressive skating edge work and an unparalleled backhand and all the details piled that high create a mountain of hockey excellence.” – Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated

Every year in the development of cars there are dozens of innovations and new iterations of classics.  Well known brands keep their hand in the game by maintaining their standards but up the ante with sleek styles, more efficient frames or more powerful engines. 2019 has brought a few spectacular additions to the world of hottest and sexiest cars. 

As we race into the future the title of sexiest car is becoming a tale of two models. One is the vintage, elegant and ultra powerful gas cars many know and love.  The other is still nascent in it’s development but quickly gaining ground: the sustainably powered model.  These are hybrid or electric, futuristic and surprisingly strong.

BMW has successfully launched a hybrid sports car in the i8 Coupe.  Their new aerodynamic and sleek design adds efficiency and panache to an already illustrious flagship.  Boasting an excellent 0-60 in 4.2 seconds this model has some kick.  The aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced polymer butterfly doors are structurally and visually impressive.  Anyone who takes this for a spin will not be disappointed in the feel or the power . . . 

Unless they have just driven the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. This ‘Superlight’ car is anything but yet the power within means this car could weigh a ton and not be slowed down.  715 horsepower, lots of thrust and a twin turbo 5.2 Liter V-12 engine, eight-speed transmission and more eye popping stats than most people can handle.  This car is pure muscle on the inside, all style on the outside. The rounded rear fender bulges and chiseled creases on the hood and body make it beautiful.  Classic yet modern.  

Due to the collaboration of Aston Martin and James Bond, perhaps it is impossible to remove bias in considering the DBS Superleggera the sexiest car in 2019.  The aesthetics of both are remarkable and power vs sustainability is becoming more of a preference.  As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

Celebrate Winter in London with these Lovely Skating Rinks

As winter brings cold weather and early nights into the historic capital, some are deterred from outdoor excursions.  If one dons the proper attire however, a trip to go skating can be a lovely way to celebrate winter.  Whether for fun, romance, or sightseeing, this elegant (if done right) pastime of gliding around the ice is a great way to get fresh air and exercise.

The Tower of London might be the most iconic setting to skate in and has ample space to stretch the legs. Enjoy the views and history at this simple yet beautiful rink.

One of the more famous rinks is just outside of the Kensington Natural History Museum.  Christmas lights and decorations make for a short lovely evening skate.  Bring the kids and enjoy this delightful family atmosphere.

For those looking for a day trip, there is a nice piece of ice at the Hampton Court Palace which is full of vistas worth seeing and activities at Christmas.  There are Tudor festivities to enjoy, caroling, feasting and more!

Another way to enjoy a day with skating is to head to Hyde Park.  Check out the market stalls before or after. There is mulled wine to be enjoyed (after is recommended).  The Winter Wonderland is there for a short time, make sure to see all the offerings and festivities from the live music to the ice shows and festive bars.

The rink at the Somerset House is a stunning location to skate and Fortnum Lodge is right there providing a smooth transition to a romantic or relaxing post skate drink.

Skylight is the highlight with it’s rooftop bar and skating rink.  For singles or couples looking for a fun night out this rink has a DJ, seasonal drinks, sweeping views of the city and even an ice hockey slap shot challenge with prizes.

In a city already known for innovation and grandeur, a revolution in showcasing cars has captured the attention and nostalgia of many avid car enthusiasts. Anyone who remembers Matchbox cars and their packaging is sure to enjoy this grand scale representation with real exotic and luxury cars.  Promoted as a giant vending machine selling cars instead of chocolate bars or chips, this 4 tower, 15 story, glass fronted building by Autobahn Motors is a sight to take in.

 

They have big name preowned cars such as the Lamborghini Aventador, Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead, a 2014 McLaren 650S and dozens more.  Housing a total of 60 cars, all available at the touch of an iPad and brought down to the ground floor in 2 minutes, the preowned car dealership goes above and beyond the typical sales lot.  While waiting for the selected car a video of the chosen auto is shown with surround sound.  The scent in the showroom was specially curated by a French perfumery and general manager Gary Hong said perhaps there will be “wine for classic car buyers and whiskey for sports car enthusiasts” to be offered in the future to complete the experience.

The idea came as a combination of needing to be space efficient in a dense city and one of those quirky serendipitous moments.  Gary Hong was at a Toys ‘R’ Us with his son who was looking at Matchbox cars and a light went off in his head.  He realized the iconic nature that presentation had ingrained in so many people and appreciated the easy to locate display.

Although a similar idea had been done before in the United States on a smaller scale (30 cars) by Carvana, Hong has had a lot of attention and inquiries about the car retrieval system to revolutionize parking garages in dense urban landscapes.  This astounding technological achievement provides another example that necessity is the mother of invention.

Whiskey & Wooden Surfboards: Finely Crafted Projects

Smooth is a key word when referring to whiskey as well as surfing.  A board must be smooth and all movements leading up to riding the wave should be as well.  One does not often associate whiskey and waves, but Glenmorangie and Grain Surfboards have done just that to create a beautiful board.  

Both making whisky and crafting surfboards require passion, considerable time and dedication to achieve the desired quality.  Glenmorangie has long been known for their expertise in wood and uses ex-bourbon casks to age their whisky.  These oak casks are only ever used twice to add complex layers of flavors and colors.  In a project designed to bring new life to these barrels, “Beyond the Cask” is wonderful collaboration.

 

Mike Lavecchia, Founder and Co-owner of Grains says “Time is my ally” when discussing these boards, more than a year in the making.  There are unique challenges to using oak barrel staves.  Each stave is curved differently, is thinner or thicker at different parts and beveled to match the radius of the barrel.  The weight is another issue to resolve.  By creating veneers and gluing the oak to cedar they were able to make the weight much more manageable and still display the beauty of the oak.

Glenmorangie in Scots Gaelic means “valley of tranquility” which any surfer who has calmly enjoyed the water while waiting for a wave can relate to.  There is no hurry, one cannot rush the waves, just as one cannot rush the aging process.  “It is not a case of waiting.  It is a case of letting the whisky work with the wood.”

Surprisingly this was not Glenmorangie’s first such project.  The Cask Reimagined was another creative collaboration to put good use to the fine wood from their barrels.  Renovo hardwood bicycles shared their passion for craftsmanship and innovation to create a hollow framed wooden bike.  Oak aids in creating great shock absorption and responds very well.  In today’s world of single use waste issues, it is so refreshing to see a company responsibly and creatively reusing their supplies.

“One must conquer, achieve, get to the top; one must know the end to be convinced that one can win the end – to know there’s no dream that mustn’t be dared. – George Mallory, Climbing Everest

The adrenaline-rush of getting to the top is only a small part of the pleasure of the conqueror. It starts with proper training on small mountains, building experience and knowledge, until finally reaching the peak. For the modern-day adventurer, these key elements combine to present the obstacle that must be overcome.

For many celebrated mountaineers, like George Mallory, it is a lifestyle. He does it, “Because it’s there.” Mallory’s mountain, Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, is fraught with difficulties. Good training can be undertaken at Mount Kilimanjaro, the less extreme, second highest world peak.  Celebrities and heroes, such as Cheryl Cole, Duncan Bannatyne, Ray Lewis, DJ Seth Troxler, and Retired Marine Sgt. Kirstie Ennis, to name a few, have banded together to summit this mountain to raise awareness and funds for charities.

Whomever the climber, whatever the mountain, be it metaphor or real, the surmounting of the challenge is a fundamental, some might say essential, part of humanity. To make the world a better place at the same time gives us faith that any obstacle can be overcome.  

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” – Edmund Hillary

Rapide E

At the pinnacle of design, prestige and elegance and with a rich history of victory on the world’s top stages of racing (Le Mans, Nuremburg 1000 km race), Aston Martin has nothing to prove.  They celebrated their centennial in 2013 with a world record tens of thousands of owners and enthusiasts at Kensington gardens for the largest gathering of iconic British sports cars.  Since then they have unveiled more stunning and powerful cars such as the V12 Vanquish S, the fastest accelerating production from Aston Martin.

Aston Martin is reknowned as one of the most iconic car brands in cinema history.  The DB5 that appeared alongside James Bond in Goldfinger started an 11 film, 50-year relationship with the franchise.  Since then several models have appeared with the suave hero as a signature piece of style, showcasing the speed and handling necessary for highspeed chases.

Now there is a new thrill and challenge for the unique luxury car company, an all-electric car worthy of the brand.  Andy Palmer, CEO says “Environmental responsibility and sustainability is a global challenge faced by us all.”  With production limited to 155 units, there is no doubt this will be an exquisite piece.  Simply read the brand’s vision: “We don’t just craft cars that are exhilirating to drive and jawdropping to look at.  Our benchmark is ‘beautiful’.  It drives us to create the most accomplished automotive art in the world.”

Working with Williams Advanced Engineering as a development partner, the Rapide E will have an extensive range of 200 miles (321 km) on a single charge.  If there is still a stigma about an electric car’s range and speed, let this ease any doubts.  The Rapide E will go from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds and have a 602-horse power output.  The high speed and accelaration will be available throughout the majority of battery life.

One of the other impressive features is the Pirelli low-rolling-resistance tires for maximum efficiency, coupled with Pirelli’s noise canceling technology.  Electric vehicles are already quieter than regular cars but these tires reduce 2-3 decibels worth (half of that generated by normal tires) of the vibrations created from tires compressing on the road.

As the flagship for Aston Martin’s electronic vehicles the Rapide E will have a very similar feel to a traditional Aston Martin and just as much class.

The 2018 Rolex Goodw00d Revival

At the 20th anniversary of the Rolex Goodwood Revival, two decades of motoring heritage and culture were honored and celebrated at the hallowed Goodwood Motor Circuit.

The Revival has grown each year, with historic automobiles and glamorous spectators in period dress making the journey to the world’s most revered heritage motor sport gathering. From classic cars to elegant parades, exceptional style was on display around the spectacular grounds of the Goodwood Estate, as well as the prestigious Rolex Drivers’ Club.

Fifteen races captivated the fans across the entire weekend of motor sport as Goodwood turned back the clock with pre-1968 Formula 1, saloon, prototypes, sports and Formula Junior cars gracing the renowned track.

This year, Rolex Testimonee and three-time FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart drove the 1957 Cooper T43, the 1966 Eagle-Weslake T1G and the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB/C in the Rob Walker and Dan Gurney tributes. Afterwards, he said: “It was an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to drive around this magical circuit once again, especially in memory of motoring legends.”

Photos courtesy of Rolex.

For lovers of early tee times on pristine greens and post-golf private dining at spectacular clubhouses, this month is for you – Happy #NationalGolfMonth!

Kicking off with some of the top tournaments in the sport, golf enthusiasts will be sure to follow the WGC Bridgestone Invitational and the 100th anniversary of the PGA Championship.

The weather in August is often ideal for golfing this time of year so be sure to take advantage of the deals and events organized near you. As for things you can do during national golf month, take it as an opportunity to play more or get out early for the first tee time of the day is quite breathtaking and an experience worth trying as the temperature is perfect at dawn.

Why not treat yourself to a course you haven’t played before?  Celebrate an entire month devoted to the sport you enjoy, it would be a nice way to treat yourself and your friends.

You can also take a lesson as a gift to yourself.  Once in a while it is good to get a fresh perspective that can help your swing, alignment or overall understanding of the game.  A pro can diagnose your game and give valuable tips in just one lesson.

Playing charity golf tournaments is a fun way to help out with your community or those in need.  You also usually get to play with people you don’t normally play with which can forge a new friendship!

 

Take a look at the pro tournaments coming up and plan a trip with friends of family to watch the pros live.  It is always better to see the sport firsthand and up close.

Inspire your kids or grandkids by taking them out for mini golf or a 9 hole round and help share the sport you love with the people you love.

Now is a perfect time as a new golfer to get out and try a sport you can play your whole life. Although it can be challenging at first, the sound and feel of striking the ball cleanly is so rewarding it draws many people to keep learning and repeat that feeling.  Golf keeps your body moving, especially if you can walk the course as was originally intended.  Some courses do not allow for people to walk the course as it would slow down other golfer’s games but if you have the chance you should try it at least once.

Throughout the month of August, Ocean Blue World will explore the ultimate ways to turn that golf pastime into a full-scale lifestyle, stay tuned for more to come!