Nordstrom

For a long time we have read and heard about the legendary customer service at Nordstrom. Recently, a customer walked into one of the Nordstrom stores with a serious complaint, the shoes she had bought the previous evening to wear to a special occasion were packed incorrectly by the sales associates--he had mistakenly put into the box the floor sample together with the new shoe. On her visit to the store the following day, the lady was not only allowed to keep the shoes gratis, but she was treated to lunch by the shoe department manager. Any other establishment would had simply provided a refund or matching shoes. Nordstrom makes customers their number one concern and it is what keeps it at the forefront of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

TBWA - Chiat Day

Lee Clow's Chiat Day, Los Angeles consistently produces some of the best advertising in the world.

As the folks behind Apple Computer's great ads, they have just recently created what is certain to win Lion at Cannes this year, the advert for Visa " Aquarium". This 30 second spot is flawless in execution from the visuals to the music by the Moody Blues and the voiceover by actor Morgan Freeman. Of course, all great ads are a result of a creative team, but it takes a great company to bring such team together. And to be able to pull this off for over twenty years, speak volumes of the company culture.

Watch on YouTube: http://youtube.com

http://www.tbwachiat.com/LosAngeles

Earth Hour

With the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights for one hour as part of a global vote, Earth Hour/Vote Earth is a global call to action to stand up and take control of our planet.

Started in Sidney in 2007, when over 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour, this year over 74 countries have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH.

Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you're from but what planet you're from and this is what makes this movement an excellent idea.

http://www.earthhour.org

Apple iPod shuffle

Small, very small at 1.8" x 0.3" thin characterizes the latest iPod shuffle from Apple. Another winner from a company that is as fastidious about the smallest design details and minimalism as it is to delivering the best and easiest to use computers and devices.

Who would had thought some twenty years ago that some day we'd be able to carry a thousand songs in a device smaller than a lighter?

The shuffle is devoid of buttons and completely controlled by a switch in the earbud cord. Smart deisgn and a preview of what's to come from Cupertino's best computer company.

http://www.apple.com

Cirque du Soleil | Guy Laliberté

In 1984 and before Guy Laliberté re-invented the category, circuses were modeled on the premise that animals, star performers and more than one show taking place simultaneously were necessary. Mr. Laliberté changed all that with the invention of the Cirque Noveau, where much like Broadway shows, each performance has a story line and a musical score. Cirque du Soleil has become extremely successful without using animals or resorting to dangerous acrobatics.

Today, Guy Laliberté controls a company with revenues exceeding $600 million annually, but that still produces fresh shows for for a worldwide audience in over forty countries.

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com

Cal-Pep, Barcelona

Located in Les Olles square of the old district in Barcelona, in what was once was a disco, is Cal-Pep, a tapas bar usually crowded with those seeking uncomplicated, satisfying food.

What has made this restaurant famous is Pep's obsession with serving the freshest seafood dishes in a light, simple way and paired with equally good wines.

Sit at the bar and meet from politicians to tourists, all with their stories and some of the stories you'll often hear is about the first time they visited and why they are back--tapas, fresh seafood tapas creatively and perfectly prepared.

http://www.calpep.com

Hermes Leather Agenda

In today's fast-paced world of instant messaging, it's hard to conceive anyone would use pen and paper to write down their notes. The Hermes agenda is impeccably made of leather and one simple silver snap closure to keep our thoughts from flying off into the wind. We love this agenda because of its simplicity--down to the plain notepad insert. All we need is our thoughts, a quiet place and a good pen to bring out our inner poet.

http://www.hermes.com

Piaget Altiplano

Ultra thin and extremely clean design is what characterizes the Piaget Altiplano. Measuring only 2.1 mm in thickness, this timepiece proves that less can be, more beautiful and more functional. Who needs all the buttons and dials, when all one needs is to tell time? Pure perfection without ostentatiousness.

http://www.piaget.com

Mercedes Benz Roadside Assistance

The Mercedes Benz (MB) Roadside Assistance program, available to MB owners no matter the vehicle's age or warranty status, is worthy of praise not just because of the service provided when a driver is stranded, but because of the follow-up to every call. It is MB's policy to call the owner of the vehicle a day or two after a call for help has been placed and ask for feedback on both how the call for assistance was handled by MB, as well as to the level of satisfaction with the service provided. Excellent companies truly care about their customers' opinions.

http://www.mbusa.com

Palm Beach Grill

Palm Beach Grill, in Palm Beach, Florida, part of Hillstone Restaurant Group which owns Houston's restaurants across the USA, serves great dishes with stellar service.The staff is well trained, to the point that it is possible that Rebecca at the bar will greet you by name, even if you have not visited in months. Palm Beach Grill is elegantly unpretentious. Here you will run into friends from The Hamptons, as well as the island's locals, all raving about the great food and atmosphere. Quite possibly the best dining spot on Palm Beach island.

http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/palmBeachGrill/

Château d'Yquem

Of all the French sauternes, Chateau d'Yquem is unquestionably the best of the sweet dessert wines. Produced from white grapes consumed of most of their liquid by the fungus butrytis cinerea, or "Noble Rot," this wine is syrupy bliss.

The harvesting of grapes consumed by the Noble Rot is difficult. Juices flow like molasses from the grapes when squeezed, but all the hard work of the vinter are well worth the effort when a bottle is opened at the end of a fine meal.

http://www.yquem.fr/yquem.php?lang=UK

Molton Brown

Long before "green" was fashionable, Molton Brown, a cosmetics line founded in London in 1973, was producing a line of hair washes that relied on natural ingredients to do the job. Keep in mind that when Molton Brown first started producing their products, all the rage was big hair propped-up with thick coats of hair spray--that not only gummed-up the hair, but messed up the atmosphere.

Today, Molton Brown manufactures hand washes, candelas and home products, body products for men and women and a complete hair line based on the same holistic approach. When manufacturers care as much about nature as to profits, they deserve laurels.

http://www.moltonbrown.com

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Only four years ago, if you wanted a 16 mega pixel digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera, it would set you back more than US $17K. The new Canon EOS 5D Mark II is a professional SLR that is compact and delivers more pixels (21.1 mega pixels) and quality images than pro cameras of two years ago.

Why we like it: 1. quality images, 2.weather sealed, 3. wide assortment of quality Canon lenses available. At a price of US $2,600, this body is the best all around SLR to carry in your bag if you are either pro or amateur.

http://www.usa.canon.com

Porsche 911 Carrera

The Porsche 911 Carrera is the quintessentially perfect sports car. With its massive brakes, power and handling, it provides thrills and tons of safety for the enthusiast and excellence seeker. We rate the 911 Carrera as the best sports car to own in the $70k to $120k price range.

http://www.porsche.com/usa/