This July, the Nation’s Capital welcomes the Washington Kastles, the newest edition to World TeamTennis (WTT), which was founded by the legendary Billy Jean King. The team plays in the specially designed Washington Kastles Stadium found at 11th & H Street, NW over the two week season. Highlighted matches include Tuesday July 8th with Serena Williams, Tuesday July 15th with John McEnroe and the Closing Match on Wednesday July 23rd with Anna Kournikova.
For more information on the team, schedule and tickets, please go to www.washingtonkastles.com
Newsletter Archives
Message from the President
I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer. There are many new and exciting things happening in Washington, DC. as well as at Platinum Lifestyle Management (PLM). I am sure that many of you are aware of Washington's newest addition to the sports scene, The Washington Kastles tennis team. Playing in their new downtown outdoor stadium has added another "must see" event to the calendar. Also, be sure to get your tickets to "The Lion King" which is at The Kennedy Center through August 24.
I hope that you will take some time to look at the newly launched PLM website. I believe you will find it to be very informative and it will be updated monthly with events, pictures, and our new "City of the Month" feature, where monthly, a new city will be showcased with its restaurants, shows and lounges.
You will also notice that the newsletter is now linked to the website in html format. You will no longer have to download a pdf version to view our newsletter. In addition, we have added a new feature called the "Client Spotlight "where a PLM client is interviewed. I hope you find it enjoyable and informative.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this newsletter. If you have interest in the services that PLM offers please contact me by phone or email and we can set up a time to discuss your needs.
Sincerely,
Jim Spiro
Not to Miss Events
JULY
Roger Mason Jr. Ball for a Cause benefiting the National Kidney Foundation
Tuesday, July 29th 2008
7pm-11pm
Join Roger Mason Jr. of the San Antonion Spurs and other professional athletes including Antawn Jamison, Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, DeShawn Stevenson, Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood (others to be added) for this inaugural fundraiser benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area.
Lucky Strike, 701 7th Street, NW
www.kidneywdc.org
Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund Rooftop Rendezvous
Thursday, July 31st 2008
6pm-8pm
Enjoy refreshing libations the Liaison's signature poolside cocktail, The “IMPEACHMINT MOJITO” and nosh on imaginative hors d'oeuvres created by the hotel's celebrated culinary team. Featuring an open bar, appetizers and a DJ.
$50 entrance fee on line or $60 at the door
The Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel, 415 New Jersey Ave, NW
www.hoopdreams.org
AUGUST
Mi Chiamo Eka Charity Fashion Show to benefit Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund
Tuesday, August 5th 2008
7:30pm-10pm
Washingtonian Ebong Eka will host his first charity fashion show to unveil his prêt-a-porter menswear line, Mi Chiamo Eka. The evening will include a one-of-a-kind runway performance featuring some of Washington’s most eligible bachelors with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund.
Tickets for this stylish affair are priced at $50 per person in advance or $60 at the door and include open wine bar, passed hors d’oeuvres as well as live entertainment.
K Street Lounge, 1301 K Street, NW
www.kstreetdc.com/eka
SEPTEMBER
Second Annual Smithsonian Young Benefactors Polo Cup on the National Mall
Saturday, September 6th 2008
12pm-6pm
This event is a fundraiser for the Smithsonian Associates and Young Benefactor Culture4Kids fund, which provides support for local DC area schoolchildren to attend Discovery Theatre and Smithsonian Summer Camp. Join international polo star Nacho Figueras and John Walsh with many other Washingtonians for a day on the Mall with polo.
GA $125 YB Member/$150 Non-member; VIP $325 YB Member/$375 Non-member
West Potomac Park Polo Field, Ohio Drive at 23rd St and Independence Ave
www.youngbenefactor.org
America’s Cup Fall Kick Off
Saturday, September 20th 2008
1pm-11pmThe Official Capitol Kick off for the America's Polo Cup will take place on the Washington DC Mall followed by a "Rockin the City" After Party with Australian Wines and Australian Beers.
VIP Tables available in CARTIER Tent starting at $2,500. VIP Tickets available - ADVANCE ONLY "early bird" starting at $150. GA starting at $50 per person.
West Potomac Park Polo Grounds
www.americaspolocup.com
The Ride to Thrive Polo Classic
Saturday, September 20th 2008
1:30pm-7pm
The Ride to Thrive Polo Classic is the perfect mix of fun and support- from the "most luxurious sport in the world" to those who benefit most. All proceeds from the Ride to Thrive Polo Classic benefit The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program. The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program provides equine assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities, youth-at-risk, veterans, and their families in an inclusive, community setting.
Summerhill Farm, 18411 Beallesville Road, Poolesville, MD
www.ridetothrive.org
Wolf Trap Ball
Saturday, September 20th 2008
This annual black-tie transforms the Filene Center Stage into the featured host country with their history and culture. One of the largest fundraisers of the Foundation, its contributions goes to the Wolf Trap Educational Programs.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Filene Center Stage, Vienna, VA
www.wolftrap.org
Greater Washington Sports Alliance SneakerBall V
Tuesday, September 16th 2008
This fun black-tie and sneakers event has become one of the best celebrations of the business and sports community in DC. The ball raises funds for the Foundation’s 2008 League of Charities.
National Building Museum, 401 F Street, NW
www.gwsportsallliance.com
Fourth Annual Fashion Fights Poverty 2008
Friday, September 25th 2008
6pm-10pm
FFP is about action and promoting positive behavior and is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for initiatives that encourage and support creative, effective, and sustainable means of challenging global poverty. FFP provides a forum for dialogue and partnerships between development organizations and the fashion community. This event showcases socially responsible fashion designers from all over the globe.
St. Regis Hotel, 923 16th Street, NW
www.fashionfightspoverty.org
CharityWorks DreamBall
Saturday, September 27th 2008
This annual Ball will raise money for the charity’s 2008 Partner, The Fisher House Foundation. Together, CharityWorks and the Foundation will come together to build a home for the Veterans Medical Center in Washington.
Tickets are $650.
National Building Museum, 401 F Street, NW
www.charityworksdc.org
Around DC
Washington, DC is often the hub of vacationers from all over the country and world. But when those who reside in the Nation’s Capital want to escape, where do they go to eat, drink and rest? We asked a few of our favorite friends (and well traveled friends): “What is your favorite hotel and/or restaurant outside of DC?”
Beverly Kirk, Anchor, NewsChannel 8: “My favorite hotel is the Castello Aragonese on Ischia Ponte, Italy. It’s actually a castle with quite a history that covers hundreds of years, but there’s a hotel within it that has rooms that overlook the sea. The view is incredible! There are no TV’s, radios or telephones… or at least there weren’t any when I was there about 5 years ago. It’s a place where you can truly get away from it all! My favorite restaurant is Ramsey’s on East High Street in Lexington, KY. It has the ultimate comfort food!”
Jan Goessing, General Manager, Mandarin Hotel, Washington, DC: “My favorite hotel outside of DC is The Oriental, Bangkok. It is truly one of the most exquisite properties in the world.”
Michael Kosmides, Co-Owner, Teatro Goldoni Restaurant: “Outside of Washington, I’d have to say that my favorite restaurant is Aureole in Las Vegas. It’s found in the Mandalay Bay Hotel. My favorite hotel however, is definitely The Ritz in South Beach, Miami. It’s right on the water and near the action!”
Jose Garcia, Co-Owner, Teatro Goldoni Restaurant: “I am a pretty well seasoned traveler, but the East Hotel in Hamburg, Germany ranks as number one for me. As far as my favorite restaurant in the world, it would have to be Cocoon in London. The ceiling actually is designed to make you feel like you are in a cocoon and it has very cool views of Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus.”
Mark Ein, Owner, Washington Kastles and Chairman, CEO, Kastle Systems: “The best restaurant outside of Washington is Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee in Paris. It is probably one of the best restaurants in the entire world in one of the most amazing hotels.”
Jayne Sandman, Associate Publisher, Capitol File Magazine: “On the high end, my favorite restaurant is Blue Ribbon Sushi in New York because has the most inventive sushi and an enormous sake list. On the low end, The Bite on Martha’s Vineyard has hands down the best fried seafood and quahog chowder.”
Spotlight Interview
This issue, our Spotlight Interview is with Philippe Cousteau, the son of ocean explorer Philippe Cousteau, Sr. and grandson of the legendary Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Philippe is the co-Founder of the non-profit EarthEcho International, which focuses on environmental education through new media and experiences. Based in Washington, DC, Philippe spends much of his time on growing EarthEcho, as well as hosting shows on the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. He travels around the world filming for the shows, speaking to groups and raising awareness about how every person can positively impact the planet. We were lucky to catch up with this globetrotting activist.
Philippe, tell us how you and your sister came to the decision to start your own environmentally focused foundation, EarthEcho International. This is not an easy feat. Can you also share with us what you did to get started?
My sister Alexandra and I founded EarthEcho International in honor of our father, Philippe Cousteau Sr., who was the legendary son of Jacques Yves Cousteau. I was still in college when we made the decision to start the organization. We spent many hours talking with family friends and attorneys about the best way to carry on my father's legacy, and all agreed that a non-profit organization made the most sense.
My father and grandfather were accomplished explorers of the natural world and contributors to the scientific and academic communities. They kept countless individuals informed about the oceans and significant global problems, as well as their constant search for solutions.
My father died in a plane crash in Portugal on June 28, 1979. My mother kept his legacy alive for my sister and me. We learned early on that we had a responsibility to this planet and knew that we must carry our father's message forever with our own. He was and continues to be our guiding star and inspiration. We lead EarthEcho International in the spirit and legacy of our father's important work.
EarthEcho uses media and experiences to get its message out, including a lot of new media. Tell us about some of these methods and perhaps a success story you have experienced because of the ability to have this technology today?
EarthEcho International is a non-formal, free-choice learning organization with a strong emphasis on new media, and great faith in the power of great storytelling to bring about great change. The organization's mission is to use media and experiences to empower people to use the resources that can restore and protect Earth's ocean and freshwater systems.
I love the media aspect of our work. I'm still amazed that I can film a video with my mini DV camera on a boat in the Arctic Ocean, upload the vlog to my computer in Svalsbard, and send it to my colleague in DC who posts it on
EarthEcho International's website. It's been a great way to attract new interest in the website, and keeps those on the site updated on what we're doing and what's happening in the locations to which we're traveling.
What can we expect from EarthEcho in 2008? We hear you are working on a very cool project that involves the American Film Institute Digital Content Laboratory?
Yeah, we're THRILLED to have been accepted into the American Film Institute Digital Content Lab. We're working with a team of leading creative and technology designers and developers from around the country to create a pioneering platform that uses interactive digital media to enhance live events, with an emphasis on promoting positive environmental action. We're hoping to launch a prototype at next year's VANS Warped Tour. Speaking of which…
We are working with VANS Warped Tour again this year to communicate the Tour's environmentally-friendly practices and translate these into actions that can be easily adopted by their audience. We'll be running a contest to encourage fan participation, with the grand prize a trip to St. Croix, USVI. The tour kicks off at the end of June and we are psyched to be working with them again. Should be incredible!
This issue is dedicated to "Travel". Talk about a "traveler", Philippe, you are a major globe trotter. What has prompted you to cover so much of this planet this past year?
For the past year, I've been filming Oceans for BBC/Discovery. It's a series of 8 one-hour episodes, filmed entirely in HD, which will air on BBC this fall and on Discovery Channel in early 2009. I'm one of four hosts exploring the history and current state of our world's oceans and major seas. It's been an incredible year worth of adventure, traveling everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Arctic, and a lifetime's worth of memories. It has certainly changed my life and opened my eyes to both the incredible diversity that this planet has to offer and the terrible tragedy that is unfolding as we watch, and in many cases cause that very same diversity to vanish.
Being "green" is so hot and in right now. How are you and EarthEcho ensuring that this is not just a fad, but instead a lifestyle going forward for folks?
At EarthEcho International, we believe that "Everything you do makes a difference." We bring this message to people where their interests already lie, helping them do things they already like to do in more sustainable ways. Entertainment events, such as concerts or film festivals, bring thousands of people with a common interest together, which is why we work with bring interpretive education to these types of events.
Tell us something that Philippe Cousteau, son of Philippe Sr. and grandson of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, is most proud of?
My teriyaki chicken recipe—it's the best! You can ask any of my friends because I've made it for all of them at one time or another! Seriously, though, I'm extremely proud of the work that Alexandra and I have accomplished through EarthEcho International. One recent accomplishment that stands out is serving as guest editor for the November issue of Women's Health, the first magazine to ever feature a "Blue Issue," a concept that we pitched to them. I’m also so very proud that we've been able to keep my father's legacy alive.
June - New Restaurants
Client Spotlight
People come to PLM for many reasons, but the most prevalent is the need in help accomplishing tasks on every level, in order for them to live a better life. A long time client, Armon Harris, COO of Megadata Technology, LLC, shares some of his valuable time to tell us why he came to PLM and how it has changed his life.
You lead an extremely busy life, professionally and personally. Tell us a bit about what you do for a living.
Megadata Technology, LLC is a veteran/minority-owned information assurance company based here in the Metropolitan DC area. MDT specializes in providing clients with quality cutting-edge information assurance/information technology services and solutions. MDT currently provides consulting and subcontractor services to the federal government, major defense contractors and to commercial entities.
How did you come to the decision that you needed a personal concierge service in your life? What was the "breaking point"?
Because our time is very scarce and extremely valuable, we needed someone who could take care of any project or task with limited guidance, yet deliver big results. PLM fits that description. No task or project is too difficult for them. Upon hearing about PLM and meeting Jim Spiro and Wayne Pinkney, we decided immediately that we must engage their services.
How has PLM bettered your life? Are there any specific success stories you can share?
The best story about how valuable PLM is to Megadata Technology is when my business partner and I were on business travel, one of our employees experienced a death in the family in Oklahoma. Via text messaging, I was able to send PLM the funeral home details and they took care of the rest. Within hours, a beautiful bouquet arrived providing a bit of solace and comfort to our employee and the family. Another example of the added value of PLM is when Megadata sponsored a youth tackle football team in the Metro DC area, PLM took care of getting the player/coaches shirts and shorts in timely and cost effective manner. Finally, when the AT&T National kicked off with the inaugural PGA tournament at Congressional Country Club last July, I contacted PLM to see if they could find tickets for the final round. Through the team at PLM, I was able to not only get tickets to the final round, but I was able to get the VIP treatment which included watching the final round inside an air conditioned trailer position between the 16th and 17th hole.
What tips on streamlining one's life would you recommend to our readers?
Learn to say “no” and manage your own expectations.