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Nixon has been helping us keep time for the past 11 years and it has just realesed its first solar powered watch. The Volta is the name of this stylish looking wonder. It sports a semi-transparent dial that allows sunlight through to the solar panel below which charges the watch’s battery. In fact, any light source is enough to charge this watch, even the florescent lights in your office will suffice. The watch is available in a custom molded polyurethane band with locking looper or a double stitched Italian leather band option. Both of them look really great and I can’t decide which one to choose from!

[Designboom]

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Most part of Holland is under sea level and most houses constantly face the problem of flooding. The Citadel residential concept seems like the perfect solution to this problem. This concept embraces this water problem instead of struggling with it. It is a residential floating complex, which is a part of the “New Water” complex. The floating design enables the complex to rise, along with the rising water levels and thus avoiding flooding the houses. It even has a floating road with a boat dock to anchor up to 60 units. The Citadel will also turn out to be energy efficient as the water around the complex will help to keep the houses cool and reduce the power used for cooling. It’s a very interesting concept and it may work really well in cities with constant flooding problems.

[Gizmodo]

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The Zero DS motorcycle from the start up company Zero Motorcycles is now available in the United States. So now Americans can ride on-road and off-road with zero carbon guilt. Apart from the lithium-ion batteries, the entire motorcycle is made from 100 per cent recyclable materials. The motorcycle has a range of 50 miles per charge and can be charged from any standard 110 or 220-volt outlet. It has a top speed of 55 miles an hour and can be yours for $9950.

[Cnet]

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Track officials said they are going to announce the project with a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, two days before the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 at the track in Long Pond, Pa. Pocono Raceway will be hosting two Nascar Sprint Cup races each year. This will be unique and will put them in a league of their own. About 40,000 photovoltaic panels are to be installed on 25 acres of land across the street from the racetrack, which was being used as parking lots. Once completed it will generate 3 megawatts in spring 2010.

Estimated at $15-17 million, though Nascar markets a gas-powered sport, they has begun several programs to help the environment, including a project to plant 20 acres of trees a year at racetracks to help offset carbon dioxide emissions.

[NYTimes]

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Intel, PepsiCo and Whole Foods Market ranked Nos. 1, 2 and 3, respectively, on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s list of top green power purchasers among the Fortune 500. This was released in the report last month. The report is on companies, colleges and government agencies that purchase or generate the greatest amount of renewable energy in the country and also participate in the Green Power Partnership program. The annual purchases by the 50 top buyers total almost 12.3 billion kilowatt-hours and represent more than 70 percent of all the clean power commitments made by participants in the Green Power Partnership program.

[Reuters]

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The House of Lalique presented the masculine and mysterious Encre Noire fragrance in a black crystal block in 2006. We’re soon going to have a feminine version of the same in September this year. The fragrance will arrive in a black flacon that would read Encre Noir Lalique on one side and Pour Elle on the other side. The special limited flacon is composed of crystal with golden engravings and its outer carton is luxurious and composed of painted precious wood. Christine Nagel, the creator of the fragrance has carefully combined floral essences such as the scents of vetiver forests, shrubs, and greenery.
There are also essences of citruses, Turkish rose, Chinese Osmanthus, earthy tobacco-like scents and many other fragrances which complete this mesmerizing fragrance. Encre Noire Pour Elle will be available in a 50ml bottle for $111, a 100ml for $155 and a 30ml bottle for $1,200.

[Fragrantica]

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The London’s Gulf Luxury Fair has already proven to us that ‘oil-affluent’ nations are untouched by the recession. Even the global recession for that matter is showing some sluggish signs of recovery, so we aren’t surprised to know that the World Millionaire Summer Fair, 2009 was held in Moscow at the Royal Bar Yacht Club recently. The participants of the Fair comprised of carmakers McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes to jewelry brands such as Piaget. The merchandise up on the exhibit included were a custom-made Mercedes, fitted with a television screen, fridge, bar and Playstation for $2, 30,000 and sleek Ferrari F430 Stealth Limited for $3, 90,000)

[Squa]

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Hauling heavy stuff around is one of the most tedious jobs to be done, but it is also one of the most inevitable ones especially when you have a huge garden, farmhouse or loads of miscellaneous work to do. The Two-n-Stow is a car-towable trailer that cuts your ‘workload’ by less than half times by converting into a storage unit. The water tight trailer holds 1.4 cubic meters, has two removable doors over the top and also a removable tail gate that can accommodate ramps. The trailer cum cabinet comes in handy to haul anything right from mulch, sports gear, plywood, lawn tractor to a four wheeler.
But a trailer measuring 180 kg and having a potential storage capacity of 450 Kg is definitely not going to come cheap to anyone. It will set you back about $2500. It’s not even junk when you’ve done the hauling, as you can store your junk in there and pack it off in the corner of your garage.

[Redferret]

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However hard you try to hide your age, your skin will not co-operate with you. It gives a clear picture about the number of years that it has been exposed on this planet. However, regular use of cosmetics with luxurious ingredients like wine, gold dust and diamonds can help to keep your skin looking younger. French company, Imperial Cosmetics has rolled out a new sparkling collection with sparkling wine, Chardonnay, as the main ingredient. This new box contains The box contains a dozen single doses of 1 ml of Imperial Sparkling Cream, a dozen single doses of 1 ml of Imperial Serum and the same number of single doses of 1 ml of Imperial Botuli-like.
The 36 single-dose treatment lasts 36 days with a dose of product per day, alternating the three cosmetics. Also you can stretch it to 72 days of treatment by using a dose of product every two days, of all three cosmetics. Packed in strips that promise to capture the freshness of the ingredients in the capsules, even the elegant black case adds on to the grace.

[Embelezzia]

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Burj Dubai needs no introduction. Honored as the tallest building in the world, the final height of the tower has been hushed about. However it is rumored to top 818 meters. Also the opening date of the building has been a closely guarded secret for years. But I am here to break that secret as it is now known that Burj Dubai will open its gates on December 2, to coincide with UAE’s National Day. Though it isn’t official, the buzz is that ceremonies to mark the launch are underway. Also it is believed that the whole of this tallest tower won’t be accessible on the launch day. The Armani Hotel, which is part of the building, will welcome its first guests on the same day.
It is also reported that, ‘Pride of the place in the iconic structure’s residential lobby will be held by an artwork featuring 196 bronze and brass alloy cymbals - representing the 196 countries of the world - suspended on titanium rods anchored at the bottom of two pools. Visitors to the lobby will be able to hear a distinct musical sound as the cymbals, which are plated with 18-carat gold, are struck by dripping water intended to mimic the sound of water falling on leaves’.

[Rediff]

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Olmax Fabrication is all set to debut the production version of the SS Trike at the AMD Official World Championship for Custom Bike Building in Sturgis. Resembling the classic “Big Wheel” Chopper-style design, the SS Trike is all set to impress the bikers club of today. The giant hoop up front measures 24 inches in diameter, easily dwarfing the classically-cool 14-inch American Racing rims out back. Power is provided by air-cooled V-twin engines from Ultima, S&S or TP.
The twin rear wheels receive power through either a six-speed manual gearbox or optional automatic transmission developed using well-known GM Powerglide parts. What is more, through a quick change of seats and foot controls this bike can be adjusted to accommodate riders ranging from 5-foot tall to 6-foot-2. Available in all primary colors, interested buyers also have the option to choose additional options such as graphics, Wire-Plus digital speedo, air-ride suspension, a solo seat with enclosed trunk, multiple trim treatments and a black or polished engine.

Just visit the Champions Park in Sturgis, SD to get a close up of this amazing bike.

[Autoblog]

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The much awaited Leica S2 DSLR is finally ready to hit UK stores. The amazing looking camera boasts of 37.5 million pixels sitting atop a huge 30×45mm sensor, a whopping 56% bigger than a full-frame sensor or rectangle of 35mm film. Although it is smaller than many pro 35mm DSLRs, the Leica S2 DSLR is a medium format camera. An exquisite camera, it is sure to appeal to every photographer. But like all good things come at a price, this camera too is definitely not cheap. The camera is expected to be priced at £16,000 ($26,000)! And if that is not enough, you can also opt for a sapphire-glass LCD screen and some gussied-up “Platinum Service”, for an additional £3,100 ($5,100)!
The entire S range from Leica is expected to make its debut this October. Until then, you can click here to view the different models and prices of this new line up.

[Wired]

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Many treasure hunters have spent their entire lifetime exploring the deep dark ocean in search of hidden treasures. But only few have kissed success in this almost impossible mission. Martin Wenzels is one such lucky fellow. The 42 year old from Germany along with his business partner Klaus Keppler, 71, located the wreck of The Forbes, which sank in 1806. The sunken pirate ship off the coast of Borneo at first appeared to be encrusted and worthless. But further investigations revealed to the treasure hunters that this ship wreck was overflowing with valuable items. Their joy knew no bounds when they discovered 1.5 tons of silver coins, gold decorations, cannons, crystal and Ming porcelain aboard this ship wreck. This booty is worth at least €7 million ($10-million)! Wenzels said the find would help to offset the roughly €3million ($4.2million) he has sunk into diving for treasure over the past two years.
This successful treasure hunt is sure to motivate various treasure hunters who are still searching in vain for their pots of gold.

[Luxuo]

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Environmentalist or not, RockResorts appeal to people of all types since they offer all luxurious amenities without harming the environment in any way. In short RockResorts are environment friendly luxury resorts. Now Beverley Creek has also got its very own RockResort with the opening of The Osprey. The hotel used to be known as “The Inn at Beaver Creek,” but has just had a $7 million renovation to become a RockResort. A cozy retreat nestled beautifully in the Rocky Mountains, The Osprey offers a wide variety of amenities for luxury thrill seekers like helmet cams for skiing or biking, après ski mixology lessons at The Osprey Bar, a bath concierge, lobster nachos and deep-fried Snickers bars, and a big elegant lobby where you can mingle with the other guests, play Wii, or showcase your videos on the giant flat screen TV.
The environment friendly resort even boasts of surfaces (including leather, birch, iron, and onyx) made from locally sourced stone, indigenous metals and FSC certified wood. Besides all this, it is also the closest ski-in/ski-out hotel to a chairlift in North America.

The perfect getaway resort to enjoy a fun and luxurious ski trip with family and friends, a visit to The Osprey is definitely a must.

[Gadling]

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I am no antique connoisseur or collector but if you have a keen eye for antique pieces, the “Mosquée” Desk and Chair by well known 19th century designer Carlo Bugatti might interest you. Created by the internationally renowned designer in 1890, this desk and chair is still in good condition and currently available for sale through Sebastian + Barquet. Made from a mix of materials including walnut, ebonized walnut, parchment, copper, metal inlay, pewter and silk, this beautiful Italian piece of furniture is definitely a class apart. The intricate detailing and craftsmanship will surely mesmerize one and all. A collector’s item, the Mosquée Desk and Chair is sure catch the eye of all antique collectors and Bugatti fans. And just like most of his unique pieces, the Mosquée” Desk and Chair too is priced expensively at $100,000.

[1stdibs]

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I am no antique connoisseur or collector but if you have a keen eye for antique pieces, the “Mosquée” Desk and Chair by well known 19th century designer Carlo Bugatti might interest you. Created by the internationally renowned designer in 1890, this desk and chair is still in good condition and currently available for sale through Sebastian + Barquet. Made from a mix of materials including walnut, ebonized walnut, parchment, copper, metal inlay, pewter and silk, this beautiful Italian piece of furniture is definitely a class apart. The intricate detailing and craftsmanship will surely mesmerize one and all. A collector’s item, the Mosquée Desk and Chair is sure catch the eye of all antique collectors and Bugatti fans. And just like most of his unique pieces, the Mosquée” Desk and Chair too is priced expensively at $100,000.

[1stdibs]

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If you are heavily loaded and want to splurge it on your deepest passion, you’re just a Ducati away! So says Columbus International, which is a company that offers an interesting way of touring France on a motorcycle in style and luxury. The relatively new company is organizing tours in exotic places like France using different Ducati motorcycles. One could use models like the latest Streetfighter, or Monster S2R 1000, Hypermotard 1100 and Supersport 848 to pick from the range of comprehensive tour packages such as a Gourmet Tour, a High Octane Tour, Offshore Ride Tour, and Nature Tour.
They also offer special MotoGP and Formula One packages wherein you get helicopter rides and VIP treatment. The cheapest holiday will be a weekly pampering, costing you about $8,000 and the most expensive one costs $16,500. If are the type to believe that “One man show” is the best deal, you could rent out a Ducati Streetfighter for $345 or a Monster for $275.

[Motorbiker]

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The latest news reveals that using a wealthy ex-lover’s memorabilia is not just a flick from a Hollywood movie. It has happened now and under the nose of the public scanner. James Albright, the lover and one-time boyfriend of Madonna is all set to auction off Madonna’s love letter sent to him while they were dating in the early 90’s. The singer, now 50, referred to herself as “Lil Booty” while her lover called her ‘Dumbo’. Also going for auction are 17 minutes of explicit answer phone messages that Madonna left him and intimate message she recorded while filming Dangerous Game in 1993. The video is an extended, uncut scene from Dangerous Game showing a party involving drug-taking, sadomasochism, and pornography.
The faxed love notes had several steamy lines and a range of saucy nicknames; they were sent at a time when she was her most controversial. Other letters included poems and phrases written in French. Albright is understood to have sold another section of love letters in 2007 and in 2002 he tried to sell some of the singer’s underwear. The worst part is the letter, tapes and videos are being sold without copyrights! The entire collection is expected to fetch more than $50,000.

[Dailymail]

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The Frankfurt Motor show witnesses the debut of several glamorous cars each year. This time again, BMW will present its high efficiency sports car concept set at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, in its home country. Here is a picture of the now-defunct M1 Homage concept car unveiled last year at the Villa d’Este Concours in Italy, based on which the new model is rumored to be designed.
The two-seat, middle engine coupe supposedly hosts some eco-friendly features gleaned from BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering program. The car’s fuel usage is still under suspense, you’d have to wait until September in order to get the complete details.

[Leftlanenews]

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After having featured in Louis Vuitton’s previous enterprise earlier this year, the queen of pop became the face of design house the second time, starring in the timeless Paris setting. The queen of pop’s creative team worked in coordination with the influential photographer and long time collaborator Steven Meisel and Louis Vuitton’s director Marc Jacobs to create the glamorous sets with bright color shapes, and Madonna’s provocative poses. The shoot exhibits Madonna with the collection’s emblematic bags in Monogram canvas and Monogram embossed leather. She had previously starred in Louis Vuitton’s 2009 Spring/Summer collection.

[Squa]

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