Monthly Archives: March 2008

China plans ‘most luxurious train in the world’ to Tibet

China will launch “the most luxurious train in the world” to ply the route from Beijing to Tibet’s capital Lhasa, state media reported Sunday.

However, a ride on the train, which will begin operations on September 1, will be about 20 times more expensive than the ordinary fare of about 2,000 yuan (280 dollars), Xinhua news agency said.

“The interior of the train will be decorated according to the standards of a five-star hotel, making it the most luxurious train in the world,” said Zhu Mingrui, general manager of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Corporation.” Such a train can only seat 96 passengers.

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Mile-high London Tower

If this project gets the green light, London’s skyline would have a new addition in the form of the mile-high “eco-friendly” tower, to be located in East London.

Towering 500 stories high, it is expected to house 100,000 people, in addition to having space for schools, hospitals and stores.

This proposed giant skyscraper by British firm Popular Architecture will create 12 new ‘villages’ in the sky and is three times larger than anything built in the capital. And for every 20 stories, there will be ‘holes’ that serve as public spaces containing botanic gardens, ice-skating rinks and swimming pools.

The whole idea of using minimal land to house a large number of people adds an ecological advantage to this project. For now though, this skyscraper remains a pipedream till an interested developer turns it into reality.

Mansory’s Modified McLaren SLR

Mansory, a German customizer known for its interesting design sense, has unveiled its new take on the Mercedes McLaren SLR.

The name of the game in redesigning the SLR was “evolution instead of revolution,” so the most dramatic changes were made to the car’s exterior.

And, aside from a new gold paint job, Mansory gave the SLR numerous carbon fiber body components and ultra-light forged wheels.
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Yin Yang Outdoor Lounger

The Yin Yang lounger by German luxury outdoor furniture maker DEDON was conceptualized as a piece of furniture that reflects the harmonious unity of two elements. Designer Nicolas Thomkins sketched the first designs using a stick on the sand on the beaches of Olango on the Philippine island of Cebu.

Made of 4,000 meters of fiber, in bronze and platinum colors, the two chairs can be used as standalones, or combined with their alternating convex and concave surfaces shaped perfectly to form a cohesive whole – forming the yin-yang symbol when viewed from the top, hence its name.

Clover Coffee Machine for $11,000

The New York Times used words like “cult object,” “majestic,” and “titillating”; the Economist called it “ingenious” and “sleek.”

The subject of these encomiums is, incongruously, a commercial coffee machine—the Clover 1s, an $11,000 device that brews regular coffee (not espresso) one cup at a time.

The Clover’s real benefit to coffee-drinkers is the way it combines French press and vacuum methods to produce one of the best cups of coffee.

The Clover’s “VacuumPress” method, however, creates a vacuum to draw the water down through the grounds, extracting flavor and yet leaving them behind.
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Limited Edition Movado Museum Hand Wind Rose Gold Watch

The case, in 18kt rose gold, measures 45mm. It has a sapphire crystal and display back and is water resistant to 30 meters.

Movement is the mechanical hand-wind ETA caliber UNITAS 6498-2 with 17 jewels, beating at 18,000 bph and with a 60 hour power reserve. The bridges have Cotes de Geneva finish, “Movado Factories” is engraved on the barrel bridge, and there is a red Movado “M” on the wheel bridge.

There will be 25 pieces manufactured.

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

If you believe in Buddha and his ideologies then some corner of your house would be housing a big or small figure of Buddha in any one of his forms.

If not then take a look at the gilted bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara belonging to the 13 century from Tibet.

Unlike the hieratic, frontal, and often powerful images that typify many Southeast Asian sculptures, this figure of Avalokiteshvara is portrayed in a less formal position.
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Diamond-studded card shows you’ve arrived

dubai first royale

How would you like to own a credit card with a solitaire diamond embedded in it? Can you imagine the look on the faces of your fellow diners when you casually whip it out and hand it over to the waiter to pay the bill? And, to make things even better, there is no pre-set spending limit on the card.

Before you go running to apply, here’s the catch – the Dubai First Royale MasterCard is by invitation only and as the name “Royale” suggests is only for the VVIPs of UAE society and the movers and shakers of the business world.

Ravi Bhardwaj, country corporate officer, Dubai First, told Emirates Business: “Our Royale MasterCard is by invitation only and it is for a select group of people, who represent the upper echelons of the business and social community.
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Dior Logo Teddy Bear

he quintessence of cuteness, Dior’s smiling teddy bear is proudly dressed up in the classic Dior Logo canvas, with added softness for baby.
A colorful burst of shimmering embroidered flowers blooms on the bear’s left chest, adding another touch of joy to this chic, cheerful bear. Made in France. Price: $265

Lufthansa plans to offer private business jets

Lufthansa has placed orders for seven executive jets from Cessna, the US business aircraft maker, in its first step towards building its own fleet of nine corporate jets operating in the region of Europe and Russia.

The German flag carrier is set to be the first European airline to develop its own fleet of business jets.
Private aviation has enjoyed an unprecedented global boom during the past three years, as corporate executives and wealthy individuals have sought to avoid the increasing hassle, inconvenience and delays of flying through congested hub airports and to use business jets to increase executive productivity.

Several other European airlines have considered entering the corporate jet market, including KLM, the Dutch subsidiary of Air France-KLM, which has recently investigated the fledgling market for air taxi jet operations with four-seat very light jets.
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6 Passenger Personal Jet – Hondajet

Owning a personal jet has always been a far off dream for many, but that dream may have just become a little more attainable with the introduction of the HondaJet.

This new product from automaker Honda, makes jet ownership only 3.65 million dollars away.

First announced in 2005, the jet is finally entering production and Honda is taking orders.
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Branson Helps You Hire a Private Jet – Virgin Charter

Richard Branson keeps making it easier for the world to travel in style.

He wasn’t going to stop at Virgin Galactic; now he’s launched Virgin Charter, a new online service that lets the uber affluent charter private planes from anywhere in the world.

If the travel bug is crawling around under your skin again, or your, uh, “good friend” wants to take a last minute trip to a romantic destination like San Tropez, just log onto the Virgin Charter site, plug in your destination, and the company will pull up a listing of all the companies that can meet your needs.


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CRN’s Emerald Star for Ferretti

A leading builder and of luxury yachts in aluminium and steel since 1963, CRN shipyard also produces yachts in composite materials. One of its two lines of semi-custom vessels in composite materials is the Ferretti Group’s Emerald Star.

No deviant from distinction, the Emerald Star bears the characteristic bow of CRN yachts and signature sumptuous details of the Ferretti Group that has become synonymous with exclusiveness and prestige.

At 43 metres in length with a three-deck structure, this yacht is an impressive hub of entertainment slicing through the emerald waves.dffd

With four VIP rooms and an owner’s suite that even has its own terrace, there is room for up to 10 guests to enjoy the spacious sundeck equipped with a Jacuzzi and bar area; a fitness room that looks out on the ocean; and barbecue pit and lounge areas near the stern.

Penthouse 86B at Trump World Tower for Sale: $22 Million

Penthouse 86B at the Trump World Tower, a half-floor 4BR unit in what is currently the tallest residential building around—until Larry Silverstein has his say—popped up on the Trump Sales & Leasing website two days ago for $22 million.

Penthouse 86B, per PropertyShark, was bought in 2004 by First Hotels & Resorts Investments for only $7,331,400. We will say it looks like they put some serious coin into the renovation, but that’s still a nice little profit. If it sells. Which it will, because 5,425 square feet of solid gold Trump goes a long way toward impressing your peers in Moscow, Dubai and beyond.

Via Curbed

Diamond iPhone Case

Introducing the world’s first diamond iPhone case…

The Case-mate Diamond Case is handcrafted with 42 diamonds (3.5 carats) set in 18K gold, embedded in a rare gold carbon fiber leather case. With VVS1 clarity and H color, these diamonds are superior in quality.

Complete with an 18K gold emblem, the Case-mate Diamond Case is truly a one of a kind.
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Waterford Crystal Bar Trunk

If you’re looking to have the most extravagant portable party box ever, here it is.

The Waterford Crystal Bar Trunk ($16,000) is a rosewood bar trunk with brass accents and leather trim, filled with a wide array of Irish crystal barware, along with a crystal clock, serving dish, a four-piece sterling silver-plated bar tool set and eight Versace serving plates.

Party like an 18th-century rock star. Via pricy-spicy

Private Island Great Exuma, Bahamas

Private Island, 681 acres with great elevations, secluded bays and beaches, fresh water, rich soil with fruit trees and tropical foliage. It is located a short distance from the southern tip of Great Exuma with close proximity to Georgetown and international airport.

This private paradise has its own 2,500 ft. airstrip that can easily be extended. The main two-storey house with six bedrooms has spectacular views from every vantage point. Staff quarters are located a discreet distance from the main house, whilst the resident caretakers live at the opposite end of this 681 acre paradise. The Island is large enough to be developed for a private resort or kept as an exclusive private retreat.

Asking price, $35,000,000

Life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex garden statue for $57,000

If you’re looking to make an absurd novelty addition to your yard, drinkstuff.com has the perfect product: a life-sized, $57,000 Tyrannosaurus Rex garden statue made from fiberglass and resin.

They’ve also got a life-sized Camarasaurus for sale at the same price. In any case, these Jurassic Park-like statues could make a funny addition to your crib, especially if your backyard resembles a jungle. Since each statue is made by hand, the wait time for delivery is three to four months.

Source : ballerhouse

World’s Ten Most Amazing Airport Lounges

Looking for the perfect way to relax or work before a flight? Here is a list of world’s top them most amazing airport lounges that not only offer comfortable seating and beverages but much more!

In today’s day and age, along with plasma screens and WI-FI connectivity, these lounges are offering amenities like full-fledged spas, private nap rooms, and meals catered by celebrity chefs.


1/ Air France l’Espace Premiere lounge, Paris
(Charles de Gaulle Airport, Terminal 2E)

Airport_lounges_1.jpg

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