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Local hotels see an opening as luxury brands falter

Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Interbrand's new ranking of the world's top brands was a revelation. Tech companies ruled, but luxury travel brands did not make it. A key takeaway was that people-centric brands stood out. Exceptional customer service and delivering an experience will help brands differentiate themselves and be profitable and sustainable. Are the big names in the hospitality business doing that? The answer is, unfortunately, no. Luxury brands are still primarily sticking to creating a ubiquitous atmosphere that, though impeccable, does nothing to distinguish one from another.

Biking on San Antonio’s River Walk

Cindy Belt Recreation & Leisure

Everyone has heard about the River Walk in San Antonio. Walking along the river to see the people, enjoy the restaurants or bars, or watch the boats sailing by can all be fun. But there are also miles of the River Walk through the rest of San Antonio that are perfect for a bike ride and don’t have the crowds you see downtown. This can be done in one bike trip but there is so much to see that it is best to split this into multiple trips. Bikes are available for rent for only $12 a day at many locations. Here are some highlights of the trail.

A new way to improve your health: Move to a wellness community

Victoria Fann Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Given that the average person spends 90% of their time indoors and loneliness has become epidemic, it makes sense that real estate is responding by changing the way it builds. In addition, the attention given to wellness is growing, so health-conscious homebuyers want to live in a place that supports their values. Also known as wellness lifestyle real estate and wellness communities, this new trend will be a $180 billion industry worldwide in 2022, according to a report by the Global Wellness Institute.

Are you in need of a course correction? Reflect on your purpose

Lisa Cole Mental Healthcare

This morning, while pondering "purpose," images of sailing swirled about me. I remember being caught "in irons" — trapped in a "No Go Zone," unable to bear away and begin sailing. I thought, too, of the Sirens, enchanting mythological creatures beckoning sailors off course; ultimately, to their demise. Is this not our life at times? We’ve all been there — stuck, lost, and in need of navigation. It’s easy these days to feel windstrewn; we seem to be buffeted at every turn. By reflecting on our purpose, we can relocate our North Star and course correct.

VA’s Adaptive Sports Grant Program awards millions

Roy Phillips Civil & Government

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that it has awarded $14.8 million in grants for adaptive sports in 2019. The funds were distributed to organizations that support adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans and current service members who are disabled. 126 organizations and 11,000 veterans are expected to benefit from the grants. The grants were made, primarily to veterans service organizations, municipalities, and community-based groups.

Enhancing early learning and care work through playful professional practice

Glory Ressler Education

We all recognize the genuine joy of engaging with children in play; this is what motivated many of us to work in early care and education in the first place. Sadly, I have noticed that playfulness rarely makes an appearance in our adult interactions. This is understandable, given the high levels of engagement, professionalism and work ethic demonstrated in our field. We understand the importance and impact of what we do and, therefore, take our work seriously. However, I have personally witnessed the negative impacts of too much seriousness and not enough play.

Where to see fall bird migrations

Dave G. Houser Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Just the mention of wildlife migrations brings to mind the frenzied scene of millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles racing across the Serengeti plains of Africa. It is a grand spectacle to be sure, but every fall certain areas of the U.S. play host to mass migrations of similar scale and excitement as billions of birds take wing on their way to southern wintering grounds — in flocks that are often large enough to darken the sky. For those who would like to get in on the action, here are six major stopover spots across the United States where you can see birds as they make their way to warmer climes.

Bison on the mountain

Chester Moore Jr. Recreation & Leisure

The unmistakable silhouette of a bull bison caught my attention. Enshrouded in a rainy mist, the curving horns, broad shoulders and massive hump were a perfect picture of nature’s strength. Seeing bison at Yellowstone National Park was not surprising. After all, it is the epicenter of their remaining wild range. Seeing one near a mountain’s peak at an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, however, was not expected.

5 conditioning exercises safe for young athletes

Damon Sayles Sports & Fitness

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), strength training is recommended and marked as safe for children 8 years old and up. However, "strength training" should not be used interchangeably with "weight training." For young athletes, leave the weights alone. But...do not leave the conditioning alone. Injuries in sports happen at times, but a lot of injuries can be avoided with proper conditioning. Here are five exercises for young athletes to help them improve their conditioning — and all five are safe.

Is it time to put ‘senior living’ out to pasture?

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Back in the day, when you reached a certain age and had no one to care for you, you’d be sent to the "old folks’ home" to live out your remaining years. Then, "retirement villages" came along, replacing the stigma of the old folks’ home. Over time, these age-restricted communities have evolved into today’s "senior living" model, offering a wide range of activities, support services, and a continuum of elder care, often in a residential-like setting. Several reports released this year suggest, however, that the concept of "senior living" may have run its course, too.

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