Replogle Globes has released a lovely collection of Frank Lloyd Wright Globes.

The design of each globe has been meticulously crafted to reflect the style of one of our all-time-favorite designers, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Replogle's five Frank Lloyd Wright Collection® Globes include the Tabouret, the San Marcos, the Hexagon, the Barrel (right), and the Wright. See the gallery to view all five.

The Barrel, as you can see, is modeled after Wright's famous "Barrel Chair," and the Hexagon's story is even more intriguing. From the press release:

The "Hexagon" also reveals an uncanny, historic connection between Replogle and Frank Lloyd Wright. Volker shares: "Just after Replogle became a licensee and they were working on the first five prototypes, I made a trip to the Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. While touring the building, we entered the office that was occupied by Mr. Price. In a triangular corner across from his desk was a large globe resting on a trapezoid, copper stand designed by Mr. Wright. The story goes that Mr. Price wanted a large wall map placed in his office. Mr. Wright convinced him that he should have a beautiful globe and stand to match the other design elements in the room instead. Well, Mr. Wright prevailed. As we rotated the original globe, we noticed the manufacturer was Replogle Globes. It was like an endorsement."

These beautiful globes will be available at high-end specialty stores and online stores. For a list of dealers, click here.

I love snow globes, but although these are really interesting I can't help but think they look a little cold and creepy. I really like the idea of a snow globe that's more mature and artistic (and therefore less cheesy) than the average design we see all around this time of year, and I'd be interested to hear the designers' take on what is going on in each of these scenes...is that a pair of outrageously large rabbits or just a miniature man? Definitely lots of room for creativity! Created by Walter Martin and Paloma Munoz, each globe measures 4.75" x 6" and goes for $750.


Via Wists

Recently we had Hitler's champagne up for auction, and now a globe that an American soldier recovered from Hitler's bombed and looted office at "Eagle's Nest" during WWII. James Barsamian, the soldier, kept immaculate records of the find (including a photo of himself holding the globe on location the day he found it) which has made authenticating the piece much easier.

Barsamian has kept the globe in his home discreetly for the past 60 years, but he's decided to sell it now in the interests of doing so while he's still alive and can tell the story behind it. The globe will go up for auction on November 13th in San Francisco and is expected to go for $15,000-$20,000.


Via Luxury Launches

In today's Wall Street Journal, there is an interesting blurb on prices around the world, comparing the rate for the same service in different locations. In this case, the service is a one-way private transfer from an airport to a luxury hotel, as booked through that hotel or their concierge. All the prices have been converted to US dollars and the difference in various markets is quite surprising, especially since the distance being considered was that of a very central location. As a starting point, the cost in New York was $167 per person. In Manila, the transfer was a mere $42, while it was $74 in Sydney and $100 in Hong Kong. The three locations more expensive than New York were London, at $171, Paris at $170 and Tokyo, at an almost shocking $382. It's enough to make you think twice about arranging your own transportation. After all, it certainly couldn't be much more expensive and by calling around, you might even be able to arrange nicer transportation.

It's a teaching tool but also a fun thing to have around the house. Like the Geochron that we have mentioned before, the Blue Planet Globe shows the amount of light and dark in the world at any given moment. The globe uses an astronomically true formula to simulate in six-minute intervals the changing seasonal patterns of sunlight falling over each hemisphere during the year. The globes comes in a tinted outer case that is sold with a customized cherry table or tinted acrylic base. It comes with a multi-setting controller allowing it to be lit or unlit, rotating or stationary. The globe is priced at $1,200 and is available from The Science Source (even though this particular model isn't on their website).