Tsvangirai calls for armed peacekeepers

Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has called for armed international peacekeepers to help secure a new presidential election, after violence marred a runoff election set for this week. He formally withdrew Tuesday from the runoff against President Robert Mugabe, who said Friday's vote would take place as planned. (CNN) full story

GAO: U.S can't track $5.5 billion in Pakistan aid

The United States can't be sure the nearly $6 billion given to the Pakistani government to fight terrorism since 2001 was used for that purpose, according to the Government Accountability Office. Among examples of dubious spending, the GAO found that $3.7 million was paid each year to operate a fleet of fewer than 20 vehicles for the Pakistan Navy. (CNN) full story

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Luxurious Desert Home in Tuscon, Arizona

The awe-inspiring steep bluffs that characterize the Coronado National Forest, looming high above downtown Tuscon, Arizona have also inspired Voorsanger Architects’ contemporary design of the luxurious Coronado Ridge Residence. This glowing beacon of wood and warm yellow light is quite the contract from its dusty surroundings. The home’s upward-sloped roof welcomes the magnificent view through its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Just outside, a pool is an oasis. Inside, the home is geometric to the nth degree – angles of all kinds appearing in raised ceilings, dropped floors, skylights and various built-in features. Interiors boast rich finishes of woods gracing the ceilings while, underfoot the combination of natural stone and woods offer an elegant contrast of warm and cool. Voorsanger Architects.

Resort-Style Luxury Living on Crystal Bay, Australia

This recently completed contemporary home by architect Sean Gartner is an artful interpretation of “home.” Set on Crystal Bay in Newport – a suburb of Syndey, Australia – this four-bedroom house isn’t your typical single-family structure. The home’s exterior is finishes in stone and glass, with large wall-sized sliders that bring the outdoors in. With luxury at every turn, this resort-style space offers two levels presented as an airy, open-concept design that’s flooded with light. Done to the nines, the home is built with both casual and formal entertaining areas, a home theater, wet bar, a gym, his and her studies, three ensuites for a combined total of five bathrooms, and of course its four bedrooms. The master bedroom boasts a spectacular walk-in closet and a spa-inspired ensuite with a double shower, built-in steam room and a tub with views of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club just outside. If you’re in the market, you’re in luck – this home is being offered for sale by Raine & Horne.

Luxury contemporary bathroom that is stylish and elegant

Inviting and seductively peaceful. This luxurious bathroom is accented by a Mastella double vanity to tie in the fullness of the bathtub - both pieces being highlighted against the straight contemporary lines of the flooring, mirrors and storage cabinets. Simple but stylish faucets and cabinet hardware allow the few accessories to be featured to the fullest. The elegant atmosphere is ultimately created by the mixture of metallic tones - from brushed silver to gold - that creates an interplay between a warm and cool pallet. However it doesn't end there. The design is centered upon the use of double and triple effects through its accessories that provide a subtle motif and a pleasing harmony. Find product details at Trendir

Asian Style couture bathroom

Ready for an elephant ride through a dramatic design? This complex and elegant bathroom is reminiscent of a variety of styles of the 1800s. Beautiful asian tapestry hangs on the walls with a story of its own to tell. The vanity – practically an altar in this space - is unmistakably contemporary with its linear lines and silver legs among the traditional surroundings, and provides an instant contrast to the softer curves of the accessories. The two side tables on wheel are versatile and moveable throughout the space. The rococo-style mirror, however, is the focal point that ties in the many contrasting qualities of this space with its stunning ornate presence. Intense, yet playful, this bathroom invites you to grab a parasol, stay cool and hydrated during the insufferable drought periods.

Kitchen with an Open Ceiling Concept

An earthy kitchen with a massive amount of sky. This design offers an innovative combination of two rooms enjoyed by all: The kitchen and the sunroom. Each unit in the kitchen is freestanding, as if to create the least amount of obstruction as possible. This, along with the cubic pattern that is applied throughout, allows for a greater sense of depth and freedom. The design employs two cabinet colors – one pale, one warm – to create separate spaces without adding unnecessary walls. The seamless white floors are prefect for reflecting the temperament of the sky, while the frosted glass shelving and dark accessories provide the extra ingredient to this play of light and shadows.