Rich and undecided

Sometimes acquiring money isn’t the biggest struggle – what to do with that money is. Planes, cars and swimming pools can only satisfy for so long. Eventually the rich need to expand their imaginations, open up their checkbooks and notify their friends and clients.

Where you choose to spend your vacations is just as trendy and important as the boat you sail on or the home you live in.

So what’s a better place to visit: Beaver Creek or Maui?

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek has become one of the most talked about travel sites for the privileged. Nestled near Avon, Colorado, the ski resort has become known for its upscale accommodations. Although aimed at families and groups, the resort is also singles-friendly.

It has one of the nicest resort golf courses in the country, designed by renowned course architect Robert Trent Jones II. The clubhouse restaurant, Rendezvous Club, offers a stylish retreat from long days of game play.

Beaver Creek’s massive employee roster guarantees that visitors will never have to do anything themselves.

With four mountains, stunning scenery and a chapel, Beaver Creek is the perfect destination for wealthy, young travelers.

Maui

The second largest island in Hawaii, Maui has been an ideal destination for years. It’s hard to remember a time when Maui wasn’t “Maui.”

Maui has won some of the most prestigious awards in the travel business. And for good reason. More than two million tourists visit the island every year, flooding the Hawaiian heaven with billions of dollars in revenue.

Maui’s most popular places include Lahaina and Hana Highway. People travel thousands of miles to experience the unimaginable mountains, lush waterfalls and amazing black sand beaches. Entire streets are lined with stores and restaurants.

Snorkeling, surfing and sunset cruises may be exotic in other parts of the world, but in Maui they are just part of the package.

And the winner is…

Wherever you want to go. Both Beaver Creek and Maui offer the kind of resorts that playmakers seek. They have different climates, scenery, wardrobes and experiences. Beaver Creek is a winter wonderland, while Maui gives the kind of beachside experience only seen on postcards.

How much money you have is a sign of wealth and status. What you do with that money is an even bigger sign. For those that don’t consider cost when travelling the world, consider Beaver Creek or Maui.

“It is a matter of taste,” is what most people immediately answer when asked which is better, Chinese food or Mexican food. Even more important, the famed Lupe Tortilla or PF Chang’s? (Rick’s Note: This is my pitiful plug to get free fajitas for life from Lupe Tortilla.)

Despite the fact that these two styles of cooking reflect a whole ocean of difference between them both figuratively and literally, there are a number of similarities between them. The first is the importance of rice which both use as a staple. Another is the cultural significance that both of these cooking styles represent, the deep history of Chinese cooking and the heritage that Mexican cuisine represents. Also, some of the spices used are the same such as cinnamon, garlic, onions, and a few more. Aside from these, they are radically different when it comes to taste.

Chili can be called the trademark of Mexican cooking. This spicy sweet flavor that bites back a bit as you eat it makes the dishes quite interesting. Chinese food, on the other hand, is known for the variety of noodles that they make. These are eaten using chopsticks, a radically different eating implement from those used in Mexico. Although these are just their superficial stereotypical differences, they do demonstrate how different one is from the other. Unfortunately, this does not really indicate which style of cooking is more transcendent in terms of taste.

Chinese cooking if were to be described by a foreigner would be a clever mix of the mundane and the exotic. It is a clever mix of the practical and the unknown. There is also a sense of history to it especially when one thinks about how ancient the civilization that gave birth to it is. Their delicacies are also quite unique as they are made from snakes, monkeys, and other organisms that may horrify Westerner. Once you go beyond this challenge the ingredients present, the taste is quite exquisite. One can definitely say that it can definitely live up to the challenge of feeding several dynasties of emperors who had very discriminating tastes.

Mexican cooking is a whole different story altogether. It has the feel of the jungles that once dominated the area before the arrival or the Spanish. The fieriness of the people and a carefree spirit both permeates the taste and the way the dishes are served and eaten. It brings to mind those tempestuous times the region this cuisine comes from has survived through. The presentation catches the eye with its splash of vivid color. The food itself speaks of a variety of textures and tastes which distinguish themselves from one another and contribute to the whole in an intriguing manner. The hallmark of Mexican Food is the Beef Fajita Plate and Flour Tortillas. No one has better beef fajitas than Lupe Tortilla.

This leaves the reader in a quandary as to which is the best. For myself, I believe I still need to eat a lot more of these two styles before I can definitely state that one is better. And yes, it is a matter of taste. So I will keep on tasting!

Events worthy of a suit and possibly even a tie pop up on the calendar regularly for folks with money, personality, and a long list of friends. The first question that every man is faced with when planning his attire is the basic choice between wearing a dark suit or a light suit. While fashion and traditional social norms used to dictate what a man wore and when, mankind has thankfully evolved to a point where there is much room for individual interpretation. That having been said, should you wear a dark suit or a light suit to your next important function? Here is what you need to know.

Dark suits were traditionally worn as a way to understate yourself and blend into the background of a function with a greater purpose than drinking cocktails and schmoozing. Dark suits were reserved for funerals, weddings and other highly-formal events. Thankfully, the strict customs that traditionally governed the wearing of dark suits have been eased in recent years, and dark suits are currently worn in every type of environment, from job interviews to romantic dinners. Designers have seen this as an opportunity, and a number of irrepressible modern spins on the traditional dark 3-buttons and 2-buttons have recently become available on the left and right coasts of the United States.

Light suits are for the bold and irrepressible types, the kind of people who have the moxie and energy to be the center of every conversation. Grey, beige, baby blue and even white suits can be worn if your intent is to stand out from the conventional crowd. Wearing a light suit is an excellent way for a single man to approach an event that is likely to have a high number of single women, as the light tones will work with the female psyche, making them initially view a man in a light suit as a sensitive individual that can be trusted. The rest is up to you.

While it is obvious that both dark and light suits have their places in modern society, it becomes clear upon further analysis that dark suits are indeed superior to light suits given their versatility, sleekness and slimming effects, and their irrevocable place in American culture.

Next to a crashing, it’s probably the worst-case scenario most fear when flying: terrorists. Channel your inner John McClane and take the suckers out with these 7 ways to fight back.

7. Steal their Weapon
Unless they’re the world’s worst terrorist, the hijacker is probably toting a weapon of some sort. You need to wrestle it away from him. Overpower him and use his own weapon against him.

6. Snap their Neck
It’s a staple of many action heroes, and for good reason. Approach from behind, place one hand across the body for leverage and quickly jerk his head to the side with the other to snap his neck.

5. Stab the Jugular
While most sharp instruments are banned on planes, pens are not. Find a pen and forcefully jab it into the terrorist’s jugular while he’s distracted.

4. Plastic Bag Suffocation
You’ll have to be fairly strong to pull this one off. Find a large plastic bag, and forcefully secure it over the terrorist’s head, covering his mouth and nose.

3. String Strangulation
While you’re unlikely to find piano wire on a plane, a shoelace should work just fine. Wrap it around the terrorist’s neck from behind and strangle the life out of him.

2. Blunt Force
It’s not pretty, but it works very well. Find a large, heavy object and bash the terrorist in the back of the head. Make sure he’s dead, however, as you don’t want him regaining consciousness at an inopportune moment.

1. Sacrifice
It’s not the first choice, but if you know the terrorist plans to use the plane to kill even more people, as was the case in the 9/11 attacks, then make your way to the cockpit and crash the plane into an unpopulated area. You’ll die too, but as a hero.

Lying, for most people, isn’t something that comes naturally. The careful observer should be able to spot dishonesty from a mile away. Usually, unless dealing with a complete sociopath, people will give one of several classic signs when they’re not telling the truth. Sniffing out a lie is an art form, and once mastered, this skill becomes invaluable in business, relationships and life in general.

According to a Yale University report, written by Paul Ekman, There are two reason why lies sometimes fail: either because the liar failed to prepare or because of the interference of emotions. The main reason, Ekman believes, that lies fail is inadequate preparation. An example of this type of failure is when liars forget what they’ve already lied about. This often leads to contradicting statements that show liars for what they are.

This lack of preparation can help people determine if someone’s lying to them. Liars tend to be vague in order to avoid details that would be harder to remember. Casually asking them about numerous, specific details will throw them off their rhythm, and asking them to repeat those details later is likely to make them nervous or defensive. If they react in this way, it’s highly probable they’re not being honest.

Aside from their omission of detail, liars also exhibit behavioral signs of lying. The most common of these signs is the avoidance of eye contact during the lie. If someone maintains eye contact during a conversation but diverts their gaze when asked a question, the answer is probably false. Other behavioral signs of dishonesty could include twitching, an emotional tone or attempting to change the subject.

When trying to determine if someone’s lying, it’s best to approach the situation casually. Accusing a liar of being deceitful will undoubtedly trigger a defensive reaction. This doesn’t prove anything because accusing an honest person of lying will usually result in the same reaction. To know for sure, casually ask them to provide details and watch for behavioral indicators. Over time, most liars will be unable to remember every false detail and will be caught in one of their false statements.

The answer to this an most questions is: It depends on what you need.

For a mom shuttling her 5 kids and their friends around, a small hybrid is simply not going to cut it. For anyone who absolutely needs the space, there’s really no choice – a big vehicle is the only way to go, buuuuut what about the rest of us?

Lots of people think having a monster truck for their daily commute brings them status. If your friends often let loose a loud “Yee-ha!!” as you drive around, this might also apply to you. For those whose closet contains things other than camouflage, denim, and flannel, it probably has the opposite effect.

The fact of the matter is that the world is full of posers. People wear cowboy boots and hats, but have never been on horseback. They delight in donning martial arts themed shirts when they have never had a martial arts lesson. They buy big, scary dogs when they have no idea at all how to take care of them. They also like driving big trucks when they have absolutely no need for such a vehicle. Trying to project an image that isn’t who you are isn’t cool or tough, it’s fake and stupid.

There is no one on this planet over the age of 10 who isn’t aware that there is a crisis in the realm of petroleum fuels. Anyone who refuses to realize this and act accordingly is like a farmer plowing his field with a mule while he scoffs at the new fangled tractors his competition is using.

For anyone who needs massive passenger or storage space, or the ability to tow a boat or trailer, that big SUV is probably the better choice. For everyone else, driving the hybrid shows that they are smart enough and confident enough not to be a poser.

Who doesn’t love an escape to the spa every now and then? The best spa resorts are the epitome of ultimate comfort and relaxation, and it’s exactly what many of us need to escape the daily grind of the office and other every day tasks that tend to become mundane in routine. Taking a break to be pampered at one of these luxurious spa resorts is the best way to soak up all of the relaxation your body can handle.

1. Amangani Spa Resorts in Jackson, Wyoming

The beauty of the Amangani is almost overwhelming. Built of sandstone and redwood, the resort rests more than 2,000 feet above sea level and offers some truly impeccable scenic views. Convenient to Yellowstone National Park, this spa offers some of the best views in the United States. Each suite offers a mini bar, a balcony overlooking the river and luxurious soaking tubs for ultimate relaxation. And while it is certainly a pricey pampering, the once in a lifetime experience of it all far exceeds the cost.

2. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts – Hualalai, Hawaii

If the idea of sipping your favorite wine on the beach while watching the sunset after a day of full body pampering intrigues you, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Hualalai, Hawaii might be precisely what you’ve been searching for. Relaxing in the natural oasis garden beside the waterfall or receiving a massage using natural ingredients such as macadamia nuts is truly a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

3. Grove Park Inn and Spa in Asheville, North Carolina

A visit to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC is more than just an opportunity for pampering. Western North Carolina is home to some truly beautiful mountains and rich history – all of which is captured inside the Grove Park Inn spa resort. The mineral pool is among the most popular features, but there is far more to experience when you visit this luxury spa resort in the heart of the Blue Ridge. While you’re there, why not stay in one of the themed rooms? The Presidential Suite and Swinging Sixties rooms have been favorites of many past guests.

Regardless of which of these luxury spa resorts you choose to stay in, rest assured that each one comes with its own unique style and a truly unique pampering experience. After all, who couldn’t use a little time away to relax?

If you are looking for a Ferrari (like the stretch limo modena pictured) or an Aston Martin then you are looking for the best of the best when it comes to performance and motor sport. Ferrari holds a name and an image that dates back for the last half a century. The story is the same with Aston. They are both icons to an automotive enthusiast. Which are you?

Aston tends to be best for those who have discriminating tastes, to say the least, and prefer the air of British craftsmanship. The Ferrari fans will enjoy more Italian pizazz with their car. Ferraris are provocative while the Astons are more subtle, but of course, no less powerful. Both cars will look great parked outside your home or down on the French Riviera. James Bond, of course, would never find himself in the Italian stallion, though he would of course feel at home in a DB9 from Aston Martin.

In a Ferrari you wear Gucci sunglasses while in the Aston you will turn up looking the part in a suit. They are worlds apart and when it comes down to it, the question is, which one are you? Are you a jet-setter who wants to spoil your latest catch? Either will suit you well. Prices are comparable.

Ferrari has spent more of their time on the race track of late and the evidence shows through in their road cars–each of their offerings are brimming with technology which some might find too scientific. For those that would rather ditch the science lesson and return to the French Riviera, consider instead a classic Ferrari 275 or Daytona. These will not perform on the track any more, but they will still win over your heart when driving through the Alps. A classic DB5 or DB9 from Aston will thrill your heart as well, but in quite a different way.

Bottom line is that if you ask a Ferrari owner which is best you know what the answer will be. If you ask an Aston Martin enthusiast which they prefer and the story will be the same. Let your heart decide which is best after taken each for a long drive on a winding road. There is no better way to tell which will actually move you the most. Let your drive begin with the search for the perfect model of ultimate performance.