Anti-Lock Braking Systems, commonly known as ABS, are a fascinating component of modern vehicles. If you’re a car enthusiast or own a luxury vehicle, understanding ABS will boost your appreciation for automotive technology.

Originating as a safety measure, these systems have become standard in most cars, thanks to their ability to prevent wheel lockup during sudden stops. Here, we unravel a few fun facts about Anti-Lock Braking Systems and the importance of understanding their connections.

Stopping Safely With ABS

ABS prevents your wheels from locking up when you apply the brakes abruptly. This system operates through sensors that monitor wheel speed and help your vehicle maintain traction.

By rapidly pumping the brakes, ABS keeps your car stable and prevents skidding. It’s amazing how a few sensors can make such a big difference and enable you to steer safely, even during emergency braking.

Tracing Back the Roots of ABS

The history of ABS is as compelling as its function. Introduced in the 1950s for aircraft, ABS technology eventually made its way into cars.

The first car to feature ABS was the Jensen FF in 1966, which marked a significant milestone in automotive safety. Over the years, ABS has evolved with advancements in sensors and computer technology, becoming a staple in modern and luxury vehicle safety.

Safety First With ABS

The benefits of ABS are undeniable, especially when it comes to safety. By preventing wheel lockup, ABS reduces the risk of accidents on slippery roads—great for colder zip codes.

This system also enhances your car’s control and stability, making it easier to maneuver during sudden stops. For luxury car owners, ABS ensures safety and contributes to a smoother driving experience overall.

Debunking ABS Myths

Despite its benefits, several misconceptions about ABS still exist. Some drivers mistakenly believe that ABS reduces braking distances, which isn’t always true.

In fact, ABS maintains control rather than shortening stopping distances. Another myth is the notion that ABS is unnecessary on dry roads, which overlooks its role in maintaining vehicle stability.

Keeping ABS in Top Shape

Maintaining your ABS is crucial for optimal performance. Regular checks of the system’s electrical connectors can prevent malfunctions.

Areas of your car that need electrical connectors, such as the ABS, should be inspected routinely. Ensuring these connections are secure can safeguard the system’s operation and reliability, keeping you safe on the road.

Intriguing Insights Into ABS

Some fun facts about ABS might surprise you. Did you know that ABS technology paved the way for other advancements like traction control? Or that rally drivers often use a version of ABS to maintain control on rough terrains? These tidbits highlight how integral ABS has become in automotive design and innovation.

Anti-Lock Braking Systems are more than just a safety feature; they’re a testament to automotive innovation. From its historical development to its role in modern vehicles, ABS continues to enhance driving safety and experience.

The post Fun Facts About Anti-Lock Braking Systems appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

Vacation reviews are generally good and truthful and help us in making travel plans.  These reviews, whether on AirBNB, VRBO,  Booking.com, Trip Advisor or many other sites, are generally pretty helpful. But very occasionally, a review might step over the libel line and and leave both the reviewer and the publisher open to a libel or defamation complaint. This basically occurs when the review identifies a person, says something untrue, is published and then causes provable financial or reputation damage to the victim. 

So what is a reviewer to do?

I always leave 4-5 stars on lodging stays, unless there is truly a problem with the room or apartment. If a problem crops up during our stay, I try to contact the owner or manager of the property to resolve the issue–and they usually do. Rarely is a place uninhabitable or check-in a Herculean task (we have experienced both). If a coffee pot is broken or there is something else amiss, let the owner or manager know immediately. We travel frequently and overall have had outstanding and memorable experiences.

I am somewhat distant from an AirBNB unit we own in Carlsbad, CA. I recall some months ago, a guest reached out to let me know the kitchen blender was broken. I paid my cleaner to run over to Target and buy a nice new one. Guest was happy, problem was resolved, and I was relieved. I believe most owners and managers want their guests to be happy with their visit. We do the same for a Reno vacation rental I manage.

But sometimes, owners are non-responsive and there may be unresolved health hazards that other guests should beware.  I would advise to always try to deal with someone who has the power to get things done. That is usually the owner or manager for the property. If there is no response, it may be time to either write the responsible party to let them know of the problem and as a last resort, complain publicly via a review.

When writing negative vacation reviews, be very careful not to exaggerate or speculate. Deal with facts only. Failure to do so could leave you open to libel litigation–especially if your review causes financial harm that can be proved. That is one reason companies like AirBNB and TripAdvisor may want to investigate negative or suspicious reviews before publishing them to make sure there is no fabrication , or they could become party to any libel litigation that might arise.

To win or lose a libel case, the following must be proven:

1. Someone made a statement
2. The statement was published
3. The statement caused injury
4. The statement was false
5. The statement did not fall into a privileged category (complaining to courts regulatory authorities)

So what can protect you from a libel lawsuit?

      1. Truth
      2. Consent
      3. Privilege
      4. Statute of Limitations

Note that TRUTH or the lack of it are key elements in libel litigation and actual damages must occur. If a statement is made in a vacuum and not published, there can be no libel. And publication itself is not enough. The victim must be able to prove financial loss or provable damage to reputation. If these do not exist or are not provable, a libel suit would likely be unsuccessful.

So what are the potential damages from a libel lawsuit? That largely depends on where the property is located. In Canada, for example, it is both a civil and criminal offense carrying a potential 2-year prison term plus civil monetary damages. In the US, much depends upon the state where the damage occurred. All states allow for civil monetary damages that can include both compensatory and punitive damages, which can be very heavy if a jury feels a lesson needs to be taught. But some states treat libel as a criminal offense as well, including Nevada, Idaho, Texas, Florida, Montana, Michigan and many more.

How heavy can libel damages be? In a 2016 Nevada case, a jury awarded $38.3 million to Bradley Stephen Cohen in an internet defamation case. Another jury awarded $50 Million to a South Carolina mayor whose opponent sent out several defamatory emails about Mayor Lisa Sulka.

Internationally, the penalties can be even heavier. Beware Europe: In many countries defamation and libel are criminal offenses that can land one in prison– and journalists are not immune. In Singapore:

Penal Code Section 499 states that, if a person intends to defame another person or should know that what he or she says will harm that person, then that person has committed a crime that can be punished by a fine plus up to two years in jail.

Heaviest damages seem to occur when someone is libeled and damaged professionally–or hindered from making a living because of the defamation. Damages can also accrue if there is evidence of malice or gross negligence.

Many years ago, I studied libel law, taught it in journalism classes and also worked at the Dallas Times Herald as a reporter. Libel was a big deal in those days–and so was the truth. And it still is. We created habits that should be second nature to every writer/editor:  Always be on high alert for libelous passages. Incorrect facts, such as room pricing, may be annoying but they are not libelous. However if you make or imply an untrue statement about someone and it is published (even by email) and it results in financial or reputation harm, you may end up in court, or even prison in certain locations.

My advice to potential reviewers: Do not speculate or write in anger. Deal with provable facts only. Take photos and screenshots to substantiate your statements. The TRUTH will always be your best defense. And if this is not possible, take my deceased mother’s wise advice: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, keep your mouth shut!”

The post Vacation Reviews and Libel appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

New Year’s Eve 2018 was unique. I said goodbye to a pivotal year in my life and greeted a new decade, not knowing where it might lead. I was also on board a plane with oldest son Scott, bound for a tour of Egypt.  The trip had been planned months before, as we deliberately planning to be airborne and far away from the prior year’s loss.

You see, this New Year’s Eve had marked a year since I greeted the coming year of 2019 with Beluga vodka and caviar.

Alone.

My husband Michael was in the hospital recovering from a second surgery. I had come home from visiting him that 2018 New Year’s Eve. In a groggy state, he had squeezed my hand and said, “I love you.” I promised to return the next morning, New Year’s Day,  with some black-eyed peas for good luck. I kissed him on the forehead, told him I loved him and urged peaceful rest.

Michael died in my arms the next morning. I knew he was very ill, but the death was still a shock. Almost immediately, I was gifted with friends who cared,  a prolonged visit from my sister–and I managed to survive the fog of those first few months. I emerged with a life chapter closed, burdened with neither anger nor guilt. Mike and I were gifted with 36 years of marriage and during that time he was loving, loyal, generous, kind–and very obstinate.

The trip to Egypt was magical. It was a bucket list journey that presented pyramids, sphinxes, mummies, along with ancient memories and mysteries. We rode camels, sailed the Nile River and visited small towns before ending the trip at Anwar Dam. However,  I did not return home to San Diego with Scott; rather, I flew to Cypress and then to Israel to meet my my new love and life gift,  Steve Thompson, who had unexpectedly captured my heart a few months earlier. Scott and I had planned the trip months before, and Steve had already agreed to meet clients in Jerusalem–so timing could not have been more perfect.

And that timing–and love–perfected and grew over time.

We were married September 19, 2020 in the backyard of Steve’s home in Reno, where we now live–and joke about leaving “Taxifornia”–as he calls it. 

A new life chapter was begun. We just celebrated our 4th New Year’s Eve. And we are headed to Kathmandu and Bhutan in a few months. –Roberta Murphy Thompson

The post From Egypt to Israel. From Loss to Love appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

As we enter the final months of 2022, some people are already looking toward what they want to do-and where they want to move– in the following year. While nothing is set in stone yet, the possibility of moving somewhere new is on many people’s minds. With so many options available, it can be a bit overwhelming, which is why we want to take the time to focus on a location that’s outside of the country: Mexico.

Even though you might be hesitant upon hearing this, we think it’s an excellent choice. There are many reasons why moving to Mexico next year might be the right choice for you, and we’ll go over each of them with you below:

Beautiful Environments

There’s a reason so many people visit Mexico on vacation—the country is gorgeous. From quaint little towns to expansive beaches, Mexico has everything you could want in terms of natural beauty. While most people only choose to visit these wonders, you could make them a permanent part of your living arrangements. Imagine waking up every day feeling like you’re on vacation. It sounds like a dream come true.

Lower Cost of Living

The one problem with stunning views is that most people assume they come at a higher price tag, but that’s not the case in Mexico. The cost of living is significantly lower than in America. Buying groceries, enjoying the nightlife, and household expenses will not take away as much of your paycheck.

On top of that, the housing market is much more affordable. That means you can truly live a life of luxury for much less than ever before. Of course, you’ll want to take the steps needed to find the right property for you in Mexico, but as long as you do that, you shouldn’t run into any issues.

Close to the U.S.

One of the hardest parts about moving out of the country is leaving everyone and everything you know. Once you’ve committed, buying an expensive plane ticket is usually the only way to go back to see everyone.

That’s not the case if you move to Mexico, however. Not only will flights be shorter and cheaper, but driving back to the U.S. is also a possibility. To make matters even better, you will either be in the same time zone or one that’s almost the same. This will make connecting with friends and family online much more manageable.

People Feel Safe There

The final reason you should consider moving to Mexico sometime next year is that the country isn’t as dangerous as some make it out to be. Many fear the cartels and crooked cops, but much of those fears are entirely untrue. In fact, most ex-pats that already live in Mexico have reported feeling just as safe as they did before the move, if not more. The bottom line is that you will feel safe and comfortable living in Mexico.

The post Reasons Why You Should Move to Mexico Next Year appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

Upgrading from your current car to a better one is inevitable. You save up and browse for the perfect vehicle when your current one is starting to wear out.

However, when you go with purchasing a luxury vehicle, there are plenty of benefits that will keep you happy with your choice. From resale value to driving capabilities, a luxury car has a lot to offer.

High-Quality Safety Features

When you purchase a luxury vehicle, one of the benefits is the safety features. While you’re going to pay a higher amount, you’re also paying for the latest safety features.

Most vehicles come with standard safety features such as an antilock braking system and traction control. Luxury vehicles like Tesla and Volvo have additional add-ons such as 360-degree vehicle visibility, forward collision warnings, and blind-spot collision warnings for improved driving experiences.

Excellent Value

When you go with a luxury vehicle, you’re getting your money’s worth with safety features, performance, and build quality. Even if you purchase an older model, you’re getting a more affordable vehicle with the features you’re looking for.

If you don’t want to pay for a brand-new car straight from the dealership, you can find a previously released car model one or two years older for a significantly lower price. It also has a better ability to hold its value after depreciation.

Top Performance

When you have some wiggle room to pay for a luxury vehicle, you have a car that provides the performance you’re looking for. They offer larger displacement engines, suspension tuning, sharper steering, and the best aerodynamics. You’ll have a comfortable, reliable ride, whether you’re driving in heavy traffic or traveling down a deserted highway.

Build Quality

Compared to standard cars, luxury vehicles have a quality build that’s hard to replicate. You’ll have a seat with high-quality padding, stitching, and soft leather. Under the hood, you’ll find durable components straight from the manufacturer. Additionally, you’ll have soundproofing, thicker windows, real-time navigation systems, infotainment systems, and a contoured dashboard.

Increased Image and Status

With the technical and cosmetic perks of owning a luxury vehicle, you’ll also receive an increased image among peers. As long as you remain humble, grateful, and classy about your purchase, you won’t have to worry about being seen as shallow.

When onlookers notice you driving by, they’ll assume that you’re successful and reliable. You could be driving a recognizable luxury car like a Tesla Model X or Jaguar XF; onlookers might drop their jaws. While it may seem superficial, a luxury car can make you feel confident and respectable.

Purchasing a luxury vehicle has many benefits. So instead of going with a standard car, go in a different direction and see where a beautiful luxury car can take you.

The post 5 Benefits of Purchasing a Luxury Vehicle appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

I may dream of disconnecting from all things electronic, but fly into a panic when wifi goes down or more frequently, can’t find my phone. And I know I’m not alone.

But there’s a persistent fantasy that I will one day deliberately land in some remote (and beautiful) location where there is no wifi, no television, no internet–and no clocks. I would be with my soulmate and days could be spent exploring terrain, foods, customs, each other, and a different rhythm of life. We would have no problem disconnecting from the noise of modern existence.

Imagine falling to sleep at night under all the stars that are lost to city lights and pollution. That is disconnecting of a different kind.

This idea came up last week as I was pondering remote possibilities for an off-the-grid vacation–where only light bulbs and fans would be acceptable. Theoretically speaking.  I imagined that a remote oil rig somewhere might be interesting (for one night), but knew there had to be more suitable destinations.

But the idea did get me to thinking about off-the-electronic-grid vacations,  where one (or two) might unplug, rewind and reset.  Listed below are just a few of the possibilities I found:

Punta Placer, Oaxaca, Mexico

Forget about cell phones ringing at Punta Placer. Stay in a   beachfront  and palm covered bungalow just outside the tiny seaside   fishing village of San Agustinillo on the southern Pacific coast. You’ll   find no television and the luxury of air conditioning comes from ocean breezes. No boredom here, though. You can swim with protected sea turtles, hike through the Oaxaca rain forest and even melt under skilled hands with an aromatherapy massage. While not a 5-star resort, you will enjoy home-cooked Mexican food, rustling coconut trees, a margarita or two, deck chairs,  and some spectacular sunsets. Clocks and watches optional.

Amankora, Bhutan

Imagine, by whatever means necessary, you land in remote Bhutan between India and the remote Tibetan Plateau. You might not expect to find a luxury resort, where you can totally unplug and get away from all of life’s noise. Imagine meditating in a 7th century Buddhist monastery or climbing, even part way, up Himalayan mountains that peak at 22,000 feet. You might also want to try archery or white water rafting through deep river valleys surrounded by blue pines and ending the day relaxing in the hotel spa’s steam room

There are several fine resorts and hotels in this last remaining Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan. Unplugging should be easy. Watches and clocks are irrelevant.

Ultima Thule Lodge, Chitina, Alaska

Want to get really serious about disconnecting from the world as we know it? If so, you will need to hop on a bush plane to get to Ultima Thule Lodge in remote Alaska, because the nearest road is 100 miles away.

The beautiful log-sided lodge sits next to the 13 million-acre Wrangell-St. Elias National Park–the largest protected land mass on earth– and is completely out of cell phone range. There is, however, a single computer in the lodge with a dial up modem that we might want to try just for nostalgia’s sake. Remember the sound?

Reviews for this surprisingly luxurious lodge are amazing. “The most amazing place you will ever visit,” says TripAdvisor. One of “the Best Wilderness lodges,” says Mens Journal and a “once in a lifetime” adventure  according to Travel & Leisure Magazine. The hiking description from Ultima Thule Lodge website is pretty exciting:

Glacial runoff thunders down from the mountain in a massive waterfall. Vast clouds of vapor glitter in the sunlight. You watch as the glacier calves a huge, jagged shard of ice, and it drops down into the valley below, crashing into the Chitina river.

Behind you, the two-seater Piper Super Cub waits silently, it’s steel propeller glinting in the sun, it’s massive, rubbery bush-wheels perfectly suited for a landing at the top of the world.

Oh, and did I mention Northern Lights? They see them here. And given the very remote location, a watch might come in handy.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Key West, Florida

This is another resort that will require boat, helicopter or sea plane for arrival. A perfect setting for Gilligan’s Island, this remote key has white sandy beaches, lots of iguanas and a multitude of colorful fish species that might be seen while snorkeling while snorkeling at nearby Dive Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.

The thatched bungalow rooms at this treasured resort have no telephones, televisions or alarm clocks (and no guests under the age of 16). They do, however, have chilled champagne awaiting your arrival. I explored booking a room for most any period this summer and found no vacancy. And given that Little Palm Island Resort and Spa has long been a favorite getaway for high profile celebrities, presidents and savvy travelers. The wise traveler, however, would be smart to book well in advance–and the unwise one during hurricane season.

The resort offers gourmet dining (both in room and in restaurant), a world class spa and guest lodging that entices one to stay more than a single night. From their website:

Our thirty Florida Keys suites, nestled two apiece in thatched-roof bungalows, are so silent and peaceful, it’s like you’re living alone in the lap of luxury.  Island Escape Suite, Island Elegance Suite, Island Romance Suite and Island Grand Suite guest quarters are housed in thatched roof bungalows, with custom-made king-sized beds with romantic butterfly netting, so plush some guests never want to leave.

I confess to never having visited the Florida Keys, but a reservation and disconnecting at this resort could lure me there from San Diego!

In conclusion….

This is a topic I will likely keep exploring. There is a secret terror lurking inside me that fears being unconnected. There is also part of my soul, though, that wants nothing more than to bury the phone, ipad, and laptop for a week to test my survival skills. And that is challenge enough!

Do you have any off-the-grid vacation suggestions?

The post The Luxury of Disconnecting appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

 Imagine my surprise this morning when we   were notified that Luxury Home Digest had   been named a top travel blog in the world– albeit #87 on the list!

 Though we’ve written plenty about luxury homes, luxury destinations and favored hotels, more recently we’ve warned about travel to Mexico and Egypt because of political issues and potential dangers to travelers in these locations. And advising our readers to consider travel closer to home–at least until things calm down. 

We hope to travel to both Mexico, Egypt and other distant locations soon, and will do so as soon as we deem it safe to do so. In the meantime, there is Thailand, Singapore, Europe and other destinations calling for a visit–sooner rather than later.

Regardless, what are some of your favorite travel blogs–and ones that would surely rate above #87?

The post Luxury Home Digest a Top Travel Blog? appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

Who doesn’t like a discount when stepping out?

Below is a long list of restaurants, stores, grocery chains, airlines , hotels and car rental agencies that offer senior discounts–with minimum qualifying ages ranging from 50 to 65.

Many of these discounts are not published or advertised, so you must ask for them. Please print or save this link for future reference, and if you have any corrections or additons, please email: roberta@sandiegopreviews.com–Roberta Murphy

The post The Luxury of a Senior Discount appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.

by Roberta Murphy

Travelers from all nations once had the luxury of cruising Egypt’s Nile River, exploring the country’s ancient pyramids and steeping themselves in the mystery and intrigue of Ancient Egypt. But that was before the Great Recession and recent political and civil turmoil.

Egypt had been planning on a tourism rebound in 2012, but it appears those plans have gone up in flames as Royal Caribbean International cancels its Egyptian calls and transfers them instead to European ports. Other cruise ships will likely follow suit as a safety precaution.

Rioters in Egypt (and whoever pulls their strings) are setting up landmines of unintended consequences with their hostilities. Last night, Bill O’Reilly urged millions of his Fox viewers to boycott travel to Egypt–and even travel guru Arthur Frommer has issued a strong warning to American travelers via his travel blog:

Until matters change, and steps are taken by Egyptian officials to discourage such violence, it is clearly unsafe for Americans to visit Egypt as tourists. I feel sad to voice that opinion, because I think of all the fine Egyptian people who are dependent on tourism. Safety comes first, and, currently, Egypt is not safe.

Additionally, even local tour guides in Egypt are warning that there is a lack of security for visitors to Egypt’s historical venues. Police are largely absent and there are no guarantees of safety.

Egypt depends not only on foreign aid, but its population is very dependent on tourism to put food on the table. And with an unemployment rate of around 25 percent for its youth, tourism and its jobs could do much for local economies. Regrettably, all will suffer thanks to political instability and anarchy in the streets.

UPDATE: El Al just announced it is seeking to cancel all flights from Tel Aviv to Cairo–a route it has served for three decades. —Roberta Murphy

UPDATE: 12/29/2012  Apparently Egypt’s own citizens are not allowed to take more than $6000. out of the country–as a response to recent run on banks by terrified Egyptians. Many are buying dollars. “The panic came as the country’s new president, Mohammed Morsi, called for ‘unity’ after a referendum approved a controversial constitution which gave him and Islamist allies more powers.”

It’s a move that could cause tourism-in-reverse as more people seek to escape the Muslim Brotherhood and its faltering economy.

Hat Tip: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2253525/Egypt-fears-run-banks-imposes-limit-people-withdraw.html#ixzz2GNuKCUlo

The post Tourism in Egypt Implodes appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.