Harry Winston Ocean Diver Chronograph Watch
Filed under: Timepieces
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
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Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Future Vision? Tesla Roadster Sport Cars Seen Charging
Filed under: Wheels
Look into the cabin of the car and you'll find a charging status screen. A green progress bar like you'd find on a laptop computer or mobile phone is accompanied by a mileage indicator of how far you can go on the current charge. While the Tesla is charging, a light around the plug glows and beats to indicate charging is taking place.
Strolling by the scene it seems almost natural, until I realized that this is likely something we will see lots more of in the future. Not to mention the fact that most people have never seen an electric car charging, or even a Tesla for that matter. Gone here are the manicured details of the inside of a showroom or auto show. This image is just what you'd see by having your own Tesla (if you are lucky enough to get one) charging quietly in your driveway or garage. As times go on, more and more electric car charging spots are popping up all over the country. I am sure your city has at least a few with major cities having dedicated parking spots with chargers and more.
Hearing the Tesla start up and drive off is another strange experience. Unlike the bellows of a Ferrari, or the growls of a Lamborghini, the Tesla has a no engine noise, and just the soft sounds of a transmission and tire noise. Like a large radio controlled model car, but made for people. Tesla has had a lot of financial problems, but thankfully many have come to its rescue and the cars are finally ready for prime time.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Swarovski Octa Sport Lady's Watches
Filed under: Timepieces
This is a very sexy and sporty watch line from Swarovski who finally decided to release their own line of watches this year as opposed to simply provide crystals to others (I don't think they are going to stop supplying crystals anytime soon though). Here is also one of those occasions that I am a bit jealous, as I could easily see a slightly modified version of this watch being perfectly good for men. As such, the steel case is 39mm wide - in the men's watch size territory. Although this version is in white, there are different colors of the watch available including dark blue, magenta, black, and pink. My feeling is that the watches are thematically similar to the Chanel J12 line being light and airy, but highly functional timepieces. While the J12 is in ceramic, the Octea Sport has a range of faceted Swarovski crystals all over the watch and strap or bracelet that likely make for an impressive look. The watch itself is based on a diver's watch theme complete with rotating diver's bezel. The crystals on the watch range from being totally clear to clouds for a variety of looks that out to make it interesting, especially in the color-toned models. The collection was first announced last March at Baselworld and in my opinion was quite impressive from the brand who was not expected to release its own line of watches. The Octea Sport line have Swiss quartz movements inside while at least this white model is available with a rubber strap or a steel metal bracelet - both of which are lined with large horizontally applied crystals which make for a good look. The watches are available now at various locations including on Swarovski's own website. The Octea Sport line is about $800 - $850 - not too bad.
Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Contest! CigarsDirect Giveaway for "March Madness"
Filed under: Cigars
If you know basketball and love cigars, take a look at this new contest from CigarsDirect.com. Join the company's fantasy league on CBS Sportsline – choose your winners wisely – and you could walk away with up to $1,000 worth of cigars. Prizes are available for the top 10 participants based on points earned.
- 1st Place: 2008 Opus X Cigar Charity Box ($999.95 retail value)
- 2nd Place: Opus X Robusto Cigar Box ($839.55 retail value)
- 3rd Place: Hemingway Between the Lines Cigar Box ($799.95 retail value)
- 4th Place: Arturo Fuente Anejo #77 "Shark" Cigar Box ($575.95 retail value)
- 5th Place: Padron 1964 Anny Torpedo Natural Cigar Box ($319.95 retail value)
- 6th Place: 2006 God of Fire Robusto Tubo Cigar Box ($184.75 retail value)
- 7th Place: Hemingway Short Story Cigar Box ($139.99 retail value)
- 8th Place: 1992 Rare Estate Opus X Robusto Cigar Tin ($94.95 retail value)
- 9th Place: Padron 1926 Series Sampler Maduro ($74.95 retail value)
- 10th Place: $50 Gift Certificate good toward any purchase on CigarsDirect.com
My goal, I have to admit, would be to finish fourth, fifth or ninth.
[Photo by Steve Zak]
Chopard Happy Sport Chrono Watch
Filed under: Timepieces
Something about the fact that Chopard chose to place this type of watch against a pink background amuses me. It certainly does suffer from some degree of gender confusion. I don't know if the pink color choice is Chopard trying to convince themselves, or trying to convince us - that this is a girly watch. It's OK, either way I accept you Chopard Happy Sport Chrono watch, whatever you are.
Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Audemars Piguet Watches And The Rare Sport Of Elephant Polo
Filed under: Timepieces, Sports
The specific event I am talking about is known as the 2009 King's Cup Elephant Polo game, held annually in the Golden Triangle region of Thailand at the Anantara Resort. We are talking about a lifestyle and world where the term "trumpet" is still used as a noun, and the sport, is still a local high-society favorite. Elephant polo is like a big pachyderm free for all - 12 teams compete for the coveted King's Cup (video after the jump). One of the 12 teams will of course be the Audemars Piguet team, complete with elephant and two riders. One for the controls (elephant) and one with the mallet (mostly bamboo). In addition to having a team, Audemars Piguet is a co-sponsor of the event. So, 'hear ye, hear ye, at the end of March, Audermars Piguet and Anantara Resorts trumpet the 2009 King's Cup Elephant Polo challenge in Thailand.
Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Luxist's Top US Ski Resorts
Winter weather has been a bit unpredictable this year and considering that some parts of the East Coast only just received their first snowfall and there was snow in Malibu, California about two weeks ago, can you blame us for waiting until now to start making our ski plans? We're not ranking these in order from one to ten, so you'll have to be content with the fact that these are some of our favorites for this ski season (or any other) from all the mountains to ski in the US.
Aspen - A perennial favorite, this resort seems to be geared towards adults, with few beginner runs on the ski slopes and lots of great restaurants and shopping in town, as well as a satisfying mix of romantic and luxury accommodations.
Vail - Lots of lifts and more groomed terrain than any other resort on the planet, Vail is great for skiing, but the resort is so large that you won't have a problem finding off-mountain activities, from luxury spas to excellent eateries.
Kirkwood (pictured)- This California resort is somewhat off the beaten path, but all the better for it, as it provides skiers with the steep slopes and great snow they could want, with plenty of relief from the crowds at other mountains. The town is quiet, but only a short drive from Tahoe.
Where to Watch the Big Game in Luxury
Filed under: Sports
The World Series is over and most of the Bowl games are barely on the horizon, but one thing that is just as important as who is playing is where you are going to be when you watch the game. Forbes Traveler has picked out the best skyboxes in North America. Their slideshow even gives you a sneak peek inside each and every location. Here is the list of the top spots, the price (per season unless otherwise indicated) and their home teams and, if you end up having to change team allegiances to get in to the top boxes, remember that your friends will forgive you as long as you invite them up, too.
- Luxury boxes at The Rogers Centre, Toronto Blue Jays ($32,000 a game)
- The Pool Zone at Chase Field, Arizona Diamondbacks ($5,900 per game, pictured)
- Suites at FedEx Field, Washington Redskins ($75,000 to $200,000)
- Platinum executive suites at Air Canada Centre, Toronto Maple Leafs ($287,000 to $465,000 )
- The Lofts at Cardinals Stadium, Arizona Cardinals ($65,000 to $125,000)
- President's box at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, host of the U.S. Open ($12,000 to $25,000 per session)
- Luxury boxes at Gillette Stadium, New England Patriots ($325,000)
- Suites at Bank of America Stadium, Carolina Panthers ($59,000 to $100,000+)
- Luxury box suites at Busch Stadium, Saint Louis Cardinals ($105,000 to $185,000)
Portable Ice Rink
Filed under: Sports
What child wouldn't love to have an ice skating rink in the back yard? Hammacher Schlemmer has a 37-foot portable ice rink that can be set up anywhere and is perfect for practicing for winter sports or just skating for fun. The frame keeps the water in the rink even if the temperatures get too high to sustain the ice, ensuring it will be ready to go whenever the weather gets cold, and the rigid PVC at the bottom protects the rink from skate damage if the ice gets too thin.
If only I had had one of these to put in the yard growing up! Actually, it wouldn't have helped me to become a more accomplished figure skater because, portable though it is, it still needs to be below freezing to properly form the 2.5-inch thick ice layer and that is something you can't necessarily count on in most of California. Price: $700.
Waterford 2006 World Series Commemorative Baseball
Filed under: Sports
During the season, every sports fan wants a crystal ball - preferably one that will help them pick the winners for the rest of the year. This crystal ball does not have those powers of prediction, but it might be even better if you are a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Made of fully-leaded crystal from Waterford, the St. Louis 2006 World Series Commemorative Baseball celebrates the team's victory over the Detroit Tigers. A limited number of the hand-carved balls will be made, and each will be individually numbered and packed with a certificate of authenticity. Price $165.
Text Yoga Mats
Since we were just thinking about yoga retreats, it seems appropriate that we mention a mat that yoga fans who want more than just the basics. Of course, you can't have a cashmere yoga mat, but you can make a statement with Text Yoga Mats. These mats come in three colors with three different messages printed in metallic/pearlized colors. The styles include the "bling" mat, in gold; the "chocolate" mat, in chocolate; and "me," in silver. Just try not to smile while looking at your mat and doing the downward dog. Price: $65.
[via Cool Hunting]
Nike Limited Edition Futsal Ball
Nike must be jealous that Adidas got the official sponsorship for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, not to mention that they got to design the official game ball($130), because Nike has released a limited edition soccer ball "to celebrate the spirit of the World Cup." The white leather Futsal balls are decorated with an array of symbols that represent "diversity, behavior and skills shown by players," though Nike does not mention which symbol represents which player or skill. Any guess as to what the gnarled tree represents? Or the unicorn?
Only 64 of these balls will be produced and they will only be sold until the final game on July 9th, assuming that they don't sell out before then. Price: $225.
[Thanks, Dave]
Louis Vuitton Cup Sunglasses
The 12th Act of the Louis Vuitton Cup began yesterday, June 22nd, in Valencia. With only one act following this one in the run up to the America's Cup, the competitors are all probably feeling the pressure to perform. Louis Vuitton, as the primary sponsor, has a number of logo products that have been created specifically to commemorate this year's races, including totes, calf-skin loafers and a watch, which is particularly appropriate because LV is the official timekeeper of the America's Cup, which the victor of the Louis Vuitton Cup will race in. Perhaps the most useful to the competitors are the special edition sunglasses, which will help shield their eyes from the glare of the water. The glasses offer 100% UV protection and are made of a special plastic that will allow them to float, should they fall into the water.World's Richest Soccer Players
BusinessWeek has compiled a list of the world's richest soccer players, all of whom are playing in the 2006 FIFA World Cup this year. This also helps us see that, though the US may not pay its players as much as the players of other professional sports, soccer is indeed one of the most popular - and best rewarded - sports in the world. Here are the top five highest paid players and their annual incomes:
- Ronaldinho, Brazil - $29.2 million (pictured)
- David Beckham, England - $22.9 million
- Ronaldo, Brazil - $22.1 million
- Wayne Rooney, England - $20.4 million
- Zinédine Zadine, France - $19.1 million
Paul Smith World Cup Gear
We already saw designer soccer balls from Takashi Murakami and a whistle chair/sculpture for armchair referees, but Paul Smith has a whole line of products that he developed in celebration of the World Cup. First up is his take on a football, made of fake crocodile skin colored with bright hues. Unfortunately, unlike the Murakami balls, it is not intended to be used as more than a novelty and should not even be taken outdoors. This isn't a problem if you want to toss the ball around while watching the game on TV, though. The ball is £169.
