Blog contributions are provided exclusively from Luxury Real Estate members throughout the world.

By: Juliet Chung and Candace Jackson of the Wall Street Journal
Courtesy of: Joshua & Company
Ringo Starr and his wife, Barbara, are asking $4.5 million for their three-bedroom vacation home near Aspen, Colo.
The 70-year-old Beatles drummer, who continues to tour with his All Starr Band, bought the home in 1990. The wood cabin sits on about 16 flat acres in Woody Creek and has frontage on Roaring Fork River. The roughly 3,200-square-foot cabin was built in 1987 and is surrounded by unused horse paddocks.
"It's like a ranch-ette on the Roaring Fork," says Joshua Saslove of Joshua & Co., a Christie's Great Estates affiliate, who represents the sellers. He said his clients have been using the home less frequently in the last few years. Hunter S. Thompson and musician Don Henley have had homes in Woody Creek.

Todd has a passion for sailing. As a child he was taught to sail by his Grandfather and his Dad. At the age of 16, Todd achieved his Captains Ticket. He then began to manage and operate his family's charter boat business in Lunenburg. As a young man Todd sailed the Caribbean in the winters and our beautiful South Shore waters in the summer.
In 1987 Todd studied Travel and Tourism in London Ontario. In 1991 he received his Diploma in Sales and Marketing from the Nova Scotia Community College. Over the last 20 years Todd realized that the right career for him was real estate.

Todd is a member of the LaHave River Yacht Club and has served on the Executive. When asked what it is he loves about the South Shore, he replies "To see the South Shore of Nova Scotia is to know you're in paradise but to see it from the water is to know you are home."
Todd brings unparalleled customer service to Tradewinds Realty before, during and after the sale. Todd looks forward to helping you buy or sell and takes pride in making your next real estate ventures a pleasurable experience. Please call Todd, 902-212-1393, or drop by Tradewinds Bridgewater office, 673 King Street, to review our extensive property Display Gallery.
19
L'Outaouais, Québec, Canada
Courtesy of: Mr. Francois Duplantie

As a tourist area that combines all the dynamism of city life and proximity to the wilderness, Ottawa invites you to discover its unique charm and to explore its many facets, both natural and cultural!
Located in extreme southwestern Quebec, the tourist region of Outaouais is bordered by Ontario, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Laurentides and the city of Ottawa, Canada's capital. The Outaouais is an administrative region of Quebec, on the north shore of the Ottawa River, sharing a border with Ontario. It consists of 4 regional county municipalities (MRC) and 75 municipalities.
• Population: 349 835 (2008)
• Area: 30 504 km ²
• Density: 11.5 inhabitants / km ²
• Birth rate: 11.4 ‰ (2006)
• Mortality rate: 6.3 ‰ (2006)
(Source: Statistical Institute of Quebec)
If Quebec is recognized as a real paradise for nature lovers, wait to discover the Outaouais: a destination of choice for practical activities such as fishing, hunting and family vacations.
With its 20 000 lakes and reservoirs beautiful - Ottawa will certainly meet the needs of the most ardent fishermen. Hunters are not left since the abundance of large game (moose, deer, bears) and the presence on the territory of small game allows everyone to find their account.
Know that family holidays are possible in most outfitters of the Outaouais. Families who wish to escape the bustle of the city will take it easy in Ottawa, because you do win, it's in our nature!

Spotlight on Lake Échouani: Outfitter, LE PAVILLON RICHER 400 kilometers from Montreal. It is located at Lake Échouani (22 km. Long). Territory of 240 square, with lease rights to exclusive hunting and fishing. Accessible by road or by seaplane.
Well established for over 35 years, LE PAVILLON RICHER site offers a completely private. For fish, making a quality unmatched. A rustic lodge with all the comforts and amenities (bar / restaurant, convenience store, garage ect ..) 21 cottages were built near the main lodge and 25 outpost camps. The PAVILLON RICHER has an established clientele, and offers tremendous growth potential! Ideal for a snowmobile center. (No approximate center) FUN ON THE EARTH ... YOU HAVE FOUND !!!!!!
Finally, a little background on the Arms (a city of Gatineau The Outaouais)
Coat of Arms
The three green pines of heraldry Gatineau represent the timber industry. The color gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity brought by the industry. The green charge of billets of gold reminiscent of bygone days of the drive that was on the Ottawa River and Gatineau. The motto Fortunae meae multorum faber (Artisan my fate and that of several) applies to the forest industry, the main industry of the city at the same time as the work of a large number of citizens Gatineau.
Official signature
For the arms that fix the origin and history of a community shall secure a signature that characterizes the institutional personality. The city of Gatineau has a logo and adopted a comprehensive program of identification. The result is measured by the design of a signature showing clearly the name accompanied by the emblem. The "G" stylish high end dedicated to the territory where the population evolves. The dark green underlines the seriousness of the institution to greater fame and recognition beyond the borders. The Navy reinforces the uniqueness of the personality of the municipality. Both elements, emblem and logo in their official colors, acting as the sole identification of the municipal government of Gatineau.
Less than two hours from Montreal, Ottawa and learn enjoy the rhythm of its festivities. In order not to miss anything, tell you about the many packages available all year round! Ottawa, live it!
French:
![]()
Étant une région touristique qui allie harmonieusement le dynamisme de la vie citadine et la proximité de la grande nature, l’Outaouais vous invite à découvrir son charme unique et à explorer ses multiples facettes, tant naturelles que culturelles!
![]()
Située à l'extrême sud-ouest du Québec, la région touristique de l’Outaouais est bordée par l’Ontario, l'Abitibi-Témiscaminque, les Laurentides et la ville d’Ottawa, capitale du Canada.
L'Outaouais est une région administrative du Québec, sur la rive nord de la rivière des Outaouais, partageant une frontière avec l'Ontario. Elle est composée de 4 municipalités régionales de comté (MRC) et de 75 municipalités.
- Population:349 835 (2008)
- Superficie:30 504 km²
- Densité: 11,5 hab./km²
- Taux de natalité: 11,4 ‰ (2006)
- Taux de mortalité: 6,3 ‰ (2006) (Source: Institut de la statistique du Québec)
Si le Québec est reconnu comme un véritable paradis des amants de la nature, attendez de découvrir l’Outaouais : une destination de prédilection pour la pratique d’activités telles que la pêche, la chasse et les vacances familiales.
Avec ses 20 000 lacs et ses magnifiques réservoirs – l’Outaouais saura certes répondre aux besoins des plus fervents pêcheurs. Les chasseurs ne sont pas en reste puisque l’abondance des gros gibiers (orignal, cerf de Virginie, ours) et la présence sur le territoire de petits gibiers permet à tous de trouver leur compte.
Sachez que des vacances en famille sont possibles dans la plupart des pourvoiries de l’Outaouais. Les familles qui désirent s’éloigner des tracas de la ville pourront se la couler douce en Outaouais, car vous faire décrocher, c’est dans notre nature!

Pleins feux sur le Lac Échouani : La Pourvoirie, LE PAVILLON RICHER à 400 Km. de Montréal. Elle est située au Lac Échouani (22 km. De long).Territoire de 240², avec bail, à droits exclusifs de chasse et pêche. Accessible par la route ou par hydravion.
Bien établi depuis plus de 35 ans, LE PAVILLON RICHER vous offre un site complètement privé. Pour le poisson, une qualité de prise inégalée. Une auberge rustique avec tout le confort et les commodités (bar/resto, dépanneur, garage ect..) 21 chalets sont construits, près du pavillon principal et 25 camps éloignés. Le PAVILLON RICHER a une clientèle établie, et offre un potentiel de croissance extraordinaire! Idéal pour un centre de motoneige. (Aucun centre approximatif) LE PLAISIR SUR TERRE… VOUS L’AVEZ TROUVÉ !!!!!!
Pour conclure, un petit historique sur L’Armoiries (Gatineau une ville de L’Outaouais)
![]()
Armoiries
Les trois sapins verts du blason de Gatineau représentent l'industrie du bois. La couleur or symbolise la richesse et la prospérité apportées par cette industrie. La bordure verte chargée de billettes d'or rappelle les temps révolus de la drave qui se faisait sur la rivière des Outaouais et la Gatineau. La devise, Fortunae meae, multorum faber (Artisan de mon sort et de celui de plusieurs) s'applique à l'industrie forestière, principale industrie de la ville, en même temps qu'au travail d'un grand nombre de citoyens et citoyennes de Gatineau.
Signature officielle
Aux armoiries qui fixent l'origine et l'histoire d'une communauté s'adjoint une signature qui caractérise la personnalité institutionnelle. La ville de Gatineau s'est dotée d'un emblème et a adopté un programme global d'identification. Le résultat se mesure par la conception d'une signature claire affichant la raison sociale accompagnée de l'emblème. Le « G » stylisé aux extrémités fortes consacre l'étendue du territoire sur lequel évolue sa population. La couleur vert foncé souligne le sérieux de l'institution pour une plus grande notoriété et une reconnaissance outre-frontières. Le bleu marine renforce le caractère particulier de la personnalité de la municipalité. Les deux éléments, emblème et logotype, dans leurs couleurs officielles, agissent comme seule identification du gouvernement municipal de Gatineau.
À moins de deux heures de Montréal, découvrez l’Outaouais et vivez au rythme de ses festivités. Afin de ne rien manquer, informez-vous sur les multiples forfaits disponibles en toute saison! Outaouais, vivez-le!
By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Island Realty
It was amazing to see how Europe wants a hero, too. Sully Sullenberger has been adopted as the one they need right now.
We just returned from a trip to Europe attending the Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate International Conference in Paris. Sully Sullenberger was the talk of the town wherever we went.
Many of you know that Sully is a dear friend and a neighbor of ours in the San Francisco Bay Area - Danville. You also have been following the whirlwind attention that has come to him because of the “Miracle On The Hudson”. Sully was the right person, at the right time in history, with the right skills. His 35+ years as a jet pilot and as a glider training pilot was the perfect stuff for the first forced landing in water that had NO fatalities.

And, Sully is a very reluctant hero. While we were at the Paris Conference the town of Danville had a welcome home parade for Sully and his family. Thousands of people were there to thank him. His entire speech was two sentences long thanking his community members for the honor they were giving him. So, this Sunday you will see him on 60 Minutes. On Monday, he will be receiving the key to New York City from Mayor Bloomberg. And he will be on the David Lettermen Show in the next few days. He is so humble and understated that the hero mantle does not fit well with his style. However, we need a hero today, given all of the bad stuff that is going on in our world.
Sully is carefully allowing the hero title to be added to his name. He and the US Air crew were honored at the start of the Super Bowl. In speaking with Sully and his family, the book and movie deals presented to them are overwhelming. His job opportunities with international news corporations, and the interest in his corporate safety company are beyond overwhelming.
The day we were leaving for London was the day after the crash. I had been at the Sullenberger’s home the night of the crash and eventually spoke with the world news organizations waiting outside their home. Because of that moment I was called the next day by Fox News for three different interviews that day, with my last interview being just an hour before we left for the airport to London.
During our two+ weeks in Europe, everyone wanted to know about Sully. They were so excited about the opportunity to have a world hero, not just for the USA. We gathered newspapers and magazines from five European countries to add to their scrapbook that is already gigantic. We are so glad that Sully’s wonderful story continues to have the attention of the nation so we can honor a reluctant hero who was just doing his job. What an inspiration for all of us emulate. Thank you, Sully, from Jim Walberg and your East Bay fan club!

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Island Realty
Tonight on CBS 60 Minutes - Captain Sullenberger (Sully) personally told his story to Katie Kourac. Here are some of his unforgettable comments from the interview:

“When the birds hit the plane and the engines shut down it was the most sick and disbelieving feeling I have ever had.”
“I never imagined that a plane crash, with me as the pilot, would be the way my career would end.”

“We were descending rapidly to the water. It was coming up at us FAST. I knew I had to immediately solve this problem. I have been asked if I was praying. My focus was so intent on the landing that someone else would have to do the praying.”
“Once the birds hit the plane, we were in the water within 3 ½ minutes. We went from trying to go back to La Guardia, then to New Jersey, and then the only alternative was the Hudson River. The training took over for the water landing. Touchdown level, with the nose up, decent rate that was survivable, touch down with enough speed to not have a crash landing.”
“We are constantly trained to land in water. If possible, land near boats so you have a chance of being rescued. ‘Brace for impact’, was the announcement I immediately made when it was evident we were going in the Hudson River. Then the flight attendants were also instructing all the passengers to BRACE…BRACE, HEADS DOWN. It was very comforting to know that he had a competent crew.” He was asked if, during those 3 ½ minutes, if he knew he could actually land the plane. He immediately said, “YES! I was sure I could!”
“My entire flying career has unfolded in a manner that prepared me for that one moment.” As I said on Fox News the day after the landing…Sully was the right guy, with the right experience, at the right time in history.
After the landing, Sully turned to his co-pilot and said, “That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.” Sully was asked if he felt a sense of relief now that they were in the Hudson River? Sully said, “NOT AT ALL! I still had 155 passengers to get off the plane safely.”
And that is exactly what he did! When it was confirmed to him that all 155 people were safe and accounted for, he said, “It was as if the weight of the universe was lifted off of my shoulders knowing everyone was safe.”
There was a reunion with some of the passengers and their families this past weekend in North Carolina with Sully and the crew. Here are some of their thoughts about the event that changed all of their lives.
More than one woman said, “Thank you for not making me a widow.” And, “I have a three year old child that will now have a father.” And, “Thank you for saving my life.” A passenger in First Class froze for a moment after the landing. Then he remembered that he had a young niece - the daughter of his brother who was killed in the World Trade Center. He said, “My family would not survive another loss of a child, so I knew I had to get out of the plane and survive.”
Sully has been asked how he is embracing the name HERO. He said, “I don’t feel comfortable embracing that name. But, I don’t want to deny it either. Something has captured the imagination of the country. People want good news, and this is one of those moments of non-stop good news.” He also told the passengers at their reunion, “We will be joined together for the rest of our lives because of this event.”
His favorite card out of the thousands that have been sent to him the past three weeks read, “To save a life is to save a world. Bless you Captain Sully.”
Submit Your Blog
To submit a blog entry for consideration on this web page for FREE, please send your materials to our PR Department: pr@luxuryrealestate.com