PERSONALITIES

The Story of Trader Vic  — Bergeron, Victor J (1902-1984) Andreas Augustin

The Story of Trader Vic — Bergeron, Victor J (1902-1984)

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Victor J (Trader Vic) Bergeron was an irascible, one-legged genius, who founded a multimillion-dollar food and drink empire called Trader Vic’s. While everybody believed his restaurants originated in Polynesia, Victor was actually born in San Francisco. He had not lost his left leg to a shark, but amputated when he was six to prevent his death from tuberculosis of the knee.

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Feuilleton 347 - Ritzy Things You Should Know Andreas Augustin

Feuilleton 347 - Ritzy Things You Should Know

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Putting on the Ritz and others: Have you ever asked yourself what “Puttin' on the Ritz“ means? Or where the name „Ritz-Carlton“ originated. Glad you asked.

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Vaslav Nijinsky: A Ballet Dancer’s Christmas Carol PERSONALITIES

Vaslav Nijinsky: A Ballet Dancer’s Christmas Carol

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In 1916, at the height of the so called Great War, the 'God of Dance', Vaslav Nijinsky, found himself and his little family stranded in Vienna.

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Metropole Hanoi: bunker discovered HOTELS

Metropole Hanoi: bunker discovered

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Kai Speth, the general manager of the Hotel Metropole in Hanoi was all excited. Many years ago I had written a book about the history of the Hotel Metropole in Hanoi. There were rumours about a bunker in the courtyard, a relic from the American War.

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RENÉ AUGUSTE CAILLIÉ — From Here to Timbuktu PERSONALITIES

RENÉ AUGUSTE CAILLIÉ — From Here to Timbuktu

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Timbuktu is widely used to describe a place extremely far away and regarded by many as a myth. In reality it's a city in Mali, West Africa, of such great historical importance that in 1988 it was designated a World Heritage Site.

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Writers at Hotels: Oscar Wilde PERSONALITIES

Writers at Hotels: Oscar Wilde

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Wilde scorned the idea of plumbed-in washstands with running cold and hot water at the Savoy: ‘What is it good for? If I want hot water, I call for it.’

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I need not have any money! PERSONALITIES

I need not have any money!

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If you think you have seen them all, read this one. Around 1960, it was sent to the proprietress of the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Germaine Krull, who remembers: ‘Our bill collectors had their problems. One debtor had left the French Embassy as an address and, ...

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Fired - Unfit for Hitler PERSONALITIES

Fired - Unfit for Hitler

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During the takeover of Austria in 1938, the Imperial's general manager is considered unfit to receive Hitler.

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The Great César — Life and Times of César Ritz PERSONALITIES

The Great César — Life and Times of César Ritz

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César Ritz, born in the Swiss village of Niederwald on 23 February 1850, began his hotel career at the age of 15 in Switzerland. He was considered until for the trade, and rose to become the world’s first true international hotelier.

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Wanderwell, Aloha PERSONALITIES

Wanderwell, Aloha

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Aloha Wanderwell – nomen est omen – was a Canadian adventurer and the first woman to drive around the world in a customised Model T Ford.

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Carte, Richard D’Oyly PERSONALITIES

Carte, Richard D’Oyly

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Richard Carte – D’Oyly was his middle name – was born in London’s Soho on 3 May 1844, The entrepreneur built The Savoy Hotel, London.

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William Cornelius Van Horne (1843-1915) PERSONALITIES

William Cornelius Van Horne (1843-1915)

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If you can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists." William Cornelius Van Horne, renaissance man — amateur geologist, first-rate gardener, caricaturist, conjuror, mind reader, violinist, practical joker, gourmet and marathon poker player.

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