Sue’s List #19
Sue's List is your passport to a world where the open waters, quirky critters, and innovative technology collide in a delightful mix of excitement, amusement, and discovery. Enjoy and dive in.
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For Statistics
Ahoy! Recreational Boating Sets Sail with Unstoppable Momentum
Recreational boating continues to ride the waves of popularity, defying industry experts who expected a decline in sales after the extraordinary growth witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems that Americans have found a lasting love for prioritizing outdoor recreation, nurturing their mental health, and creating unique experiences with loved ones. This ongoing strong demand brings good news not only for boat manufacturers and technicians but also for marinas and hospitality businesses that thrive off the boating industry. With boat sales stabilizing, at least those in search of a new vessel are more likely to have better luck finding one this summer. Interestingly, it's not just the yacht-owning elite responsible for America's booming boat economy. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), it's the countless regular individuals engaging in fishing, water-skiing, sailing, and jet-skiing who are driving the industry forward. In fact, a staggering 800,000 first-time boat buyers entered the market in 2020 and 2021, according to NMMA. The numbers tell an impressive story: between 2018 and 2023, recreational boating experienced a 35% increase in annual economic activity, leaping from $170 billion to $230 billion. The marine industry-related jobs also saw a 17.5% surge, growing from 691,000 to 812,000 during that period. Sales of powerboats, sailboats, and personal watercraft peaked at 318,654 units in 2020, amounting to $50.3 billion. While sales cooled slightly in 2021, with 305,734 units sold, this can be attributed in part to supply chain issues that affected inventory availability. However, the industry still managed to sell over 261,000 units last year, a strong performance by historical standards, along with more than 1 million pre-owned boats. Sales are expected to remain steady or experience slight growth this year. While the East and West Coast states contribute significantly to these sales, states in the Great Lakes region, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, have also witnessed robust demand. As the industry anticipates a bustling summer, with an estimated 85 million people taking to the water in the U.S., the boating industry is exploring new avenues to enable more people to enjoy boating. Subscription-based boat-sharing clubs, like Freedom Boat Club, are emerging, providing novel opportunities to access the water.
Personally, I think subscription-based boat-sharing is a great idea especially in areas where the boating season is rather short and for anyone who is new to boating.
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For Explore
Oscar the AI sorter
I don’t know about you but I have found myself many times standing perplexed in front of a labyrinth of trash-sorting containers, questioning the recyclability of my empty yogurt cup. If you are also one of those people, the arrival of Oscar is a saving grace. This AI-driven system has a remarkable talent for scanning your throwaways and providing expert advice on where they belong. And let's be honest, with "consumer error" being a prominent contributor to the disappointingly low recycling rate of 32.1% in 2018, as indicated by the Environmental Protection Agency, Oscar's guidance is sorely needed. Intuitive AI, the Canadian startup behind Oscar Sort, has introduced a "smart recycling assistant" that possesses an impressive repertoire in identifying various food and beverage containers. Simply point your trash item at a computer screen, and like a recycling oracle, Oscar will swiftly determine if it's recyclable or compostable. Oscar Sort has gained significant traction in corporate and university cafeterias, sports stadiums, and retail stores since its introduction in 2019. What sets Oscar apart is its extensive knowledge of local recycling laws, ensuring that no matter where you find yourself or what you're discarding, it will direct you to the appropriate bin. The list of global installations is impressive, including renowned establishments such as Tim Hortons, TD Garden in Boston, and the offices of JPMorgan Chase, AT&T, Merck, Nike, and Visa. And the excitement doesn't end there. Intuitive AI is set to launch Oscar Pocket, an exclusive smartphone app that will revolutionize waste disposal both at home and on the go. Consider it the "ChatGPT for waste," a remarkable tool to navigate the bewildering world of recycling.
Oscar's mission goes beyond mere guidance; it aims to gamify the otherwise mundane process of throwing away trash. For example, at TD Garden, the system engages users with trivia questions and rewards correct answers. It's a transformative experience where people now spend one to two minutes at the garbage bin, having fun, and acquiring knowledge about recycling—a phenomenon previously unheard of. Cannot wait for Oscar Pocket!
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For Unique
Iguanas new unconventional habitat
In Miami, it has become somewhat of a local ritual for residents to perform a cautious inspection for porcelain predators before venturing into the restroom, particularly during the dark and drowsy hours of the night. This unique tradition has emerged due to the presence of invasive creatures, such as the notorious iguanas, who have developed a peculiar habit of infiltrating people's toilets, subsequently creating headlines in the local news. Yikes! However, it's not just the iguanas that pose a threat to the sanctity of the bathroom. Rats and snakes are also slithering their way through plumbing systems. These unwanted guests have found a pathway through the plumbing stacks on the roof, bypassing the bathroom's protective P-trap, which can dry out if the toilet is not regularly flushed. In order to prevent these unwelcome surprises, those who leave town for extended periods, should keep their water service running even while they're away. By adhering to these precautionary measures, Miamians can protect themselves from unexpected encounters with critters seeking to turn their restrooms into their own unconventional habitats.
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For small peeps
Norwalk Moms Family & Friends Brunch Party
Get ready for an epic Friends & Family Brunch Party that will have you and your little ones grooving like there's no tomorrow! This is not your ordinary brunch affair where you have to stress about keeping the kids hushed and glued to their seats. No way! At our event, we want the kids to unleash their energy and let loose in the vibrant kid's corner, while the parents get their dance on. Prepare to be mesmerized by the electrifying beats of DJ Gruvy, who will keep the party alive with his sensational tunes. And guess what? Kids under 10 get to munch for free! So, come on, suggest your all-time favorite songs, and get ready to make this an unforgettable celebration. Oh, and don't forget, Father's Day is just around the corner, so we'll be cranking up Daddy's cherished club hits too. Get your tickets now because this is one party you don't want to miss. Cheers!
When: Sunday, June 11, 2023
Time: 11:30a - 1:30p
Where: Barcelona Norwalk (Waypointe)
Thanks for reading the entire list.
See you next Tuesday.
-Sue
