French fashionable house Hermès has co-operated with a command of distributors of cars Como and has developed design of an interior for ten cars Smart.
Ten cars are created in ten colours; the internal upholstery consists of the same materials that is used for road accessories from Hermès.
The given project is dated for 10-year-old anniversary of the Parisian group of company Como/Smart. Magnificent fashionable autonovelties will be presented in Grand Palais.
It is not surprising, that stylish and playful model Smart for two passengers, Toile H is the smallest and most elegant compact city car which when or should be sold Como/Smart in Paris.
Experts Hermès used a firm upholstery for salon, optimised space, have made the car as much as possible comfortable and practical.
I'm warning you right now — this is going to be a bit of a long post. But I promise it will be well worth it!
For all of those participating in the Award Winning Reads Challenge hosted by myself and Jacinda at The Reading Housewives, or any of you thinking you might want to participate but haven't decided yet, this post is for you.
In our intro post to the Challenge, both Jacinda and I made promises for lots of great prizes and giveaways for participants. This post is just to offer a little more detail and explanation for how each giveaway will work.
To start — The most basic:
For each level of participation, there will be a specific giveaway. So those who sign up to read three books will have a drawing independent of those who sign up to read nine. Each of the four levels will have one winner.
Jacinda and I both have a selection of books that we are going to donate, with titles from both the Newbery and the Printz list. Some are brand new, some look brand new, and some are gently used. This forms our prize pool. A full list will be provided at a later date.
To be chosen as the winner from your reading level, you must complete your goal. You can read more than your challenge level, but you must at least reach it. This will earn you one entry.
For every book you read past your reading goal, you will gain an additional entry.
For every review you post a Newbery or Printz honor or award, you will gain an additional entry.
To encourage people to sign up for the reading level they think they are capable of, and not just sign up for level one and then read 100 books, the number of books you can win increases with each level increase.
The winner from Level one will receive 2 books from the prize pack. Level two will receive 3. Level three will receive 4. And Level four will receive 5.
We are also going to have a giveaway for one random participant, whether you complete your level or not. Everyone who signs up and agrees to participate will be eligible for this prize, although if you win the prize pack for your reading level, you will not be able to win this one.
The final giveaway that is for sure going to happen is a special giveaway, just from me. Jacinda and I are on the same page with the whole challenge, and are working very well together, but I wanted to include this giveaway, because I am a book pusher. I like the idea that other people are reading my favorite books, and that authors I find especially gifted are getting extra love.
So, I decided to offer the participants of this challenge a special incentive for reading my favorite books. Below, I have compiled a list of 10 (ish) books each from both the Newbery and the Printz award lists. I've included a Goodreads and Amazon link to each title for your convenience. If you want more information about a book, or if you want to know why I seriously think you should read it, just ask! Comment, email, tweet, whatever!:) I love talking up my favorite books!
Anyone who reads any of these books will be entered in to win a special drawing. Reviewing the book will gain you an additional entry as well. (Note — if you don't have a blog, that's totally okay! Posting a review anywhere will count! Goodreads, Shelfari, LibraryThing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books A Million etc etc etc. As long as it's a review, it's online and you can link me, it counts!)
The number of winners and the prizes to be won for this giveaway are yet to be determined. Part of this is going to depend on the number of participants, some will depend on how my pocket book is feeling come September, and some will depend on how excited I am that (hopefully) so many people are reading my favorites. At this point, it's likely to include at the very least a book of your choice from the complete awards lists, but I might also include some of my own personal favorites in there as well. Suggestions and preferences are welcomed. And now:
THE LIST:Printz: * Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta (amazon; goodreads) (2009 Award) * The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart (amazon; goodreads) (2009 Honor) * The Book Thief (amazon; goodreads) / I am the Messenger by Marcus Zusak (amazon; goodreads) (2007 Honor/ 2006 honor, respectively) * Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (amazon; goodreads) (2000 Honor) * Monster by Walter Dean Meyers (amazon; goodreads) (2000 Award) * The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer (amazon; goodreads) (2003 Honor) * Hard Love by Ellen Wittlinger (amazon; goodreads) (2000 Honor) * Going Boving by Libba Bray (amazon; goodreads) (2010 Award) * how i live now by Meg Rosoff (amazon; goodreads) (2005 Award) * The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci (amazon; goodreads) (2001 Honor)
Newbery: * When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (amazon; goodreads) (2010 Award) * Rules by Cynthia Lord (amazon; goodreads) (2007 Honor) * The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spear (amazon; goodreads) (1959 Award) * Dicey's Song (amazon; goodreads) / A Solitary Blue by Cynthia Voigt (amazon; goodreads) (Books 2 and 3 of the Tillerman Saga) (1983 Award/ 1984 Honor, respectively) * Walk Two Moons (amazon; goodreads) / The Wanderer by Sharon Creech (amazon; goodreads) (1995 Award/ 2001 Honor, respectively) * Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff (amazon; goodreads) (2003 Honor) *Enchantress from the Stars by Sylvia Engdahl (amazon; goodreads) (1971 Honor) * The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt (amazon; goodreads) (2008 Honor) * The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi (amazon; goodreads) (1991 Honor) * The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (amazon; goodreads) (2009 Award) I can't wait to see what everyone plans to read! Stop by here or over at The Reading Housewives tomorrow for our kick off posts. I'll be including links to previous Newbery/Printz reviews here on the blog and giving you a peek at my tentative reading pile. I believe we will also have a linky with the post, so feel free to link up your starting post! Tomorrows the day! Happy reading! *Ashley and Jacinda reserve the right to change the number of prizes for each level. We will keep you informed of any and all decisions regarding prizes. Three months is a long time. I can't guarantee that everything in this post is going to remain exactly the same. But take heart. This also means we can give you more books!:)
CitizenM is the hotel made of ready modules of rooms.
The hotel of new type is constructed in Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. The design of the project was developed by the Holland architectural studio, “Concrete”.
Each of two hundred thirty rooms has been constructed and arranged by furniture at factory. Then the received elements have been made together as containers by the ship — and the hotel has turned out.
The concept assumes reduction of all unnecessary expenses and removal of all unnecessary details. As a result of visitors receive magnificent conditions and comfort for very moderate price. In hotel of 230 numbers, 14 square metres everyone by the area.
All elements-rooms are made at own factory SitizenM, are mobile and are easily transported. Rooms are placed over the building ground floor where the dynamical lobby is placed, a drawing room, creative rooms, restaurant and a bar.
Company Concrete has thought up the concept which has defined new possibilities for creative process and a new way for all involved technologies.
CitizenM wishes to clone the concept and to construct more than 20 hotels next year, with use of technology of blocks. The second hotel will be constructed in Amsterdam, the third - in Glasgow. Other European cities now are in the field of research.
As, according to owners CitizenM, everything, that is necessary for us during a stop in road is an excellent bed and a pure bathroom, they have concentrated on these details.
To save space, subjects from a bathroom are placed separately in a room. In the big glass cylinders are a shower and a toilet, in the small cylinder the bowl and additional space for storage of personal things is hidden.
The space effective utilisation has given a life to effective decisions; for example, the mirror simultaneously is a place for storage. In a steel framework the mirror in full growth which, on the other hand, consists of a mirror for a make-up with illumination, departments for storage of sanitary articles, in hotel available the European, English and American sockets is concluded.
On either side of a bed night little tables are located. Under a bed the huge locker for suitcase storage in an open kind or other personal things is placed. Sockets on a forward part of a bed allow to connect your laptop or phone.
Designers have tried to create as much as possible house conditions — zones for work, rest, meal. The design of rooms is created together with furniture brand Vitra. The furniture will periodically vary, that will allow Vitra to organise additional show-rum of production.
The philosophy of a new hotel brand is that:
“Small rest in road is necessary to All travellers. To researchers, wise men, dandies, businessmen, adventurers and dreamers. They are independent and individual, but they are united by one — aspiration to travel positively. For all mobile citizens of the world. CitizenM”
Last night Amon Amarth brought their furious Heavy Metal to hundreds of headbangers at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, New York City, for "An Evening with Amon Amarth". We had personally never seen the band, but had very high expectations, which the band proved right last night and demonstrated that they are one of the most important Heavy Metal bands to ever surface from Scandinavia. Last night was Amon Amarth's show, and like any band that plays New York City, they know that people have great expectations. We had a chance to talk with the band before the show and they were all pretty anxious to deliver their powerful music to all the Metaleros present at the show. For over 2 hours the band demonstrated how tight they are on stage and made everyone in the crowd tired just by watching them play their music at full blast. The band played two full sets. On the first set they played their brand new album "Surtur Rising" in its entirety, and after a short intermission (beer break) they played a second set full of their famous Viking Metal anthems. The technicality of this band is without a doubt what made them successful and what keeps people coming back to their shows and losing their mind in the pit. We ran into Brian Slagel from Metal Blade Records (Amon Amarth's label) at the end of the show and we sarcastically told him that the show was so bad that we either wanted our money back or for the band to do another show. He confirmed that they will be back in New York City at the end of the summer. We can't wait! \m/ SETLIST for Set 1: 1) "War of the Gods" 2) "Töck's Taunt: Loke's Treachery Part II" 3) "Destroyer of the Universe" 4) "Slaves of Fear" 5) "Live Without Regrets" 6) "The Last Stand of Frej" 7) "For Victory or Death" 8) "Wrath of the Norsemen" 9) "A Beast Am I" 10) "Doom Over Dead Man" SETLIST for Set 2: 1) Twilight of the Thunder God 2) Masters of War 3) Live for the Kill 4) With Oden on our Side 5) Guardians of Asgaard 6) Asator 7) Varyags of Miklagaard 8) Thousands Years of Oppression 9) Without Fear 10) Victorious March/Gods of War/Death in Fire Encore: 1) Cry of the Black Birds 2) Runes to My Memory 3) The Pursuit of Viking Here is what the fans thought about the show: "I've been to many metal shows, countless to be honest. And I can truly say, The show you put on tonight was the most brutal show I have ever been too. keep up the good work guys! \m/" - Anthony Rafferty (Staten Island, New York) "This was the best show I have ever been to. Of course I had to finish my evening with a trip to see thor. I think Johan would have been a much better choice." - Stephanie Ramos Weininger "AWESOME SHOW ♥ Thanks for making a bad day turn into a great night :3 I lost my voice and I am damned happy about it. Thanks guys!" - Ley Dodds "Thanks so much had a blast. Mosh the whole night. 1 and 2 sets were fucking brutal!" Diego Tapia (Queens) Remaining US tour-dates: 5/06: Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA 5/07: Theatre Of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA EUROPEAN tour - SURTUR RISING Presented by METAL HAMMER Special Guests BLACK DAHLIA MURDER & EVOCATION 13/5 (N) OSLO / Betong 14/5 (S) STOCKHOLM / Tyrol 15/5 (S) GOTHENBURG / Trädgarn * 17/5 (DK) COPENHAGEN / Vega 18/5 (D) HAMBURG / Grosse Freiheit 36 19/5 (B) ANTWERP / Hof Ter Lo 20/5 (NL) AMSTERDAM / Melkweg 21/5 (D) COLOGNE / E-Werk (Tickets) 22/5 (F) PARIS / Elysee Montmartre 24/5 (D) MUNICH / Tonhalle (Tickets) 25/5 (I) MILAN / Limelight 27/5 (D) DESSAU / Metalfest Germany 28/5 (A) MINING / Metalfest Austria 29/5 (CH) PRATTELN / Metalfest Switzerland *without Black Dahlia Murder Photo Credit: BetYouIdid Related links: Official landing page for Surtur Rising Amon Amarth's Official site Metal Blade TV Amon Amarth on Facebook Follow Amon Amarth on Twitter Amon Amarth on MySpace
By JODY THOMPSON Get shorty: Stacey Solomon showed off her new short hairstyle as she left ITV1's London studios after an appearance on Loose Women yesterday She only recently went back to her roots and ditched the bleach to return to her natural brunette - and now Stacey Solomon has rung in the changes ever further by having her hair cut into a wavy bob. The 21-year-old star revealed her brand new do as she left the ITV studios on London's South Bank after a guest appearance yesterday on Loose Women. Smiling for the cameras as ever, Stacey showed off the style wearing a bright peach top with a white bow, taupe leggings and red bowed flipflops. Give us a wave: The Sing If You Can presenter has had her long brunette hair cut into a wavy bob The former X Factor star, who won last year's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here - is famed for her non-stop talking and exclamations like 'Oh my god!'. She came third on the X Factor in 2009, won last year’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me out Of Here and this year's Celebrity Mum Of the Year and lives in Dagenham, Essex, with her three-year-old son, Zachary. Stacey currently co-hosts with comedy star Keith Lemon the hysterical Sing If You Can, a guilty Saturday night pleasure on ITV1 for many, but a show that also more importantly raises money for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity. Longer locks: Stacey, left, on I'm A Celebrity at the end of last year, and right, in 2009 during her time on X Factor The show sees celebrities attempting to sing songs while all sorts of distractions happen around them - like last week, when football legend Rodney Marsh and singer Ray Quinn attempted to sing Blur's Parklike while surrounded by dogs. Teenage Cancer Trust aims to ensure that every young person with cancer and their family receive the best possible care so the show is well worth watching and donating - or just donate anyway. Meanwhile, ditzy Essex star Stacey, who confirmed last month that she is wokring on her debut album, also has a book coming out on 12 May. Her autobiography, it's called My Story So Far. Ray Quinn on Sing if you can - 30/04/11 - Parklife
Stacey Solomon Behind the Scenes of the Photoshoot for her autobiography
If any of you have talked to me, chances are really good that I've mentioned how much I love Lisa Schroeder. I read The Day Before first, (read my review here) and was blown away by Lisa's insane talent as a verse novelist. I decided I absolutely needed to read more. So I did.
I had heard people talk about I Heart You, You Haunt Me and I'd seen it around the online bookish world some, but I wasn't really interested in it. (I know, I know! I'm sorry!) I don't really do ghosts/paranormal and the cover made me think it was going to be something light & fluffy and silly. I'm literally cringing as I write this, because there's not much that could be farther from the truth.
This is a story of Ava, a young girl trying to accept her boyfriend's death. Neither of them are quite ready to let go, and so, they don't. Jackson comes back to Ava and lingers.
I loved the way Lisa crafted the ghosts in this story. Jackson is not the typical specter, let me come float about the house and whatevs. It's done so subtly, almost like he's just barely more than a memory come to life. His presence is near Ava when she is alone, and he can occasionally whisper into her mind. But he can't go where there are others and Ava is still alive, which means she can't spend all of her time, locked in her room with the memory of a lost love and the almost touch of his ghost.
I've never had such a short book (just over 200 pages in verse) affect me so hard. Lisa is a genius. She has this intense honesty to her writing that makes it emotional, pure and without agenda. It is truth in writing and she breathes life into these characters she puts on the page in so few words.
I find it hard to classify this book, because even though the story deals with a ghost, which to me automatically shifts the book into the paranormal realm, this is a book that feels wholly contemporary. And knowing me, and how much I love contemporary, that's pretty much the highest compliment I can think to give a book about ghosts.
I do also want to mention the verse style briefly (or as briefly as I ever get...) I love verse novels. I talk about them often, recommend them frequently and seek them out actively. But there is a very delicate balance with verse novels. A verse novel is written in sparse, spare language. Every word is important and because you have so few, every single one needs to matter significantly. When done well, it is some of the absolute most powerful writing I have ever read. But when it's not done well, it can fail... horribly.
So let me tell you this — If you are wary of verse novels, scared to try them because you think you hate poetry or because you've heard from people who didn't like some, or maybe because you didn't like a previous novel, give Lisa a try. She is, hands down, the author I recommend beginning verse novels with. (I have references for this...) The only other verse novelist that I've personally read that I believe has anywhere near such a firm and powerful grasp on verse is Ellen Hopkins and she can be intimidating for a brand new verse reader (and that's a whole different conversation).
So I challenge you to give Lisa Schroeder a try. The Day Before is my favorite of the two of her novels that I have so far read (although I plan to start Chasing Brooklyn tomorrow:) ) but I Heart You, You Haunt Me is also a stunningly brilliant book. Either of these are a phenomenal place to start and I'm willing to bet that they will open your eyes and your mind to a whole new world of books. Let Lisa take you there.
Name: Valery Karen Michaud Age: 24 | Height: 5’7″ | Montreal, QC Valery Karen is currently completing a commerce degree at Montreal University, this business savvy individual is actively implementing her entrepreneurial visions through the creation of her own lingerie brand, “Glo”. Her greatest ambition is to travel the world and achieve all of her dreams. Valery also enjoys volunteering for “The Missing Children” foundation as well as “The Ride to Conquer Cancer” which is an epic and challenging two day journey. However, what she rejoices in most are times spent with family and true friends, aerial trapeze, Opera performances and great healthy food. Sponsored by: Family and Friends Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) English, French, Biblical Hebrew.
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com
Copyright by The Ones2Watch | Photography Diana Luganski | Styling Suvi Poutiainen | Hair & Makeup Marii Sadrak | Models Anna at Brand Model Managment & Lauri at The Right Stuff Management THE ONES2WATCH
The trade in antiquities is one of Islamic State's main sources of funding, along with oil and kidnapping. For this reason the UN Security Council last week banned all trade in artefacts from Syria, accusing IS militants of looting cultural heritage to strengthen its ability "to organise and carry out terrorist attacks".The gold-plated bronze figurine (photo D Osseman) was stolen from the museum in Hama, western Syria [Credit: BBC]
The BBC has been investigating the trade, and the routes from Syria through Turkey and Lebanon to Europe.
The Smuggler
It has taken many calls and a lot of coaxing to get a man we are calling "Mohammed" to meet us. He is originally from Damascus but now plies his trade in the Bekaa valley on the border between Syria and Lebanon. He's 21 but looks much younger in his T-shirt, skinny jeans and black suede shoes. As we sit in an apartment in central Beirut I have to lean forward to hear the softly spoken young man describe how he began smuggling looted antiquities from Syria. "There's three friends in Aleppo we deal with, these people move from Aleppo all the way to the border here and pay a taxi driver to sneak it in." He specialised in smaller items which would be easier to move on - but he says even that has become too risky. "We tried our best to get the items which had most value, earrings, rings, small statues, stone heads," he says.
He made a good profit but bigger players with better connections "sold pieces worth $500,000, some for $1m", he says. When I ask who's making the money and controlling the trade in Syria his gentle voice takes on a flinty tone: "IS are the main people doing it. They are the ones in control of this business, they stole from the museums especially in Aleppo," he says. "I know for a fact these militants had connections overseas and they talked ahead of time and they shipped overseas using their connections abroad." Mohammed is still involved in cross-border trade, but no longer in antiquities. "Anyone caught with it gets severe punishment," he says. "They accuse you of being IS."
The Go-between
To sell looted antiquities you need a middle-man, like "Ahmed". Originally from eastern Syria, he is based in a town in southern Turkey - he doesn't want me to specify which one as he doesn't want the police to know. As a Turkish-speaker he is popular with Syrian smugglers, who ask if he can move goods on to local dealers. When I speak to him via Skype he shows me a blanket next to him filled with artefacts - statues of animals and human figures, glasses, vases and coins. They were dug up in the last few months. "They come from the east of Syria, from Raqqa, all the areas controlled by ISIS (Islamic State)," he says. Islamic State plays an active part in controlling the trade, he tells me. Anyone wanting to excavate has to get permission from IS inspectors, who monitor the finds and destroy any human figures, which are seen as idolatrous (those Ahmed is showing me have slipped through the net). IS takes 20% as tax. "They tax everything," he says.
The main trade is in stoneworks, statues and gold, and it can be extremely lucrative. "I have seen one piece sold for $1.1m," he says. "It was a piece from the year 8500BC." He gently handles each artefact as he brings it closer to the webcam to give me a better view. He has had to pay a sizeable bond to the smugglers to get this material and he doesn't want to lose any of it. The final destination is Western Europe, he says. "Turkish merchants sell it to dealers in Europe. They call them, send pictures... people from Europe come to check the goods and take them away." Ahmed will have to return the looted artefacts to his Syrian contacts, as I am clearly not buying them, but he won't be returning to his homeland. "If I went back I'd be killed," he says.
A statue from Palmyra [Credit: APSA]
The Dealer
It's an unremarkable tourist shop in the centre of Beirut. Inside the glass cases are ancient oil lamps, rings and glassware but the shop owner, a laconic man in his late 40s, has an unusual selling tactic - he says much of it is fake. However, he assures me he does have genuine pieces from the Hellenic and Byzantine periods, around 1,000 years old. I'm interested what other items he can get, mosaics for example? I had been advised by archaeologists that mosaics would almost certainly be looted - at the moment, that would mean most likely from Syria. He asks which kind I want. Faces, animals, geometric designs? "If you're serious we can have a serious negotiation... there is always a way," he promises. When I ask if it's legal he smiles as he tells me the only way to legally ship these items is with official documentation from a museum saying they have been cleared for export.
If it was only a small mosaic I wanted, I could take the chance and try to smuggle it out myself but he warns it's a serious decision, as I could get caught. For a fee he can have them shipped to the UK but it will cost me many thousands of pounds. We shake hands as I leave and he gives me his business card. It has only taken 10 minutes to be offered illicit antiquities. Arthur Brand, an investigator who helps recover stolen antiquities isn't surprised, it chimes with his experience in Lebanon. "I've been there several times and at times and it really is amazing," he tells me from his base in Amsterdam. "The illicit trade is run as a professional business with offices and business cards and you can buy antiquities from Lebanon, but also from countries like Syria, Iraq." The link between smugglers and dealers is the dirty secret the art world doesn't want to admit to, he says.
The Cop
He could easily pass for the star of an Arabic cop show but Lt Col Nicholas Saad is a real policeman, head of Lebanon's bureau of international theft. In his office, filled with certificates from the FBI and Scotland Yard, he shows me photos of huge Roman busts seized in a recent raid in Lebanon. We go up to the roof of his police station, where out to the east, beyond the mountains, is the border with Syria. This is where refugees pour into the country and are exploited by the smuggling gangs.
"The refugees come in big numbers and the gangs put things between the belongings of the refugees," he explains. Since the conflict in Syria he has noticed a significant increase in the smuggling of looted artefacts, "especially from the Islamic parts, Raqqa (the base) of the Islamic State", he adds. His team has seized hundreds of Syrian artefacts. "We have the archaeology expert that said they're very valuable from the Roman period, from the Greek period, years before Christ," he says. But there isn't a market for them in Lebanon. "Lebanon is a transit station, it's one of the the doors that goes to Europe. The real money is made in Europe."
The Treasure
Inside the Beirut National museum are treasures from the cradle of civilisation - Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine statues, busts and sarcophagi 3,000 years old. Hidden away from the public in a store room below the main galleries, seized looted antiquities wait to be returned to Syria. My guide is Dr Assaad Seif, an archaeologist and head of excavations at the directorate general of antiquities in Beirut. He rings a bell and a wrought iron door is unlocked. Inside are scores of items - pottery, stonework - but the most valuable items are sealed away in a warehouse. "We have huge funeral sculptures, representing men and women used to seal the tombs, from Palmyra," he says.
Most of the seized items are from excavations rather than thefts from museums. The looters target warehouses at ancient sites like Palmyra, a Unesco world heritage site. "The warehouses at archaeological sites have objects they know are not listed or catalogued yet, and they think it could be easier to sell them," he says. "The Palmyra objects had value for people in Syria... it gives a kind of identity," he says. Although reluctant to put a price on any of the bigger items, after some coaxing he relents. "We have a dozen objects that would sell for $1m each on the open market." I understand why they keep them out of sight of curious foreign visitors.
The Destination
It has taken days to get through to Dr Maamoun Abdulkarim, the archaeologist in charge of Syria's dept of antiquities in Damascus. When I do reach him, he's angry. "The sites under the control of ISIS, in these areas we have a disaster, a lot of problems. IS attack all things just for the money," he says. "It is our memory, our identity, for the government, the opposition, for all Syria." It's impossible to stop the looting but he is adamant more could be done to crack down on the trade. "We are sure through all the sources a lot of objects go from Syria to Europe, in Switzerland, in Germany, in UK - and Gulf countries like Dubai and Qatar," he says.
It was a common refrain. Everyone from the Lebanese police to Mohammed the smuggler and Ahmed the go-between said the main market was Europe. In the UK there have been no prosecutions or arrests for selling looted Syrian artefacts but Vernon Rapley, who ran the Metropolitan Police's art and antiquities squad for almost a decade, says too much shouldn't be read into this. "I'm quite confident that there have been seizures of material like this," he confidently states, as we stroll around his new workplace, the Victoria and Albert museum, where he is director of security.
Rapley still liaises closely with his former police unit and he is certain that artefacts from Syria are being sold here. He wants the trade in these antiquities to become "socially repugnant and unacceptable" so that in the future, he says, "we don't have interior decorators looking for these things to decorate people's houses".
Author: Simon Cox | Source: BBC News Website [February 17, 2015]
Copyright by Eva & Bernard IN TOWN, LOOKING LIKE YOU’RE ON VACATION EVA&BERNARD S/S 2012 In their new Spring/Summer 2012 collection Berlin based fashion label Eva & Bernard meant to focus on the ›easy‹ side of ›Easy Tailoring‹, their coined motto; to employ a less severe approach in the design process and to choose cheerful, lighthearted colors. the styles were designed to express cool effortlessness and show generous volume. the designers have been looking at images of old rural Spanish houses and architecture, and their modern renditions in places like Santa Monica in LA. the arch shape employed in them and the beautiful pastel colors of pink, light blue and ecru attracted Eva’s and Bernard’s attention, and they wanted to translate all these moods into the new collection for S/S 2012. Silk plays a lead role in the collection, which offers as well a great variety of fine cotton, viscose, jersey, cupro, linen, ramie and knitted cashmere. All fabrics were sourced in Switzerland and Italy, where the collection is produced. the blue color, which was missing from previous collections, is at the core of the new one, with texture and tone variations. Around the blue the designers gathered up such colors as peach, pink, orange, bronze, grey black and white. This season the brand offers leather accessories for the first time! EVA & BERNARD
By SARAH BULL Spellbinding: Emma Watson looked stunning in a monochrome dress as she left the Ritz Hotel in Paris She was named the world's best-dressed woman earlier this month, and it's not hard to see why. Emma Watson showed exactly why she beat stars including Cheryl Cole and Kate Moss to the top of Glamour magazine's survey as she stepped out in Paris yesterday showing off her enviable figure in a frilly minidress. The 21-year-old actress looked stunning in the monochrome dress, which she teamed with slicked back hair and a pair of sky-high heels while leaving the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Fashionista: Emma showed off her enviable figure in the flirty outfit, which she teamed with on-trend slicked back hair Emma has worked hard to transform herself from innocent young actress into a world-famous fashionista, but her status was secured earlier this year when she won a job with cosmetics house Lancôme. In a statement released by Lancôme, Emma said: 'Being a Lancôme ambassadress today is an immense pleasure and a great honour. 'For me, Lancôme is an authentic brand. It reflects elegance, class and style.' Who's your friend? Emma shared a joke with one of the hotel staff as she headed out for the evening In February, she was handed the Elle Style Icon award by Vivienne Westwood, who admitted to having no idea who the actress was. Watson also launched an eco-friendly collection with Italian designer Alberta Ferretti, a line called Pure Threads by Emma Watson. source :dailymail
Name: Valery Karen Michaud Age: 24 | Height: 5’7″ | Montreal, QC Valery Karen is currently completing a commerce degree at Montreal University, this business savvy individual is actively implementing her entrepreneurial visions through the creation of her own lingerie brand, “Glo”. Her greatest ambition is to travel the world and achieve all of her dreams. Valery also enjoys volunteering for “The Missing Children” foundation as well as “The Ride to Conquer Cancer” which is an epic and challenging two day journey. However, what she rejoices in most are times spent with family and true friends, aerial trapeze, Opera performances and great healthy food. Sponsored by: Family and Friends Languages spoken Fluently (please include your native language if English is not your native language) English, French, Biblical Hebrew.
Special thanks and credits towww.beautiesofcanada.com source: (Thank you and credits to http://freedom-guy.blogspot.com/ and all sources for the information and pictures)
Belgian design bureau Creneau International has finished creation of an interior of the central shop of the largest supplier of mobile phones in Belgium, companies BASE.
Designers have suggested to install unusual furniture and mobile show-windows in a shop interior.
The Mobile Installations
Sedentary places are scattered on all interior in the form of huge letters from which the brand name gathers: BASE.
Copyright by smart | Design Reza Abedini smart urban stage is a global online project dealing with the term FUTURE OF THE CITY. We ask pioneers from metropolises around the world to question the urban status quo. the results are visions, ideas and solutions for sustainable lifestyles, modern social systems and forward-looking developments in the fields of architecture, design and technology. the worldwide event series is exhibiting ideas and solutions of forward thinking future makers. the brand behind this online project is the car manufacturer smart, which hosted special events throughout Europe during the last two years.
Now smart initiated the online project FUTURE OF THE CITY. Within their Q&A series Dutch alternative fashion, arts and lifestyle magazine BLEND was requested to ask Iranian graphic designer Reza Abedini: In what ways does Western architecture influence Arabic buildings in the future?? BLEND: At BLEND magazine we like to shed light on cultural topics from different point of views. the Arab world is still full of mystique and ›One Thousand and One Nights‹-stereotypes, because it’s often analyzed through a Western point of view. With our Western schemas and concepts we try to understand the East. the result? Predictable answers that fit in our own concepts. Therefore it’s far more interesting to look at the rich Arabic design and architectural-tradition from a non-based point of view. Reza Abedini knows the best of both worlds. He was born in the East and now lives in the West so we think he’s the one who can give us more insight about Arabic design. ABEDINI: To talk about these influences requires a lot of time and space. But it is important to note that nowadays we all live with Western concepts and systems, and this is a necessity in modern life. Today, most of the endeavors that happen in the world of art and architecture are based on Western methods and approaches, even if their forms may look non-Western. There is a very interesting example in Isfahan, Iran. the Vank Cathedral was built under the influence of the prevailing taste and atmosphere of the Islamic architecture in early 17th century Isfahan. the building is based on the functional requirements of a church, but the form and spaces are totally shaped under the influence of exciting Islamic architecture of the era. The issue of architecture and traditional art in non-Western cultures is very sophisticated. In these cultures, to draw a line between form and function only leads to a total misunderstanding of their view of art and architecture. Many of the attempts to bridge both cultures were not successful enough. There are a few exotic examples, but they rarely touched the core of the concept. To give you an example: building a mosque in Islamic culture is mostly related to the architect’s beliefs and his attachment to ›truth‹ or ›god‹. In other words, design is not exclusively confined to form, beauty and function, although it does include all of these elements. Therefore, I think the influence of architecture is possible in form and surface, but the concepts and functions in Western architecture are not in accordance with the concept of a mosque. When you study the historical movements in art and architecture, such as Orientalism, Postmodernism and the more recent Exoticism, they seem superficial. We, both Western and non-Western, need to try to dig beneath the surface, beyond form and function, to understand the foundations of each culture on an equal level. the Western subjective and objective approaches towards other cultures have veiled the true understanding of them. FUTURE OF THE CITY
Background on my guest reviewer: John is my 9 year old son. After several years of reading problems due to his ADD, John was a very reluctant reader. Reading was always difficult for him and whenever he was asked to read, he would get upset and shut down. Then one day, I happened to discover the Horrid Henry books. They hadn't been released in the States yet, but I believe I found an excerpt online. I showed it to John, who showed a bit of reluctance at first. Then I read the few pages aloud to him. And he was instantly drawn in to Horrid Henry's world! Ok, now back to John's review!
This is my review of Horrid Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb
. Horrid Henry is rude, impolite, and thinks that the pranks he pulls are funny. He thinks only of himself. Henry has a little brother named Perfect Peter. Peter is perfect. He is very polite and isn't selfish.
Horrid Henry's Stinkbomb
is made up of four stories. I'm going to tell you about my favorite story:Henry Reads a Book.
Horrid Henry's class is going to have a reading competition. Whoever reads the most books wins a trip to a brand new amusement park. Henry gets excited when he hears this and asks if comic books count. His teacher, Miss Battle-Axe shouts "NO!" I don't understand why comic books don't count; they are books afterall! Oh, and they also have to write a book report for every book they read.
Henry plans to start reading as soon as he gets home. Instead, he reads comics (not allowed!), watches TV and plays a computer game. Suddenly, it is the end of the competition and Henry hasn't read one SINGLE book! He tries to steal Perfect Peter's books from him but can't. He goes to his room and thinks he can just write down the names of all the books in his room, but remembers he has to write a report for all the books he reads. Miss Battle-Axe would recognize the books and would know that Henry didn't read them. So he makes up the titles of books and adds them to his list.
The next day at school, the winner is announced. It is Clever Clare! She read 28 books! Henry is so mad! Then, Miss Battle Axe notices that Clare accidentally wrote one book down twice! There is now a tie between Clever Clare and Horrid Henry, so they both win tickets. The tickets are to Book World (this doesn't sound like a very exciting amusement park to me, Mom, but you'd probably like it!). The story ends with Henry screaming "ARRRGGGHH!!" So, even though Henry wins the tickets, he sort of also learns a lesson about lying about the books he read. The prize is one that Clare will like because she loves books, but it's punishment for Henry because he doesn't like to read.
I then asked John why he liked the Horrid Henry books:
I like the Horrid Henry books because it has nice people in it as well as Horrid Henry. It reminds me of me and my little brother, Justin. (I ask, which character are you in the book? His response: I am Perfect Peter and Justin is Horrid Henry. I always act polite, and Justin is not.) I like the Horrid Henry books because they are chapter books that are easy to read. They make me laugh! And Horrid Henry does do some mean things, but at the end of each story he usually learns his lesson! I want to read the rest of the Horrid Henry books and hope my library at school will get them. I think my friends will like them too. Besides Henry and Peter, there are some other characters with funny names like Moody Margaret, Rude Ralph, and Beefy Bart. I think the names are funny but it's good because they also describe that person!
I just want to wrap up by reiterating what John said about why the Horrid Henry books are so fabulous. Children are drawn to Horrid Henry because he is bad, but don't think that the Horrid Henry books promote or encourage bad behavior. They don't..Horrid Henry in some manner does get punished or suffer repercussions for his actions. In addition, the illustrations are humorous and at a level that early readers can comprehend. I found that while my son loves to read these to himself, they are best experienced if read aloud!
To learn more about the other Horrid Henry books, please visit Horrid Henry's Facebook page! Thank you to Sourcebooks for providing John copies of the Horrid Henry books!
Copyright by Mykita/Moncler | Photography & Direction Stefan Heinrichs Inspired by the look of 1950s Alpine glacier goggles, MYKITA & Moncler together developed the innovative and technologically advanced sunglasses LINO and ACHILLE, both made for the slopes and for the street. MYKITA & Moncler both stand for innovative and unique products of the highest quality, coupled with traditionalist brand philosophies. These shared values inspired the two companies to join forces in a project which aims to explore new and untapped territories in the eyewear market. In July 1954 Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni became the first men to conquer the second highest mountain in the world (K2 ). Equipped with oxygen, climbing spikes, mountaineer goggles and specially made down jackets by Moncler, the Italians reached the summit. Harking back to the origins of the former outfitter of Alpine expeditions, the collaboration resulted in two models whose material selection and design both take into account what were already key factors among mountaineers back then: modern 21st century sports goggles have to be light, durable and adjustable. A homage to the mountain and its conquerors was created in the form of the two models, LINO and ACHILLE, which are suitable both for downhill runs and also as classic sunglasses for everyday use – they are sporty as well as the perfect everyday accessory. the frames are inspired by the look of 1950s Alpine goggles, which featured round lenses in metal rims with leather side pieces for ultimate protection against the light. ACHILLE, with its straight top line and broad frame is the more avant-garde model of the pair, a retro-futuristic new look. LINO’s sweeping top line and slim frame make this model a modern counterpart to the glacier snow glasses of yesteryear. the swept-back frame edge in both unisex models reflects the look of that era; the original leather sections on the sides and bridge to protect against the glare are today revisited via the flared frames. A critical factor for the design process was the new material MYLON, developed and patented by MYKITA after years of research. the polyamide-based material is being used in eyewear production for the first time and displays the features of the desired attributes: light, extremely durable and individually adjustable to the wearer are the key advantages of this new material. Red and blue are a throwback to the first Moncler down coats that were originally sold in those colours in the early 1960s. Both models are available in the colours Red/Red flash mirror, Blue/Blue flash mirror as well as in a classic Black/Black flash mirror, in each case with mirrored lenses in the same colour or alternatively with solid grey-tinted lenses. the frames are fitted with mineral glass lenses from traditional Italian manufacturer Barberini, boasting excellent durability and clarity of vision. All lenses reveal the MYKITA & Moncler logo when breathed on. An anti-fog finish on the inside of the lenses plus an anti-scratch outer coating make these spectacles a top-calibre sporting companion. the glasses come with a padded sleeping bag style carry pouch for easy transport in addition to a black glasses case and box. The models comprising the MYKITA & Moncler collaboration are available by Mid December 2011 only at MYKITA shops and Moncler boutiques worldwide. MYKITA x MONCLER MYKITA MYLON
By SARAH FITZMAURICE No jet lag: Rihanna was looking picture perfect as she attended a Nivea event in Paris yesterday despite having been in Europe just hours before She had been in Milan just hours earlier but the travel didn't appear to have taken its toll on Rihanna who was looking picture perfect yesterday. The 23-year-old Bajan beauty was dressed in a white tiered maxi dress with for the beauty event held to celebrate Nivea’s 100th Anniversary at the Grand Hotel Intercontinental in the French capital. The singer had jetted into Paris for the event having been in Milan in Italy earlier in the day. As she left the event the singer let loose wearing her bright red locks in cherub curls which tumbled around her shoulders and down her back. Earlier in the day, and in a different country in Milan, she was seen sporting a fishtail plait, a look fast becoming one of her favourites, as she spent time with her friend Roberta Armani. The singer kept things causal in a blue striped shirt and a pair of cream trousers wearing a pair of gold aviators as she met up with her pal. All white: Rihanna was dressed in a white tiered dress with crocheted detail at the beauty brand's event and wore her hair in cherub curls around her shoulders Rihanna had taken to the stage the day before for the skincare company and performed her current single California King Bed in another angelic white frock. The singer is on a jetting setting tour of Europe and after spending less than 16 hour in Milan followed by a brief trip to Paris and Rihanna flew into London for a show last night. Quick break: Earlier in the day in Italy Rihanna had managed to squeeze some time in with her friend Roberta Armani before heading to Pairs Why thank you! As the pair parted Roberta gave the singer an Armani Prive box But it was just a quick trip to Britain’s capital and she was back on her plane heading to Paris again this morning. Last night she tweeted: ‘Just did a private show in London, abt to eat a steak, and get back on my plane #G5jettin’ White dress code: On Thursday Rihanna had rocked the stage at a Nivea celebration in another demure white dress Her white and demure outfits seen in the past few days are in stark contrast to her look worn at the star-studded Met Ball on Monday night. source: dailymail
Copyright by Weekday In celebration of Weekday’s 10th anniversairy in 2012, the brand launches a special premium line for all their faithful customers – the MTWTFSS COLLECTION for both Men and Women. It will be available from February 2012 in all Weekday stores. WEEKDAY
Rachel Zoe Rosenzweig (born September 1, 1971), also known as Rachel Zoe, is an American fashion stylist best known for working with celebrities, fashion houses, beauty firms, advertising agencies, and magazine editors. In 2008, the first season of her Bravo reality television series The Rachel Zoe Project debuted. She is married to Rodger Berman, with whom she attended college at The George Washington University, in Washington, DC. 1 Early life 2 Career 2.1 Reality show 2.2 Clothing line 3 Personal life 4 References 5 External links Born Rachel Zoe Rosenzweig, Zoe was raised in Millburn, New Jersey, and graduated from Millburn High SchoolShe has a sister Pamela RosenzweigShe later studied sociology and psychology at George Washington University. Before working as a stylist, Zoe worked at Gotham and YM magazine Although Zoe works with high-profile clients and has a very notable fashion sense, she does not have any formal fashion training. Zoe went freelance, giving her the opportunity to meet and work with some high-profile clients.As a stylist, she has worked with Brenda Song, Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Mario Orejel, Nicole Richie, and Keira Knightley. Zoe's current client list includes Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner, Kate Hudson, Kate Beckinsale, Debra Messing, Demi Moore, Liv Tyler, Joy Bryant, Molly Sims, Beau Garett, Eva Mendes, Paula Patton and Anne Hathaway Zoe, with the help of reality TV star Nicole Richie, became the pioneer of the 'boho chic' look. This look consists of oversized jewelry, loose-fitting dresses and shirts, paired with a slim frame Other notable collaborations: Collaborated with accessories maker Judith Leiber on a line of luxury bags. Served as the face of Samsung's BlackJack cell phone national ad campaign Consultant for Piperlime.com, Gap, Inc's shoe and handbag website Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty and Everything Glamour is the book that was co-written by Rose Apodaca, which made it to the New York Times Bestseller List. The book talks about styling tips and observations from a celebrity stylist's point of view. Also giving advice about everything style when it comes to your home décor, dressing stylishly, travel, and entertaining With the expansion of her clientele and numerous deals coming in, Zoe switched from her former agency, Magnet, and signed with the Todd Shemarya Agency In February, Swedish fashion retailer Lindex announced a collaboration with Rachel Zoe this spring. Zoe will be choosing her favorites from the Lindex spring collection. This will be Zoe’s first bigger collaboration with a European brand. In September 2008, Zoe's reality series, The Rachel Zoe Project, debuted on Bravo The series follows Zoe, her two fashion associates, Brad Goreski and Jordan Johnson, James Foix, as well as her husband and business partner, Rodger Berman. The series' second season premiered on August 24, 2009 Bravo announced they would be picking up a third season of the sho which premiered August 3, 2010 and covered the departure of Zoe's longtime assistant, Taylor Jacobson, while introducing her new assistant, Danielah Maryamian Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe
Andrea Hernandez is the creative mind behind the DoublClik brand that specializes in enhanced digital photography. DoublClik has a magazine-ready appeal that has shaped a philosophy of "feel fabulous and look flawless." Andrea took her eye for design and applied it to photography about a year and a half ago and made www.doublclik.com official this past January. She also launched a blog this year which is full of updated photoshoots and a must-see "Wear to Work" feature. Andrea currently lives in Monterrey, Mexico. With breathtaking backdrops of palm trees and mountains, summer season lingering year round, and a significantly wealthy clientele, DoublClik is well on its way to becoming a household name. Her forté is editorial photography, which is why she jumped on the chance to retell the classic fairytale of "Sleeping Beauty" behind the lens of DoublClik.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The majority of these pictures were taken on a white seamless and backgrounds were photoshopped in afterwards to create a finished fairytale scene. I wanted to take a modern approach but keep key elements. For example, in the "Once Upon a Dream" scene, I had thought about putting in squirrels and bunnies but instead scattered stardust. Still enchanted forest, minus the small game lurking around her feet. Meet the model behind Sleeping Beauty here and for more behind the scenes magic, check out the video below!