The Future of Global Consumption

May 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment

One of the most important trends of our time is the rise of the global consumer. Millions of people throughout the world are enjoying a better lifestyle than their prior generations could have imagined. This improvement in the standard of living of so many people is a trend that has decades to go. This long-term trend is truly transformational to the global economy and provides some significant investment opportunities. Of course, I am talking about the rise of the consumer class in the emerging markets of the world. China and India are leaders in the great consumer wave, but the same thing is happening in other parts of the world like Latin America and Africa. Researchers estimate that by 2025 the ranks of the “consumer class” (those with disposable income) will rise from about 2.4 billion today to 4.2 billion by 2025. If these projections hold true, there will be more people in the middle class than poor for the first time in history.1

There is no doubt that this trend offers a tremendous opportunity to both large multinational corporations and local business domiciled in these growing markets. Millions of new people joining the middle class mean a sizable increase in purchases of goods and services that go toward an improved standard of living. In 2010 consumer spending in the emerging markets was $12 trillion. Those markets are expected to grow to about $30 trillion of spending by 2025, which would comprise nearly half of all global spending at that time. Take a look at one sector for example; between now and 2017 developing countries are projected to account for about 70% of the increase in pharmaceutical sales. 1

Did you know that Chinese consumers have become the number one buyers of luxury goods in the world? Yes, they rank ahead of the Japanese, Europeans and Americans. China’s consumers now account for 25% of luxury spending worldwide. 1

Consider what is happening in Latin America. Demographically, Latin America has tended to have a few rich people, lots of poor and not many in the middle. This is changing and will continue to change. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, middle class households grew from 56 million to 128 million from 1990 to 2007. Overall, consumer spending in the region has increased from about $683 billion in 1990 to $2.7 trillion in 2010. 1

So does this mean we should invest everything in China or Latin America? Of course not. However, I believe it makes a lot of sense to pay attention to this mega-trend when we are allocating our investments. Long-term investors need make sure they have exposure to these fast growing consumer groups by using a combination of direct investment in the developing markets along with allocations to large global businesses and brands. Pay less attention to where a company is headquartered and focus more on where their customers are.

1. American Funds, The Long View, January 2013

Damien helps individuals invest and manage risk.  He is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and a principal of Walnut Creek Wealth Management. These are the views of Damien Couture, CFP® and not intended as investment advice.  Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic stability and differences in the accounting standards.  Your comments are welcome.  Damien can be reached at 925-280-1800 x101 orDamien@WalnutCreekWealth.com.

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Filed Under: COLUMNS, Market Watch

Ike’s Place

May 4, 2013 by 1 Comment

Allow me to begin with a quick acknowledgment of my lack of geographic exploration. I realize that Alive Magazine reaches the better parts of the Tri-Valley area as quickly as I realize that for the last eight months my boundaries have seldom left the Danville area. Not very Ponce de Leon of me. By way of explanation I can only offer that (obviously) this is my backyard, and with a potential fussy seven month old in the car, traveling outside the comfort zone of town can be daunting. But alas, you the reader should not feel overfed or neglected, and so I offer you my word that the next articles will be written outside Danville until I have covered all the cities in our circulation. On to business!

Have you ever witnessed a food movement—something so large and influential that, like a zeppelin, seems to silently move into town in the dead of night and redefines your food beliefs? I have. 137598284 [Converted] copy

Meet Ike. Everybody I have talked to says this is the best sandwich they have ever had; but why? First, you strap the standard list of deli ingredients to a box of dynamite, then step the mandatory safe distance away, then BOOM…blow the standards all over a mountain of unorthodox sandwich fillers like mozzarella sticks, onion rings, or jalapeno poppers. Next, go ahead and sauce up your creation with mind twisters like cranberry sauce, Sriracha, marinara, or coleslaw. Finally, for good measure, put it all on freshly baked bread lathered in Ike’s Dirty Secret Sauce (a mayo/garlic concoction) prior to baking. This is Ike.

Ike first opened in the Castro District and quickly angered the neighbors by serving over 1200 customers a day. Since then he has opened eight more locations to serve the masses, and the numbers have not dwindled. Thankfully he found his way to the Trader Joes shopping center in Danville.

I hope by now that you have come to rely on me offering my monthly reports worthy of praise for more than the food. As stated, I enjoy dissecting every nuance of a restaurant, and yes, while the sandwiches here are beyond extraordinary, an isolated incident on my first visit compels this article.

It was busy, of course, and my wife and I approached the counter confused. The menu boasts well over 200 unique variations of this American staple and we settled on a #49 and #214. The helpful teen behind the counter rang us up for a #49 and two #14’s. I should have caught it but didn’t until the card was charged. There would have to be a manager involved to facilitate the refund and we were in danger of creating a pile up. This had the potential to get ugly. In seconds, the bright aura of the girl in charge sauntered to the counter, made a quick analysis of the situation, gathered the correct information and refunded my card while informing me that they would like to purchase our sandwiches for the (three minute) inconvenience. I had no time to refute. It was done. She thanked us “so much” for coming in and in 10 minutes my wife and I were having our taste buds ripped from our mouths. You cannot teach this type of customer service, especially to a person that is spending their whole shift “in the weeds.” Sold for life!

As an ode to you, my readers, I want to buy you an Ike’s. Drop me a line to let me know you’re reading every month and I will select five random people to deliver a voucher for a free Ike’s. My only advice is to bring an umbrella if it’s raining because you might be waiting outside.

Drop me a line at tobintullis@yahoo.com with the subject Line: “Ike’s” … I will reply!

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Filed Under: COLUMNS, I'll Have What He's Having

Youth Sports Approach: Relax and Enjoy the Games

May 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Coaching and watching organized kids’ games can be a paradox. Intellectually, almost everyone in the stands knows that nearly none of these kids will play professionally and very few will even make a high school team, especially in basketball or baseball. Yet, the intensity can match anything experienced at Oracle Arena, AT&T Park, or Yankee Stadium.

Fans, mostly parents, whoop and holler as if a Super Bowl Championship is on the line. Middle aged coaches pressure and manipulate officials, many of whom are adolescents. If you win you exult, if your team loses there is despair a plenty.

As a veteran youth sports coach I have some perspective. I was as intense as anyone when I coached my children, especially in baseball. Some teams with whom I was involved won championships and we took home gigantic trophies that seemed very important, almost vital, at the time. Because our teams were often winning, opposing parents and coaches would taunt and distract our 10-year-old pitchers to help their teams and, following the lead of those parents, the games were rudely reviewed by children on the school yard the next day.

If I had a good team that lost a midseason game I would get calls from our team’s parents with “suggestions” for avoiding future such calamities. During those seasons the results of games played by elementary school students would dominate the lives of many families.

Parents of the less talented players would want to play the games for fun, while parents of the star players would want to play to win, which created friction in the stands. Leagues would often encourage even-handed roster deployment, and then publish results and standings in the newspaper and host formal trophy presentations at the end of March-Madness style playoff tournaments.

Basically, a lot of the focus on results was a waste of emotion and energy. Watching players grow and develop while building some lasting relationships was terrific. However, with a few exceptions, the best players can be identified by third grade and everyone else is playing for fun or to fulfill the expectations of a parent.

Baseball is most problematic. Because it’s impossible to have a good game without pitchers who can throw strikes, the best young athletes wind up on the mound. This creates a series of one-on-one confrontations where the top players are matched against average-or-worse players with predictable results.

At least in the lower levels of soccer and basketball it is possible to hide a weak or one-dimensional player and assign a role that can lead to some success. In baseball, everyone has to eventually step into the batter’s box and face the music.

If you’re just beginning in youth sports try to realistically assess the abilities of your son or daughter and get him or her into a sport that best meets their needs. If you have an older friend or neighbor with a sports background it doesn’t hurt to get an assessment that isn’t tied to wishful thinking or love. It’s great to be on a team and learn about sportsmanship and cooperation, and it’s even better if those lessons are learned in an environment where the child has at least a chance of performing well.

Then, go to the games, pull for your child and his or her team, and then have a post game snack and forget about the outcome. If your young child is obviously better than most then it’s certainly okay to pursue higher levels of play. Just understand that there is loads of attrition in youth sports and that if making a high school team is the focus a lot can happen between third grade and ninth grade.

And at all times try and model behavior that will make you proud years after the trophies tarnish and the mitts and cleats are relegated to the attic.

 

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Filed Under: COLUMNS, Off the Bench

Beauty Talk Q & A

May 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Q. My mom always told me to use a toner after cleansing my face.What do toners do and why should we use them?

  1. Toners were introduced in France in the late 1800s. Women discovered by using toners on their skin after cleansing, that their skin was smoother and more youthful looking. Women realized that the hard water in France was harsh and damaging to the skin and it was drying out the surface and aging the delicate facial surface, thus aging the skin at a very early age. They found traces of harmful minerals in the water that broke down the skin’s protective barrier, thus leaving the skin parched, dry and vulnerable to wrinkling. So by using a toner after cleansing, this fountain of youth astringent revolutionized the art of skin care in France and is one of the best skin care products you can use to keep skin soft, radiant and younger looking.

Q. Should I cleanse my make-up off at night or does it really matter?

A.  It is so important to cleanse the skin at night. Scientific research has shown that the skin rejuvenates and repairs itself over-night. Cleansing the skin helps to unclog pores and rids the surface of impurities, so skin can function properly. Skin needs oxygen, cells need irrigation and our cells use oxygen to produce energy. By cleansing the surface of the skin, cells work hard to repair and reproduce healthy active cells.  Unstable cells can’t function correctly causing them to break down suffocating oxygen to the skin which causes the collagen to break down, therefore causes fine lines and wrinkles. Not to mention pores get suffocated and enlarge. Simply use cosmetic wipes that removes your make-up, then cleanse, use a toner then apply a good moisturizer.

Q.  What is a good moisturizer or lotion to use to prevent fine lines and wrinkles? And do antioxidants really work?

A.  Extensive study has been done on the cause of aging skin and scientist have found that moisturizers with high-doses of antioxidants including Ester-C, DMAE, Neuro-Peptides, and Lipoic Acid, allow the skin to hold moisture longer, thus repairing the uppermost layer of the skin. They also found that antioxidants dramatically reduce free-radical damage and act as an anti-inflammatory. Fact: With antioxidants in serums, lotions and moisturizers cells rejuvenate faster on the surface, which significantly reduces the aging process.

Q. I have a tan but I don’t want to tan my face, but my face looks lighter than my body, what do I do?

A.  One thing you can do is add a little warmth to your foundation and dust a powder bronzer on afterward. Another trick is to apply a sunless tanner on the face. One of the best self-tanners I have found is one that works with your own melanin of your skin. It tans the skin three shades darker than your natural skin tone so you can achieve the true color of your own complexion.

Note: We sell our self-tanner year round for girls that want to ad a healthy natural glow to the skin. It is also great for people who can’t go out in the sun but want to look like they have a tan in the summertime.

Your skin is as individual as you are: mature, oily, dry, prone to breakouts or easily irritated. Whatever your specific skin concern, Ongrien’s cosmeceutical vitamin rich creams and other treatments are one of the key factors to healthy looking skin. At The Rouge they offer a wide range of products that will provide benefits beyond simple moisturizes. Tuesday through Saturday they are available to help educate women on skin care products and treatments for their specific needs.

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Alive & Lookin' Good, COLUMNS

Where Were You in ’62?

May 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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With the events of this past month, going back to another, simpler time sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? I don’t have enough space here to expound upon why simple is usually better than complicated, but suffice it to say when we think of classic films, some of the best are those with simple story lines and life-like characters. American Graffiti is one of those. And as tough as things have been lately, how fortunate we are, with this year being the 40th anniversary of the film, to be able to celebrate George Lucas’ hit movie.

This entire issue is really the brainchild of my friend, retired film industry promoter Joe Redmond. When he suggested we do a story about the film, I was mildly enthusiastic. When he then mentioned he had met and chatted with the film’s lead actress, Cindy Williams, at a charity event celebrating the film’s 40th anniversary, I went from enthusiastic to ecstatic!   

Joe sent me photos of his encounter with Williams and I was dumbstruck—the “cuteness factor” of Cindy Williams is as palpable today as it was when she played Shirley Feeney in the hit comedy series, Laverne and Shirley. I loved the show when it ran in the 70s and 80s, and I’ll admit to being as smitten today as I surely was then.

Even though Joe interviewed Cindy Williams, I really wanted to learn more about her, so I arranged for my own interview (page 20). As Joe said about his encounter with Williams, I too found her to be warm and unassuming—within a few seconds, she made me feel as though we were close friends.

Talking with Williams, I was struck by her dedication to her craft. Whether in movies, television or stage, she is the consummate professional who works very hard at what she does. Be it comedy or drama, her body of work over the past forty years speaks for itself. Before our interview, I didn’t really understand the work required to be “professionally funny,” but making it look easy is anything but. Laverne and Shirley, like Seinfeld and I Love Lucy, will remain timeless icons of comedy because of the work invested by the actors.

Most of all, I was impressed by Cindy Williams’ honesty and conviction of values. She spoke passionately of the powerful faith that guides her life, and at a time when some celebrities act as if they rest in the center of the known universe, Cindy Williams stands as a reminder of what a professional actor is. If you’re seeking an example for pursuing a career in Hollywood, I’d point to Cindy. 

Classic films like American Graffiti are rare, as are celebrities with the courage to reveal who they really are apart from the roles they play. Cindy Williams has that courage. The same warmth and depth of character I felt when we spoke, is what radiates from her performances on screen and stage. It’s why she is the successful actress that she is.    

Oh, and of course, being cute doesn’t hurt, either.

 

 

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Filed Under: COLUMNS, From the Publisher

As Far as 1962 is Concerned…

May 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment

For those brave souls who might enjoy watching a dissolute group of adults (some seniors) indulging in this simplistic nonsense are urged to attend the annual Kings X Trivia Tournament at WPLJ in Walnut Creek on May 19. Along with yours truly, other ALIVE writers Joe Redmond and Paul Hirsch will participate as among the better players. Please join us, if you can.

As far as 1962 is concerned:

  1. The SF Giants participated in their first World Series in 1962. Who caught Willie McCovey’s 9th inning line drive in game seven to cinch the title for the Yankees?
  2. “To Kill a Mockingbird” was a hit movie that year. What future Oscar winner played the mysterious Boo Radley in that flick?
  3. In 1962, one of the longest runs in TV history began with the debut of what comedian in the start of a +30 years run as a host?
  4. During that year Soviet ships sailed toward Cuba in an attempt to place rocket launchers in Cuba as a direct threat to the US. What country, where American rockets were placed, did President Kennedy agree to dismantle in return for Russia to a scary?
  5. The Beatles exploded onto the music scene in 1962. What was their first recording?
  6. A future two-time Academy Award winning actress was born in 1962. Her career has covered 45 years. Who is she?
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Filed Under: COLUMNS, Trivial Matters

Back in the USA

May 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment

It has probably occurred to you by now, as you thumb through your personal issue of ALIVE magazine, that our illustrious editor is focusing this issue on the United States in the 1960s and early 1970s. Even more specific, I am told, he is glorying in the movie representing that era, namely American Graffiti.

This gives me an opportunity that I have longed for since the year 2008 when I first was published in ALIVE with articles titled the same as my book – Stamps In My Passport. I’ve selected offshore venues and shared adventures with you that I’ve had in those “far-away places with strange sounding names,” always including a passport stamp. But, now is the time! There is one recurring stamp in my current passport, as well as the five retired passports, that fills pages and pages. I now have an excuse to share a story or two about that stamp. You guessed it – the good old United States of America stamp that tells everyone “I’m home!”

My first story is about a run-in I had in the late 1970s with one of those stern but polite customs agents. In those years I made several trips each year as a gemstone courier. A business I was associated with purchased emeralds, rubies, and sapphires from miners all over the world. These stones were then stored in banks in that country – awaiting a pickup. There were drops in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on the east coast of Africa, and rubies smuggled out of Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge and stored in Chanthaburi, Thailand. I was fortunate enough to be able to pick up these bags of rough stones and bring them back to the United States. This meant going through a different line at the San Francisco airport. Sitting quietly in a small room off to one side, I patiently explained to this United States agent how I came about having these imported items. Always had to assure him I was not laundering money for some evil drug cartel. Even though I always thought I had an honest face, apparently these guys felt I looked guilty. Eventually they let me through, and I always got a stamp in my passport. Those were exciting times for me.

Another one of my fond memories about my United States passport stamp occurred in Singapore. The logic of the US policy at that time has escaped me over the years, but for decades it was in effect. To get a US passport one needed to apply in San Francisco, but for some unexplained reason one could add pages to an existing passport at the US embassy in Singapore. On one of our trips, we realized that we had only a page or two empty and decided to take advantage of this opportunity. The US Embassy was close to our hotel, so we walked to the fortress-like structure – surrounded by a huge iron fence. The spit and polish marine allowed us to pass, and another marched us to the head of the line, while others awaited an audience. The lady behind the desk was helpful, and in a short time we had a fatter passport, with twenty four new pages. When we got back to the United States, the immigration officer noticed the added pages and jokingly said “Let me christen your new pages with a good old solid US passport stamp.” I have heard that Singapore no longer does this – so the experience will remain unique.

It’s apparent that over the years the use of passports has changed. Back in the late 1960s and early 1970s we visited relatives back in Michigan. We used to drive across the Ambassador Bridge or through the Windsor Tunnel from the US to Canada. Back then, no one seemed to care a great deal about a passport. In fact, during a number of those years, I didn’t even own a passport much less get a stamp. Little did I know at the time that not getting a stamp in my passport would become such a big deal in my life. Missing that experience would mar a record of years of travel in and out of our most joyous and prosperous country. God bless you, America!

 

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Filed Under: COLUMNS, Stamps in My Passport

Wedding Bells For The Bride This Year? Choosing The Right Bridal Make-Up

January 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Weddings are so very special. Planning a wedding can take months and can be very time consuming with all the details involved. One detail you don’t want to overlook is your make-up. When choosing your make-up style for your wedding you want to make sure you look updated and use the right cosmetic colors.

Plan as we might, unforeseen wedding day crisis may pop up from unwanted blemishes to under eye circles. Luckily, you have choices to seek out good beauty professionals that will assist you and make your day effortless and help you look your best. I have seen so many ruined bridal pictures by wearing the wrong color foundation to wearing purple or blue eye shadow. A bridal consultation is about what the bride wants. We like to use soft and natural tones to enhance the beauty of the bride. Remember, you will be taking a lot of pictures on this most special day; so wearing the correct make-up colors is vital.

Beauty and the Bride
The ultimate make-up application for a bride should be polished and formal without taking away from her own natural beauty. The right make-up for wedding photography creates refinement and pushes a look forward with a natural simplicity with a bridal trendy look. Using soft colors and warm undertones are keys to complimenting the bride’s own style and skin tones, which will photograph beautifully. We, as make-up professionals have a keen eye for detail, color balance and we will help you and your wedding party look their best in pictures.

When a bride comes in to our studio for a consultation, we always ask them what they want to look like and what they are looking for. Usually girls know what they want but they just don’t know how to achieve it; the consultation should be a collaboration of what the bride truly wants and what the artist suggests. This is a formal event, so being finished, flawless and a little above natural should be the option, but also looking like yourself, “soft and glowing.”

At The Rouge we specialize in wedding make-up and have been doing so for over 20 years. Our brow and beauty experts stay current with the latest trends and styles, giving the bride and wedding party the best and the utmost updated looks that are formal yet polished. We do pre-bridal consultations Tuesday through Saturday by appointment only. Please come by and enjoy our gorgeous line of cosmetics by Fleur Visage. Starting the year off right and choosing the right wedding make-up artist is just one more thing off the bridal checklist!

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Filed Under: Alive & Lookin' Good, COLUMNS