Discover Coe Park … with Calvin Nuttall: Backcountry Weekend allows visitors unique access to Coe wilderness

The passionate work of the PRA volunteers makes Backcountry Weekend possible

Photo courtesy Ron Erskine
Hikers traverse a trail near Rooster Comb in Henry W. Coe State Park’s Orestimba Wilderness. The park is a hidden gem in Santa Clara County.


By Calvin Nuttall

Calvin Nuttall

The wilderness lies closer than you think.

Tucked away in a verdant valley at the heart of Henry W. Coe State Park, you will find a hidden retreat, accessible only once a year during spring’s Backcountry Weekend.

Organized by the volunteers of the nonprofit Pine Ridge Association, the event this year took place April 28-30. It’s the only time that Kaiser-Aetna Road is open to the public. This dirt road wanders through rolling ranchland as it connects Pacheco Pass Highway near Casa de Fruta to a remote region deep within the park known as the Orestimba Wilderness.

A Coe tradition since the mid-1980s, the event is centered on the Orestimba Corral historical site, where the park staff and volunteers assemble a base camp. Here, visitors can park their vehicles and pitch their tents in a communal setting. Volunteers organize family-oriented activities such as guided wildflower tours and old-fashioned campfire entertainment.

If you’re in search of a more solitary experience, plenty of other camping opportunities can be reached by backpacking deeper into the wilderness via one of the many hiking trails. During my visit, I made the trek from Orestimba Corral to Mississippi Lake, a 10-mile round trip following an upper ridge offering breathtaking vistas of the vast region of wildland encompassed by Coe’s southern reaches.

Though only an hour from South Valley, this serene escape couldn’t be further removed from the thrumming chaos of urban life. Despite having more than 600 guests, the popularity could not overpower the peaceful isolation of the wildflower-bedecked valley and the rolling hills beyond. From the base camp at the Corral, hikers, bikers and equestrians can reach parts of the park that would never be accessible from other entrances except by multi-day expeditions.

“It is an opportunity to see a side of the park that normally is closed to the public,” said PRA volunteer Manny Pitta. “Even before you get to the formal boundary of the park, the seven-mile drive from Highway 152 to the Dowdy Visitor’s Center is just spectacular. It is a beautiful drive through rolling, oak-studded hills. You get more open, wide-area views on that side of the park.”

As Backcountry Weekend coordinator, Pitta has managed the event since 2021. And as beautiful as the drive is, he said, the rugged nature of Kaiser-Aetna Road also created the volunteers’ and staff’s greatest challenge in preparing for the event.

“There was a lot of uncertainty regarding the road conditions,” he said. “The winter and early spring storms this year lasted a long time and made it difficult to get out there and work on the road. There was a lot of work done by volunteers and park staff in the last month and a half making sure the road was in shape prior to the event. The volunteer community at Coe is just wonderful.”

Thankfully, the rains ended. The sunshine not only allowed the event to move forward but also created the ideal conditions for the region to erupt with wildflowers. Vibrant purples, blues and yellows painted the hillsides in a dazzling display. After years of drought and wildfires, the lush foliage and brilliant blooms were a refreshing relief.

The passionate work of the PRA volunteers make unique events such as Backcountry Weekend possible, Pitta told me. And for him, the hard work is well worth it when he sees the smiles on park guests.

“Every year, it is always wonderful to see visitors as they leave,” he said. “They are beaming and thanking every volunteer they see. That’s how you know you had a wonderful event.

“In the end, what counts is the visitors’ experience, and you can just see how wonderful it was in their eyes.”

To minimize the human impact on the delicate natural setting, Backcountry Weekend has limited capacity.  If you are inspired to attend the event next year, be sure to register in advance at coepark.net/bcw.


Calvin Nuttall is a freelance reporter and a frequent wanderer in the forests and hills of the South Valley and beyond.

The post Discover Coe Park … with Calvin Nuttall: Backcountry Weekend allows visitors unique access to Coe wilderness appeared first on Morgan Hill Life.

Bellator and PFL takeaways: Sergio Pettis derails history by reminding the world he’s elite at 135 – ESPN

ESPN.com

There’s plenty of action across MMA over the weekend with PFL Regular Season: Heavyweights and Women’s Featherweights and Bellator 297 in Chicago on Friday night and UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on Saturday.

In Friday’s action, defending champions Ante Delija and Larissa Pacheco got wins, but only one (Pacheco) was able to seal a spot in this year’s PFL playoffs. At the same time, Patricio “Pitbull” Freire fell short of making MMA history against reigning Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis. And Yoel Romero, who tried to find the fountain of youth with a big win over Vadim Nemkov, was unable to win the Bellator light heavyweight title.

Brett Okamoto, Marc Raimondi, Jeff Wagenheim and Andres Waters break down the most interesting and best moments from a dramatic Friday and Saturday in MMA action.

Raimondi: Pettis steals the show while derailing history

Sergio Pettis never feels like the focal point. It’s something he has probably dealt with throughout his life. Them’s the breaks of being the younger brother of a flashy former UFC lightweight champion (Anthony) who once appeared on the cover of a Wheaties box.

Friday was another example of Pettis being a secondary thought. He was the champion defending his Bellator bantamweight title against Patricio “Pitbull” at Bellator 297 in Chicago — and everyone was talking about Pitbull. Freire was moving down in weight to win a third divisional title, something no fighter in major MMA history has ever done. Pettis was a footnote.

On top of that, Pettis vs. Pitbull wasn’t even the main event on the card. Nemkov’s light heavyweight title defense against Romero, the ageless, idiosyncratic UFC veteran, got top billing.

Despite all of that, do you know who was the star of the event? Sergio Pettis. While everyone was fixated on Pitbull — fairly, because he was chasing something unprecedented — Pettis went out and had the best performance of his career, a poised, sublime outing in which he kept Pitbull at bay, beat his opponent to the punch and proved he’s an elite talent at 135 pounds.

The under-the-radar story is that Pettis has not fought since December 2021 because of knee surgery. He had to pull out of the Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix because of the injury. Over the past year-plus, it seemed like the division had moved on without him. Patchy Mix won the tournament in April over Raufeon Stots and took home the Bellator interim bantamweight title. Mix has become the new “it” name in the division.

What could Pettis do to gain some attention back? How about a comprehensive victory over Pitbull, the best fighter in Bellator history? Pettis and Mix faced off after the bout in the cage, as that future fight should be incredibly high level.

In his postfight interview, Pettis said he has beaten all of Bellator’s poster boys, from Juan Archuleta to Kyoji Horiguchi and now Pitbull. But before he has to worry about Mix, it’s time to give Pettis his flowers as one of the best bantamweight fighters in the world. His face might not be adorned on a Wheaties box any time soon like his older brother Anthony, but baby brother has moved out of the shadow of his brother and others and finally come into his own with a career-defining win.

Wagenheim: PFL finding new blood at heavyweight

The PFL lost a defending heavyweight champion from its playoff picture but gained a couple of powerful contenders for this year’s $1 million prize.

Top stories of the week from

Ante Delija won Friday’s main event against Maurice Greene by unanimous decision, but it wasn’t good enough to earn him a playoff spot. The problem for Delija is that he had pulled out of his April season opener because of injury, so this was his only opportunity to amass points. He needed to finish within the first half of Round 1, and it didn’t happen for him.

Delija will be missed, but not as much as he would have if not for the performances of a couple of other big guys earlier in the night. You might have missed them if you blinked.

First, Denis Goltsov knocked out Yorgan De Castro in a PFL heavyweight-record 18 seconds, using a single straight right hand to get the job done. Shortly after, Renan Ferreira KO’d Matheus Scheffel in 50 seconds with a lightning flurry against the cage.

Those were explosively impressive performances by the pair of PFL stalwarts. For Goltsov, this is the third straight year he has earned a spot in the playoffs; he lost a semifinal to Delija in 2022 but could not compete in last year’s semis because of a problem with his visa. Ferreira was bounced from last season’s playoffs by Delija; his big PFL moment came the year before, when he TKO’d former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum, although the result was changed to a no contest after it was ruled that Ferreira might have earlier tapped out.

Now Goltsov and Ferreira have momentum heading into the playoffs, seeded Nos. 1 and 2. There’ll be no Delija standing in their way. No Bruno Cappelozza, either, as the 2021 champ was suspended after testing positive for a banned substance. When the heavyweights begin their playoffs on June 16 in New York, Goltsov will face fourth-seeded Jordan Heiderman and Ferreira will fight No. 3 seed Marcelo Nunes. Both Heiderman and Nunes scored first-round knockouts, too, on Friday.

So expect fireworks in the heavyweight playoffs.

Waters: Novenyi extends unbeaten streak

HE DOES IT AGAIN! 🔥@magicnorbi just keeps getting better and better inside the Bellator cage. Huge KNOCKOUT!

📺 #Bellator297 @MonsterEnergy Prelims fueled by @superiorgrocers LIVE NOW pic.twitter.com/ld6AD1R3L4

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA)

Bellator’s Norbert Novenyi Jr. continues to prove he could have a bright future ahead of him. On Friday night, Novenyi needed only 46 seconds to secure the fifth win with the promotion and sixth career win with a knockout over Kamil Oniszczuk. The win was also Novenyi’s third consecutive first-round finish.

Brig. Gen. Marks takes command of Cadet Wing

Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks accepts command Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks accepts command from Brig. Gen. Paul Moga as U.S. Air Force Academy commandant of cadets in a ceremony at Stillman Field June 21, 2023. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Justin Pacheco)

By Randy Roughton
U.S. Air Force Academy Strategic Communications

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – As he assumed command of the Cadet Wing, Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks described returning to the U.S. Air Force Academy as “an indescribable honor, deeply personal and uniquely familiar.”

Superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark presided over the ceremony at Stillman Field where Marks became the Academy’s 31st commandant when he took the guidon from outgoing Brig. Gen. Paul Moga June 21.

‘World-class is our standard’

Marks said the Academy is ready to enter a new era but will maintain the same superior standards.

“While so many things haven’t changed, many have, here and in the world around us,” Marks said. “We have new challenges to face, new opportunities to take advantage of, momentum to capitalize on because of Brig. Gen. Moga’s leadership, and a very bright future in store,” Marks said.

“Today is our day. This is our time. Please don’t mistake that we don’t have significant work to do because we know that good enough today will almost certainly fail tomorrow. But we will not fail. We will be successful and we will continue to develop leaders of character because today is our day. This is our time and our time starts right now. Teammates, five words that will encapsulate our time together: World-class is our standard.”

As commandant, Marks will be in charge of 4,300 cadets and over 200 Airmen, Guardians and civilian personnel. He will guide military, leadership, character development, basic cadet training and expeditionary skills training for the Cadet Wing and provide facilities and logistical support.

Marks earned his commission from the Academy in 1996. Before his appointment as commandant, he was the director of Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia. Other assignments include director of the Secretary of the Air Force/Chief of Staff of the Air Force Executive Action Group, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, and commander of the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska.

Brig. Gen. Paul MogaBrig. Gen. Paul Moga praises the cadets’ tireless efforts during the change of command ceremony that saw the leadership of the Cadet Wing transfer from Moga to Brig. Gen. Marks, June 21, 2023.

‘Resilient, united and focused’

Moga will be the chief of staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

“As a wing, we have faced adversity, overcome obstacles and then we’ve learned more than a few things,” Moga said. “Along the way, I think we’ve remained resilient, united and focused on our mission first and learned from our failures and become stronger as a team. I’m humbled by how we navigated around and sometimes through a few thunderstorms together. I accept little to no personal credit. I just happened to be the guy that was lucky enough to be here to watch it all happen.”

During his tenure as commandant, Moga, a 1995 Academy graduate, led the honor reset that decreased Honor Code Oath violations by 84 percent, Clark noted. Moga reinstituted combat survival training after a 10-year hiatus. He also created a multi-faceted culminating exercise that allows first-degree cadets to test their skills within their specific career field.

Under Moga’s leadership, the Academy also began warfighter engagements where cadets learnt from operationally relevant Airmen and Guardians as well as enlisted personnel. This change gave cadets a better understanding of the current geopolitical landscape.

See more photos from the change of command ceremony on Flickr.

The post Brig. Gen. Marks takes command of Cadet Wing appeared first on United States Air Force Academy.

The Implications Of Deforestation In Ethiopia

The Implications Of Deforestation In Ethiopia

The woodland covering components of the globe measure for the survival of both guy as well as Earth. Also if you lie rather a range far from these massive owners of life, they can still secure you somehow.

Logging in Ethiopia might reach you in several feasible ways. The forests really operate in manner ins which instead surprises individuals, as well as amongst its finest payments to the globe are: sanctuary from the pollution or worldwide warming, cultivable lands for human use, field premises for the pet kingdom, residence to the native, as well as an environment for limitless kinds of varieties which are and also might be deliberate in the human life.

The fundamentals that man demands to live with can be discovered in these lands. With the continuous price of devastation it encounters, the opportunity of shedding our last book of needs can be eliminated in 2 drinks.

Ethiopia is one of the couple of very forested lands where the environment is variably abundant in sources. It is likewise due to the coffee economic climate that the lands of Ethiopia were subjected all the even more to logging.

The Fall Of Ethiopian Land Conservation

Like several various other drives to the redemption of our natural marvels, the battle to win Ethiopian lands from overall destruction has actually stopped working. Possibly, the expanding requirements of individuals were the key factor for the failing of the job which resulted to incurable problems.

In addition to this, right here is a listing of the characteristics which triggered the break down of the effort to preservation: absence of determination in addressing the issue, regional area unawareness to the value of woodland conservation, the long-term negotiation of immigrants that look for to have companies over the blowing up coffee profession, lack of engagement amongst minority teams, possession of the lands is mainly of the state, political concerns which differ in assistance in the direction of the eco-friendly activity; as well as finally, the ruthless populace development which needs extra forested lands to be grown for numerous usages.

Upon listening to all these, the truth of turning around logging might appear not likely. Claim for instance India which has a selection of tasks that drive towards the improvement of their nation as well as of the globe.

New Millennium Projects For Land Preservation

More recent and also much better tasks came out in the open throughout the year 2002. The brand-new centuries has actually led method for even more practical as well as objective oriented drive to the preservation of Ethiopia’s forested locations.

Their purpose is to maintain the coffee vineyard for the Ethiopian economic climate as well as at the exact same time protect the yet unblemished locations of their forests. Socio-economic tasks likewise pertained to sustain the increasing people of the country; and also their goal is to make the people as enlightened as feasible. Numerous research study studies were additionally performed to acquire more understanding concerning their woodlands and also the capacities it brings.

With these in mind, the opportunities of a far better as well as much more stunning Ethiopian setting are definite achievable. What it requires are individuals that sustain versus logging in Ethiopia. Desire as well as collaboration must be exercised by every individuals whether you remain in the minority or bulk of teams.

It does not basically count what your standing is, what actually matters is your real viewpoint in combating versus the death of our globe.

The essentials that man demands to live with can be located in these lands. Ethiopia is one of the couple of extremely forested lands where the ecological community is variably abundant in sources. It is additionally due to the coffee economic climate that the lands of Ethiopia were subjected all the even more to logging. Upon listening to all these, the fact of turning around logging might appear not likely. What it requires are individuals that sustain versus logging in Ethiopia.

Capitalize on the Amazon 3P Phenomenon: Insider Tips & Best Practices

Welcome to the world of Amazon selling! Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, there’s no denying that selling on Amazon has become a lucrative opportunity for businesses of all sizes. And if you want to maximize your success on the platform, it’s time to capitalize on the Amazon 3P phenomenon.

In this article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of the Amazon 3P business model and provide you with insider tips and best practices to help you thrive in this competitive marketplace. From setting up your Amazon 3P account to optimizing your product listings, pricing strategies, inventory management, and marketing, we’ll cover it all.

So, brace yourself for a deep dive into the world of Amazon 3P selling. Let’s get started!

“Amazon isn’t just a website, it’s a search engine.” – Neil Patel

Understanding the Amazon 3P Business Model

When it comes to selling products on Amazon, there are two primary options: the Amazon 1P (First-Party) model and the Amazon 3P (Third-Party) model. In this section, we will dive into the Amazon 3P business model and explore its advantages, challenges, and considerations.

What is the Amazon 3P Program?

The Amazon 3P Program allows sellers to list and sell their own products directly on the Amazon marketplace. As a third-party seller, you have full control over pricing, inventory management, and customer interactions. You are essentially running your own business on Amazon’s platform.

Advantages of Selling as a 3P Seller

Selling as a third-party seller on Amazon offers several advantages, including:

  • Greater control: As a 3P seller, you have more control over your business decisions, such as pricing, product listings, and fulfillment options.
  • Broader product selection: With the 3P model, Amazon can offer a wider range of products from different sellers, giving customers a more diverse shopping experience.
  • Access to Amazon’s customer base: Amazon has a massive customer base, and as a 3P seller, you can tap into this existing pool of loyal customers, potentially boosting your sales.
  • Lower upfront costs: Unlike the 1P model, which requires sellers to purchase inventory upfront, the 3P model allows you to list products without the need for large upfront investments.

Challenges and Considerations

While the Amazon 3P Program has its advantages, it is not without its challenges. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

  • Competition: The Amazon marketplace is highly competitive, and you will be competing with numerous other sellers in your niche. It’s crucial to differentiate your products and offer unique value to stand out.
  • Managing inventory: As a 3P seller, you are responsible for managing your inventory levels and ensuring timely fulfillment. It’s important to have efficient inventory management systems in place to avoid stockouts or overstocks.
  • Customer service: With the 3P model, you are responsible for handling customer inquiries, returns, and complaints. Providing exceptional customer service is vital for building a positive reputation and maintaining customer loyalty.
  • Performance metrics: Amazon evaluates the performance of 3P sellers based on various metrics, such as order defect rate, late shipment rate, and customer feedback. It’s essential to monitor and optimize these metrics to maintain a healthy selling account.

Understanding these aspects of the Amazon 3P business model is crucial for success as a third-party seller. In the next section, we will explore how to set up your Amazon 3P account to start selling.

Setting Up Your Amazon 3P Account

Setting up your Amazon 3P (third-party) account is the crucial first step to start selling on Amazon as an independent seller. Whether you’re a small business owner or an individual looking to tap into the vast Amazon marketplace, setting up your 3P account requires attention to detail and careful configuration of your seller account settings. Here are some expert tips to help you get started:

Registering as a Professional Seller

To begin, you’ll need to register as a professional seller on Amazon. This requires a subscription, but it offers many benefits such as access to advanced selling tools and eligibility to sell products in restricted categories. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Sign up for an Amazon Seller Central account.
  2. Choose the “Sell as a Professional” option during the registration process.
  3. Provide accurate and complete information about your business, including shipment methods and return policies, to build trust with potential buyers.

Configuring Your Seller Account Settings

Once your registration is complete, it’s time to configure your seller account settings to maximize your selling potential. Pay attention to the following settings:

  • Shipping settings: Set up your preferred shipping methods, including whether you want to fulfill orders yourself (Merchant Fulfilled) or use Amazon’s fulfillment centers (Fulfillment by Amazon or FBA).
  • Return settings: Establish your return policy to ensure a smooth and positive customer experience. Clear and flexible return policies can increase customer satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
  • Payment settings: Connect your bank account to receive funds from your sales. Choose your preferred payout frequency and verify your account information to avoid any payment delays.
  • Tax settings: Determine your tax obligations based on your business location and the jurisdictions you’re selling to. You may also need to collect and remit sales tax in certain states or countries.

Creating Your Product Listings

The next step is to create compelling product listings that attract potential buyers. Here are some key aspects to consider:

  • Product titles: Use descriptive, keyword-rich titles that accurately represent your product. Include important product details, such as brand name, size, color, and relevant features.
  • Bullet points: Use bullet points to highlight the key features and benefits of your product. Make it easy for shoppers to quickly understand the value your product offers.
  • Product descriptions: Craft well-written and engaging descriptions that provide additional information about your product. Highlight unique selling points, specifications, and usage instructions.
  • Product images: Invest in high-quality product images that showcase your product from multiple angles. Use professional lighting and ensure the images accurately represent the product’s appearance.
  • Product variations: If you offer different variations of a product, like different colors or sizes, create separate listings for each variation to improve visibility and conversion.

It’s important to remember that creating accurate and detailed product listings not only improves your chances of making a sale but also helps with search engine optimization (SEO) within the Amazon marketplace. By including relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions, you increase the visibility of your products to potential customers.

With your Amazon 3P account set up and your product listings optimized, you’re ready to start selling on Amazon as an independent seller. Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll discuss strategies for optimizing your product listings to enhance your visibility and sales.

Optimizing Your Product Listings

When it comes to selling on Amazon as a third-party seller, one of the most important aspects to focus on is optimizing your product listings. Your product listing is essentially your sales page on Amazon, and it’s crucial to make it stand out and attract potential customers. In this section, we’ll discuss some key strategies to optimize your product listings and increase your chances of success on Amazon.

Keyword Research and Optimization

One of the first steps in optimizing your product listings is to conduct thorough keyword research. Keywords are the search terms that shoppers use to find products on Amazon, so it’s essential to include relevant keywords in your listing to improve its visibility in search results. Here are a few tips for effective keyword research and optimization:

  • Use keyword research tools like Keyword Planner or Helium 10’s Cerebro to identify high-volume, relevant keywords for your product.
  • Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your product title, bullet points, and product description.
  • Focus on long-tail keywords that have less competition but higher conversion rates.
  • Avoid keyword stuffing and prioritize user experience by maintaining a smooth and readable product listing.

Remember, the goal is to strike a balance between optimizing your product listings for search algorithms and providing valuable information to potential buyers.

Compelling Product Descriptions

Having well-crafted product descriptions is another critical aspect of optimizing your product listings. A compelling product description can help convince potential customers to make a purchase. Here’s how you can create captivating product descriptions:

  • Highlight the unique selling points of your product and explain how it solves a problem for the customer.
  • Use persuasive language to engage and persuade potential buyers.
  • Divide your product description into easily scannable sections with clear headings and bullet points.
  • Include any relevant product specifications or features to provide comprehensive information to customers.

Remember to focus on the benefits of your product rather than just features. Connect with your audience on an emotional level and show them why your product is the solution they’ve been looking for.

High-Quality Product Images

Visual appeal plays a crucial role in the success of your product listings. High-quality product images can significantly impact the conversion rate and the overall perception of your product. Here are some tips for optimizing your product images:

  • Use high-resolution images that clearly showcase your product from different angles.
  • Ensure that the images accurately represent the color, size, and other key details of your product.
  • Use lifestyle images to help customers envision themselves using your product.
  • Follow Amazon’s guidelines for image specifications, such as minimum size and background requirements.

Investing time and effort in professional product photography can pay off in the long run. Remember, customers rely heavily on product images when making purchasing decisions, so it’s essential to make a positive and memorable impression.

By implementing these optimization strategies, you can enhance the visibility and appeal of your product listings on Amazon. Keep in mind that Amazon’s algorithms are always evolving, so it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest best practices in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Pricing Strategies for Success

Pricing your products effectively is a crucial aspect of running a successful Amazon 3P business. It not only helps you stay competitive in the marketplace but also ensures profitability. Here are some insider tips on how to implement pricing strategies that can drive sales and maximize profits:

Competitive Analysis

Before setting your prices, it’s important to conduct thorough research on your competitors’ pricing strategies. This will give you insights into the market dynamics and help you establish a competitive pricing position. Here’s what you should consider:

  • Identify your top competitors: Look for sellers who offer similar products in terms of quality, features, and target audience.
  • Analyze their pricing: Compare their prices with yours and identify any price gaps. Are they pricing lower or higher than you? This will help you determine if you need to adjust your prices accordingly.

Pricing for Profitability

While it’s tempting to compete solely on price, it’s essential to maintain a profitable margin. Here are a few things to keep in mind when pricing your products:

  • Calculate your costs: Determine all your costs, including manufacturing, shipping, packing, storage, and Amazon fees. This will help you set a baseline for your pricing.
  • Consider your target profit margin: Decide on the profit margin you want to achieve for each product. This will depend on your business goals and market conditions.
  • Factor in future expenses: Account for any upcoming expenses, such as marketing campaigns or product enhancements, when setting your prices.

Discounts and Promotions

Offering discounts and promotions can be an effective way to attract customers and increase sales. Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Flash sales: Offer limited-time discounts to create a sense of urgency and drive immediate sales.
  • Bundling: Package related products together and offer them at a discounted price. This can encourage customers to purchase more items and increase your average order value.
  • Seasonal promotions: Capitalize on holidays, special occasions, and seasonal trends by offering discounts and promotions that align with these events.

Remember, pricing strategies should be flexible and adaptable. Regularly analyze your pricing and make adjustments based on market trends, customer feedback, and your business goals. By finding the sweet spot between competitiveness and profitability, you can maximize your sales and build a thriving Amazon 3P business.

“Pricing is not just a number, it’s a strategic decision that can make or break your business. Find the right balance between staying competitive and ensuring profitability.”

Inventory Management and Fulfillment Options

When it comes to selling on Amazon as a third-party (3P) seller, managing your inventory efficiently and choosing the right fulfillment options are crucial for success. In this section, we will explore the importance of inventory management and discuss different fulfillment options available to Amazon 3P sellers.

Managing Your Stock Levels

One of the key aspects of running a successful Amazon 3P business is ensuring that you have the right amount of inventory in stock at all times. Here are some tips to help you effectively manage your stock levels:

  • Inventory Forecasting: Use historical sales data and market trends to forecast demand for your products accurately. This will help you avoid stockouts and overstocking.
  • Reorder Point: Determine the minimum level of inventory at which you should reorder your products. This can be based on factors such as lead time, sales velocity, and desired safety stock.
  • Safety Stock: Maintain a buffer stock to account for unexpected spikes in demand or delays in replenishment. This will help you minimize stockouts and keep your customers satisfied.
  • Inventory Management Tools: Utilize inventory management software or tools provided by Amazon to streamline your inventory management process. These tools can help you track stock levels, set up automated reorder alerts, and manage multiple SKUs efficiently.

Using Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)

Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program is a popular choice among many Amazon 3P sellers. With FBA, you can store your inventory in Amazon’s fulfillment centers and let them handle the picking, packing, and shipping of your orders. Here are some advantages of using Amazon FBA:

  • Prime Eligibility: By using FBA, your products become eligible for Amazon Prime, which attracts a larger customer base and increases your chances of making sales.
  • Faster Shipping: Amazon has a vast logistics network, enabling them to offer fast and reliable shipping. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and positive reviews.
  • Customer Service: Amazon takes care of customer inquiries, returns, and refunds, saving you time and resources.
  • Multi-Channel Fulfillment: With FBA, you can also fulfill orders from other sales channels, such as your own website or other online marketplaces. Amazon will handle the fulfillment process for those orders as well.
  • Inventory Placement Options: Amazon offers both Distributed Inventory Placement (DIP) and Inventory Placement Service (IPS). DIP allows you to distribute your inventory across multiple fulfillment centers to reduce shipping costs and increase speed, while IPS allows you to send all your inventory to a single fulfillment center.

Exploring Other Fulfillment Options

While Amazon FBA is widely popular, it’s important to consider other fulfillment options that may better suit your business needs. Here are a few alternative fulfillment methods to consider:

  • Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN): With MFN, you handle all aspects of order fulfillment, including storing and shipping the products yourself. This gives you more control over the process, but you will also need to tackle logistical challenges and invest in warehouse space and shipping infrastructure.
  • Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF): Similar to FBA, MCF allows you to fulfill orders from other sales channels using Amazon’s fulfillment services. This can be a convenient option if you are already using FBA and want to expand your reach to other platforms.
  • Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers: You can choose to partner with a 3PL provider who will handle your warehousing, inventory management, and shipping processes. This can be a cost-effective option if you have high-volume or complex fulfillment needs.

Choosing the right fulfillment option depends on factors such as your product type, sales volume, budget, and logistical capabilities. Take the time to evaluate your options and select the one that aligns best with your business goals.

Remember, efficient inventory management and reliable fulfillment are vital for maintaining customer satisfaction and driving sales on Amazon. By implementing effective inventory management practices and choosing the right fulfillment option, you’ll be well on your way to optimizing your Amazon 3P business.

Marketing and Promotions

When it comes to selling on Amazon as a third-party (3P) seller, marketing and promotions play a crucial role in driving traffic to your product listings and increasing sales. Here are some effective strategies to help you capitalize on the Amazon 3P phenomenon and get your products in front of more potential customers.

Amazon Sponsored Ads

Amazon Sponsored Ads are a powerful tool for increasing visibility and driving sales on the platform. These are pay-per-click (PPC) ads that appear within search results and on product detail pages. Here’s how you can leverage Sponsored Ads to promote your listings:

  • Keyword targeting: Identify relevant keywords that your target audience is likely to search for and include them in your Sponsored Ads campaigns.
  • Bid management: Set competitive bids to ensure your ads show up in prominent positions.
  • Ad optimization: Continuous monitoring and optimization of your ad campaigns are crucial to maximize your return on investment (ROI).

Social Media Marketing

While Amazon itself is a massive marketplace, it’s always beneficial to have a strong presence on social media platforms as well. Here’s how you can leverage social media for marketing your Amazon 3P products:

  • Create engaging content: Share high-quality images, videos, and informative posts about your products on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
  • Link to your product listings: Include direct links to your Amazon product listings in your social media posts to make it easy for your audience to purchase.
  • Engage with your audience: Respond to comments and messages promptly to build customer trust and loyalty.

Product Giveaways and Influencer Collaborations

Running product giveaways and collaborating with influencers can be highly effective in generating buzz and increasing brand awareness. Here’s how you can leverage these strategies:

  • Giveaways: Offer free products in exchange for reviews or social media shoutouts. This helps generate positive reviews and word-of-mouth marketing.
  • Influencer collaborations: Partner with influencers in your niche who have a large following and ask them to promote your products. This can significantly expand your reach and attract new customers.

Remember, building a solid marketing and promotions strategy takes time and continuous refinement. Monitor your results closely, analyze customer metrics, and adapt your approach as needed to achieve optimal success.

“Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell.” – Seth Godin

Building a Solid Brand Presence

When it comes to selling on Amazon as a third-party (3P) seller, building a solid brand presence is crucial for long-term success. It not only helps you stand out from the competition but also establishes trust and loyalty among your customers. So, how can you build a strong brand presence on Amazon? Here are some key strategies and best practices to consider:

Enhancing Your Brand’s Visual Identity

  • Create a Professional Brand Logo: Invest in a high-quality logo that represents your brand’s identity. Your logo should be visually appealing, easy to recognize, and displayed prominently on your Amazon product listings.
  • Design Consistent Product Packaging: Consistency in product packaging creates a cohesive brand experience. Make sure your packaging aligns with your brand’s visual identity, using consistent colors, fonts, and design elements across all your products.
  • Use Professional Product Photography: High-quality product images that showcase your products in the best light are essential. Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture high-resolution images that highlight the features and benefits of your products.

Providing Exceptional Customer Service

  • Prompt and Friendly Customer Support: Aim to provide excellent customer service by promptly responding to customer inquiries, addressing concerns, and resolving any issues. This helps build trust and loyalty among your customers, making them more likely to recommend your brand to others.
  • Clear Communication and Transparency: Be transparent with your customers about product details, shipping times, and return policies. Clearly communicate any updates or changes, ensuring your customers feel informed and valued.
  • Personalize the Customer Experience: Go the extra mile to make your customers feel special. Consider adding personalized touches like handwritten thank-you notes or small surprises with each purchase to leave a lasting impression.

Receiving and Responding to Customer Feedback

  • Encourage Customer Reviews: Positive customer reviews can boost your brand’s credibility and influence purchasing decisions. Encourage customers to leave reviews by sending follow-up emails, offering incentives, or engaging with them on social media.
  • Monitor and Address Negative Reviews: Negative reviews are an opportunity for improvement. Promptly address any customer concerns or issues raised in reviews, showing that you value customer feedback and are committed to resolving problems.
  • Learn from Customer Feedback: Use customer feedback as valuable insights to enhance your product offerings, improve customer service, and identify areas of potential growth or innovation.

Building a solid brand presence on Amazon takes time and effort, but it pays off in the long run. By enhancing your brand’s visual identity, providing exceptional customer service, and actively engaging with customer feedback, you can create a strong brand presence that sets you apart from the competition and fosters customer loyalty. Remember, building a brand is not just about selling products – it’s about creating a memorable and positive customer experience.

Monitoring Performance and Metrics

Once you have set up your Amazon 3P account and optimized your product listings, it’s essential to monitor your performance and metrics to ensure the success of your business. Tracking your sales, profitability, customer metrics, and advertising campaign performance will give you valuable insights into the effectiveness of your strategies. Here are some tips to help you monitor and improve your performance on Amazon:

1. Tracking Sales and Profitability

It’s crucial to keep a close eye on your sales and profitability to understand how your products are performing. Here’s how you can track and analyze your sales data on Amazon:

  • Use Amazon Seller Central: Seller Central provides you with detailed reports on your sales, including revenue, units sold, and fees. It also offers insights into your best-selling products, allowing you to focus your efforts on what’s driving revenue.
  • Utilize Amazon’s Business Reports: Amazon provides various reports to help you analyze your profitability. Key metrics to track include gross profit, net profit margin, and return on investment (ROI). Assessing these metrics will help you make informed decisions about pricing, inventory management, and advertising strategies.
  • Consider Using Third-Party Analytics Tools: Several third-party tools, like Jungle Scout and Helium 10, offer advanced analytics and data visualization features to help you gain deeper insights into your sales performance.

2. Monitoring Customer Metrics

Understanding your customers is essential for improving your products and customer experience. Here’s how you can monitor and analyze customer metrics:

  • Pay Attention to Customer Reviews: Amazon’s customer reviews provide valuable feedback and insights into what customers like and dislike about your products. Regularly monitor and respond to customer reviews, addressing any concerns or issues raised.
  • Analyze Customer Feedback and Ratings: Pay attention to your product ratings and feedback scores. Low ratings and negative feedback may indicate areas for improvement in your products or customer service.
  • Use Amazon’s Customer Metrics: Amazon provides metrics such as customer satisfaction (CSAT) and Customer Defect Rate (CDR) to gauge your performance in meeting customer expectations. Use these metrics to identify areas for improvement and enhance your customer experience.

3. Evaluating Advertising Campaign Performance

If you are running sponsored ads on Amazon to increase visibility and sales, it’s vital to track and evaluate the performance of your advertising campaigns. Here’s how you can do it effectively:

  • Use Amazon Advertising Reports: Amazon provides detailed reports on your advertising campaigns, including impressions, click-through rate (CTR), and cost-per-click (CPC). Monitor these metrics closely to assess the effectiveness of your campaigns and make data-driven optimizations.
  • Test Different Ad Formats and Keywords: Experiment with different ad formats, such as Sponsored Products or Sponsored Brands, and test different keywords to identify what resonates best with your target audience. Continuously optimize your campaigns based on the performance data you gather.
  • Set Advertising Goals and KPIs: Define clear advertising goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success of your campaigns. These goals may include increasing sales, driving brand visibility, or improving return on ad spend (ROAS).

By regularly monitoring your performance and metrics on Amazon, you can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimize your strategies and ultimately boost your sales and profitability.

Expanding Your Reach

Expanding Your Reach

Expanding your reach is crucial for the success of your Amazon 3P business. By venturing into new markets and exploring additional online marketplaces, you can tap into a wider customer base and increase your sales potential. Here are some strategies to help you broaden your reach and achieve greater success:

International Selling Opportunities

Expanding your reach beyond your home country can open doors to new customers and revenue streams. Amazon provides several tools and programs to help sellers expand internationally, such as:

  • Amazon Global Selling Program: This program allows you to sell your products on Amazon’s international marketplaces, reaching customers in over 180 countries. It provides access to localized product listings, customer support, and fulfillment solutions tailored to each marketplace.
  • Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) Global Export: By utilizing Amazon’s global fulfillment network, you can easily ship your products to international customers. Amazon takes care of the logistics, including import/export processes and customer returns, making it seamless for you to sell globally.
  • Marketplace-specific Programs: Some marketplaces have specific programs for international sellers. For example, Amazon Europe offers the European Fulfillment Network (EFN), which allows you to store your inventory in one European fulfillment center and fulfill orders across multiple European countries.

Amazon Global Selling Program

The Amazon Global Selling Program is an excellent opportunity to expand your reach and sell your products globally. Here’s how it works:

  1. Marketplace Selection: Choose the Amazon marketplaces you want to sell in based on factors such as customer demand, competition, and logistical considerations. Consider starting with markets that have similar language and cultural similarities to make the transition smoother.
  2. Product Localization: Adapt your product listings to the target marketplace by translating them into the local language and considering cultural nuances. Optimize your listings with relevant keywords to improve visibility in search results.
  3. Pricing and Currency: Set competitive and attractive prices that take into account currency exchange rates and local market conditions. Offering competitive pricing can help you gain an edge over local sellers and attract customers.
  4. Shipping and Fulfillment: Decide whether to fulfill orders globally using your own logistics or leverage Amazon’s FBA Global Export program for streamlined international shipping. Consider factors such as shipping costs, delivery times, and customer expectations.
  5. Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service by offering multilingual support, addressing customer inquiries promptly, and abiding by local customer protection laws. Building a positive reputation can boost sales and encourage repeat business.

Exploring Other Online Marketplaces

While Amazon is undoubtedly a powerful platform, there are other online marketplaces that can complement your Amazon presence and help you reach new customers. Consider these popular alternatives:

  • eBay: With its large customer base and global reach, eBay offers sellers an opportunity to expand their customer reach. You can sell both new and used products on eBay and benefit from its established reputation and trusted brand.
  • Walmart Marketplace: Walmart has been rapidly growing its online platform, providing a new channel for sellers to reach a different set of customers. Walmart’s marketplace focuses on quality products, competitive pricing, and a seamless customer experience.
  • Etsy: If you specialize in handmade, unique, or vintage products, Etsy is the ideal platform for reaching a niche audience. Etsy has a loyal customer base that actively seeks out one-of-a-kind items from independent sellers.
  • Shopify: While not a marketplace in itself, Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows you to create your own online store. You can integrate it with various marketplaces, including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and others, to manage your inventory and sales from a single dashboard.

Knowing your target audience and understanding the unique benefits and requirements of each marketplace will help you make informed decisions about expanding your reach.

“The key to expanding your reach lies in diversifying your selling channels. By exploring international markets and other online platforms, you can tap into new customer segments and create more avenues for revenue growth.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, selling on Amazon as a third-party seller can be a lucrative and rewarding business venture. By understanding the Amazon 3P business model and following best practices, you can capitalize on this phenomenon and maximize your success on the platform. Here are some key takeaways to remember:

  • The Amazon 3P program allows sellers to leverage the power and reach of the Amazon marketplace while maintaining control over their products and pricing.
  • Selling as a 3P seller offers advantages such as higher profitability, flexibility in pricing, and access to a wide range of marketing and promotion tools.
  • However, there are also challenges to consider, such as increased competition, the need for efficient inventory management, and the responsibility of handling customer service.
  • Setting up your Amazon 3P account involves registering as a professional seller, configuring your seller account settings, and creating compelling product listings that are optimized for search.
  • Optimizing your product listings is crucial for visibility and conversions. Conduct keyword research, write compelling product descriptions, and use high-quality images to showcase your products.
  • Pricing strategies play a vital role in your success. Analyze competitors, set prices for profitability, and offer discounts and promotions to attract customers.
  • Managing your inventory and considering fulfillment options such as using Amazon FBA can streamline your operations and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Marketing and promotions are essential for driving sales. Utilize Amazon Sponsored Ads, leverage social media channels, and collaborate with influencers to create buzz around your products.
  • Building a solid brand presence involves enhancing your visual identity, providing exceptional customer service, and actively collecting and responding to customer feedback.
  • Monitoring performance metrics is crucial for making data-driven decisions. Track sales and profitability, monitor customer metrics, and evaluate the performance of your advertising campaigns.
  • Finally, consider expanding your reach by exploring international selling opportunities, participating in the Amazon Global Selling program, and diversifying onto other online marketplaces.

By following these tips and best practices, you can position yourself for success as a third-party seller on Amazon. Remember, success on Amazon doesn’t happen overnight, but with dedication, perseverance, and a solid strategy, you can turn your business into a thriving enterprise. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the Amazon 3P Phenomenon?

    The Amazon 3P Phenomenon refers to the third-party seller ecosystem on Amazon, where independent sellers can list and sell their products through the Amazon marketplace, alongside products sold directly by Amazon (1P). It has opened up opportunities for businesses to reach a large customer base without the need for their own e-commerce platform.

  2. What are the benefits of selling as a 3P seller on Amazon?

    Some benefits of selling as a third-party seller on Amazon include access to a massive customer base, fulfillment options like FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), flexibility in pricing and promotions, and the ability to leverage Amazon’s reputation and logistics to grow your business.

  3. What are some best practices for being a successful 3P seller on Amazon?

    To be a successful 3P seller on Amazon, it is important to optimize your product listings with relevant keywords, high-quality images, and compelling descriptions. Additionally, offering competitive pricing, providing excellent customer service, regularly monitoring and managing inventory, and actively seeking customer feedback are key best practices.

  4. How can I differentiate my products as a 3P seller on Amazon?

    To differentiate your products, focus on offering unique features, high-quality images, detailed product information, and clear customer communication. Investing in branding, packaging, and positive customer reviews can also help set your products apart from competitors in the marketplace.

  5. Are there any downsides or challenges to selling as a 3P seller on Amazon?

    While selling as a 3P seller on Amazon has many advantages, there are challenges to consider. These include increased competition, potential account suspensions for policy violations, the need for diligent inventory management, and the potential for counterfeit or unauthorized sellers impacting your brand’s reputation. It’s important to stay informed and continually adapt to changes in Amazon’s policies and algorithms.

Fight Facts: 2023 PFL 5


Fight Facts is a breakdown of all of the interesting information
and cage curiosities on every card, with some puns, references and
portmanteaus to keep things fun. These deep stat dives delve into
the numbers, providing historical context and telling the stories
behind those numbers.

TOTAL NUMBER OF PFL FIGHTS: 922
TOTAL NUMBER OF PFL EVENTS: 101

The
Professional Fighters League
wrapped up the heavyweight and
women’s featherweight brackets, leaving just four competitors per
division vying for $1 million. Largely a knockout or bust night,
several dramatic sub-minute finishes were authored in
playoff-clinching performances.
PFL 5: 2023 Regular Season
featured the fastest stoppage in PFL
heavyweight history, a stunning beatdown from a former champ and a
big man who maxed out his point total.

He Folds: After trips to the PFL Championships
events in 2021 and 2022, heavyweight Ante Delija
will not even be making the playoffs this season following a
decision win over Maurice
Greene
. Delija only appeared once this year, due to injury back
in March.

Like Fighting in Gladiator Challenge: Performing
her fast finish as a PFL fighter, Larissa
Pacheco
ran through Amber
Leibrock
in 45 seconds to claim the top seed at 145 pounds. The
knockout was her sixth, tying Denis
Goltsov
– who notched his own No. 6 earlier on the card – for
the third-most in company history.

Pacheco Passing Pacheco: Pacheco set a new record
for the quickest stoppage of any female fighter to grace the PFL
cage when she decimated Leibrock at the 45-second mark. She
surpasses her own 51-second drubbing of Julija
Pajic
in 2021 with this finish.

Two-Division Champ on the Rise: The win for
Pacheco was her 10th on the roster, putting her just six victories
behind all-time leader Lance
Palmer
. The only woman with more is Kayla
Harrison
, who holds 14.

Seemingly Paid by the Second: All seven of
Pacheco’s finishes under the PFL banner have come in the opening
frame. This puts her alone in second place for the most first-round
stoppages in league history, behind just Harrison (nine).

One Massive Problema: Five seconds slower than
Pacheco, Renan
Ferreira
lamped Matheus
Scheffel
with a series of punches. “Problema” secured the no. 2
seed with his quick blitz, boosting his overall finish rate to
90%.

In, Then Out: By a matter of seconds, Aspen Ladd
kept her playoff aspirations alive for a few hours as she landed a
second-round armbar on Karolina
Sobek
. Due to an April loss to eventual four seed Olena
Kolesnyk
, the second submission of Ladd’s career did not grant
her a spot in the bracket at night’s end.

A Russian Grim Reaper: Needing just 18 seconds to
wipe out De Castro, Goltsov procured the fastest finish in PFL
heavyweight divisional history. It passed Ferreira’s 25-second
front kick of Jamelle
Jones
from 2022 to claim the top spot.

Marina Over Martins: Adding three points to her
total of eight with a decision over Evelyn
Martins
– who missed weight – Marina
Mokhnatkina
climbed to the no. 2 seed with her second win. Of
the 35 PFL fighters to compete twice this season, 10 have earned
two victories.

Black Belt on Black Belt Violence: With a barrage
of punches, Marcelo
Nunes
clobbered Danilo
Marques
to retain his 100% win rate inside the distance. It
marked the first knockout for the IBJJF champ since 2020.

Sorry Buddy: Although she ended a three-fight
skid, the decision win for Julia Budd
over Martina
Jindrova
was not enough for her to reach the playoffs. “The
Jewel” has gone to the scorecards in each of her last seven fights,
accounting for her whole PFL career and then some.

Good Luck with Pacheco Again: Beating up on
Yoko
Higashi
to claim the unanimous nod, Kolesnyk secured five
points and held the tiebreaker to snag the fourth seed at 145
pounds. She has not recorded a finish in over six years.

From Coincidence to Pattern: Staying unbeaten when
Patrick
Brady
injured his knee, Jordan
Heiderman
’s injury stoppage triumph did enough for the 7-0
fighter to get to the semifinals. Both of his knockout wins are
registered as knee injuries.

Never Say Never Again: Coming into 2023 PFL 5,
Sobek had never been finished (five fights), Higashi had never
dropped consecutive bouts (11 fights) and Martins (five fights) and
Brady (five fights) had never been defeated.

LPC DESIGNATES THREE BRONX SITES AS INDIVIDUAL LANDMARKS

Today, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) voted unanimously to designate three sites in the Bronx as individual landmarks: the Bronx Opera House, Engine Company 88/ Ladder Company 38 Firehouse, and Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau, Bronx Central Office. All three buildings are architecturally and historically significant; in designating the Bronx Opera House, the Commission cited its cultural significance, as well.

The Bronx Opera House was constructed in 1912-1913 and originally served as a stop on New York’s theatrical “Subway Circuit,” in which Broadway productions played the outer boroughs before heading out on regional or national tours. The site evolved in the 1950s as a major center of Latino/a culture and an important social gathering place for the rapidly growing Puerto Rican community in the South Bronx, with nightclubs that featured some of the biggest stars of the early Latin music and dance scene. The music produced within the walls of the Bronx Opera House would go on to influence musical culture nationwide.

Engine Company 88/ Ladder Company 38 Firehouse was constructed in 1908 to serve the growing population of the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, and to suit the more widely professionalized New York City firefighting force established after the consolidation of the five boroughs in 1898.

Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau, Bronx Central Office is one of four borough offices constructed after that consolidation, when the Fire Department of New York’s (FDNY) Manhattan-based fire alarm telegraph operations were no longer sufficient to handle the entire city’s needs. The Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau established offices in each borough, placing the buildings on large open lots within city-owned parks to avoid hazards that might impact communication. The southeastern corner of Bronx Park was chosen as the site of the Bronx Central Office and construction completed in 1915.

“As we designate these three sites as individual landmarks, we celebrate the rich history and cultural significance they hold for the Bronx and all of New York City,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Bronx Opera House, Engine Company 88/Ladder Company 38 Firehouse, and Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau, Bronx Central Office, are not just buildings, but living testaments to our past, reflecting a time of change, innovation, and the vibrant heritage of the borough. Today’s designations ensure these important chapters in the Bronx’s history are always remembered and the diverse communities that have contributed to our city’s growth and identity are forever honored.”

“These historic buildings tell the story of a time of transition and reinvention for both the Bronx and New York City as a whole, and reflect the Commission’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that designations reflect the rich heritage of every borough.” said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll.  “I’m grateful to the FDNY for their partnership in commemorating Engine Company 88/Ladder Company 38 Firehouse and Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau, Bronx Central Office, and thrilled that the Commission is honoring the Bronx Opera House for its important role in the larger narrative of the Latino/a community here.”

“The FDNY is pleased to work with New York City Landmarks and Preservation on landmarking these two locations, as they have and continue to serve a vital role to our City and the Bronx community” said New York City Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “Engine Company 88/Ladder Company 38 is celebrating 115 years of service to the Belmont section of the Bronx. Coupled with the Bronx Communications Office, with over 90 years of FDNY communications, both locations provide the infrastructure for the Bronx response. With these landmark designations, residents will continue to receive crucial emergency services in the Bronx.”

“The Bronx Opera House holds unspeakable amounts of history and cultural relevance to the East Harlem and South Bronx community” said New York City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala. “Thank you to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for designating the Bronx Opera House as a historical landmark. The building itself is part of the Latino American story here in New York City and its preservation is a reminder to all of us of the contributions made by Latino Americans throughout our City’s history.”

“We are immensely proud of the sensitive rehabilitation of the Bronx Opera House,” said Bronx Opera House Hotel General Manager Emilio Morales. “When we converted the building to a boutique hotel, we were inspired by the discovery of 1912 playbills and posters and other historical documentation on site, and carefully restored the façade, including extensive cleaning, recreation of historic features, and installation of new windows and lighting.” 

The Bronx Opera House was designed by prominent theater architect George Keister, whose work includes two other individually designated New York City landmarks: the Belasco’s Stuyvesant Theatre and the Apollo Theater. During its early years, the Bronx Opera House played host to such early Broadway stars as the Barrymores. 

From the 1950s through the 1970s, the Bronx Opera House became known for its series of nightclubs and well-known performers like Tito Rodriguez and Johnny Pacheco. Charlie Palmieri and his brother Eddie Palmieri recorded their 1961 album here, entitled “Pachanga at Club Caravana,” later credited as helping launch the Pachanga dance craze. For several decades, the Bronx Opera continued to serve the growing South Bronx’s Latino/a community with dances and concerts.

The Bronx Opera house was designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, and its striking palazzo-type tripartite front facade remains remarkably intact and prominent today in the busy “Hub” of 149th Street. The building is currently in use as a hotel and has been preserved with only minimal changes.

The two FDNY sites designated today are also still in use and remarkably intact. Engine Company 88/ Ladder Company 38 Firehouse was completed just ahead of the adoption of the standardized Model Fire House Plan in 1910 and is unique in its design – the lone example of a firehouse from the firm of Herts & Tallant, Broadway theater designers who became well-known advocates for fireproof building design. The building reflects the advances in firefighting technology of the time, designed to accommodate both horses and the more complex, mechanized firefighting equipment that began to be utilized around the turn of the century. The building is an impressive example of early 20th century civic architecture and is adorned with Prairie-style elements, including deeply set windows and a grand corbeled limestone window enframement and decorative brickwork executed in both standard and Roman brick.

The Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau, Bronx Central Office was designed by the notable Brooklyn architect Frank J. Helmle and dedicated in 1923. Clad in light brick and topped by a deep, terra-cotta cornice and hipped roof covered in Spanish tiles, its intact and highly refined Italian Renaissance Revival-style design and prominent siting at the southern edge of Bronx Park lend to its striking presence. The building continues to play an important role as part of the FDNY’s communications system.

LPC’s work is guided by its Equity Framework to ensure diversity and inclusion in designations. All three sites were identified as part of a comprehensive borough-wide survey update of the Bronx conducted last year by a dedicated LPC research team. Today’s designations are a direct outcome of that survey effort, along with the recently designated Samuel Gompers Industrial High School, as the agency continues to prioritize and advance designations in areas less well represented by landmarks.

The post LPC DESIGNATES THREE BRONX SITES AS INDIVIDUAL LANDMARKS appeared first on Real Estate Weekly.

Exclusive Video Interviews with 17 Miss International Queen 2023 Contestants


(23/06/23)
 
The Grand Finals of Miss International Queen
2023 take place on Saturday, 24 June.

The annual event at Tiffany’s Show in Pattaya,
Thailand, is the most respected and well known transgender beauty
pageant in the world.

It attracts contestants and fans from around the
globe, some of whom have had to travel for almost three days,
transiting in numerous cities just to reach the popular resort
destination located a little over 2 hours south of Bangkok.

This year, 23 contestants are competing for the
honour and dream of being crowned Miss
International Queen 2023, an accomplishment that may well change
their life.

To learn more about the contestants as people, their
motivation for taking part, their journey to reach this moment,
and why they chose Miss International Queen as a platform, Steven
Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with seventeen of them to
ask those exact questions and many more besides.

Each of the interviews, some of which required a
translator, are available in video and also podcast format below
and directly on

YouTube (link opens in a new window).

Whilst every effort was made to interview each and
every contestant, our sincere apologies do go out to those we did not have
time to speak with, and we wish each person taking part, their
families, friends and fans, the very best of luck.

The videos below are listed in the order they were
shot, with the first at the top.

High res pictures from this year’s Grand Finals will be uploaded on Saturday evening and
then gradually during the following week.

Special thanks to Siam@Siam Design Hotel in
Pattaya. To learn more about this cool property, visit the hotel’s
website


(link opens in a new window).

Miss International Queen 2023 – Exclusive Video
Interviews with 17 Contestants

Solange Dekker as Miss Netherlands at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Melody Munro as Miss USA at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Tomo as Miss Japan at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Lars Pacheco as Miss Philippines at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Zieyra Alisya as Miss Malaysia at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Adrian Reyes as Miss Canada at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Millen Cyrus as Miss Indonesia at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Kanrayany Sisouphanh as Miss Laos at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Qatrisha Zairyah as Miss Singapore at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Miranda Monasterios as Miss Venezuela at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Van Be as Miss Cambodia at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Nguyễn Hà Dịu Thảo as Miss Vietnam at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Victoria Fernandes as Miss Spain at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Ange La Murcia as Miss Colombia at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Ivanna Cazares as Miss Mexico at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Brenda Lopez as Miss Nicaragua at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

Tianna Lee Rivera as Miss Puerto Rica at Miss International Queen 2023 in Pattaya, Thailand – Interview

High res pictures from this year’s Grand Finals on Saturday will be uploaded on Saturday evening and gradually during the following week.

Review: JULIE: The musical at Hope Mill Theatre is ‘a fever dream soundtracked by kazoo filled chaos’

JULIE: The Musical

For most people, the name Julie is not synonymous with a worshipped opera singer, a renowned swordswoman or a flaming bisexual, after seeing JULIE: The Musical it will never be anything else.

Focussing on the action-packed and unpredictable life of the eponymous Julie D’Augbiny, JULIE: The Musical feels like a fever dream as it condenses her life into two hours of kazoo-filled chaos complete with dead nuns and plenty of illegal duels.

After running away from her husband with her fencing master, Julie D’Augbiny explodes on the Paris Opera scene and quickly gains a reputation for her natural talent and affinity for trouble that comes to define her life and legacy.

By my count, there are at least fifteen roles played by a cast of five. Despite this almost insane division of parts, JULIE: The Musical feels like every actor is in a leading role.

Fantastic Sam Kearney-Edwards

Sam Kearney-Edwards is (Beanstalk!) fantastic as Julie. Moving between emotional and hilarious with ease all while belting out operatic arias. They had the audience in the palm of their hand and seemed truly comfortable in this role.

Georgia Liela Stoller (Carrie: The Musical) has a beautiful voice and transitions from lecherous fencing instructor to the most beautiful woman in France in the blink of an eye.

Sophie Coward

Sophie Coward (Giraffes Can’t Dance) wears many hats (and false moustaches) including stage manager, and excels at all of them. Each character she plays is distinct but never blurs together. Her performance provides many laughs and is one of the most memorable aspects of the musical.

Alexander Tilley (Our Island) stole many a scene as the prima donna farm boy turned Opera star Thevenard. Tilley is naturally talented and incredibly funny.

Fabian Soto Pacheco (9 to 5) masters several accents with ease and switches from guitar to percussion back to kazoo all in the space of a song. They add so much to every scene and, along with everyone else, he is indispensable.

The set design (Rebecca Cox) is extremely sparse but very effective. With just a well-placed chaise lounge and a few feather boas, the settings mentioned are conjured from thin air. Whether it’s a convent ablaze or a dusty road on the way to Paris, nothing seems out of reach.

With music, book and lyrics by writer/ director Abey Bradbury, the songs in JULIE: The Musical are truly an eclectic mix. Mainly, they are reminiscent of an Off-Broadway show from the late 1990’s/ early 2000’s- think Spring Awakening but with more kazoos.

Right from the start, the pace is breakneck. This can make the story a little hard to follow at times but as long as you go with the flow you’ll be absolutely fine. The story doesn’t feel rushed, but rather purposefully turbulent to reflect Julie’s own life.

The lighting directs the audience’s attention and lends to the general air of debauchery. In addition to this, it often provides a punchline.

The costumes (designed by Abey Bradbury and Rebecca Cox) are an anachronistic mix of platform boots and corsets that the real Julie D’Aubigny would probably delight at. Each outfit feels intentionally designed to invoke the general feel of a French court with all the joy of playing dress up as a child.

JULIE: The Musical is a love letter to a forgotten icon and a testament to the power of queer people telling queer stories.

For so long, our contributions and achievements have been ignored or belittled, but JULIE: The Musical celebrates all of Julie D’Augbiny’s. No Matter how messy they may have been. JULIE: The Musical is a love letter to the person we know Julie was and who she might have been.

JULIE: The Musical is at Hope Mill Theatre until  24th June 2023.

Tickets are available by clicking here.

Who is running in the June primary in NYC? – Gothamist

Polls open across New York City on Saturday, marking the start of early voting for the June 27 primary election that will determine the nominees for the general election in November.

There are contests taking place in all boroughs except Staten Island— with more than 2.5 million eligible voters, according to the New York City Board of Elections.

To vote, New Yorkers must be registered with a party and reside in a district holding a primary. The last day to register is Saturday, June 17. To learn more about whether you can vote and how to do it, check out a handy checklist Gothamist put together here.

District attorney races

There are two state office primaries to select the district attorney nominee for Democrats in the Bronx and Queens. In those contests, the candidate with the most votes wins. That traditional system for tallying votes will also be used for the handful of judicial contests and party positions that may also be on your ballot. Here are the candidates in the DA races:

Queens DA

Darcel D. Clark (incumbent)

City Council races

Meanwhile, ranked-choice voting will be used to determine the winners of the 26 City Council primary contests. The system of ranked-choice voting was adopted by voters in 2019 and has been used for primary and special elections for city elected offices since 2021. That means ranked-choice voting is currently only used in elections for theCity Council, borough presidents, city comptroller, public advocate and mayor.

Under the city’s ranked-choice voting system, voters can select up to five candidates in order of preference. When the results are tallied, candidates with the fewest votes are eliminated. Those ballots are then transferred to the voters’ second choices. Rounds of tallies continue until one candidate has more than 50% of the vote.

Candidates were elected to the City Council two years ago. But new district maps brought about by redistricting shifted the lines across the city. All 51 councilmembers need to run for their seats again this year, but not all incumbents face primary challengers.

You can read more about each candidate and the top issues they’re focused on at nycvotes.org.

Races Gothamist is watching

The races for the 1st, 9th and 43rd Council Districts are particularly competitive.

In the 1st Council District, which covers Lower Manhattan, first-term incumbent Christopher Marte is facing three challengers — Ursila Jung, Susan Lee and Pooi Stewart. Lee and Jung cross-endorsed each other, urging voters to rank them first and second as part of a strategy to oust Marte.

The race in the 9th Council District, which comprises Central Harlem, has also become increasingly competitive. Incumbent Kristin Richardson Jordan won’t be seeking re-election, leaving the seat open for a new leader. The race has offered a unique look into the state of Harlem politics. Yusef Salaam, a member of the exonerated Central Park Five, is a new entrant into city politics. He and one of his opponents, Assemblymember Al Taylor, recently endorsed each other as their No. 2 choices under the ranked-choice voting system against their rival, Assemblymember Inez Dickens.

After maps were redrawn last year, the 43rd District — which covers the south Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and Bath Beach — became the city’s newest majority Asian City Council district. It’s also home to one of the city’s most competitive Council races. The district’s five candidates — Democrats Wai Yee Chan, Stanley Ng and Susan Zhuang, and Republicans Ying Tan and Chingkit Ho – are all of Asian descent, and have framed their campaigns around addressing public safety and education. Though Republicans usually don’t fare well in New York City elections, voter turnout data shows the newly drawn 43rd District could be friendly for the two Republicans running.

Find your poll site and your sample ballot at vote.nyc, and check out the full list of candidates in the Council races here:

1st Council District: Lower Manhattan including the Financial District, Battery Park, SoHo, Tribeca, Chinatown and the Lower East Side

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Pooi Stewart, Christopher Marte (incumbent), Susan Lee, Ursila Jung

2nd Council district: Areas of Manhattan including the East Village, Union Square, Flatiron and Murray Hill

Party: Democrats

Candidates: Carlina Rivera (incumbent). Allie Ryan

9th Council District: Central Harlem, Manhattan

Candidates: Kristin R. Jordan (incumbent), Al Taylor, Inez E. Dickens, Yusef Salaam

10th Council District: Washington Heights, Manhattan

Candidates: Guillermo A. Perez, Carmen N. De La Rosa (incumbent),

12th Council District: Northern areas of the Bronx including Wakefield, Baychester, Eastchester, Edenwald, Williamsbridge and Co-op City

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Kevin C. Riley (incumbent), Pamela A. Hamilton-Johnson, Aisha Hernandez Ahmed

13th Council District: Northeastern Bronx neighborhoods including Country Club, City Island, Edgewater Park, Morris Park, Pelham Bay and Throgs Neck

Party: Democrat, Republican and Conservative

Candidates (Democratic Primary): Marjorie Velazquez (incumbent), Irene Estrada, Bernadette Ferrara, John Perez

Candidates (Republican Primary): Kristy Marmorato, George Havranek, Hasime Samantha Zherka

Candidates (Conservative Primary): Kristy Marmorato, George Havranek, Hasime Samantha Zherka

14th Council District: Bronx neighborhoods including Morris Heights, University Heights and Fordham

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Rachel T. Miller-Bradshaw, Pierina A. Sanchez (incumbent)

19th Council District: Queens neighborhoods including Whitestone, College Point, Beechhurst and Clearview

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Paul D. Graziano, Christopher S. Bae, Tony Avella

20th Council District: Queens neighborhoods including Flushing, Murray Hill and Queensboro Hill

Party: Republican

Candidates: Dany Chen, Yu-Ching James Pai

22nd Council District: Queens neighborhoods including Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Woodside

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Tiffany L. Cabán (incumbent), Charles A. Castro

23rd Council District: Queens neighborhoods including Bayside Hills, Bellerose, Douglaston, Floral Park, Fresh Meadows, Glen Oaks, Hollis, Hollis Hills, Holliswood, Little Neck, New Hyde Park, Oakland Gardens and Queens Village

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Steve Behar, Rubaiya Rahman, Linda Lee (incumbent)

25th Council District: Queens neighborhoods including Elmhurst, Jackson Heights

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Ricardo Pacheco, Shekar Krishnan (incumbent), Fatima Baryab

26th Council District: Queens neighborhoods including Sunnyside, Woodside, Long Island City, Astoria, Dutch Kills and Maspeth

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Hailie Kim, Julie Won (incumbent)

29th Council District: Queens neighborhoods including Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Sukhi Singh, Ethan Felder, Lynn C. Schulman

34th Council District: Made up mostly of Williamsburg and Bushwick in Brooklyn and Ridgewood in Queens

Candidates: Jennifer Gutierrez (incumbent), Paperboy Love Prince

41st Council District: Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Ocean Hill-Brownsville, East Flatbush and Crown Heights

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Darlene Mealy (incumbent), Joyce D. Shearin, Isis McIntosh Green, Reginald Bowman

42nd Council District: Brooklyn neighborhoods of East New York, New Lots, Remsen Village, Spring Creek and Starrett City

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Charles Barron (Incumbent), Jamilah Rose, Chris Banks

43rd Council District: Brooklyn neighborhoods of Sunset Park, Borough Park, Bensonhurst and Bath Beach

Party: Democrat and Republican

Candidates (Democratic primary): Stanley Ng, Wai-Yee Chan, Susan Zhuang

Candidates (Republican candidates): Vito LaBella, Ying Tan

44th Council District: Brooklyn neighborhoods including Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Midwood, Ocean Parkway and Gravesend

Candidates: Kalman Yeger (incumbent), Heshy Tischler

47th Council District: Brooklyn neighborhoods including parts of Bay Ridge snaking into Sea Gate

Party: Republican

Candidates: Anna Belfiore-Delfaus, Ari Kagan (incumbent), Avery N. Pereira

48th Council District: Brooklyn neighborhoods including Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Midwood and Ocean Parkway

Party: Republican

Candidates: Igor Kazatsker, Inna Vernikov (incumbent)

Judicial races

Civil court judges serve 10-year terms and hear cases on a wide variety of matters including civil disputes of up to $50,000 — a threshold that doubled starting last year. They can also serve on criminal and family court and often serve as acting state Supreme Court justices.

Though candidates for judge must fundraise and campaign for office, they can not take positions on specific issues. While there may be multiplate vacancies a year, voters are only asked to make a choice in contests where a party-endorsed candidate faces a challenger.

Judge of the Civil Court – Manhattan – 1st Municipal Court District: Covers Lower Manhattan up to 14th Street on the west side.

Party: Democrat
Candidates: David Alan Fraiden, Lauren L. Esposito

Judge of the Civil Court – Brooklyn: countywide

Party: Democrat
Candidates: Turquoise Haskin, Linda Wilson

Judge of the Civil Court – Queens: countywide

Candidates: Sandra Perez, Marianne Gonzalez

Judge of the Civil Court – District – 6th Municipal Court District – Queens: Covers portions of northeast Queens

Party: Democrat

Candidates: Steven T. Beard, Evelyn Gong, John Ciafone

Other party positions

Delegates and Alternates to the Judicial Convention

Judicial delegates represent their Assembly district at judicial nominating conventions, where they select nominees for judges to the state Supreme Court. Democrats will see candidates for judicial delegates and alternate delegates in parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

County Committee

County committee members are part of the local party organization. Democrats in Manhattan and Republicans in the Bronx will select county committee members.

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