2.8 MB PDF - Saturday Briefing - Outrigger Hotels and Resorts

Happy Birthday!August 15: Meng Lun S. Li, Virginia S. Asakawa, JoseRandy R. Oberes, Diane L. Lau, Brian M. Miyamoto, CarolGilormo, Sammy Galiendes, Zenaida Delima, Ryan Serrano,Ganeshwar Reddy, Nanise Ralagi, Nemani Nauca andMohammed Zainal.August 16: Nida S. Constantino, Maryann D. Valois, JunHwan Lee, Hitomi M. Saunders, Debra L. Miles, Elena C.Breckels, Eric Van Chau, Qiqiaoliu Tong, Estrella A. Sablan,Eufemia F. Ereno, Patinya Chompu, Bienna Alcoran, TitiliaAdi Koro and Mohammed Nafiz.August 17: Reynaldo L. Presiados, Maxim Guan, Julita R.Sadang, Kenneth W.K. Kan, Kupaianaha R.N. Keahi, ThomasC. Zylstra, Matthew Adam Rowbottom, Robyn Collard,Muhammed Ali, Jolame Nailiko and Wayan Krisnawati.August 18: Jay Y. Cuaresma, Yuk Lan C. Lau, Leigh E.Bernard, John T. Miyashita, Chiu Leung Pang, Yong YuanFang, Larry Lasconia, Melvin Fiesta, Stuart M. Nakai, SaraY. Kamada, Kan Miao Chee, Nutthapong Puangkaew,Wutthichai Prachum, Barry Rowles, Asivurusi Toge, ManoaTuiloma, Neumi Waqe, Ashnil Gopal and Sakiusa Raiyawa.August 19: Reynante S. Guillermo, Judith Rapaich, AmyE.M.C. Honey, Shao Ling Huang, Hipolita A. Rosete, MarkGeovannie B. Ramos, Mariano Doculan, James Kumar andJope Radrodro.August 20: Dawn A. Kurisu, Bryan V. Tumacder, ElmanN. Pagaduan, David T.W.S. Nishi, Kathleen K. Copp, RikaKawanoue, Rosalinda Oraa, Summer L. Flores Yoro, AreewatNualla-Ong, Jason Smith, Renee Roberts, Jarrod Rebanal,Asena Ala, Vasiti Qaraniqio, Kinisimere Lewaqera, SetarikiNaicovu, and Divashree Sharma.August 21: Juana S. Guzman, Visitacion V. Blaine, Zi JingHuang, Christopher A.K. Freitas, Jian Ying Zhang, PatchareeChanantho, John Percy, Deborah Fong and William Thaggard.Saturday Briefing is publishedby and for employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG)Saturday BriefingPage 2Editor-In-Chief:Supervising Editor:Senior Editor:Proofing Assistant:Contributing Writers:Richard KelleyPila HansonKathy FoleyChar LuningEmployees of OEGVisit us online at: www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.comSubmissions to Kathy Foley at kathysb@outrigger.com,via interoffice mail to OEH/HR,or by phone at (808) 921-6957.© 2012 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii An Equal Opportunity EmployerEmployment OpportunitiesIf you are interested in the positions listed below and meetthe qualifications, you may apply online. Please go to WWW.OUTRIGGER.COM, click on ABOUT OUTRIGGER,then EMPLOYMENT. We only accept online applicationsfor the open-listed positions from internal candidates. Ifyou have any questions, please call Chad Teramae at (808)921-6989. Application deadline for the following positions isAugust 10, 2012.Guest Services Representative (On-Call)A minimum of one year customer service and cashieringexperience, preferably in the hospitality industry required.Must have basic computer skills and be able to type 30 wpm.Must also be a team player with excellent communicationskills and ability to work any day and shift.Cook (On-Call)A minimum of two years previous experience as a cook inthe hospitality or restaurant industry required. Must be ableto prepare all menu food items according to standard recipe.Must also be able to lift and/or move heavy food productsweighing up to 50 lbs and with the use of hand truck or cart,up to 200 lbs. Must be able to work any day and shift.Promotions inProperty ServicesContinued from page 1Married with two daughters, Hailey (10) and Rylie (5),Debbie keeps up with her very active family and volunteersas a “team mom” for her kids’ multiple sports. Some of herfavorite activities, when time permits, are painting children’sfurniture, traveling, taking long naps and spending time withfriends and family with lots of good food!Vice President, Property Services, Dave Lee adds, “Mycongratulations to both Debbie and Renee. Both are expertsin their respective fields and both display an enthusiasm fortheir projects that makes working with them an enjoyableeveryday experience.”Congratulations and well deserved, Renee and Debbie!

Welcome to the Outrigger ‘Ohana, Kevin Lanning!I join Human Resources in welcoming Kevin Lanning tothe Outrigger ‘ohana as Executive Sous Chef at the KeauhouBeach Resort (KBR).Kevin comes to us from Seattle, where he has beenworking in hotels and restaurants since he was 16 years old. Hecompleted his chef apprenticeship while working for DoubletreeHotels and continued on with them for eight years.In his role as Executive Sous Chef, Kevin is in charge ofthe Kitchen and Stewarding departments that service three ofour food outlets, including banquets. Kevin is already hardat work producing new menus for implementation at KBR’sbeach café Kalanikai and the Veranda Lounge. Later thisyear, Kevin is looking forward to creating a new a la cartebreakfast menu and new banquet menus for 2013.On the personal front, Kevin has made Hawai‘i Islandhis home for just about a year now and is continuing tomake professional connections. Earlier this year, he won oneof the best category awards at the Sam Choy Keauhou PokeContest and said it was truly an honor for a “newcomer.”Kevin is married with two grown children who residein Seattle and who have followed in his footsteps as cooks.By Barry WallaceOutrigger Programs Win PRSA-Hawai‘i RecognitionBy Nancy DanielsTeri Orton, Monica Salter (Bennet Group Public Relations), Susan Koehler,Kathy Hansberry, Nancy Daniels and Noel Nicholas (Bennet Group)Free time isoften spent atKahalu‘u Beachsnorkeling orrelaxing in hiscabin aboveKekahakaiState Parkworking on hisblues guitartechnique.Always, he says,he is cookingsomethingat home.Kevin LanningWe arethrilled to havesomeone of Kevin’s caliber on board and are looking forwardto grand reviews from both locals and guests as they enjoythe food & beverage fare offered at Keauhou Beach Resort.Congratulations and welcome, Kevin!On July 26, the Public Relations Societyof America-Hawaii Chapter (PRSA Hawai‘i)recognized Hawai‘i’s top public relationscampaigns and tactics of 2011 at the 29thannual Koa Anvil Awards dinner at theHawai‘i Prince Hotel Waikiki and GolfClub. I am happy to report that two of theevening’s awards were presented to our publicrelations agency representative, Monica Salterof Bennet Group Strategic Communications,for programs executed on behalf of OutriggerHotels and Resorts.The first award recognized a very successfulsweepstakes the agency coordinated on ourbehalf with the national publication “BetterHomes & Gardens.” This effort garnered aKoa Hammer Award of Excellence, whichrecognizes outstanding public relations tacticsthat are part of a communications campaign,including research and writing. Teri Orton, VicePresident, Condominium Resort Marketing, joined Monica on stage to accept the award.The PR efforts to promote the Embassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach Walk®’s “Suite-est Deal” package received a Koa AnvilAward of Excellence. This award recognizes complete public relations programs incorporating sound research, planning,execution and evaluation. Joining Monica on stage to accept the award was Susan Koehler, Director of Sales & Marketing forEmbassy Suites® - Waikiki Beach Walk®.Awards are always satisfying to receive but the recognition is even more meaningful when it comes from professional peers.Congratulations and mahalo to Monica and the Bennet Group team for all their efforts on behalf of Outrigger Hotels and Resorts.Saturday BriefingPage 3

This month’s LivingWellexecutive featured is ourExecutive Vice Presidentof Hospitality ServicesBarry Wallace.Barry’s favorite exercisesare walking and biking.“I walk fast, (it’s likegolf, but without theaggravation) and bikeslowly. Either way, I enjoyseeing what is going onaround town.”Learning to “LiveWell”Olympians Laura Wilkinson and Apolo Anton Ohno with Barryand Nancy Wallace at the London Olympic GamesBarry and his wife Nancy walk together every Saturday and Sunday andoccasionally during the week. They cover about 5 miles in a little over anhour and have a couple of favorite routes. One is Diamond Head, Kapi‘olaniPark, the Zoo, the Aquarium and so on. The other is from their home nearthe Blaisdell Center and includes Aloha Tower and downtown or Ala MoanaPark and Waikīkī. Occasionally they’ll walk a long one - Tantalus and RoundTop (about 2-1/2 hours, 11 miles.) Favorite scenic walks are inside DiamondHead, Makapu‘u Lighthouse trail or the Nature Center trail. “Walking gives usdedicated time together to decompress, discuss and laugh. We also do thesethings over dinner with friends, which is our preferred form of relaxation. Infact, we enjoy entertaining and hosting groups of people; we like seeing hownew friendships form, who has what in common with whom, and finding outcommon interests shared by those who don’t usually hang around together.”Barry enjoys biking outside as well. He says, “I bike slowly because I use thetime to see what’s happening around Honolulu. We don’t have a very good bikepath network in Honolulu such as they do in Washington, D.C., or other cities.If one wants to cover much distance riding around Honolulu, one is limitedto certain off peak times and routes. I prefer riding flat courses and to cruisethe waterfronts and parks, while people are recreating (and during hours I amawake.) I like to ride along the shore on various courses from Hawai‘i Kai toAloha Tower.”Barry shares that “both walking and biking are great ways to see new cities. Ihighly recommend a bike trip across the Golden Gate Bridge or a walk acrossthe Brooklyn Bridge. In fact, Manhattan is a terrific city in which to walk; eastside from the UN down to Battery Park and West side from Chelsea Pier toBattery Park. Don’t overlook the Highline, a restored elevated train track, now a20-block-long bustling walkway with lots of retail and restaurant activity.”“As for exercises I want to try, I am reminded of a comment from Dr. Chuckwhen he learned that I don’t play tennis. He said, ‘How lucky you are to haveyet another sport still to learn.’ There are many sports I have yet to learn butpresently I am interested to learn paddle boarding.”“If I had a few hours to exercise, I would like tokayak on still waters,” and to relax, Barry readsfiction and lots of it.Past “glories” include lettering in football,swimming and lacrosse in high school.“Healthy eating is definitely part of my life. Assome of you know, I have been a Type 1 Diabeticfor 20 years. This is a complicated condition thatrequires constant maintenance and balancingof one’s diet. This is also known as JuvenileDiabetes, a condition very different from themore prevalent condition, called Type 2 diabetes,resulting from lifestyle and often age.“For those who would like to know more, clickon www.jdrf.org. JDRF is a research organizationdedicated to eradicating Juvenile Diabetes. Forthose with interest in the more prevalent Type2 diabetes, click on http://www.diabetes.org/,a link to the American Diabetes Association,dedicated to educating people about managingthis condition.”“One of my favorite recipes is for a type of dill picklethat is quite healthy. Here it is: it allows lots ofexperimentation and individualization. Enjoy!”almosthands-freedill picklesTHE KEY TO CRISP, JUICYSPEARS? PLACE IN JAR. WAITA DAY. THAT’S ABOUT IT.HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MINUTESTOTAL TIME: 1 DAY • MAKES 16 SPEARS4 Kirby cucumbers (about 1 pound), quartered lengthwise3/4 cup white wine vinegar1/4 small sweet onion (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla), thinly sliced2 cloves garlic, smashed2 tablespoons sugar1 teaspoon dill seed1 teaspoon black peppercorns1 bay leafKosher saltPlace the cucumbers in a 1-quart jar or some other container with a tight-fitting lid.In a bowl, combine the vinegar, onion, garlic, sugar, dill seed, peppercorns, bay leaf, 2teaspoons salt, and 3/4 cup hot tap water. Still until the sugar dissolves.Pour the vinegar mixture into the jar with the cucumbers, cover, and refrigerate forat least 1 day before serving. The pickles will last up to a week.recipe: Sara Quessenberryphoto: Christopher BakerContinued on page 4Saturday BriefingPage 4

Continued from page 4Lunch and LearnAugust 15, 2012OEH Lobby Conference Room12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.Goings On in GuamBy Lisa LenckowskiThe Guam Territorial Band (GTB) Summer MusicSeries was held at the Outrigger Guam Resort during themonth of July. GTB junior members were showcased withperformances to music featuring inspirational classics torhythmic island beats. The GTB Summer Music Seriesentertained hotel guests and patrons in the lobby onTuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to complete the Ina’famaolek (hospitality) experience.Speaker:Ken ZeriPresident & CPOHospice Hawai‘i is an organization made up of ‘ohana who aretrained and committed caregivers and dedicated to providingsupport to patients with life-limited illness and their families.Hospice Hawai‘i’s goal is to help those in their care experiencea meaningful end-of-life journey, to ensure their comfort, theirdignity, and to do everything they can to keep them free frompain and suffering.Please join us to learn more about what Hospice Hawai‘i canprovide for you and your family.Heart & Sole WalkWednesday, August 15 • 5:15 p.m.OHANA Waikiki East • Bell DeskPlease join us for a 45-minute to one-hour walkaround Waikīkī.Back: B. Padua, T. Dominguez, J. McDonald, A. Gumataotao, J. Mafnas,L. Lenckowski, A. Baguinon, Allan B., M. Manalili and J. Abaya. Front: B. Hiura,E. Limtiaco, J. Munoz, W. Monteverde, T. Olchondra, P. Limtiaco, C. San Nicolas,M. Ronquillo, (Guam Territorial Band Director) and A. Tydingco.The Outrigger Guam Resort was recognized with anAppreciation Plaque on July 14 th by the U.S. Coast Guardand the Guam Running Club for its sponsorship support ofthe Sea to Sea Relay held in June 2012.Chronic Conditions: Pain, Pain, Go AwayWhen pain persists, moving the tender body part may seemcounterproductive. Yet movement can be a away to deal withchronic pain, classified as pain that lasts for three months or more.Get the complete article and additional articles with your LivingRight newsletter at HRSC!Lt. Ronald “Charlie” Epperson, USCG; Elaine Kwok, Guam Running Club;and John Wigsten, General Manager, Outrigger Guam ResortSaturday BriefingPage 5

Celebrating Where We Come From in AustraliaBy Gavan ConwayMulti Cultural day is a standout annual event celebratedat Outrigger “Down Under,” a time in which to celebratethe countries and cultures from which our staff hails. FrontDesks and staff rooms are decorated with flags and artifacts,and games and competition helped us to learn more aboutwhere our workmates come from.The highlight at each of our Australia properties isa special day where staff dress in national costume andprovide food from their culture to share. From handmade“Aussie” sausage rolls to Indian curries to Chinese chowmien to Italian lasagne to “kiwi” pavlova, we were definitelyspoilt for choice.Boathouse Apartments by Outrigger - Lizzie Webber, Ann Marie Holt,David Formby, Courtney Homewood, Alanna Poirier, Alyssa Kelly, Daniel Jones,Nikia Billsborough and Steve Rowe (guest Chef)Outrigger Twin Towns Resort - Back: Natalie Overall, Rebecca Hudsonand Thiago Mahaldes. Front: Kat McDonald, Heidi Barbera, Florence Ross,Adam Williams and Samorn CullenOutrigger Surfers Paradise: Corina Ammannand Olivier MaokhamphieuOutrigger Surfers Paradise StaffOutrigger Surfers Paradise: Masako Inatome, Olivier Maokhamphieu,Sophie Secombe, Sita Limbu, Junko Wagener and Jay FawcknerSaturday BriefingPage 6Outrigger Noosa - Back: Fiona Roma, Stephanie Perich, Lee Shakleford, Nikki Anderson,Joel Anderson, Irene Koh, Renee Mason, Gemma Lemon and Lea-Ann FletcherFront: Alison Carr, Donna Butcher, Sandy Welk and Nathan Rodgers

“Celebrating Who We Are” the Malia WayBy Amante CastroAmante Castro, Grace Mello and Les La‘a stand in front of the property display“Celebrating Who We Are”The OHANA Waikiki Malia Hotel celebrated a year oftriumph in 2011, as we completed our Six Paddles processwith flying colors earning the coveted Stargazer Award.With momentum behind us, we began Paddle 1,“Celebrating Who We Are,” centered around two of ourcore values, Aloha and Kaulike. Who We Are extends wellbeyond each individual and encompasses the unique andvaluable contributions each of us makes towards the successof the company.In this process, we asked each employee to write a shortparagraph about a family member who has influenced theirlives the most. Each was given an 8” x 11” pre-cut recycledcardboard, colored paper to enhance the background and aLaua‘e leaf, symbolizing the unity of our ‘ohana. Employeesdecorated their boards, adding their write-up and a pictureof the family member they wrote about.Although all were given the same materials, the resultingartwork was beautifully unique thanks to the creativity andimagination of our Malia ‘ohana. Of course, the success of this project was in large part due to our Alaka‘i, managers and mostof all, our employees.Although we have different cultures, ethnic backgrounds and beliefs, we are connected as one through our bright smiles,warm heartedness and hospitality towards one another and our guests. We have much to celebrate.The Outrigger Laguna PhuketResort and Villas participatedin a procession to present a lentcandle and donation to AnamaiKasem Temple (Wat Bang Tao) incelebration of the Buddhist LentFestival on Tuesday, 31 July 2012.Buddhist Lent Day is a periodof three lunar months during therainy season when monks arerequired to remain in one particularplace or wat (temple). Khao PhansaDay is on the first day after the fullmoon of the eighth lunar monthand marks the beginning of thethree-month Buddhist “lent”period. The tradition of BuddhistLent or the annual three-monthrains retreat is known in Thai as“Phansa.” Khao Phansa means toremain in one place during therainy season. Phansa represents atime of renewed spiritual vigor andthe Khao Phansa festival is a majorBuddhism merit-making festival.Outrigger Laguna Phuket CelebratesBuddhist Lent FestivalBy Patcharee Chanantho (Khun Paew)Saturday BriefingPage 7

Outrigger on the Lagoon –FijiHosts The Prime MinisterBy Una MurrayTaina Tauyavu, Koroi Suguta, Taina Rauyavu, Prime Minister Commodore VoreqeBainimarama, Wayne Robinson, Ulamila Waqaicece, Una Murray and Salote BaliThe Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fijiwelcomed a VVIP guest staying with us for thefirst time. Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe(Frank) Bainimarama and his official party weremet by Duty Manager Jese Lewanikeli, KoroiSuguta and myself. The Serenaders and severalstaff were also on hand to give the Prime Minstera big Bula welcome.The Prime Minister enjoyed the Vale niKana Restaurant and was introduced to ResortManager Jason Zvatora and Food & BeverageManager Eddie Liwaiono as well as Director ofSales Wayne Robinson and Executive AssistantManager Russell Blaik.He commented on the amazing set up of theresort, the staff at breakfast and the meet andgreet that was organized for he and his officialparty that made them feel so welcome at ourbeautiful resort.We were pleased to be able to welcome The Prime Minister and showcase our resort and our vuvale (family.)Outrigger Aina Nalu“Aloha! I wanted to thank all of you at Aina Nalu for awonderful time in Maui this year. This was the third time wehave been to Maui and your place was the best we have stayedin on the island. You really made it made it feel like homeaway from home for us. Thank you again for the nice time…”Prudence HulettVia emailEmbassy Suites® – Waikiki Beach Walk®“Hopefully you [Bob Yeoman] recall myself and my wife....Joseph and Deborah Bell. This note is to update you aboutour recent stay and to again tell you that we appreciate thecare you took looking over our reservation. We had an issuelast year with regards to your security staff and our staythis year used both HHonors points and the AAA rate. Tosum it up... the stay was wonderful and relaxing. Stayingin Hawaii is the only place where going home is good butleaving is difficult... bittersweet is probably overused butdefinitely appropriate in this instance. Your staff was superband made our stay very enjoyable. From the moment westepped out of our rental car and “Tony” (valet attendant)[Tony Cheung] recognized us immediately and from thereon... the stay only got better. Victor [Tong] checked usSaturday BriefingPage 8in and assigned us a marvelous room on an upper flooraway from the elevator as requested. Bob, I cannot tell youthe names of all the staff at your hotel that made our staymemorable but Joe [Carmona] was great and recognized usimmediately as returning guests. Ester [Sotera Nuesca] wholooks over the food/beverages at the manager’s receptionalso remembered us. The entertainers (Chang family) alsorecognized us and sang a song for us on our anniversary.They are a wonderful family and your hotel is VERYfortunate to have their talents at your disposal. We did getto visit with the WWII Pearl Harbor Survivors who havehumbled us by graciously accepting us as friends. Againour evenings were filled with the wondrous sounds of theChange family performing at the Embassy Suites or dinnerwith these honored and cherished veterans. My brother ‘EJ’and his wife are still in Hawaii after renewing their vows,and I assure you their words to us are also high praise forboth the hotel and staff. We really do wish we could tell youthe names of each individual who made our stay so pleasantbut this latest stay has set the bar so high that it would bedifficult for us to ever consider another venue when wereturn next year for our 35th anniversary. We look forwardto returning and until then we both wish you and yoursgood health and happiness. Please accept our most sincereappreciation...”Mr. and Mrs. Joseph BellAlexander, NC

Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji July Get TogetherBy Una MurrayAnother month has passed and another reason to celebrate our starsof the month. Hosts William Work, Reservations Manager, and ApikaliMatakisalia, Wavelengths Manager, opened the gathering on Friday, 27 thJuly asking everyone to shake hands and thank one another for all that wasaccomplished this past month.Executive Housekeeper Tepola Natadra gave the opening prayerfollowed by Choir Master Jonacani Tilalati leading everyone in the singingof the National Anthem.Resort Manager Jason Zvatora, standing in for General Manager PeterHopgood, welcomed everyone and expressed that he looks forward to thesemonthly celebrations with everyone in their best Bula wear, happy and celebratingone another. He asked everyone to work as a team, picking up rubbish on thegrounds and attending to anything that needs attention, to make the resort thebest it can be. He gave a special thank you to the Engineering Team for the ButuVatu Firewalking Arena; announced that a new adult swimming pool will bebuilt with plans for its finish by year end; and thanked all departments for theirhard work during a very high occupancy month. Jason read some great guestcomments from TripAdvisor and announced and welcomed three new managersto the Outrigger vuvale (family).Executive Assistant Manager Russell Blaik announced a Staff Carnivalto be held which will include rides, games, live music and even a “garage”sale for all those who want to participate. He also announced a SpecialRecognition Award won by Taione Mariwa who was raking the volleyballcourt and found a lost wedding ring, returning it to its rightful owner.Hosts William and Apikali announced this month’s winners:Front of House • Amele TupouWith an eye for detail, Amele is always in top form. A team player with awonderful personality, she is very disciplined and carries a high regard forboth guests and staff.Back of House • Senijieli ViboseA very dedicated staff member, Senijieli was instrumental in conductingcommunity training last month and through his hard work, ensured guestrooms were ready for 107 arrivals on a particularly busy day.Manager of the Month • Apisai BavadraA very driven individual, Apisai leads his team to achieve their best. Whetherit’s increasing service standards or hitting revenue targets, Apisai helps his teamto meet professional achievements.Jason Zvatora, Back of House recipient Senijieli Vibose, Frontof House recipient Emele Tupou and Russell BlaikJason Zvorta and Manager of the Month Apisai BavadraHere to Help • Clare SteeleClare has a wonderful personality that serves her well as Guest Service Assistant.She can be relied upon to work extra hours when staffing is an issue.Here to Help recipient Clare Steele and Russell BlaikHow Can I Help • Alifereti KurisaluAlifereti is a hard-working Maintenance Assistant and is always positive, nomatter what the situation.Food & Beverage Manager Eddie Liwaiono shared their department’scommunity project which was to repair, paint and clean the Conua DistrictSchool compound. He thanked General Manager Peter Hopgood and allthe executives for assisting their group in this effort. He said the schoolcommittee members were very impressed and thankful to the resort.Eddie announced raffle ticket winners and Russell Blaik started off theSpinning Wheel game, followed by Heads or Tails. The usual confectionswere enjoyed throughout.Jason Zvorta and How Can I Help recipient Alifereti KurisaluSaturday BriefingPage 9

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Kelley on board cruise ship StellaSolaris where they met astronaut Sally Ride in 1985the space shuttleChallenger. She wasnot only the firstAmerican woman inspace but, at age 32,the youngest astronautas well.There was a greatdeal of media attentionand hoopla and someless than thoughtfulmembers of the presstried to grab a headlineby asking questionssuch as if she wouldwear a bra or makeupin space or whethershe had ever cried onthe job.After two Challenger missions and retirement from NASA, sheaccepted academic positions at Stanford University and University ofCalifornia, San Diego. She was committed to encouraging the interestof young people, especially girls, in science and engineering. She cowroteseven science books for children and, through her company,Sally Ride Science, developed science-oriented school materials andteacher training programs.She also accepted speaking engagements and that is how my pathcrossed hers in 1985. My wife Linda and I attended a conference heldon a cruise ship as it traveled from Florida to Jamaica and back. Ridewas one of the conference speakers, and we had a chance to hear herin formal presentations as well as in off the cuff conversations whilerelaxing around the ship and at meals. My memories of those occasionsare that she was a wonderful human being with quiet confidence inherself and her career.All those memories were stirred when I learned that Ride had died onJuly 23, at age 61, after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer.Missy Franklin has three gold medalsto her credit at presstimeIt’s a Small, Small WorldContinued from page 1Another notable person whosepath crossed mine is Olympicswimmer Missy Franklin, who iscurrently earning gold medals inLondon (three at last count plusa bronze plus a world-record timein the 200-meter backstroke) andgrabbing headlines almost daily. Ihave seen a number of interviewswith her on TV – this high schoolsenior has an engaging personality,and I feel sure we will all be seeinga lot more of her over the years.When Missy Franklin was born 17 yearsago, her parents had a home next to ours inColorado and, with Missy in a bassinette orroaming around as a toddler, we would see eachother socially on occasion.We all moved on to other locations andother activities and have not kept in touch, so Ihad no idea that Missy had gone on to becomea championship swimmer until the names andphotographs of her wonderful and dedicatedparents, Dick and D.A. Franklin, began toappear in the media along with the news oftheir daughter.Linda and I are cheering for Missy and wishher and her parents all the best.Frigyes Karinthy, a Hungarian author,playwright and journalist who died 74 yearsago, is said to be the person who first developedthe idea about how interconnected people arethrough his 1929 short story “Chains.” Thisevolved into the concept of Six Degrees ofSeparation, which holds that no person is morethan six introductions away from any otherperson on earth.In today’s world of the Internet, thenumber of introductions is rapidly shrinking.In November 2011, the social media companyFacebook released a study indicating thatamong its users* there were, on average, only4.74 degrees of separation!What I conclude from all this is thatall the people any of us meet in our hotelcorridors, restaurants, shops, front desks andbeaches are interconnected rather closelywith everyone else on earth – and the gap isnarrowing every day. What we do or say andwhat we don’t do or say will be rememberedand possibly spread as good or bad newsaround the world in a flash on Facebook, TripAdvisor or some new program scheduled forrelease any day now.Yes, it really is a small, small world!* Facebook user count: 720 million in November 2011 –around 900 million today, depending on who is counting.Saturday BriefingPage 10