All new things !: June 2008

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

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

Read the report (PDF)

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.

Cool and Contemporary Kitchen

We are accustomed to seeing kitchens composed of warm dark wood and soft lighting. The Multipla Laccata is a stunning contrast with its airy and light appeal. The combination of smurf blue and white lacquered cabinets are perfect for a more contemporary kitchen, and offer a glimpse of winter charm. The snowy speckled floor adds to the character, and the glass shelves and frosted doors finish off the fresh look. The blue motif is picked up throughout the accessories with a variety of shades. The kitchen design is also positioned in a casual walk-through manner, allowing the kitchen to become part of the home as opposed to a separate room onto itself. This creates an abundance of space for cooking and entertaining. The Multipla Laccata is by Aerre Cucine.

House in Austin, Texas Suburb

Chery QQ

Specification:

http://www.chery-indomobil.com/type.php?brand=01&type=cherygx

New Bajaj Motor Model

Bajaj Auto, which is partnered with Renault-Nissan, was going to announce a $3,000 car. Turns out the companies have found a way to cut $500 off the price to create a $2,500 competitor. To make this car the three companies are creating a new company with ownership split between Renault (25%), Nissan (25%) and Bajaj Auto (50%). No name on the car other than the codename "ULC" which we can only guess stands for "Uncomfortable, Little and Cheap." The car is to be sold in India in early 2011 as the primary market. (Renault)

Tata Nano in Geneva

Ratan Tata, the Henry Ford of Mumbai, just revealed his dreamwork here, the Tata Nano, to a European audience here at the Genewa Motor Show that may never get to drive one. The micromini — which, in person, appears to be two scooters sheathed inside an extra-large Maytag dryer — is for now just for emerging markets where safety regulations are far less stringent. The price is 100,000 rupees, which is a mere $2,500. That's cheaper than some scooters, and you only get one! Nonetheless, Tata says he's repaying Geneva for its hospitality 11 years ago when he was a paltry millionaire and his car company was just a fledgling. Now there are four million Tatas on the road, and soon to be many millions more of this microbox. (Mike Spinelli)

The World's Cheapest Car

India's Tata Group Motor present new model Tata Nano in New Dehli, India on Jan 2008. This car has been priced at $2,500 as the world's cheapest car.

The Interior of Tata Nano

The interiors are not anything earth-shattering and you are not going to ditch your Civic for the Nano. But its minimalistic, and efficient - and for those of us weaned on the Maruti 800 and Alsto, perhaps they are a step up.

Without much ado, here are the interior photos of the Tata Nano.