by Jonathan Spira

Vienna, once the capital of an empire of which it was said that the sun never set over it, is now the world’s most liveable city, according to the latest liveability index from the Economist Intelligence Unit.
As someone who spent a portion of his childhood in Vienna, I would most heartily agree.
The imperial city finally placed first, having taken second place after Melbourne every year since 2011 and it’s the …

Review and Test Drive: 2018 Lexus RX 350

by Jonathan Spira

Introduced some 20 years ago, the Lexus RX 350 is now in its fourth iteration. RX stands for Radiant Crossover and the RX was a pioneer in the luxury crossover segment. The updated RX (unveiled in 2015 at the New York International Auto Show) builds on this foundation, sporting a new “floating roof” design and Lexus’ updated spindle grille.
Indeed, the RX, Lexus’ best-selling nameplate, is manufactured in North America, namely …

Harry Potter at the Met: We Take a Tour Fit for a Wizard

by Blaise Buckley

Not too long ago there was literally nothing to do to fill your Harry Potter desires in New York City. In the last year or so that has changed dramatically, first with “Puffs,” the wonderful story of the Hufflepuffs during Harry’s reign at Hogwarts, and the long-awaited debut of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” on Broadway.  You’ll be able to make a whole vacation of it with these two …

New Air France-KLM CEO Faces Strikes, Dissent in the Ranks As He Takes the Helm

by Paul Riegler

It didn’t take long. Within hours of the announcement by Air France-KLM that its board had appointed Air Canada COO and president Ben Smith as CEO, union representatives fired a warning shot across the bow.
Smith, who will assume his duties no later than September 30, succeeds Jean-Marc Janaillac, who resigned in May after he failed to put an end to what seemed like an endless series of strikes at the …

Lobby Bar: Stolen Planes, Kangaroos on the Dance Floor, and ‘I’ll Take Disgruntled Star Wars Robots for $200, Alex!’

by Anna Breuer

Lobby Bar – What Happens in Lobby Bar Stays in Lobby Bar
Who got the keys? The theft of a commercial jet in Seattle had numerous media outlets wondering how the airline employee who stole the plane was able to get the key. Okay, people, listen up: airliners don’t require keys.
But are there any kangaroos there? Vienna, the capital of Austria, was named the world’s “most liveable” city by the Economist …

Review and Test Drive: 2018 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport

by Jonathan Spira

The Infiniti Q50, which made its debut in 2013 as a replacement for the Infiniti G sedan, became much sportier two years ago with the introduction of the Q50 Red Sport.
The Q50 Red Sport is equipped with a powerful engine, quick-shifting transmission, sporty styling, performance brakes, model-specific Red Sport 400 19” alloy wheels, and model-specific red ‘S’ badging. Inside there’s contrast stitching, semi-analine leather seats, and what the automaker refers …

Theft of Aircraft in Seattle-Tacoma Raises Serious Security Questions

by Paul Riegler

A more complete story of how a Horizon Air employee was able to steal, fly, and subsequently crash an aircraft taken from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Friday evening is beginning to emerge as details come to light.
Richard B. Russell flew a Bombardier Dash 8 – Q400 turboprop plane for almost an hour over Puget Sound, even performing aerobatics, until it crashed on Ketron Island, off the shore of Steilacoom. Mr. Russell, …

Lobby Bar: Horse Manure, Underage Workers, Rogue Engineers, and ‘I’ll Take German Sex Toys for $200, Alex!’

by Anna Breuer

Lobby Bar – Fantastically Phantasmagorical
Duff your hat. Drivers and passengers alike were puzzled by new legislation in the Big Apple requiring Uber and Lyft drivers to wear caps. “It’s a return to civility, just like we had in the horse-and-buggy era,” said the city’s oldest resident, Mabel Clarence, who at 128, has a clear recollection of the transition from horse-drawn Hansom cabs to early electric- and gasoline-powered taxicabs in New …