Archive for March 12th, 2006
A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes , by Dusty Horner
This piece takes the shape of the Pumpkin Coach from the famous “Bibbity Bobbity Boo” scene where Cinderellas Fairy Godmother turns Cinderella into a beautiful Princess. Her Rags turn into a Ball Gown, a Pumpkin transforms into a Coach to whisk her off to the Princes Ball, and several Mice are turned into the coachmen. Cinderella, is surrounded by her friendly birds, and you can still see the magic effects twirling around her.
You can have it for $1,700.00. visiting
March 12th, 2006
Proof that the strong concepts are declined to perfection, Project Z3 enriches by quite beautiful way the pallet of expression of the Ocean collection. The innovation is declined here in two versions - the Vintage Spirit and the Sport Spirit -, both sheltering a movement swirl with the posting of the hours/minutes decentred with 12h, developed by Peter Speake-Sailor. Bench on the edges of Leman, this young British clock making Master already collaborated with Harry Winston, in particular with the development of Excenter Tourbillon. Specialist in the complicated movements, it is famous for his expertise and his direction on the completion. The Spirit Sport This version plus sport of Project Z3 posts a dial decorated with famous Cotes of Geneva of which the color major black, almost animal and mysterious, contrast with the glare of the steel bridges, on each side of the cage of the swirl. The figures and the needles, in blue Superluminova, confirm the vocation of this guard.
The second characteristic has only thus far been used on the world’s most complicated watches: the carriage rotation system is located inside the carriage itself, thereby providing this micro-mechanical marvel with greater shock-resistance and enhanced regularity. This regularity is reinforced by a higher than average cadence of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring a superlative degree of precision.
The transparent case-back enables one to admire the movement in all its intricacy, particularly the oscillating weight with its Z-shaped cut-out that emphasizes the unique character of the model.
A rare watch by nature, the Z3 is equally rare in terms of production, since it is issued in a limited and one shot series of 50 pieces per version.
March 12th, 2006
While joining again with the roots of the Mark, Brasilia recalls a watch of the Sixties which had already ignited the imagination of the designers of Ebel. A rectangular case moderated by soft, sensual and sophisticated lines. A sober design and a bracelet of an incomparable comfort, such are the attributes of a new contemporary, vibrating and sensual collection which mingles the traditional curves with the Mark with modern ultra lines. The collection puts in scene models at female as at the masculine, all characterized by their soft and well balanced proportions. The shape out of H of the bracelet, anti-reflecting glass sapphire on the two faces sign this distinctly drawn collection, according to whether they are models intended to the women or for the men.
March 12th, 2006
On the second place we find another expensive house, a great hotel. The apartment that tops The Pierre hotel is more than a penthouse–it’s a mansion in the sky. The top three floors were converted into a residence in the late 1980s; they include the hotel’s original ballroom–now a stupendous salon–and 360-degree views of the city. The penthouse has five master bedrooms, seven full baths, three half baths and four terraces. It is graced with Versailles-patterned oak floors, a black-marble staircase and 18th-century English paneling. And if the price seems a bit steep, the penthouse is available in two parts–one at $59 million and the other at just $11 million. It is listed with Elizabeth Lee Sample and Brenda Powers at Brown Harris Stevens, an affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates.
Price: $70 million
Location: New York, N.Y.
March 12th, 2006
Oscar de la Renta, Ltd. is one of the leading women’s design companies in the world. The Company also creates, markets and manufactures women’s accessories, fragrances, men’s wear, home furnishings, and casual wear. Oscar de la Renta apparel is carried in more than one thousand locations including such upscale stores as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman; these existing channels create a strong potential distribution network for The Fashion House’s Oscar de la Renta footwear lines.
Created from the romance inherent in the Oscar de la Renta collection, the O Oscar sportswear line captures the designer’s love of color and luxurious design. The essence of the Oscar de la Renta heritage has been infused into a brand for the woman who loves the look of couture but only seeks out fashion she can afford without compromising quality.
March 12th, 2006
Mid-century modernism is evoked in an architectural setting, featuring furniture with sleek line in polished walnut and parchment with silver accents. Luxurious textural fabrics form a warm understated palette of cream and beige to caramel and chocolate brown.
This is the new trend look of Ralph Lauren’s furniture for Spring 2006. The collection is inspired from the exotic French Riviera, to chic, luxurious minimalism, to a modern take on the West Coast.
You can buy it on www.polo.com
March 12th, 2006
Singapore Airlines has an enviable reputation for quality and safety. Whether you’re flying First Class, Raffles Class or Economy, you’ll relish the attention and care you receive from the cabin crew. You will also appreciate the many complementary amenities and little touches that separate Singapore Airlines from the other airways you have flown in the past.
Singapore has created the world’s most exclusive First Class cabin offering superior levels of privacy and comfort. By reducing the number of SkySuites from 16 to 12, Singapore Airlines offers you far more room to stretch out, creating an atmosphere of total privacy.
For business travellers, Singapore Airlines offers its very own Raffles Class; with its unique SpaceBed, the biggest bed in Business Class. The Italian-Swiss designed SpaceBed offers you unparalleled comfort to work, relax or sleep. Its unique cushioning conforms to the shape of your body for extra comfort while adjustable screen dividers give you added privacy.
Economy passengers also enjoy the benefits of more leg room and comfort with specially contoured seatbacks, adjustable headrests and footrests.
With its wide range of beverages and fine wines and choice of menus, Singapore lavishes attention on its passengers like no other airline.
First Class travellers can order their favourite meal ahead of time with Singapore’s exclusive;book the cook; service. Sample a choice of delicious entrees like premium chilled mallossal caviar while sipping Dom Perignon Champagne. Dine on delicious satay or authentic Japanese Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine (on Japan flights) or the many other succulent dishes designed by Singapore’s award-winning chefs.
March 12th, 2006
The cars and trucks driven by those in the Top 10 of the 2005 Forbes list was, in short, shocking. You won’t find a Bugatti, Ferrari or BMW driven by these billionaires. But you will find a Lincoln, a Mazda, even a Dodge and Ford. It seems that for the super-rich, a vehicle is seen not as a status symbol, but as a means to an end in which to get from point A to point B. Status is something that these billionaires need not prove to others. In many cases, the people on our list prefer to live inconspicuously, avoiding the limelight at all costs. This might explain why many of their vehicles cost less than your own daily driver.
William Gates III -
1999 Porsche 911 Convertible, 1988 Porsche 959 Coupe. Net Worth:
$46.5 billion
Microsoft founder, philanthropist and self-proclaimed “nerd”
William Gates III vents his software stress behind the wheel of two Porsches. His daily driver, a 1999 Porsche 911 Convertible is ripe for replacement, especially considering that
Porsche has totally redesigned the latest 911, the 997, for 2005. Now, after waiting some 10 years, Gates can finally enjoy his other favorite Porsche: a rare (1 of 230) 1988 Porsche 959 Coupe. In fact, due to the 959’s questionable emissions and unknown crash ratings, it took a federal law signed by President Clinton for Bill Gates to legally drive his 959 on American roads. Rumor has it that Bill Gates and Paul Allen employed Microsoft engineers to write a computer program that could simulate the 959’s crashworthiness, which helped in the bill’s passage.
March 12th, 2006
Blakes Hotel was created out of two Victorian mansions in South Kensington by Anouska Hempel, the London hotelier and internationally renowned designer. The hotel offers style, elegance and sensational service. A personal statement about what design can achieve, every detail is carefully constructed to provide the ideal blend of colour, texture and atmosphere. The staff is friendly, yet very professional, providing the level of service you would expect from an excellent hotel, while maintaining a comfortable, intimate atmosphere.
Respected for protecting the privacy of its clients against the paparazzi, it’s the London base of film stars, musicians and all the top designers earning the reputation as the “couture hotel”.
Russian, India, Turkey, Colonial styles and Eastern European splendour, endless possibilities, the real essence of travel and history that can be breathed into each room. The 49 guestrooms are individually designed, and the colour schemes daring, stunning and dramatic - black and mustard, rich cardinal reds, lavender, vanilla washes of tea rose and a room that is white on white.
The smart, fashionable shops of Brompton Cross are only a short stroll away through the leafy streets of South Kensington, and Harrods can be reached by taxi in five minutes. The Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum and the Natural History Museum are all a ten-minute walk away. Oxford Street and Bond Street are only two stops away from Victoria underground station.
Blakes is the blueprint for the “fashionable small hotel” not only in London, but cities around the world.
The Restaurant: Blakes restaurant is renowned for being one of the most daring, stunning and dramatic restaurants in London with an unrivalled reputation for the originality and contents of its superb menu. The cuisine, devised by Anouska Hempel, is a skilful blend of East and West, together with imaginative dishes of her own, all elegantly presented to look as good as they taste. A carefully chosen wine list, friendly staff and professional service make it a must for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bar is popular, lively and full of character. Blakes Restaurant is rated one of the best in London and is usually heavily booked in advance.
Blakes is ten minutes walk to National History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, a short distance from the Royal Albert Hall and within easy reach of all the West End theatres. Close to the wonderful shopping district of Knightsbridge, with stores such as Harrods, the fashionable Kings Road, and the many antique shops in Fulham Road. Short walk to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park .
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March 12th, 2006
World’s Tallest Buildings
Soaring 1,670 feet (509 meters), the Taipei 101 Tower in Taipei, Taiwan appears to be the world’s tallest building. But the Taipei 101 Tower’s massive 60-foot spire contributes to much of that height.
Before the Taipei 101 Tower was completed, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were described as the tallest buildings in the world.
But, like the Taipei 101 Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers get much of their height from spires, not from usable space.
If you count only habitable space and measure from the sidewalk level of the main entrance to the structural top of building (excluding flagpoles and spires), then Chicago’s Sears Tower, built in 1974, may still be the tallest building in the world.
But none of these buildings will keep their rankings for long. Even taller buildings are on the drawing board. Freedom Tower at the new World Trade Center in New York City is expected to rise 541 meters (1,776 feet) tall, including its enormous spire.
However, if spires, flagpoles, and antennas can be counted when we measure building heights, perhaps rankings of the World’s Tallest Buildings should include all man-made structures, whether or not they contain habitable space. In this case, the CN Tower in Canada is the world’s tallest building. The communications tower and tourist attraction measures 553.33 meters (1,815 ft., 5 inches) tall.
Taipei 101, Taipei
Designers and Builders: C.Y. Lee and Partner, Architects, and Turner International Industries, Inc., project and construction management
Vital Statistics: With a massive 60-foot spire inspired by Twaiwan’s native bamboo plant, Taipei 101 Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world. At 508 meters (1,667 feet) high, the tower and its spire outrank the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Taipei Tower has 198,347 m2 (2,336,000 sq. ft.) of office space, 77,033 m2 (796,000 sq. ft.) of retail space, and 83,000 m2 (893,000 sq. ft.) of parking space for more than 1,800 vehicles.
Earthquake Safety: Designing a building this large presented unique challenges because Taiwan is subject to typhoons and earthquakes. To counter movement, a tuned mass damper system has been incorporated into the structure. The 800-metric ton (1,764,000 lbs.), spherical steel mass is located on level 88 and will be visible from the restaurant and observation decks. The system transfers the energy from the building to the swinging sphere, providing a stabilizing force.
Special Design Features: The design of Taipei 101 borrows heavily from Chinese culture. Both the building’s interior and exterior incorporate the Chinese pagoda form and the shape of bamboo flowers. The lucky number eight, which means blooming or success, is represented by the eight clearly delineated exterior sections of the building.
Observation Deck : Located on floors 89 and 91, the observation decks include the highest restaurant in Taiwan. Two high-speed elevators reach a maximum speed of 1,010 meters/minute (55 ft./second) when traveling to the 89th floor.
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Each of the twin Petronas Towers is 88 stories plus an additional architectural point (at 1242 feet), plus a tall spire to 1483 feet.
At 1483 feet (452m) tall, the tallest building in the world at the date of its completion, measured to the highest point. However, the Sears Tower in Chicago still has the highest occupied building floor, more than 200 feet higher than the highest occupied floor of the Petronas Towers.
The foundation under each tower is a 4.5 meter thick, 32,500 tonne raft containing 13,200 mł of grade 60 concrete, supported by 104 barrette piles driven into the soft rock.
A steel skybridge connects the towers 170m (558 feet) above the ground at the 41st and 42nd floors. The bridge is open to the public.
The security system includes a card access and alarm monitoring system, closed circuit television, a voice intercom, and a photo ID system.
The two towers have a total of 76 lifts, including 29 double-decker high speed passenger lifts in each tower. Each double-decker elevator can carry 26 persons.
The architectural and engineering team was chosen on the basis of its experience with the Miglin-Beitler Skyneedle, a world’s-tallest proposal from Chicago with a narrow concrete structure that was very similar to the Petronas design.
Sears Tower, Chicago IL
Chicago became home to the world’s tallest building in 1973 when the Sears Tower was topped off. The Sears Tower remained the tallest building in the world until February 13, 1996. The Sears Tower continues to be the tallest building in North America.
On July 10, 1997, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat met in Chicago to announce new standards with four categories for measuring tall buildings. These categories are:
Height to the structural or architectural top.
Height to the highest occupied floor.
Height to the top of the roof.
Height to the top of antenna.
The Sears Tower leads in the second and third categories. The height to the top of the roof is 1,450 feet and the height to the highest occupied floor is 1,431. The twin Petronas Towers in Malaysia win the first category with its 111-foot decorative spires.
Sitting on two city blocks and rising one quarter mile (1,454 feet) above the ground, the Tower’s 110 stories comprise some 4.5 million gross square feet of office and commercial space. It was designed by the architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, and was constructed in a little less than two and half years.
Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai SH
The Jin Mao Building, the tallest building in China, was built by the Shanghai Jian Gong Group and was completed on 18 March 1999.
The Jin Mao Building is almost as tall as Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and Sears Tower in Chicago. It is the highest in China and the third highest in the world. The building is located in the Lu Jia Zui district in Huang Pudong east. There are three basement levels and 88 storeys. The total GFA is 289,500 sq m and the height of the tower is 420.5 m or 1,381 feet
The building is designed by US architectural firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill, and was built by the Shanghai Jian Gong Group, the first Chinese national construction group to tackle such a large and significant project. Construction of the Jin Mao Building began in June 1994, and the building was completed by March 1999.
2 International Finance Centre, Hong Kong HK
CITIC Plaza, Guangzhou GD
Shun Hing Square, Shenzhen GD
Empire State Building, New York City NY
Central Plaza, Hong Kong HK
March 12th, 2006
