Maestro Jeffrey Eckstein and Siempre Flamenco announce the return of Flamenco Sephardit Passion and Grace to Miami for the sixth consecutive year on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 7:00pm. Temple Emanu-El (1701 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139) once again hosts the performance. Featuring a cast of international opera stars, guitarists, flamenco masters, and distinguished classical musicians, Flamenco Sephardit promises audiences a deeply emotional and transcendent experience.
The production welcomes Laura León as vocal soloist, cellist Chava Appiah, and violinist Katherine Kobylarz.
The show explores the connection between Ladino and Flamenco music, two distinct cultures born in Spain. Ladino originated from the Jews who were exiled from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. It emerged from the songs these exiled Jews composed in their adopted homelands using their old Spanish from the 1400s. Similarly, Flamenco emerged from the cries and sufferings of the Moors, Gypsies, and Jews after they were banned from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. Flamenco Sephardit explores similarities and differences in these two cultures.
The talented ensemble includes the father/daughter team of Jeff and Lakshmi Basile. Jeff is a prominent bassist and composer and has written the string arrangements for the show since its inception. Lakshmi (La Chimi) is a world-renowned flamenco dancer who has spent much of her career in Spain. The cast also features vocalists Rabbi Marc Philippe and Paco Fonta, dancer Celia Fonta, guitarists Paco Fonta and Michel Gonzalez, and percussionist Adolfo Herrera.
“The message of Flamenco Sephardit has always been to bring people of diverse cultures and religions together, to remind us that we all have similar origins, and therefore should live together in peace,” said Maestro Eckstein. “We are so excited to welcome the incredible Jeff Basile and La Chimi to this already phenomenal cast. Flamenco Sephardit is experiencing a full circle moment, with La Chimi having spent so much of her Flamenco career living in Spain, complementing Paco Fonta’s heritage from Andalusia, and Jeff having collaborated on all of our strings arrangements since 2013. We are also so pleased to welcome back our sound designer Cody Engstrom, who truly makes the space come alive!” said Eckstein.
Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased by visiting www.flamencosephardit.com or by calling 800.515.1831. Tickets purchased on January 27th online or at the door are $30. VIP tickets are $65 in advance and $75 on January 27th and include seats in the first 5 rows, a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception, as well as a meet and greet with the company.
CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrCourtesy photo. Investec Miami Conservation Awareness: Investec AM's Commitment with Art And Protecting Wild Life
On December 3rd, Investec Asset Management, preparing for the Art Basel season in Miami, gathered 80 distinguished members of the asset management industry coming from private banks, family offices, and distributors in Miami for their Investec Miami Conservation Awarness. An event featuring David Yarrow, at the InterContinental Hotel.
David Yarrow is a British fine-art photographer, conservationist and author. He took up photography at an early age and as a 20 year old and some of his pieces have received the highest bid for piece by a living photographer. Philanthropy and conservation are central to David Yarrow’s passion to document the animal and human world in a fresh and creative way.
The event actutioned a piece of art for the benefit of the Tusk Trust, an NGO with a mission to amplify the impact of progressive conservation initiatives across Africa. “For almost thirty years, Tusk has supported forward-thinking and successful conservation intervention in Africa. From the plains of the Serengeti to the rainforests of the Congo Basin, we’re working towards a future in which people and wildlife can both thrive across the African continent.” Says Investec.
CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrPhoto: Extell Development Company. The World's Tallest Penthouse Will Set You (Or Your Client) Back by 95 Million Dollars
A beacon of glass and steel rising 1,550 feet on famed Billionaire’s Row in New York City, Central Park Tower is set to become one of the most prestigious addresses in the world. Offering endless views, exquisite architecture, gracious layouts and an unprecedented level of service, Central Park Tower will be the definitive New York skyscraper. Real estate development firm Extell Development Company will exclusively handle the sales and marketing for Central Park Tower which will have 20 condos worth over 60 million dollars, and a 95 million dollar penthouse.
“Over a decade of planning and collaboration with the world’s most talented architects, engineers and designers has resulted in Manhattan’s newest iconic structure,” said Gary Barnett, Founder and President of Extell Development Company. “Central Park Tower introduces a level of design, quality and service that hasn’t been seen before. This building will stand out in New York City history as the singular residential offering that redefined luxury living.”
Central Park Tower was designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), a firm dedicated to the design of high-performance, energy-efficient, striking architecture on an international scale. AS+GG has collaborated with clients across the globe to design nine of the world’s tallest and highest-performing buildings. Currently, AS+GG is responsible for the design of the next world’s tallest building, Jeddah Tower now under construction in Saudi Arabia, as well Wuhan Greenland Center and Greenland Tower Chengdu, both currently under construction in China.
With their breadth of experience, AS+GG is uniquely suited to deliver an iconic, landmark building like Central Park Tower. The building’s façade distinguishes itself from its surroundings by combining elements of glass, satin-finished stainless steel, and light-catching vertical and horizontal details that accentuate the interplay of texture and light. At a height of 300 feet from the street, the tower cantilevers to the east, creating Central Park views for all north-facing residences.
The definitive aspects of living in Central Park Tower are the extraordinary views and floor plans. The grand living and entertaining spaces are strategically positioned in the corners of the residences to maximize multiple panoramas and citywide views. Structural elements are discreetly located between the residential units, resulting in floor-to-ceiling windows, unencumbered views and gracious layouts.
“One of the greatest responsibilities of architecture is to continue to elevate experiences yet create structures that are elegant and respectful,” said Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. “Central Park Tower was designed to take advantage of the spirit of the great city of New York and create an address worthy of its location on Billionaires Row and Central Park.”
The interiors of these grand residences are designed by Rottet Studio, whose credits include The Surrey Hotel in Manhattan, The St. Regis in Aspen, The Beverly Hills Hotel Presidential Bungalows and The River Oaks in Houston. Rottet’s interiors are marked by a distinguished level of detail and incorporating unique and custom finishes to create an unparalleled interior environment. Starting on the 32nd floor, the 179 ultra-luxury two-to-eight-bedroom residences range in size from 1,435 square feet to over 17,500 square feet.
Located within the tallest residential tower ever built will be one of the world’s most exclusive private clubs, Central Park Club. The Club will offer approximately 50,000 square feet of thoroughly curated luxury amenities spread across three floors, each location providing a unique experience complemented by five-star service.Extell is co-developing Central Park Tower with SMI USA (SMI), the US subsidiary of Shanghai Municipal Investment, a leading infrastructural investment company responsible for the esteemed Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world.
For more information or to schedule a private appointment at the sales gallery, please call 212-957-5557 or visit their website.
CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrFoto: MichaelisScientists. Club Expats Challenge: no usar bolsas de plástico en noviembre
Club Expats, the reallocation service that many of our friends and colleagues in the asset management industry have used when arriving to Miami says: “Help us reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in the ocean”.
Rebeca Calvet, founder of the Club Expats in Miami has a great challenge for us that can help reduce the trash in our beaches… and at the same time raise awareness for this problem and money for The Seed School of Miami. She is proposing to make November a plastic bag free month.
By joining this challenge you pledge to donate one dollar to The Seed School of Miami for each plastic bag you use. I made a trial and, being very careful my family used 22 plastic bags in an average week. In a month this would account to 88 dollars for The Seed School of Miami, the less plastic we use, the better for the environment. If we fail to reduce our plastic waste The Seed School will get their donation. This is a win-win situation. You can join the pledge, or simply donate through this link.
These are the facts:
Americans use 100 billion plastic bags a year, with the average American family taking home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags each year.
Up to 80% of ocean plastic pollution enters the ocean from land.
At least 267 different species have been affected by plastic pollution in the ocean.
100,000 marine animals are killed by plastic bags annually.
One in three leatherback sea turtles have been found with plastic in their stomachs.
Plastic bags are used for an average of 12 minutes.
It takes 500 (or more) years for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill. Unfortunately the bags don’t break down completely but instead photo-degrade, becoming microplastics that absorb toxins and continue to pollute the environment.
CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrAltsMIA Investment Forum speakers. CASCAID Américas recibe el apoyo de la industria de inversión alternativa a través de AltsMIA
On November 6th the AltsMIA Investment Forum will gather the industry’s leading experts across the alternative investment spectrum, at an event that takes place at the JW Marriott in Miami.
Developed by CFA Society of Miami, CAIA Miami, Miami Finance Forum, and MarketsGroup, participants will profit from the insights from experts in private equity, venture capital, real estate, hedge funds, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence and…. learn all about the CASCAID Americas initiative.
The organization has kindly provided us a booth where we will answer all the questions about how to join forces through CASCAID Americas to benefit The Seed School of Miami, our charity of choice for this edition. Member from this amazing school will be with us to give first-hand information about the school and its needs.
This is just another example of how the asset and wealth management community get together to change the world for the better. We would like to give our very special thanks to CASCAID Americas Ambassador Karim Aryeh, who has made this possible.
To help CASCAID Americas reach its US$150k goal please donate here.
Pixabay CC0 Public Domain. Japan’s “Show Me the Money” Corporate Governance: 3Q update
Japan has overtaken Singapore to claim the top spot on the 2018 Henley Passport Index, having gained visa-free access to Myanmar earlier this month. Japan now enjoys visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 190 destinations, compared to Singapore’s total of 189. Japan and Singapore have been neck and neck on the index since they both climbed to 1st place in February — following a visa-exemption from Uzbekistan — and pushed Germany down to 2nd place for the first time since 2014.
This quarter, Germany has fallen further to 3rd place, which it now shares with South Korea and France. France moved up from 4th to 3rd place last Friday when it gained visa-free access to Uzbekistan, while South Korea moved from 4th to 3rd place on 1 October when it gained visa-free access to Myanmar. Germany, France, and South Korea all have a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 188. Iraq and Afghanistan continue to hold the bottom (106th) spot of the Henley Passport Index, with only 30 destinations accessible to their citizens.
The US and the UK, both with 186 destinations, have also slid down one spot — from 4th to 5th place — with neither having gained access to any new jurisdictions since the start of 2018. With stagnant outbound visa activity compared to Asian high-performers such as Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, it seems increasingly unlikely that the US and the UK will regain the number 1 spot they jointly held in 2015.
Russia received a boost in September when Taiwan announced a visa-waiver for Russian nationals (valid until July 2019), but the country has nonetheless fallen from 46th to 47th place compared to Q3, because of movements higher up in the ranking. The same is true of China: Chinese nationals obtained access to two new jurisdictions (St. Lucia and Myanmar), but the Chinese passport fell two places this quarter, to 71st overall. This is still an impressive 14-place improvement over the position that China held at the start of 2017.
What has been most remarkable in recent years is the UAE’s stunning ascent on the Henley Passport Index, from 62nd place in 2006 to 21st place worldwide currently. The UAE now holds the number 1 passport in the Middle East region.
Christian H. Kälin, Group Chairman of Henley & Partners, commented on these developments: “The Henley Passport Index, which is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is an important tool for measuring not only the relative strength of the world’s passports but also the extraordinary results that states can achieve when they work hand in hand with their global peers to build a more interconnected and collaborative world. China and the UAE exemplify this kind of progress, with both states among the highest overall climbers compared to 2017, purely as a result of the strong relationships they have built with partner countries around the world.”
CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrPhoto: CASCAID Americas. Asset and Wealth Management Firms Join Forces With CASCAID Americas
CASCAID Americas is another example of the industry turning its attention to supporting others. It’s an initiative set up in 2017 in UK that brings the asset and wealth management community together to raise money for charities.
What is CASCAID Americas all about?
It’s really about bringing people together to support great causes whilst enjoying networking. It’s led by 30-40 Ambassadors – people from around the industry. Ambassadors range from CEOs of asset and wealth management firms to new graduates and Investment 2020 trainees.
On a practical level, Funds Society, with the help of MiP in the UK, sits at the heart of it, helping to organize events and with all the logistics (on a pro bono basis of course).
How do you raise money?
In any way we can think of! We will have one gala at the end of the fund raising period (June 2019), which is supported by investment firms. This can raise significant sums. Then we have other group events such as a darts evening, fun runs, wine tastings and sporting tournaments. And Ambassadors (and others) also do their own challenges – these are wide-ranging, from running marathons, to swimming lakes, to walking thousands of miles. Anything goes!
What charities do you support?
In 2017, CASCAID UK raised money for Cancer Research UK. The target was £1 million but it managed to exceed £2.35 million. For CASCAID Americas, based on the much smaller size of the offshore industry, we are setting an initial goal of US$150k, though we actually hope to beat our British counterparts, at least on a relative basis. For the 2018-2019 campaign CACSCAID Americas is raising funds for The SEED School of Miami. It’s important to remember that all monies go direct to SEED Miami – CASCAID Americas isn’t a charity itself, it’s just a brand name that acts as an “umbrella” to bring all our activities together.
Why The SEED School of Miami?
We want to help local charities with a strong social impact in our community. The SEED School of Miami definitely fits that bill – as South Florida’s only public, college-preparatory boarding school, it impacts on the lives of the 210 young under-resourced students that are currently enrolled in the program, who spend 24 hours a day in a safe, structured and predictable environment from Monday to Friday —three healthy meals a day; consistent relationships with excellent role models; daily academic challenge and support; and extensive programs in athletics, visual and performing arts, and service. The national results for the SEED schools program speak for themselves. 90% of the students enrolled in 9th grade graduate high school; 93% of these student attend college with full scholarships, and 80% of these students are first generation college-bound students in their families
CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrPhoto: Bill Benzon
. A Photo of the Empire State Building Can Get You 5,000 Dollars
Empire State Realty Trust is having its seventh annual photo contest for photographers to share their “Empire State Building (ESB) Moment” and get the chance to win $5,000. For the first time, the contest will be open to participants not only in the United States, but also in Canada, and the United Kingdom.
In addition to the Grand Prize, those who submit photos will compete to win one of the eight weekly prizes and a Runner-Up prize of $1,500. Winners will also have their work displayed in the new Empire State Building Observatory.
“A picture is worth 1,000 words, and what better way to share a special ‘ESB moment’ than through a photographic memory,” said Anthony E. Malkin, Chairman and CEO of ESRT. “We are excited to share unique, personal perspectives of ESB as seen through the eyes of our Guests, and to give our Guests a chance for their 15 minutes of fame through the display of their winning submissions in our new $160 million Observatory experience.”
Fans of the Empire State Building may submit their photo entry via Instagram or Twitter by using the hashtag #ESBmoment and #contest. Entrants may also submit their photos using ESB’s photo contest microsite www.esbphotocontest.com
Entries will be accepted through Friday, October 5, 2018, at 11:59 PM ET. Exterior and interior shots of the building will be accepted.
CC-BY-SA-2.0, FlickrPhoto: Principles.com. Ray Dalio to Release New Book on the 10th Anniversary of the 2008 Financial Crisis
Ten years ago, a financial crisis shook the world. Few saw it coming and fewer were prepared to deal with its repercussions. On the eve of the anniversary of the 2008 financial crisis, Ray Dalio, one of the world’s most successful investors and entrepreneurs, will reveal his and his firm Bridgewater Associates’ extensive research on debt crises in a new book, A Template for Understanding Big Debt Crises. To be released on September 10th, 2018, the book will detail Dalio’s in-depth study of how debt crises have operated throughout history, which allowed him and Bridgewater Associates to anticipate and successfully navigate the financial crisis ten years ago.
Dalio is the founder, co-Chief Investment Officer and co-Chairman of Bridgewater Associates, which he founded in 1975 out of his two-bedroom apartment in New York and has since grown into the largest hedge fund in the world and the fifth most important private company in the U.S., according to Fortune. Dalio has a unique way of studying and understanding the world, which allows him to see economic events differently than the consensus and foresee coming developments that are often under-recognized and overlooked.
As explained in his New York Times #1 Bestseller Principles: Life & Work, one of Dalio’s core beliefs is that most everything happens over and over again through time, so that by studying the patterns, one can understand the cause-effect relationships behind them and develop principles for dealing with them well. In this three-part research series, he does that for big debt crises and shares his template in the hopes of reducing the chances of big debt crises happening and helping them be better managed in the future.
“At this stage in my life I want to pass along the principles that helped me and can help others,” said Dalio, adding: “Since debt crises cause some of the worst human suffering, passing along this template for understanding and dealing with them on the 10th anniversary of the 2008 financial crisis seemed like an appropriate thing to do.”
The book comes in three parts: The Archetypal Big Debt Cycle – Dalio’s and Bridgewater Associates’ outline of the major components of debt crises and how they operate Three Detailed Case Studies – In-depth experiences of debt crises throughout history including the 2008 financial crisis, the Great Depression and the 1920s crisis in Weimar Germany Compendium of 48 Cases – A compendium of charts and computer-generated text summaries showing how the template applies to several dozen other historical debt crises
The book will be available online on September 10th, 2018. Interested readers will have the choice between a free PDF version and a Kindle version, available through Amazon, for $14.99. A print version of the book will be available in mid-October for $50.00.
For more information on book and how to preorder it, please visit Principles.com.
Miami Spice celebrates its XVII edition promoting restaurants in different areas of the city, allowing to discover new corners and new flavors. Miami Spice is a mouth-watering restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine. In this edition, 246 participating restaurants offer three-course meals featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs at reduced prices: Lunch/Brunch is priced at $23 and Dinner at $39.
The deals will last throughout the months of August and September. There is no membership or sign-up required, however reservations are strongly recommended.
To know which restaurants offer promotions on whichs days simply check this list or the individual webpage of the restaurant you want to visit. For questions or comments regarding Miami Spice, please contact MiamiSpice@gmcvb.com.
