Newsletter Issue #478

                                 

Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

              

Fresh Ideas from Italy to America's Ballparks

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
– Benjamin Franklin 

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Welcome to another edition of Global Common Cents! This week we travel from the villages of Italy to the baseball diamonds where the “boys of summer” prove that age is often just a number. Along the way, we’ll explore whether Europe is really banning air conditioning, why your digital brand may soon become more valuable than your résumé, and what prospective buyers should know before investing in Italian real estate. We also tackle one of life’s surprisingly common etiquette questions—when should you use a fork, and when are your fingers perfectly acceptable?

As always, we’ve included practical ideas you can put to work immediately. Learn why vitamin D remains one of the most important nutrients for overall health, discover simple ways to keep your brain sharp as the years pass, revisit the fascinating history of Caribbean rum-running, and pick up safer driving techniques to reduce nighttime headlight glare. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, your finances, your travels, or simply enjoy a good story, we hope this week’s issue gives you something worth sharing. Thanks for spending part of your week with us—we’re glad you’re here.

Jeff Corbett

Publisher | Global Common Cents

Jeff’s Favorites:

One of the benefits of publishing Global Common Cents is the opportunity to discover companies developing practical solutions to everyday problems. This week I’d like to introduce ShadowGPS, a company focused on helping individuals, families, and businesses better protect their vehicles and valuable assets through modern GPS tracking technology.

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Is Europe Banning Air Conditioning?

“The psychology behind staying cool.” 

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Imagine enduring a 100-degree summer day without air conditioning—and believing that’s the better choice. It may sound unbelievable to many Americans, yet that’s the perception created by recent headlines suggesting Europe is turning its back on AC. The reality is more nuanced. Europe is not banning air conditioning. Instead, the European Union is tightening regulations on the refrigerants used in new cooling systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging cleaner technologies. According to the European Commission, the goal is to lower the climate impact of cooling—not eliminate it.

The more fascinating story lies in human psychology. For generations, many Europeans have adapted to summer with thick stone buildings, exterior shutters, evening breezes, and lifestyles designed to work with the climate rather than against it. As a result, air conditioning has often been viewed as unnecessary, expensive, or environmentally unfriendly. But a string of exceptionally hot summers is forcing many Europeans to reconsider long-held assumptions. According to the World Health Organization, extreme heat contributes to an estimated 489,000 deaths worldwide each year, including approximately 176,000 in Europe. Researchers also estimated that the record-breaking European heatwaves of 2022 were associated with more than 61,000 heat-related deaths, highlighting the growing challenge of protecting public health while reducing energy consumption.

Behavioral scientists call this status quo bias—our tendency to stick with familiar beliefs even when circumstances have changed. Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman spent decades documenting how people naturally resist change because the known feels safer than the unknown. Europe’s debate over air conditioning is becoming a real-world example of that principle. The continent isn’t choosing between comfort and the environment; it’s searching for ways to balance both. The broader lesson applies far beyond climate policy. Whether in business, investing, or everyday life, yesterday’s assumptions don’t always survive tomorrow’s realities.

Your Digital Brand is Your Resume

“Your reputation is often reviewed before your credentials.”   

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For decades, a resume was the primary way to introduce yourself professionally. Today, your digital presence often speaks first. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, consultant, executive, or job seeker, people are increasingly researching you online before making a decision. According to LinkedIn, the professional networking platform now has more than one billion members worldwide, making it one of the first places prospective clients, employers, investors, and business partners go to evaluate someone’s experience and credibility. Simply put, your LinkedIn profile, newsletter, podcast appearances, or articles may be viewed long before anyone asks to see your resume.

Building a personal brand is not about becoming an influencer—it’s about becoming known for expertise, consistency, and trust. That is especially important in business. According to the 2025 LinkedIn-Edelman B2B Thought Leadership Impact Report, nearly three-quarters of business decision-makers say thought leadership is a more trustworthy way to evaluate a company’s capabilities than traditional marketing materials. The same research found that quality thought leadership influences purchasing decisions, opens doors to new business opportunities, and helps organizations establish credibility before the first meeting ever takes place.

The good news is that building a strong personal brand doesn’t require millions of followers. It starts by consistently sharing useful insights, publishing thoughtful articles, appearing on podcasts, speaking at industry events, or simply offering practical advice on LinkedIn. Over time, those small actions compound into something far more valuable than a polished resume—they create a reputation. In an age when artificial intelligence can generate resumes in seconds, authentic expertise, credibility, and trust remain uniquely human advantages. The entrepreneurs who invest in their personal brand today are likely to find that opportunities begin looking for them, rather than the other way around.

Should You Buy a Home in Italy?

“Buying a Piece of La Dolce Vita.”

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Few countries capture the imagination quite like Italy. Whether it’s a stone farmhouse in Tuscany, a lakeside apartment overlooking Lake Como, or a villa along the Amalfi Coast, Italy offers something few investments can: the opportunity to own a home in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. While no real estate market is without risk, Italy continues to attract international buyers seeking a blend of lifestyle, long-term appreciation, and rental income.

Affordable Compared to Much of Europe

One of Italy’s biggest advantages is affordability. Outside major cities and premier resort destinations, many properties remain considerably less expensive than comparable homes in France, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. Southern Italy and many rural villages still participate in the well-publicized “€1 Home” initiatives designed to reverse population decline. While these properties require substantial renovation and strict timelines, they have helped shine a spotlight on the value that still exists throughout much of the country.

A Tourism Powerhouse

Italy remains one of the world’s most visited countries. In 2025, visitors generated more than 450 million overnight stays, creating strong demand for vacation rentals in destinations such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, Puglia, Sicily, and Lake Como. Well-located properties can produce attractive seasonal rental income while owners enjoy personal use during part of the year.

The housing market has also remained resilient. According to Italy’s National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), residential property prices increased 5.2 percent during the first quarter of 2026 compared with a year earlier, while home sales rose 4.4 percent. Unlike many countries that have experienced dramatic boom-and-bust cycles, Italy’s conservative lending practices have generally produced slower, steadier price appreciation.

Proceed with Your Eyes Open

Italian real estate is best viewed as a long-term investment rather than a quick profit opportunity. Buyers should budget for purchase taxes, notary fees, legal expenses, and ongoing maintenance costs. Renovating older properties often requires patience, particularly when dealing with historic buildings or local permitting requirements. As with any market, location matters. Milan, Rome, Bologna, Florence, and popular resort communities typically enjoy stronger demand and greater liquidity than many rural villages.

The Bottom Line

For investors seeking rapid appreciation, Italy may not be the perfect choice. But for those looking to diversify internationally while enjoying an exceptional quality of life, it presents a compelling opportunity. A thoughtfully selected property can serve as a vacation retreat, retirement residence, income-producing rental, or legacy asset for future generations. Like the country itself, Italian real estate rewards those willing to take the long view.

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.

Fork or Finger Food?

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

Biography:  Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune and USA Today offers her insights.

“The unspoken rules that drive outcomes.” 

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Picture this: you’re at an elegant dinner party, and the server places a beautiful plate of bacon-wrapped asparagus in front of you. Your instinct says “finger food,” but the formal setting whispers “use your fork.” This common dining dilemma isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about reading the room and making choices that respect both yourself and your dining companions.

The Golden Rules of Fork vs. Finger Etiquette

The question, “Should I eat this with my fork or my fingers?” has a surprisingly nuanced answer.

Context is everything. In casual settings like backyard barbecues, food trucks, or picnics, finger foods are expected. Fine dining restaurants, formal dinner parties, and special events such as weddings call for a more refined approach. When in doubt, observe your host or fellow diners for social cues.
Consider the mess factor. Foods that are naturally greasy, saucy, or prone to dripping are often better approached with utensils. That juicy burger loaded with bacon and special sauce becomes fork food the moment it threatens to create chaos on your plate—or worse, your outfit.
Be consistent. If your main course requires a fork and knife, extend that same approach to your side dishes. Eating a loaded chili burger with utensils while grabbing French fries with your fingers creates an awkward dining experience.
When dining family-style, follow the lead of the most formal approach at the table.

When Finger Foods Require Forks

Some traditional finger foods occasionally deserve a more sophisticated approach:

• Pizza becomes fork food when it’s overloaded with toppings, too hot to handle safely, or served as a gourmet entrée in an upscale restaurant.
• Vegetables such as asparagus, whole green beans, or breaded zucchini sticks are best eaten with a fork in formal settings or when covered in rich sauces.
• Chicken wings, sandwiches, and wraps may require utensils at business dinners, formal events, or whenever they’re too messy or overstuffed to eat gracefully.

Temperature also matters. Foods that are too hot to handle comfortably—or have become soggy and unstable—are often easier to manage with utensils.

Mastering Finger Food Etiquette

When finger foods are appropriate, a few simple habits help maintain good etiquette:

• Practice the “bite and rest” technique. Take a bite, then place the remaining food back on your plate while chewing. Avoid gesturing with food in your hand.
• Keep your napkin handy. Your napkin should be your constant companion for cleaning your hands and mouth, especially when enjoying greasy or sticky foods.
• Serve shared foods properly. Transfer dips, sauces, or condiments to your own plate rather than dipping directly into shared bowls. Large burgers or thick sandwiches should be cut into manageable pieces for easier handling.

Read the Room

The most sophisticated diners know etiquette isn’t about memorizing rules—it’s about adapting with grace and consideration. Watch your dining companions, consider your surroundings, and let efficiency, cleanliness, and the formality of the occasion guide your decision.

By mastering these simple principles, you’ll navigate any dining situation with confidence, whether you’re enjoying street tacos at a food festival or a seven-course tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Sunshine Vitamin & Why You Need It

by Morayma MaKay
Writer / Blogger & Content Creator
Adulthood Rewired

Biography:  Morayma Makay is a fashion model, mother, and writer.  She has
dedicated the last 20 years to working in the fashion and health fields as
both a researcher and content creator.

“Support your wellness.”     

——-

If there were a list of nutrients that don’t get enough credit, vitamin D would probably be near the top. You see,most people know it’s important for bone health, but that’s often where the conversation ends. In reality, vitamin D is involved in a surprising number of functions throughout the entire body, and when levels are low, you may feel the effects in ways you wouldn’t necessarily connect back to a vitamin deficiency.

The Sunshine Vitamin.

One reason vitamin D gets so much attention, regardless of whether we are deep into summer or in the throes of “cold and flu season” is because it’s surprisingly difficult for many people to get enough of it to actually make a positive difference in their health. Even those of us who try to eat well can fall short, especially as we get older or spend more time indoors…and let’s be honest…many of us aren’t outside nearly as much as we used to be. Between work, errands, streaming shows, scrolling on our phones, and escaping extreme weather (whether it’s a scorching Arizona summer or a freezing Midwest winter), it’s easy to go days without spending much meaningful time outdoors. This matters because sunlight is one of the body’s main sources of vitamin D.

When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it begins producing vitamin D naturally. It’s actually one of the few nutrients your body can make on its own which is pretty impressive when you think about it. Of course, it’s not quite as simple as “go sit in the sun.” Factors like where you live, your age, skin tone, the season, and even the time of day can influence how much vitamin D your body produces, and as we age, our skin becomes less efficient at making vitamin D, which is one reason deficiency becomes more common later in life.

How Vitamin D Helps.

Vitamin D’s best known job is helping the body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones. That’s especially important as we get older and naturally begin losing some bone density. but vitamin D’s influence extends well beyond the skeleton! It also plays a role in immune function, muscle health, and overall vitality. In fact, some people discover they have low vitamin D levels after talking with their healthcare provider about feeling unusually tired, fatigued, achy, or lacking energy. While those symptoms can have many causes, vitamin D is often one of the first things that’s checked.

Mood is another area where vitamin D seems to matter. You’ve probably noticed how different you feel after spending time outside on a beautiful day, and while there are many reasons for that boost, vitamin D may be part of the picture. So what’s the best way to get enough? Let’s discuss!

Adding in Vitamin D to Your Day.

Spending some time outdoors can certainly help increase your intake, and you don’t need to spend hours baking in the sun…and nobody is suggesting you skip sunscreen when appropriate, but regular outdoor time, whether that’s a morning walk, gardening, reading on the patio, or simply enjoying your coffee outside, offers benefits beyond vitamin D alone. Food can help too, although vitamin D isn’t naturally abundant in many foods. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and trout are among the best sources, while egg yolks contain some vitamin D, and many dairy products, plant-based milks, and cereals are fortified with it as well.

For some people, though, food and sunshine still aren’t enough. That’s why vitamin D supplements have become so popular. A simple blood test can also tell you where your levels stand and help determine whether supplementation makes sense for you. One helpful tip: vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means your body absorbs it better when it’s taken with foods that contain healthy fats. Taking it alongside breakfast with eggs, avocado toast, or a handful of nuts can be more effective than swallowing it on an empty stomach.

What’s especially interesting about vitamin D is that it reminds us how connected our health habits really are. Going outside, eating nourishing foods, staying active, and getting regular checkups all support the same goal: helping your body function at its best! Vitamin D may not be the most exciting topic in the wellness world, but it’s one of those behind-the-scenes players that definitely contributes to how you feel every day!

Keep Your Brain Fit!

“Simple daily habits that may help protect memory for years to come.” 

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Your brain reaches peak performance in early adulthood, but that doesn’t mean decline is inevitable. According to the World Health Organization, more than 57 million people worldwide are living with dementia, and nearly 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Meanwhile, researchers estimate that the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease could nearly double by 2060 as the population ages. The encouraging news? Research consistently shows that staying mentally, physically and socially active may help build “cognitive reserve”—the brain’s ability to adapt and resist age-related decline.

You don’t need expensive programs or complicated technology to keep your brain engaged. Try incorporating a few of these activities into your weekly routine:

• Learn a new language. Studies published in Frontiers in Neuroscience suggest bilingual individuals often have stronger connections between brain regions involved in memory and executive function, which may help delay cognitive decline.
• Master a new skill. Whether it’s photography, woodworking, painting or learning a musical instrument, challenging your brain with unfamiliar tasks creates new neural pathways. Better yet, teaching the skill to someone else reinforces learning.
• Take dance lessons. Dancing combines physical exercise, balance, rhythm and memory. Research has linked regular dancing with improved brain function, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and supports overall cognitive health.
• Engage all five senses. Activities such as cooking, gardening or baking stimulate sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing simultaneously. Multisensory experiences have been shown to improve memory formation and recall.
• Challenge yourself with puzzles. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, chess, jigsaw puzzles and strategy games force the brain to recognize patterns, solve problems and strengthen spatial reasoning. Consistency matters more than difficulty.
• Stay socially connected. One of the strongest predictors of healthy aging isn’t found in a pill—it’s relationships. Regular conversations, volunteering, joining clubs or simply meeting friends for coffee stimulate memory, attention and emotional well-being while helping reduce loneliness, a recognized risk factor for cognitive decline.

Just as lifting weights helps preserve muscle, challenging your mind helps preserve cognitive function. You don’t have to do everything on this list—simply choose activities you genuinely enjoy and make them part of your routine. Your brain, much like the rest of your body, responds best to regular exercise.

Rum-Running in the Caribbean

 “From pirates’ drink to one of the world’s finest spirits.” 

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In the fall of 1976, the University of Pittsburgh was enjoying one of the greatest football seasons in its history. Like thousands of freshmen that year, I packed into old Pitt Stadium every Saturday as the Panthers marched toward a national championship.

That’s where I had my first taste of rum.

Like the pirates who once roamed the Caribbean, we appreciated it for much the same reasons—it was inexpensive, easy to sneak into a football game, and even easier to carry. Whenever Pitt built another commanding lead, sections of the student body would break into a rhythmic chant:

“B-A-C-A-R-D-I!”

Fortunately, time has a way of refining both people and their tastes. My fraternity brothers and I eventually stopped chanting the names of liquor brands and learned to appreciate a good spirit for its craftsmanship rather than its price.

Rum itself has come a long way.

Sugarcane arrived in the Caribbean during Christopher Columbus’s voyages to the New World. Plantation owners soon discovered that fermenting and distilling molasses—the byproduct of sugar production—created a remarkably portable spirit. It quickly became the drink of sailors, merchants, privateers, and pirates. For centuries, rum carried a rough reputation, associated with bootleggers, rum-runners, and life at sea. Only during the 20th century did it emerge as the sophisticated cocktail and sipping spirit enjoyed around the world today.

No discussion of rum is complete without mentioning Bacardi. Founded in Cuba in 1862 by Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, the company grew into the world’s largest premium rum producer before relocating its operations following the Cuban Revolution. Today, Bacardi remains one of the world’s best-selling rum brands.

Yet the Caribbean offers far more than the familiar labels found on supermarket shelves. Hidden among its islands are small distilleries producing exceptional rums that rival the finest whiskies and cognacs. If your travels take you south, consider seeking out one of these outstanding bottles:

• Hampden Estate (Jamaica) — Renowned for traditional wild fermentation that produces bold tropical fruit and spice flavors. Try the Great House Edition or Overproof expressions.
• Foursquare Rum Distillery (Barbados) — Often regarded as one of the world’s premier rum producers, crafting small-batch, additive-free rums prized by collectors.
• Rhum J.M (Martinique) — Produced from fresh sugarcane juice grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Pelée, these agricole rums feature distinctive grassy and mineral notes.
• St. Nicholas Abbey (Barbados) — Distilled on one of the Caribbean’s oldest plantation estates using estate-grown sugarcane and traditional copper pot stills.
• Worthy Park Estate’s Rum Bar (Jamaica) — Famous for the unmistakable “funk” that defines classic Jamaican rum, making it equally enjoyable neat or in tropical cocktails.

Whether you prefer your rum neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a classic daiquiri, today’s Caribbean rums are a world apart from the rough spirits once carried aboard pirate ships. They have become a reflection of each island’s history, craftsmanship, and culture—and perhaps the perfect companion while watching the sun set over turquoise Caribbean waters.

Good sipping, mon.

The Boys of Summer Never Grow Old

“Across America, players over 50 are proving that passion for baseball has no expiration date.” 

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For many players, baseball isn’t simply a childhood memory—it’s a lifelong passion. Across the United States, thousands of men and women over the age of 50 continue to play organized baseball in competitive leagues designed specifically for older athletes. Beyond staying physically active, these leagues offer something just as valuable: the opportunity to compete, build lasting friendships, and reconnect with a game that has shaped generations.

Organizations such as the Men’s Senior Baseball League (MSBL) and Roy Hobbs Baseball provide divisions for players in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond. This is fast-pitch baseball—not softball—played with hardballs on full-size diamonds and governed by traditional baseball rules, with only a handful of age-related modifications for safety. Games are typically played on weekends, and while the competition can be spirited, the emphasis remains on sportsmanship, camaraderie, and respect for the game.

Players come from every walk of life—former college and professional athletes, military veterans, business executives, and countless others who simply never lost their love for baseball. I’ve had the privilege of playing senior baseball for the past seven years, competing against former NFL players, former minor leaguers, and talented teams from across the United States and as far away as Australia. All you really need is a glove, a bat, and a genuine love for America’s pastime.

One of the highlights of the season is the annual World Series held each October in Phoenix. Hundreds of teams travel from across the United States and overseas to compete for championship rings while playing in Major League spring training stadiums. Many players bring their spouses and families, turning the tournament into a memorable vacation as well as a week of outstanding baseball during one of the most beautiful times of year in the Arizona desert.

Whether it’s the unmistakable crack of the bat, the smell of freshly cut grass—or perhaps a little extra muscle rub in the clubhouse—senior baseball proves that competitive spirit doesn’t disappear with age. Friendships are renewed, new memories are made, and the joy of the game lives on. After all, birthdays may keep coming, but the love of baseball never grows old.

How to Reduce Headlight Glare for Safer Night Driving

“Beat the glare after dark.” 

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Night driving presents unique challenges, from reduced visibility to the blinding glare of oncoming headlights. According to the AAA, six in ten drivers say they struggle with headlight glare, and nearly three-quarters believe the problem has worsened over the past decade. The combination of brighter LED headlights and taller SUVs and trucks has made nighttime driving more difficult, especially on two-lane roads.

Fortunately, a few simple steps can make a noticeable difference. Keep your windshield and mirrors clean to reduce light scatter, use your rearview mirror’s night setting or auto-dimming feature, and when an oncoming vehicle approaches, avoid looking directly at its headlights. Instead, focus on the white line along the right edge of the roadway, which helps maintain your lane position while reducing glare. Dimming your dashboard lights can also help your eyes stay adjusted to the dark. Finally, if glare has become a persistent problem, schedule an eye exam—conditions such as dry eyes or cataracts can increase light sensitivity, and anti-reflective coatings on prescription lenses may improve nighttime visibility.