The new, June issue of brand eins focuses on Competition and how we deal with it, or often avoid it with euphemistic phrasing and maneuvering. I contributed a feature on natural monopolies up-close for which I visited the small town of Lee Vining. It's the gateway to Mono Lake and the entrance to Yosemite National Park (during the few months that Tioga Pass is open). Its residents are in a seasonal race to capture as much income as they can from the hordes of tourists who pass through and need gas, food and a bed.
Rather than just putting my reporting to paper, I have begun capturing bonus material on video.
Below is an introduction to the place and the people of Lee Vining, plus a 6-minute collage of impressions gathered on location and interviews with local business men. Stay tuned for more videos to accompany my reporting in the Valley and beyond, or join the Facebook group for brand eins where the videos are up, too.
In the meantime, if you want to quench your thirst for wise men (and women) with peculiar stories to tell, check out my new video blog "Sometimes, There's A Man." The reporter abides!
