Capt. Steve Ruda said paramedics responded to a call at Jackson’s home around 12:26 p.m. He was not breathing when they arrived. The parademics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda told The Times.  He died at 2:06PM - June 25, 2009

No matter what your views may be of Michael Jackson’s private/public life, can we all agree that his contribution to the world of entertainment has been enormous?  My take on this question is YES!  His breakthrough music, his single-handed making of MTV, and the revolution he created with music videos was the stuff that influenced the world of entertainment forever.  Today’s news was a real shocker for the world of entertainment - not just with the death of Michael Jackson, but also the death of Farah Fossett.  Plus, Ed McMann dieing earlier this week was hopefully the end of “things come in threes”.  This is what we know.

Paramedics were called to a home on the 100 block of Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard. Jackson rented the Bel Air home for $100,000 a month. It was described as a French chateau estate built in 2002 with seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and a theater.  The news comes as Jackson, 50, was attempting a comeback after years of tabloid headlines, most notably his trial and acquittal on child molestation charges.  In May, The Times reported that Jackson had rented the Bel Air residence and was rehearsing for a series of 50 sold-out shows in London’s O2 Arena. Jackson had won the backing of two billionaires to get the so-called “King of Pop” back on stage.     –Andrew Blankstein and Phil Willon Read the rest of this entry »

When a yacht leaves the docks for sailing adventure, the family and friends of the crew are standing on the dock waving your hands goodbye, and shouting “Do not be fearful!”  This well known sailor’s mantra is because the crew have no idea what is going to happen during their voyage. 

This phrase, “Do not be fearful,”  is in many aspects of my life, not just sailing.  How about real estate today.  It is the phrase that is used by both the crew and the family and friends staying behind.  My experience with this mantra is based on the fact that no one knows what will ever happen on a sailing adventure.  The only certainty this is known by the crew and their family and friends is the latitude and longitude of the destination of the voyage.  What happens from the moment you set sail to the moment you drop anchor at your destination is what is called “a sailing adventure”,  or maybe we could substitute it with a business phrase - “a real estate adventure.” Read the rest of this entry »

So how does a surfer kid from Southern California end up falling in love with the Caribbean?  Have you ever seen the surfing opportunities in Barbados and Tortola?  If your answer is YES, then you know the other answer, too.

I arrived in Redondo Beach  in 1948, and lived on the beach for the first 21 years of my life.  I thought it was normal to live a block from the pier and enjoy all the Pacific Ocean offered - everyday!  I thought all things connected to the Pacific Ocean were normal - sailing, surfing, diving, beach volleyball, pier fishing, boat deliveries to Mexico, and a hundred more activities.  In hindsight I was one the luckiest kids I know because of growing up with amazing experiences connected to the Pacific Ocean - every day.  I had no idea that my love for the ocean would lead me to the Caribbean Islands and then create an international real estate company. Read the rest of this entry »

Kids and the Caribbean are quite a pair!

The Caribbean is not just a place for adults to vacation and play.

Your kids are completely aware of the Caribbean.  Ask them if they have watched the movie Pirates Of The Caribbean .  I know many of you have never been to the Caribbean.  Your kids are now asking that you take them there for your next vacation.  I have done my homework, so here are some suggested Caribbean destinations for your first or next visit: Read the rest of this entry »

What does it take to create a memorable moment for the world you touch each day?

I was minding my own business yesterday, waiting in line for a sandwich at my favorite deli at Lunardi’s Market.  Pamela, one of the ladies that always is smiling and engaging who makes my sandwiches, welcomed me back to the deli.  I had just returned from the VICL Boat Show the week before.  After she made my sandwich she said she had something for me and asked me to wait just a moment.  She went in the back of the store and came out with a DVD of the movie “Pay It Forward”.  She asked that I watch the movie and return it to her the next time I came in for a sandwich.  I thanked her for her thoughtfulness, and let her know I had already seen the movie.  She asked me to please watch it again. I took the DVD from her and promised I would.

So, a moment later I walked to the check out counter and Denise was there to ring me up.  I fumbled around in my pockets and realized I had forgotten to put my wallet and money in my pants when I left the house.  I embarrassingly let Denise know I had no money, but I told her I would go back home and get some cash if she would just keep the sandwich at her check out stand until I returned.  She said, “No problem. I will pay for your sandwich today. Next time you’re in the store just pay me back.”  I was blown away by her random act of kindness.  I hurried home and came right back to the store to repay Denise within a half hour.

It takes so little to create an unforgettable moment for our customers - whether they are charter yacht vacation guests, real estate clients, or just one of the retail stores on or off island.  Just so you know, I have this experience all the time in the Caribbean.  The locals in the Caribbean are some of the kindest people I know.  Maybe that is one of the reasons I love it so much down there, and keep coming back. 

My question today is,  what are you doing to create unforgettable memories each day for the world in which you live in?  Please rent “Pay It Forward” and watch it. Also, click on “Johnny’s Story” right now in order to see “service above self” in action.  Take a moment and leave me some of your extraordinary customer service stories.

There is a very BIG disappointment In the sighting of your home port in the Caribbean islands after a week of decadence on a chartered yacht vacation!

It is always a challenge to end a crewed charter sailing vacation in the Caribbean.  It is when you know you are going back to the mainland.

Usually on the third or fourth day of a charter vacation in the Caribbean the watches seem to disappear, the conversation slows down, and books seem to be read at galactic speed in between the snorkeling and SCUBA diving. There is an amazing transformation that happens when you are in a tropical paradise on a yacht while being pampered 24 hours a day by your captain and 1st Mate, and 5-star chef.

Mark Twain was on a Caribbean voyage a 75 years ago and had a similar experience. This is how he described the moment when the yacht was coming into port:

“There is no unhappiness like the misery of sighting land after a cheerful and carefree voyage.”

I can’t tell you how many times this has been my experience.  Have you had a similar experience when you have ended your charter yacht vacation, or, really, any unforgettable vacation? Let me know your thoughts… Again, if you are on-island in St. Thomas the first week or so of November, look me up at Yacht Haven Grande during the VICL Caribbean Charter Boat Show.  I have done the internet reporting for this amazing week of previewing the most luxurious charter vacation yachts in the Caribbean.  And…I we would be glad to be your guide in setting up your Caribbean charter yacht vacation.

Jim Walberg’s 2009 real estate predictions during the Caribbean Hurricane Season are ready for your review.  It is the BEST time to buy real estate, because it is considered the “off-season” for people visiting the Caribbean.

The “slow season” in the Caribbean is connected to the start and finish of the official hurricane season - June 1^st to November 30^th.  There are many people who live in the Caribbean only six months a year and move off-island June 1^st.  In addition, the crewed charter yacht industry typically end their charter season near the end of June.  There are a few yachts that charter all the way through August, but is it rare.  AND, it is my favorite time of year to assist Buyers who want a piece of Paradise because there are always some great bargains. Read the rest of this entry »

Yes, you can enjoy Jim Walberg’s Caribbean Paradise without owning a Fractional deeded ownership,  home, townhome, or villa.  Your alternative is a luxury Caribbean rental.

Those of you who enjoy a visit to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands are going to LOVE the luxury rental I discovered a few weeks ago.  In fact, I have stood on the deck and enjoyed the sunrise over American Yacht Harbor  in Red Hook - a magnificent sight!  This luxury rental is named “Harbor House”, and it sits on the hillside above the harbor. Read the rest of this entry »

In the midst of one of the world’s worst economic crisis, the ultra-luxury super yachts are not only thriving, they are flourishing!  Here is Jim Walberg’s 2009 update on this necessary item for the truly wealthy.

OK, so the venue was St. Bart’s “Bucket Regatta” last March.  The scene is one that would take the breath away of any sailor worth his/her salt - there was not enough room in the massive marina of Gustavia Harbor to dock just 35 super yachts!!!  The St. Bart’s Bucket Cup is the time each year for the super rich to keep things in perspective - SPEND. Read the rest of this entry »

Jim Walberg  has just discovered one of the most decadent and luxurious chartered sailing vacations in the Caribbean - just for two people in Paradise!

So, I was having a discussion last week with Chris and Julie, who own s/y Felicia - the Privilege 65 catamaran based in the BVI.  They told me about their dear friends, Ed and Natalie who have been sailing the Caribbean since 1994, and have created an ultra-luxury chartered sailing vacation experience in the Las Aves - an eight island chain just off of Bonaire , on their 52′ high-performance sloop, s/y Safari.  I LOVE new sailing adventures so my curiosity got the best of me.  I called Ed and Natalie up on Skype  and began an amazing series of conversations about what they have created for their very discerning guests.  What I discovered was SO exciting that I needed to share it with all of you immediately.  Here goes… Read the rest of this entry »