Corb7 International June 23rd, 2021 Newsletter

International Business

Editor's Note

Traveling by Air Again?  Read this First!

The Nose Police
Last week, we took our first vacation since the pandemic hit.  For months, we were looking forward to having the opportunity to travel again.  It is something that we did often and thoroughly enjoyed prior to COVID-19.  Like many, we had not seen much of our family in over a year, so that was a priority and first on our travel itinerary.  Let me clarify, because we live on the West Coast of the United States and all our family is back East or in Texas, when we travel (to see family) it is by plane for the simple reason that it is a long distance.  For example; to drive to our hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania it would take approximately 50 hours. So, from a practical standpoint, flying is the only option, and as such we have crossed the United States by plane well over one hundred times.  Therefore, as the saying goes, “this wasn’t our first rodeo” regarding getting on a plane.  We, nevertheless, were not prepared for what we encountered and thought it worthwhile to provide some insight if you are planning to get on a plane for the first time in over a year.  

Mask Mandate in the United States
The original federal mask mandate in the United States came into effect February 1st and was set to expire May 11, 2021. This mandate, however, is now extended and in effect, through September 13, 2021. Like the first federal mandate, the extended order which was announced on April 30, 2021 applies to the following transit methods: Airports and onboard commercial aircraft. Therefore, you must wear a mask in all airports and on all airplanes.  FYI – wearing what is popularly referred to as a gator mask will not be enough.

Pull that Mask Up
Once on the plane, you can expect a continuous lecture from flight attendants about keeping your mask on and pulled up to completely cover your mouth and nose.  You would think announcing it six or seven times over the intercom would be adequate, but you would be wrong. This is where it gets a little surprising, and you will get introduced to “the nose police.”  Let me stipulate that we fully appreciate the impact that COVID-19 has had on the world, we have lost friends and business associates to this dreadful disease.  A double-masked flight attended, however, walking the aisle of the plane with a handwritten sign saying, “Please keep Your Mask Over Your Nose and Mouth” just might be unnecessary.  You may also encounter the additional announcement that we heard stating that “you are not allowed to keep the mask down while you eat or drink - only in between bites or sips.” When the currently Governor of California tried to float this tactic earlier in the year, he was laughed at by the public and ridiculed by many.  But “no worries,"  because even if you purchased first-class tickets,  you really will not have access to much food – a box filled with potato chips, and  gold fish crackers will be proudly presented to you as a meal for a cross-country flight.

These heavy-handed methods have led to an increase for in-flight confrontations, and as usual the US media is only reporting one side of the story.  Before you even get to the airport, you will likely encounter challenges as your flight times will no doubt change several times.  This has become a selling point for many travel agents who call out their service to rectify these problems which are now commonplace. And should you consider trying to contact the airlines expect on average a 3-4-hour hold time which my wife (God bless her) had the patience to deal with for our trip. 

Obviously, we can only offer a perspective from what we encountered and perhaps others have come across different and more pleasant interactions.  Based upon experience, nevertheless, we will be taking trips by car for the remainder of the summer.  Our conclusions are that the planes are packed; the prices of tickets are way up, and the gratitude for your business is nonexistent.  

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International Business 

Business Psychology

Take a Break

by Toni Delos Santos
90% Mental
90percentmental.com
 

In Is there any truth to the saying, “work smarter not harder?” A great of people were taught that you must work hard to be successful. While that is fully accurate, there is a big difference between working hard and working to the point that you are not being productive. How do you switch gears from thinking about work and enjoy your son’s little league game or watch a sporting event without thinking about work? Many people have the mentality that if they are not thinking about work, they are not doing all that they can to be successful. Passion and wanting to perform at your best are what drives us to keep pushing. In athletes this can lead to injuries, fatigue and feeling flat. In the business world, it can lead to fatigue, loss of new ideas and feeling unmotivated.

Burnout is real and happens when we adopt the mindset that what we are doing is never enough and we can always be doing more. The reality is, if we can work smarter, meaning that we are fully engaged when are at work then we are more productive than if we put in endless hours spinning our wheels. Americans are notorious for being overworked. Working 12 to 14 hours a day are worn as a badge of honor. If you are working and thinking about work for that many hours, it is inevitable that you are going to experience burnout. Everyone needs to take care of themselves and take a mental and physical break. This will look different for everyone based on your interests and hobbies. Some people like to combat stress by going for hike, riding the Peloton, or lifting weights, while others might enjoy getting a massage, reading a book, or watching a movie.

Often, we feel guilty if we are not being productive and working towards our goal. What we fail to realize is that when we are taking a break from our goal, we are refueling our minds and bodies and it will inspire new ideas and motivation. Striking a good balance between work and downtime is the key to success. Rest and recovery are equally important as putting in those long hours. This does not mean that there will not be times that you are working harder, it just means to pay attention when you start to feel out of balance, fatigued and stale. The quality and focus that you put into the time you are working will lead to much more success than the quantity of hours. Give yourself permission to enjoy life, take breaks and go on a vacation. I think that you will be amazed how refreshed and stimulated you will feel when it is time to get back to work! The quality and focus that you put into the time you are working will lead to much more success than the quantity of hours.

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International Business 

Business Tools

In Search of Sleep

Sleep is critical to our ability to perform.  According to the National Sleep Foundation, certain foods may help people fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly while others may compromise a person's ability to enjoy a restful night and thus affect performance.

In lieu of white bread, refined pastas and sugar-laden baked goods, all of which can reduce serotonin levels, the NSF recommends whole grains. The buildup of serotonin in the brain during periods of wakefulness can contribute to the onset of sleep later in the day. If serotonin levels in their brains are disturbed, then people may experience difficulty falling asleep. The NSF also recommends almonds and walnuts, which contain melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate the sleep/wake cycles. In addition, foods that are high in lean protein that contain the amino acid tryptophan also may increase the production of serotonin, potentially contributing to a restful night's sleep. 

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International Business

Business Etiquette

Using Your Phone at the Table

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

   Is it ever appropriate to use your phone at the table?

Eating alone is a solitary event, but dining is a social affair.  When you are with family, friends, or business associates, you want to be there with your full attention.
 
Being in active conversation with others is one of the goals of an enjoyable dining experience.  But that active conversation should include the humans with you, not the one on your phone.
 
Recently, a young man attending my class revealed that he thinks it is okay to text during a meal as long as it isn't a formal dinner.  He explained that if you are with family, they know you and understand as long as you are focused enough to know when you should speak.

However, conversation isn't just about speaking; it is about listening and attending to the flow of dialogue.  

Family dinners are a time to sit and talk with your loved ones, and exchange news of the day.  Participating in that conversation means giving it your full attention, which involves active listening.

The Table Tells All
Have you noticed that table settings only include the tools necessary to assist you during dinner with others?  There are plates, glasses, forks, knives, spoons, and napkins.  Add humans and food, and you have a complete dining experience. 

This is why the table etiquette rule is: No items other than those included in the table setting are appropriate on the dining table.  Ergo, phones and other electronic devices should not make an appearance during a meal.

Exceptions to the Rule
If you must have your phone at the table, set it to silent mode and keep it out of sight.

For instance, you choose to attend a dinner party, but are expecting an important work call.  Let your host know that you may have to step away for a moment to take a call.  When you feel the vibrating phone in your pocket or jacket, excuse yourself and leave the table.

It is also important to note: if you are hosting a meal, you have a right to kindly ask that your guests not use phones during their time at your table.

Are Rules Evolving Concerning a Phone at the Table?
Maybe.  The example above has become a common exception.  And it is also becoming commonplace for a table discussion to resolve itself with a Google search from a smart phone.  Or looking up a game score if everyone at the table is dying to know.

However, we need to tread carefully when it comes to allowing a phone at the table.  While it can contribute to dinner conversation, a phone can also cause huge distractions with its message dings and social media alerts.

I much prefer the social engagement of lively conversation and consistent eye contact to the heads-down, non-verbal, eyes-on-screen silence that occurs when electronic engagement is allowed during meal times. 

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Lifestyle

Executive Fitness

Home Gym for $65

Ever since the pandemic hit there have been a lot of products marketed online to promote at home fitness.  Many of the better ones come with a huge price tag.  Although very skeptical about low cost fitness gadgets, I decided to drop the $65 and try the Power Press Push Up Board which is advertised throughout social media.  I was pleasantly surprised.  It is unbelievably easy to follow and well manufactured.  Since it is very simple to transport, the board can also get you out of the garage, outside if weather permits and even on trips.  Give it a look, you might like it too.   

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Lifestyle

International Spirits & Cuisine

Wine Ice Cream

 Who knew wine ice cream was a thing?  Well, from upper state New York, Mercer’s Dairy offers you a unique experience.  Wine flavored ice cream shipped to your front door which should help satisfy your inner sommelier during dessert.  The downside?  First because of the alcohol content you must be 21 years old to order.  Secondly, you better be prepared to order a lot.  Minimum order for shipment is 4 pints or 2 half gallons.

Company Website:
Click Here to Visit Site

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Lifestyle

Leisure & Style 

 

Classic Cars

 If you are a classic car enthusiast like I am, then there is one event held each year on the East Coast of the Untied States that you must attend at least once.  It just happens to be in my hometown, and it is the “Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.”   This event which dates to the 1980s not only showcases unbelievable automobiles but what makes it unique is that many of these cars are raced through a beautiful park in the center of an urban environment.   
 
The 2021 Garand Prix is a 10-day festival which benefits charity and this year the Corvette is the marque car of the year. The above video might give you some feel for this 39-year-old event, which aims to get back on track after being postponed for COVID-19.   
 
Click Here for Details

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Lifestyle

Travel 

Run with the Bulls in 2022

"Running of the bulls" is a phrase that describes various events that take place involving participants being chased by cattle as they run through city streets. The most famous run is the El Encierro that's held in Pamplona, Spain during the nine-day Festival of San Fermín each July.

Many people aspire to participate in the running of the bulls in Pamplona, an event that dates all the way back to the sixteenth century. The runs start at 8 a.m. each morning during the San Fermín festival, and six fighting bulls dash through the cobblestone streets along an 875-meter course prodded on by an additional six steers to guide the bulls. Bull runners known as "mozos" wear a traditional white uniform with red scarf and belt.

It is dangerous to run with the bulls, and injuries, though rare, can occur, both to the runners and the bulls. There is no guarantee participants will avoid a collision. Immediately after the encierro, vaquillas (heifers) are released into the Plaza de Toros, or the bullfighting arena with all the runners who made it to the arena. Bullfighting ensues in the evening, adding to the spectacle and tradition of the event.

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 bull run was canceled, as is the 2021 event in Spain. That doesn't mean bull run enthusiasts have to put off celebrations at home. They can recreate the action and pageantry with their own bull-themed events. Here are a few ideas.

- Serve Spanish food. Host a gathering and serve various foods native to Spain, such as paella, tortilla de patatas, jamón iberico, or pan con tomate. Don't forget to also serve Spanish cocktails like Agua de Sevilla, a drink made with a combination of pineapple juice, sparkling wine, whiskey, triple sec, sugar, and sour mix.

- Host a general fiesta. Plan a potluck where guests are encouraged to bring delicious dishes. July is a prime time to host a backyard occasion, and the Pamplona bull run provides a perfect excuse to celebrate. Decorate the yard with Spanish flags, images of mozos and cardboard cut-outs of bulls. Children can engage in play bull fights, where one acts as the bull and the other the matador.

- Plan next year's event. Now is the time to book a Running of the Bulls vacation for 2022. The dates are July 7-14 in Pamploma, and the Festival of San Fermín runs from July 6, 2022 to July 14, 2022.

Learn more at www.runningofthebulls.com and speak to a travel agent about planning your trip to Spain

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