"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
World traveler, adventurer, photographer, philosopher, author, entrepreneur and inspirational speaker, Allan Karl inspires people to pursue dreams, overcome challenges, tackle obstacles and smile in the face of adversity. And he should know. Allan spent nearly three years riding around the world on a motorcycle. Along the way, on a muddy dirt road miles from anywhere and 14,000 feet high in the Andes of Bolivia, Allan broke his leg in three places. But this didn’t stop him. After a lengthy and painful recovery period Allan continued his journey logging more than 62,000 miles over 5 continents and through 35 countries -- alone on a motorcycle.
Many people often dream about such a journey. Few pursue it. Fear, uncertainty, danger and time usually stand in the way. Allan’s energy, enthusiasm and tenacious drive inspired many as they followed the high and low points of his plight at www.worldrider.com, an ongoing collection of his narratives, videos, podcasts and stunning photography.
In a forthcoming book that chronicles his three-year odyssey, Allan’s stories about the places and faces he encountered during his journey, including visiting some 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are fun, surprising and always entertaining while reminding us to have faith in humanity and of the importance in preserving our planet’s precious natural resources and cultural history.
Through his story, Karl reminds us to trust ourselves and trust others, and never forget that we share one world. His experiences are a reminder of the importance to support and aid our world neighbors, so together we can make the world a smarter, safer and healthier place to live and travel.
Karl is principal of clearcloud ctc, a creative, technology and communications services consultancy located in Southern California. clearcloud ctc provides clients with brand reengineering, brand communications and online and offline marketing communications strategies and creative services.
Prior to starting clearcloud, Karl co-founded Wirestone one of the countries top 50 interactive agencies according to Advertising Age. At Wirestone, Karl served as director and executive vice president of marketing while managing its Southern California office. Karl’s client experience includes Apple, AT&T, Hewlett-Packard, Quest Software, SMC Networks and others.
Before founding Wirestone, Karl held the position of vice president and creative director for PRISCOMM, one of Orange County’s top high-tech marketing communications firms. An industry veteran, Karl has won several advertising and creative awards, and is past president and board member of the American Advertising Federation in Orange County. Additionally, Karl has served a number of nonprofit organizations including a director of the South Coast Fine Arts Festival to benefit the South Coast Children Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
A graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, Karl also lectures, speaks and leads business-focused workshops on branding, creative marketing communications and strategic planning.
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5
John Hiatt - Live Solo Acoustic
[...] the beauty of watching Hiatt perform is feeling his raw emotion and soul as he makes the wildest facial expressions I've seen any artist make. [...] John rubbed his brow with one hand muting the strings of his ax with the other. "Rita. Rita Farnsworth?" He looked puzzled but a huge smile came to his face. "I can't believe it. Rita Farnsworth, the first girl I ever kissed."
4
Kasparov's Next Game: Democracy In Russia in 2008
As the polls close in Russia and the votes for anyone but Putin get swept under the carpet like chad-challenged ballots in Florida, Russian chess master Garry Kasparov makes moves that he hopes will result in an end game that preserves democracy in the former Soviet Union.
3
Al Stewart & Laurence Juber Live
Laurence joined us for dinner and Al on stage for an evening of incredible acoustic music. But I have to admit, perhaps the highlight of the evening (save the Marcassin Chardonnay) was minutes before Al and Laurence took the stage when Laurence was warming up and played perhaps the most amazing version of Layla I've ever heard.
So while technology emerges and those passionate about topics discussed at this conference or others I wonder if interpersonal communication is devolving to the tools of technology regardless of physical presence? Or can we learn to balance our lives without compromising technology or our ability to communicate and experience the real (dare I say) off line world?
1
It's All About Cash
There was something oddly familiar about him as he moved into the light. Then it hit me. My god. It's Johnny Cash. I had seen him play the Crazy Horse Saloon in Santa Ana California many months prior. His whole family played. June Carter Cash. And his daughter, Roseanne. Lip locked and stunned, but not in a star struck way, I didn't know what to do or say. As we started to pass like two ships in the night the only words that escaped the endless ideas swirling in my mind were "How's it going, John?"
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