The best thing about Google is the vast amounts of information it gathers and categorizes. If it’s out there, Google brings it back in its results.

The worst thing about Google is the vast amounts of information it gathers and categorizes. If it’s out there, Google brings it back in its results.

Therein lies the paradox.

Autobytel recently fielded a study that found that 7 out of 10 Americans suffer from what they’ve categorized as Search Engine Fatigue—a condition/malady/sickness/state of mind that comes from not finding what you’re looking for on the web.

Luckily, there is a remedy.

Search engine fatigue is the genesis of our site 3LUXE. We didn’t know the term, but we certainly suffered from it.

We (my wife, two kids and I) moved into a new house (new to us, really old in fact and needing lots of updating) in the summer of ‘06, which immediately put us in the market for a number of big-ticket items. Having to buy so many things all at once really brought into sharp focus that there was no one source that easily identified the best items for purchase.

To be clear, recommendations and reviews weren’t impossible to find.

Just frustrating.

And time consuming.

The search engines gave us millions of results, and the information existed within those, but it took a ton of time to winnow through the results to find those that were really relevant. And the shopping comparison engines were only of real use when we already knew what we wanted to purchase.

That’s why we created 3LUXE—we research thousands of products in hundreds of categories and only post reviews on the three we’ve found to be best in each category. We find these products through online and offline research, including personal use where possible. Essentially doing the research people would do if they had more time. With a goal of being the first place you go, before you go shopping.

Barry Schwartz of Swarthmore College wrote a book about how more is often less. It’s called The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less. It’s a great read and I highly recommend it no matter what business you’re in.

The main theme of the book is that when there are too many choices, or too much information, your brain can’t reasonably process all of the trade-offs that are possible. There are too many options to be considered. Too many variables to weigh. It’s nearly impossible for you to feel confident that you’re making the right decision. In the end, most of us make no decision (i.e. purchase) at all. The Autobytel/Kelton Research study showed the same result, 75% of those who suffer from Search Engine Fatigue get up and walk away from their computers.

That’s phenomenal.

That’s the paradox of choice brought to life.

That’s the reason why we started 3LUXE.

All the best,

Doug

Daily Candy today listed seven perfect places to get married. And as we always do, we made the tougher edit and culled it down to the best 3 places to host a wedding. And these three places are so captivating, you may want to renew your vows and say “I do” all over again.

We’ve shared how Daily Candy sees the pros and cons for each.

First on the list is: Santorini, Greece

“Pros: Have a big, fat Greek wedding at Katikies, a little gem in the cliffs near a volcanic crater, with unlimited amounts of ouzo and hummus, magical views, and impeccable service.”

Our take: Katikies is a stunningly beautiful hotel that has has garnered a lot of recognition in recent years. Including being a regular on the Conde Nast Gold list and T&L 500.

“Cons: You may want to go Greek permanently.” Not really a con at all is it?

Second on the list is: Santa Catalina, Argentina

“Pros: With gorgeous gauchos, polo matches, and delicious meats roasted whole on a stick, El Colibrí. guarantees a truly authentic experience (oh, and the dollar goes far there).

Cons: Your vegetarian friends could possibly starve.”

Our take: We agree. This is another amazing hotel from the Fenestraz family, with the others all being located in France—at least one of which is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. We’ve rated El Colibri as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world.

Last, and certainly not last on the list is: Bali, Indonesia

“Pros: Meditation, yoga, volcano hiking, and rooms for $185 make Uma Ubud a relaxing place from which to start a drama-free life together.

Cons: Even frequent fliers might freak. (Just remind them of the miles.)”

Our take: Another oft recognized hotel from Como Hotels & Resorts that is well worth taking a look at.

No matter which of these three “Best Ofs” you choose to tie the knot at, or tie the knot again as the case may be, you can’t go wrong.

All the best,

Doug

I was talking to my six year old son tonight. One of those conversations you sometimes have as you’re laying with them just before they fall asleep. Somehow it came up, not sure why, but he told me I was the best dad in the whole world.

It was unsolicited feedback (this time), but he knows it makes me happy when he says it so he was probably just playing me a bit.

Given that, I decided to ask him why I’m the best dad in the whole world, and specifically to give me three reasons. Here was his answer:

1. You’re nice

2. You’re kind

3. (long pause) You’re nice to animals

There you have it. I’m nice, kind, and nice again.

When pressed to come up with something other than twice as nice, or nice twice, he thought a bit more and said because “you’re always happy.”

I can live with that.

If any of you doubt I’m the best dad out there, you can check with Bill’s 4 year old son for verification.

I’ve got his vote as well.

All the best,

Doug

Introducing the Triton 1000 Personal Luxury Submarine from U.S. Submarines®. I first spotted it in the most recent issue of Ocean Drive where it was featured as another ultimate yacht toy for the ultra-wealthy. Then not a day or two later I saw it in the “fantasy section” of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

Here’s what the catalog had to say about this new toy that has the potential to allow each and every one of us to unleash our inner Jacques Cousteau:

“The future? It’s right here, mateys. The folks at U.S. Submarines® whipped up our NM-Edition Gem Triton 1000 with all the sci-fi bells and whistles. ABS-certified, three-axis maneuverability. Dives to 1,000 feet. 360-degree views from your high-density acrylic bubble. Luxury leather seats with our logo. Joystick steering, with a gemstone set in the stick. Matching gemstone key chain. Air conditioning even. In this beauty, you’ll be outmaneuvering Captain Nemo in no time.

Your under-the-sea dream machine comes with a comprehensive two-day training program and delivery to your secluded cove anywhere in the U.S. Scratch a fender on a sunken chest? U.S. Submarines provides worldwide service and replacement parts.”

Neiman Marcus monogrammed seats? Count me in!

Seriously, I’m clearly not in the target audience, both because I don’t have a luxury yacht to launch it from, and more importantly because I don’t have $1.44 million sitting around to put in an investment that’s certainly going to end up…wait for it… wait for it… under water.

Rim shot please.

Tip your waiters. Try the veal. I’ll be here all week.

All the best,

Doug

A recent issue of ForbesLife featured another amazing toy not quite ready for primetime. But one that definitely gets you thinking. The Blade XTZ is an electric motorbike that equals or outperforms every gas-powered bike in its weight class (200-250cc). It’s about 25-50 lbs lighter, and offers more torque (250 pounds) than traditional dirt bikes. The top speed isn’t that impressive (at just over 40mph), but that’s plenty fast for motocross or trail riding.

Manufactured by Electric Moto Corporation, This dirt bike breakthrough is very cool. It runs the trails so silently, it would seem to be be almost dangerous if there were other bikes out there. You can barely hear it coming.

Check out this video of two BLADE XTZs running some trails together. As the article observes, “it’s a bit like watching TV with the sound off” and it’s true. Anyone used to the high-pitched engine whine of an offroad bike will definitely do a doubletake when you see a BLADE XTZ go by.

I just received the latest issue of Onboard from Cavendish & White. Cavendish White is a luxury yacht specialist that specializes in yacht charters, yacht sales, and yacht management services. This issue contains a sections on things every yacht ought to have, and there are some incredibly cool products.

One in particular caught my eye.

The Gibbs Quadski is a high-speed all-terrain vehicle (ATV) that converts into a watercraft at the flick of a switch. It’s a modern version of the lumbering, but versatile WWII amphibious craft (D.U.K.W. or Ducks) I first experienced at the Wisconsin Dells as a child—only brought to life as a sleek combination ATV/WaveRunner.

This extraordinary vehicle has a top speed up to 45mph on both land and water, using proprietary marine jet-propulsion and wheel-retraction systems. It can operate for two hours on the water and has a range of 370 miles or more on land. Unfortunately this amazing ride is at the prototype stage only, we won’t be able to order and climb aboard one for a while.

For more information about Gibbs Technology visit their website. They also manufacture an aquacar (Aquada), and for lack of a better description an aquahummer (Hummadinga).

You can check it out in the following video as well—don’t mind the cheesy music.

All the best,

Doug