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| Sat 22 Nov 2008 |
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Tag: Lifestyle
These items have all been tagged with the tag "Lifestyle", You can see other tags in the Tag Cloud| A Smaller World |
| 2008-11-17 17:10:28 |
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If the first and second generations of social networking portals were about opening up the world, the third generation is about closing it again. Invitation only sites are popping up everywhere, creating exclusive, gated virtual communities that shut out the “masses.” A Small World helped kick off the “invitation-only” trend by restricting new membership to those invited by current members. But sometimes an invitation just isn’t enough. Gaining entry into this new generation of private online world can involve an intimidating process of review, such as career-orientated sites bluechipexpert.com and doostang.com, where aspiring members must submit their resumes to be considered for acceptance. Other sites are blatantly and proudly parochial, such as aprivateclub.com, which is only for New Yorkers in-the-know. If you were lucky enough to score an invitation to the Cannes Film Festival, you would also have gained access to the festival’s ‘private’ online portal, cannes2008.ning.com, created for attendees only. In Asia, well heeled society-types and business movers and shakers can network at dianefay.com, a members only online club where one has to be invited to gain entry. In Europe decayenne.com offers a similar exclusive club concept for invited members only. Wall Street types can commiserate the global financial meltdown with eachother in the privacy of cyberspace at bankersavenue.com, a members-only portal for bankers who must be invited to join. Global expats can catch up on local knowledge and network at internations.org. The members-only site is for diplomats, members of IGOs and NGOs, foreign correspondents and other expatriates employed by multinational companies and their family members. If you don't bat for the "straight" team you can connect with other successful 'power' gays at cosmocircle.net . If bizarre beliefs are more your thing then you can try getting into the spacecollective.org invite-only community, where "forward thinking terrestrials exchange ideas and information about the state of the species, their planet and the universe." Sounds like a blast. Where do we sign up? American Express should jump into the fray here and create a network for people who use their “black” card. Are businesses missing out by not creating exclusive environments for their high end customers?- Laura Demasi Do you know of any other “private” networking portals like these? send us a tip pics via cobrasnake |
| Speed Racers |
| 2008-09-18 08:20:26 |
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Big boys who like toys head to I-Way, a luxe, mega venue dedicated to motor sports racing simulations. I-Way provides aspiring speed racers with an opportunity to experience the adrenalin rush that comes from being behind the wheel of a Formula 1, Endurance or Rally car. The high-tech simulators offer real "piloting" sensations, mounted into a real car, which is experienced through several screens which surround the driver's field of vision. The venue is pitched at corporate groups, who, presumably can bond over high speed racing sessions - and all without creasing their polo-necks. To enhance the experience created by the simulators drivers suit up in race outfits, helmets and gloves. I-Way's modern design hits its target market perfectly with wide open spaces, industrial finishes and futuristic reflective surfaces. It's boys playing with expense toys - luxe style. Located in Lyon, France, the venue also houses a bar, a shop (which sells cool motoring accessories) and bizarrely, a gym and spa. Anyone for a round of weights and a facial in between races? Have you seen any other glam big boys venues like I-Way? Send us a tip. |
| Desk Art |
| 2007-10-31 06:52:11 |
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For the executive who has grown bored with his Blackberry, and sick of his stapler, comes this rather over the top stationary revolution. These elaborately detailed, all metal staplers from jac Zagoory Designs come in Gorilla, bear, dragon, Lion and more. These excessive must haves are brilliantly made, and have turned desk accessories into an art form. Makes you wonder what their sticky tape dispenser will look like? By Andy G |
| Surfs Up In Munich |
| 2007-03-20 23:02:41 |
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Whilst the surf may be up Down Under at present, it's also letting rip in Munich. Just outside the “Haus der Kunst” museum, sits a canal who's wildly gushing rapids have created the cities underground surfing spot de jour. The rapids supply local surfing buffs with ample waves, keeping their surfing skills sharp throughout the winter. It seems its one man at a time at this surfing hole, so future enthusiasts need to join the queue. Unlike the Aussies, these German surfers need not worry about sharks. By Billy T (photographed exclusively for TCH by our German spotter, Gunnar) |
| SELK'BAG |
| 2006-06-19 10:15:26 |
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The only thing worse than being trapped in a sleeping bag, is needing to go to the toilet in one. Well cast those fears aside as the new Selk'bag is here. This sleeping bag is more like a body bag ( not the corpse ones ). It's padded and shaped to the human form and allows free movement both in and out of sleep, where traditional sleeping bags don't. The various ties and adjustment belts allow for a very snug fir which keeps the warmth in and gives you further control when moving about. Selk'bag is padded with a number of layered inserts which provide maximum comfort when lying on even the hardest surfaces. Best of all , even the ugliest camper can look positively cute once wrapped in the Selk'bag. Snug, Smart, freeing! Now selling online by Billy T |
| IN 2021, YOU'LL GROW A NEW HEART & ENJOY TOTAL RECALL |
| 2006-05-24 14:05:16 |
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Imagine being able to instantly recall every experience you've had, every conversation you've had and every image you've ever seen. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel but thanks to senior Microsoft researcher Gordon Bell it may well be reality in the not too distant future. Bell's project MyLifeBits endeavors to put all of this information onto a database which will be searchable on your PC. If that's not eerie enough consider this other freaky development in science: Glenn Larsen, the chief scientific officer at Hydra Biosciences in Boston, is working on a regenerative technique that will actually encourage the body to heal itself. If Larsen's dream is realized humans will be able to literally grow a new heart after traumatic condition such as a heart attack. by Billy T. via Popular Science |
| THE IPOD CONCERTO TABLE |
| 2006-05-23 15:52:39 |
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Always wanted a piano but can't play? Add a bit of drama to your interiors with this quirky design, the concerto table, a multipurpose dining table built in the shape of a piano. The Concerto Table is designed to be an integral part of the evening's experience so it also features a mounted base and speaker system for your iPod. Simply open the sound lid in the center of the table to reveal two surface mounted speakers. You can also use this area for storage so the table doubles nicely as a home office desk. by Billy T |
| HOT CASTLE PARTIES |
| 2006-04-26 08:32:59 |
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Inspired by Kubrick's famous ceremony scene of passion in the movie "Eyes Wide Shut"ù, the Swiss Andrej Lorenc organizes Castles Events in the same vein. He rents castles and invites selected members of his club to spend a night of fantasies: garters, black underwear, wasp-waisted corsets, capes and Venetian masks are compulsory. Drink Champagne, feast your eyes on skin, dance to the sounds of well-known dj's, and give in to your erotic--or perhaps sexual--desires. Sexiness is also a prerequisite. Teased? Basically the parties are scheduled four times per year, mostly in Switzerland. The special of this year takes place during a weekend in an original glamorous Mediaeval Castle in the middle of France in September. For international guests there is an airport 20 kilometers away from the Castle. The exact place will only be communicated to exclusive members. The price varies according to the events. Price fee on this special event varies between $700 - $1000‚Ç for a couple or single men. Single woman pay $200. For 'High End' Guests, Castle Events provide an extraordinary comfortable Service Package, which includes your own Suite in the Castle - varies 2000 - 5000‚Ǩ. Be aware there are only 20 rooms available. The address for temptation: www.castleevents.com.. by Yvan Rodic |
| WHIRLPOOL - pret-a-porter |
| 2006-04-04 13:30:00 |
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Who needs the dry cleaner when you can own your own pret-a-porter? Made by Whirlpool, pret-a-porter is a clever new device that de-wrinkles, deodorizes, and gentle dries your clothes in your home. It's an instant pick me up for your clothes when they're not dirty, just in desperate need of revitalization after too many outings in sweaty, smoke filled bars and clubs. With the touch of a button odors are removed via a dry steam system. All you need is a cup of water. The compact little unit is the size of a vacuum cleaner and is also mobile. To mark the launch Whirlpool commissioned British designer Antonio Berardi to create a range of one off pieces, plus a limited edition of leather pret-a-porter cases, which make the pret-a-porter look more like a very swanky piece of luggage. All Whirlpool needs now is to throw a party in a sweaty, smoke filled night club so we've got a good excuse to wheel out the pret-a-porter. It will be available from Septemeber. by Lisa Evans |
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