Fashion

Acapulco’s Recovery Moves Ahead In Fits And Starts After Hurricane Otis Devastation

Published

1 year ago

2023-11-12

Kiara Grace

ACAPULCO, MX (AP) — On a recent afternoon, the 58-year-old lady, a cook by trade, worked inside a beautiful apartment with panoramic views of the Pacific, stuffing Gucci and Dior shoes into a suitcase to carry to her employer. Only the skeleton of her flat and piles of garbage remained, the walls and windows shredded by Hurricane Otis.

Rufina Ruiz, on the other hand, was upbeat. Her house, in a suburb near Acapulco’s entrance, was just flooded, while others in the surrounding neighborhood were “buried.” And she still works, even though she was not at home when the government census of hurricane victims was performed, which would have resulted in relief. “I’d rather work,” she responded.

More than two weeks after Otis raced from tropical storm to Category 5 hurricane in a record 12 hours, catching authorities and people off guard, this 1 million-person city, a mix of large hotels and impoverished suburbs, tourism and drug crime, is attempting to rebuild at a similarly uneven pace.

Cars may now drive down the city’s main thoroughfares, past rubble and downed palm palms. There are signs all across town that say “free food.” There are lines everywhere for water, food, and pharmacy access.

Acapulco’s wealthiest citizens, who evacuated before or shortly after Otis, began to return to assess the value of their seaside properties.

A young man hauled tables and chairs from a modest restaurant along Acapulco’s coastal avenue, which formerly bobbed with yachts. Workers nearby nailed boards over damaged business windows.

Soldiers and National Guard personnel outnumber the once-ubiquitous palm trees in the major streets.

Some residents are upset that officials did not provide greater information about what would happen. Even many who had heard that Otis had become a Category 5 storm had no idea what it entailed.

Acapulco’s Recovery Moves Ahead In Fits And Starts After Hurricane Otis Devastation

Mariel Campos used to work at a hotel and now lives in one of Acapulco’s poorest hillside neighborhoods. She claims she was offered the opportunity to keep her job — cleaning up debris instead of making beds — but declined since it would have cost her more than half of her daily wage of $16 to cover increasing transportation costs to and from her damaged home.

Officially, Hurricane Otis killed at least 48 people and left many more missing. Otis destroyed 80% of the hotel infrastructure and 96% of the businesses in a city that relies heavily on tourism, although it lost some luster in recent decades as organized crime tightened its grip.

The federal government unveiled a $3.4 billion restoration plan earlier this month, including aid for families, small business owners, and hotels, and claims that basic services have been nearly restored. The government of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador called an end to the state of emergency on Thursday.

“It’s outrageous that they think living in these conditions is not an emergency,” said Ana Mextlitzin Méndez, a 44-year-old psychologist whose neighborhood is still without power, away from the tourist corridor.

Acapulco’s Recovery Moves Ahead In Fits And Starts After Hurricane Otis Devastation

Neighbors across the city have banded together to pile branches and clear paths through the streets, but they haven’t been able to clear all of the debris. It is being burned in certain spots while other streets remain closed.

Humanitarian organizations such as Doctors Without Borders have warned of the risk of diseases such as dengue, and many damaged hospitals are already overcrowded. The muggy air is thick with dust, and mosquitoes abound.

Méndez acknowledged that the government cannot do everything independently, but she stated that residents require guidance, which they have not received.

The losses were enormous, but so was the dread, at least in the immediate aftermath of the blow.

“You heard gunshots, screams,” said Alci Garcia, 36, who had to get his wife and 2-year-old daughter out of the city as quickly as possible since his daughter became ill. “Save yourself,” he said, without electricity, water, food, or security. They have yet to return to Acapulco.

Daniela Fiesco, 40, admits that she was among the residents who went to stores straight after the hurricane to get what they needed. She dashed for water, milk, and dog food, carrying whatever she could. But she was also among her neighbors who banded together to build barriers on their street and keep an eye on each other’s backs.

“They said people were breaking into homes and everyone panicked,” she said. “It was really crazy.” Young males were armed with sticks and machetes. She believes the city has become a state of “collective hysteria.”

There were also acts of solidarity, which often come before any government assistance.

A community kitchen opened before Fiesco’s house and was only closed a few days ago.

Alejandra Hernández protected numerous neighbors’ families when Otis struck on Oct. 25 because her in-laws’ house was one of the few made of concrete in the disadvantaged neighborhood.

Except for the iconic — and now ancient — Volkswagen Beetles, popularly known as “vochos,” very few cars make it through the neighborhood’s narrow streets.

The only relief here, where the Acapulco Bay stretches out before inhabitants, has been from individual citizens or churches, said Victorino Justo Bolaos, from where his house stood. There is now only a concrete room and a patch of ground where a kitchen once stood. However, the roof and wooden walls were blown away along with the kitchen.

A couple of teenagers nearby discovered something nice among the devastation. Anthony Sánchez, 16, said as he watched their homemade kites dive and soar, “now that there are no wires, we can fly.”

SOURCE – (AP)

Fashion

Discover Timeless Luxury of the Gold Rolex Cellini

Published

1 month ago

2024-11-25

PR News

The Rolex Cellini Prince is one of the rarest models in the Cellini collection

No matter how many eras, generations, or trends pass, Rolex Cellini remains one of the top wristwatch brands known for its premium status.

With its highly accurate mechanisms, the selection of top-grade durable Rolex continues to impress withers, and luxurious, standout designs continue to impress. Each collection is designed to meet tons in various fields.

In addition to the well-known Rolex models popular among professionals and investors, there’s a model that many may have overlooked or are unfamiliar with: the Rolex Cellini. This gold-accented watch is named after the famous Renaissance artist Benvenuto Cellini.

It’s like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered, and its value only continues to rise, never dropping! For Rolex enthusiasts or investors looking to learn more about Rolex’s high-end watches, the Rolex Cellini is worth exploring in this article!

The Origins of Rolex Cellini

The Rolex Cellini is one of Rolex’s collections that has been around for nearly a century, dating back to the 1920s-1960s. The name “Cellini” was chosen to honor Benvenuto Cellini, an Italian goldsmith and sculptor from the Renaissance, widely regarded as one of the most famous artists since it pays tribute to a renowned goldsmith.

The Rolex Cellini features a standout design, particularly in its highly valuable gold bezel. The overall design is simple yet classic and contemporary, emphasizing functionality with precise and clear timekeeping. Its elegant yet understated classic design makes the Rolex Cellini versatile, effortlessly matching any outfit for any occasion.

4 Popular Rolex Cellini Models with Captivating Designs

Since the 1920s-1960s and continues to the present day, Rolex Cellini has released numerous sub-models, each with a unique design and captivating storytelling behind the watch case. Look at four of the most popular Rolex Cellini models we’ve handpicked for you.

1. Rolex Cellini Time

Starting with the Rolex Cellini Time, today is considered the flagship of the Rolex Cellini collection and is a great entry point for those looking to start a collection. The watch features a 39mm case mf 18K white gold, known for its strength and value.

The case has a distinctive curved shape with a fluted bezel. The dial is simple and classic, focusing on easy time reading with just hour, minute, and second hands, along with Arabic numerals. It comes with a black alligator leather strap that is lightweight and comfortable for any occasion.

2. Rolex Cellini Danaos

Next, we have the Rolex Cellini Danaos, which shares a design similar to Ellini Time’s. It also has an 18K white gold case with curved lines, a fluted bezel, the same simple dial featuring hour, minute, and second hands, and Arabic numerals.

However, the Danaos has a smaller 36mm case, making it more compact and ideal for those seeking a more delicate watch. Inside, it uses Rolex’s automatic Calibre 3135 movement, certified by COSC for superior precision.

3. Rolex Cellini Prince

The Rolex Cellini Prince is one of the rarest models in the Cellini collection. Inspired by vintage “Doctor’s Watches, ” it features an 18K white gold case and a clear, easy-to-read dial.

However, it stands out with its rectangular shape and transparent case back, which allows a view of the intricate mechanics inside—a unique feature for Rolex. The Prince is no longer in production, making it highly sought after in the second-hand market, especially by collectors and investors.

4. Rolex Cellini Moonphase

Finally, the Rolex Cellini Moonphase (model 50535) was introduced in 2017, making it the most recent addition to the collection. As the name suggests, it is the first Cellini to feature a moon phase function, which tracks the moon’s phases.

The 39mm case is crafted from Rolex’s exclusive Everose gold, a special blend developed by the brand. The dial is lacquered white, with a stunning blue enamel display at 6 o’clock that tracks the moon phases. It even features a meteorite symbol representing the full moon, adding a unique touch not found in other models.

This exclusivity makes the Moonphase one of the priciest in the Cellini line.

Here we have the Rolex Cellini, a precious gold timepiece and one of the rarest models in the Rolex lineup. While its design—such as the simplicity of the numeral display or the understated watch strap—may not be as bold or specific as other professional Rolex models, many Cellini pieces boast a unique vintage and classic style that no other model can replicate.

For instance, the rectangular case of the Rolex Prince or the meteorite fragment on the dial of the Moonphase. Some models are even discontinued, making them even more coveted!

Rolex Cellini is an attractive choice for those passionate about Rolex or looking to invest in rare watches for future value appreciation. It stands out among other Rolex lines.

Suppose you’re searching for a reliable source to purchase Rolex watches or to check updated Rolex prices. Namsawang, the official Rolex dealer in Thailand, offers a wide selection of Rolex collections. Their experienced technicians provide full support and advice every step of the way.

The Game Awards 2024: How to Watch

The Game Awards 2024: How to Watch

Fashion

New Croc Clogs Mean Matching Togs For Your Dogs

Published

2 months ago

2024-10-13

Kiara Grace

Crocs, the foam footwear company, is known for its quirky designs, which range from cowboy boots to fried chicken-scented charms. Crocs is putting its best paw forward this month with the release of a range of clogs for dogs.

Crocs has partnered with pet supply provider and subscription service BARK to develop Pet Clogs as part of their annual “Croctober” campaign, which features a fan-inspired product.

New Croc Clogs Mean Matching Togs For Your Dogs

Companies frequently release promotional or limited-time merchandise to increase brand awareness. Special flavors of sodas or candies, collaborations with influencers or other brands, and even items that aren’t meant to be taken seriously can all help a company gain attention and stand out in a crowded marketplace among shoppers fighting inflation and looking to stretch their dollars.

“(The market) is returning, from my perspective, to what it was before the pandemic, which is that key promotional periods are extremely important,” CEO Andrew Rees told analysts during an earnings call in August. “We believe you have to participate in those promotional periods to get your fair share of consumer spending.”

Americans have spent more money on their pets during the last decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pet expenses climbed by 77.9% between 2013 and 2021.

Pet owners spent a total of $147 billion on pet-related expenses in 2023, with that figure expected to rise to $150.6 billion this year, according to the American Pet Products Association.

However, observers believe Crocs’ entry into the pet industry is more than simply another eye-catching marketing stunt; it is a show of the power of its devoted fan base.

The Power of Fandom
Despite — or perhaps because of — regular ridicule from fashionistas, Crocs has carved out a niche for themselves in mainstream culture. Its meme status and proclivity for going viral are aided by star-studded collaborations from Justin Bieber to Bad Bunny.

And sales of the footwear brand skyrocketed in 2020, owing to the increase of casual fashion during the pandemic.

“Crocs has a very strong base of fans, and it is very good at engaging with them via social channels and marketing campaigns,” said Neil Saunders, a retail analyst at GlobalData.

New Croc Clogs Mean Matching Togs For Your Dogs

If you need proof of the power of its fans, look at how rapidly limited-edition releases sell out. In 2021, a pair of adult clogs modeled by the Disney/Pixar character Lightning McQueen from the film “Cars” sold out in less than an hour after debuting on the Crocs website.

Crocs’ continued success with its fans, which Saunders described as “cult-like,” may be due to its active interaction with its consumers, making even the most seemingly ludicrous fan requests a reality (see: Crocs inspired by the DreamWorks movie character “Shrek”).

According to Saunders, the introduction of Pet Crocs, which the business describes as “one of the most highly requested products in brand history,” is another move aimed at younger, more social media-savvy consumers.

“In many instances these will be fun purchases which people will share on social media, helping to amplify the Crocs brand,” according to him.

SOURCE | CNN

Fashion

Exploring the Best Mechanical Watches in Today’s Market

Published

3 months ago

2024-10-02

Geoff Brown

Curiously enough, despite the arrival of the smart watch with all its multitasking allure and its flashy functionality, mechanical watches have grown a lot in popularity over the past few years.

And though the Quartz revolution has made watches so much more affordable and accessible to everybody, the advance in manufacturing technology has brought to us in recent decades some outstanding mechanical timepieces that rival the affordability of higher-end Quartz ones.

If you’re looking for a mechanical watch that is worth it and is also affordable, you’ve come to the right place because today, we’re going to be listing the best mechanical watches in 2024.

Best Mechanical Watches

Seiko Recraft

The Seiko Recraft is a wacky collection, out of which we prefer the SMK P27 with its lovely green dial and the rectangular case shape with slightly curved edges. It’s a rarity in the watch world, a vintage-inspired timepiece, reminiscent of the 1970s. The watch comes with only 50 meters of water resistance, an automatic movement without hacking function and without hand winding, and just a mineral crystal hard lex protecting the dial, but it’s an impressive timepiece nonetheless, and it costs a humble $275.

Tissot Everytime Swissmatic

An elegant and affordable piece that costs around $400. It’s one of the best mechanical timepieces you can get for the money. The simplicity of its dial, the clean and minimalistic esthetic with that lovely contrast between the stark the dial and the silver hue of the case, hands and indices, really make for a stunning watch. And inside, there’s a reliable Swiss automatic movement with a hearty power reserve of 70 hours with an accuracy of plus or minus 10 seconds a day, proving to be quite a capable mechanical caliber, especially for that price.

Citizen NJ0100 Automatic

One of the big Japanese names in affordable watches is Citizen and their NJ0100 Automatic proves to be quite a sight, powered by a Myota 8210 automatic movement with a water resistance of 50 meters. The price doesn’t exceed $150, so it’s perfect, but the fact that it’s an older model and not in production anymore makes it a little harder to find. But if you look around the internet, you should find plenty.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Blue Moon

The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Blue Moon is a real stunner. It may be a little more expensive at $440, but still on the affordable side, and it’s worth all those bucks. It comes in a 40.5 millimeter stainless steel case with an automatic four R-3-5 movement as it’s ticking hot, reliable, and with a 41-hour power reserve. But the most captivating part of this timepiece is that dark blue sunburst style, giving the watch an artistic and captivating look.

Tufina Sahara Mechanical

The Tufina Sahara is among the most popular mechanical watches out there, one with a dressy look and plenty of variants to choose from. Our favorite is the rose gold one, which boasts a remarkable silver dial with an intricate skeleton composition, playing with light in such a way that it creates a mesmerizing show. On the technical side, it comes powered by a mechanical movement with 17 rubies, a 3 ATM water resistance, rhodium plated case, Alpha photoluminescent hands and a superb sapphire coated lens protecting the dial. The thin bezel and classic guarded crown gives this watch a very elegant look, and the fact that you can find it for about $990 makes it that much more appealing.

Orient Kamaso

The Orient Kamaso is a worthy divers watch, bringing some impressive features for less than $300. The sapphire crystal glass, for example, is a rare feature on affordable watches. Then there’s the rugged stainless steel case that is depth rated for 200 meters, another feature that usually comes with higher price tags. When it comes to appearance, the Kamaso has a stunning black, blue, red, or green sunburst dial, complemented by the rotating vessel, finished in the same color. Under the dial, there’s an automatic Orient Calibur F692, a movement that’s said to be reliable and accurate.

Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver

Remaining in the diving watch world, the Dan Henry 1970 Automatic Diver, a tribute to the Compressor case dive watchers that were the thing back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It comes with the Seco NH-3 five automatic movement, water resistance of 200 meters, and in two case sizes, 40 millimeters and 44 millimeters. What we’re most impressed with is the beautiful and refreshing dial. It’s a classic, but it’s also one that departs from the similar designs that most divers have.