Ornero tender yacht features folding hard-top ‘convertible’ design

Oronero tender yachtOronero tender yacht, which features a ‘convertible’ hard top.

With the designing expertise of Alex Pirard Design & engineering acumen of Hi-Tech Marine, comes the ‘convertible’ luxury tender yacht ‘Ornero’. Stylish interiors offering comfort and futuristic design such as the retractable hood, the Oronero yacht comes as an ideal option for short and speedy cruises in the waters. Owing to its innovations, the tender already has the distinction of being the official entry for the 2011 Perini Cup competition and feature highlight at the Monaco Yacht Show 2011.

The Oronero tender is just 12 meters long, and its entire chassis has been created from carbon fiber. The interiors are adorned with beige leather and clear oak wood panels, which appeals as a compact high-end personal space. Since the vessel is of a limited size, there are a few dual usage arrangements such the lower deck dining table, which can double up as a large size bed, the same as the one on the upper pilot cabin. Other amenities include the gallery and shower room with WC, all of which is completed air-conditioned. Even the cockpit above has a dual usage setup as we mentioned, and also a TV for entertainment. The most notable and distinct feature, the retractable hard top is meant for use when one would like to soak in the sun, or can even keep closed with the conditions outside get too rough for comfort.

On the engine front, there are the 2 engines, driven by hybrid diesel and capability to generate 280Hp of power in all and a top speed of 22 knots. In case one decides to use the electric motors, the speed could drop down to 7 knots. Overlooking that, the engine design is apt for reducing pollution and carbon footprint of the tender yacht.

For those having a liking for other such tender yachts, do see our piece on the Pyle Seadoo Marine tender for comparisons.

Alberto Frias’ new OM Meditation Pod for meditating in hi-tech environment

Alberto Faris new Om meditation podOm pod creates a personal meditation environment as it features personal light, sound and space

Alberto Frias, artist and designer of the Transport Perceptual Pod (2002) trigerred the revolution into the wellness home furniture genre, with his unique meditation pod, that was designed to provide an ultimate relaxing environment through the combination of light, sound and space. The Mexican designer has mastered the art of designing furniture to fit the modern lifestyle. Most of his projects are based on the concept of spirituality and hence all the furniture he makes has a power of inner healing. While his Transport pod was outfitted with high-tech features, including speakers and an array of light-emitting diodes synchronized to music for ultimate relaxation, the designer is back yet again to tickle your senses to rejuvenate your senses with his new OM Meditation Pod.

This pod creates a personal meditation environment as it features personal light, sound and space. The pod has a sound system attached to it that gives a melodious sound of OM’ (a chant used for meditation) that is also known as a sound of universe. This sound creates a positive energy around you to provide a perfect environment relax. The pod is an oval cocoon that has a shiny white polish with a comfortable interior. The moment you rest your back inside the white doomed space, you can experience the sound of OM chanting as it has Anthony Gallo Acoustics Nucleus Micro Ti loudspeakers and dim lights.

The pod is handcrafted by fiberglass shell and is equipped with LED lights with eco-friendly sound systems. The interior is decked with comfortable cushions that are made of organic cotton. The meditation pod can be customized with different finishes, colors and materials. With the dimensions of 62″ L x 34″ W x 55″ H the pod can be adjusted anywhere in a small and cozy corner.

Special features:

· The sound system is Anthony Gallo high fidelity sound system

· Eco-friendly pod with organic cotton cushions

· soy based fiberglass

· Phillips color kinetics LED lighting system

· Gel coat exterior and matte finish interior

The designer is overwhelmed with the response and states,

The new OM Meditation Pod is a transformation from my original Transport Perceptual Pod. It allows you to sit straight up and meditate while relaxing in a soothing audio/visual experience. As you sit facing back, you absorb the white domed space, which transforms into a personal sky for a fusion of colored light and resonating sound. To make this all work, I needed to find a small speaker that could be tucked away while still sounding pristine. The Anthony Gallo speakers perform that function brilliantly.

The pod that weighs 100 lbs can be delivered within six weeks of the order and costs whooping $12000.

Carbon fiber OLED table lamp is a modern masterpiece

Carbon Fiber OLED table lampCarbon Fiber OLED table lamp for an elegant decor

For people who appreciate art and like to decorate their homes with elegant lighting, a German company Novaled AG has launched avant-garde lighting OLED lamp ,which is a uniquely-designed handmade masterpiece. This lamp has an ultra-sturdy carbon-fabric base. The lighting fixture has been introduced under the collection of Liternity series and is the second product of the same series. The first lamp that was launched under this series was Victory which is the world’s first lighting fixture to have OLED lighting with carbon-fabric base.

This limited-edition lamp is made of high-end material and is combined with OLED panels. With the height of 35 cm, the lamp has two arms with four ultra-thin OLEDs that provide sufficient light to the user. The first lamp, Victory, also has a height of 35 cm with a depth of 40 cm and gives a silhouette effect from all angles. The best feature of this lamp is the captivating 3D motion that comes out because of the carbon fiber used in the lamp.

Carbon Fiber OLED table lampCarbon Fiber OLED Victory lamp

Both the lamps are made of high-end materials and are based on the artwork created under the brand name of Novaled. The company specializes in OLED lamps which are perfect masterpieces to add elegance to your home decor.

Superyacht Sovereign from Gray Design has taken its design cues from luxury limousines

Sovereign super-yacht by Gray DesignSovereign super-yacht by Gray Design which borrows the grandeur and luxurious ambiance from limousines.

Eduard Gray, who founded Gray Design, had an aim to establish an enterprise which would be known for their bold design and out-of-the-box appeal. He seems to have done it pretty successfully, as that enterprise now stands one of the best, when it comes to imbibing customer wishes, with cutting edge technology to create the perfect final product such as their motorbikes, super-cars and yachts. The latest from the company is the Sovereign super-yacht, that borrows its designing from luxury limousines and even has a customized version meant exclusively for the customers of this yacht.

As the name ‘sovereign’ suggests, the yacht comes with designing themes reminiscent of sovereign royals, especially with respect to its luxury features. What’s even more interesting to see is the blend of modern technology into such a frame, to create the water cruiser. The yacht is a 100 meter long vessel, which uses eco friendly technology to power a lot of the important functions such as the lighting and temperature control. The roof top cover is actually a large solar panel which generates electricity for multiple uses like lighting. Also there is a windmill, which aids the process of storing electricity for future use, and is ideal if the winds are strong outside. As for temperature control, especially in leisure areas, there is the open-air Jacuzzi which can be covered by the bow of the boat if conditions are not found to be suitable. Also, the infinity pool on the other side of the boat is capable of being converted into a re-enforced glass helipad, and the water circulation keeps the area under control. Accommodation includes 10 guest suites apart from the opulent master suite with its list of exclusivities for the host. Other indoor amenities include the gymnasium, nightclub, cinema and library apart from the bar with bathing platforms on either side. In case you would like to go for some water adventure, there are the custom made tender boats to come to your aid. With these boats, stands the exclusive limousine which would carry you from mainland to this yacht.

The credit for making this yacht move at speeds of up to 30 knots goes to the triple MTU engines, which provide the extra thrust to gain the speed. Since the displacement of the yacht is around 500,000 kgs, one does begin to wonder if the vessel is a tad too heavy. Well, for the looks, we promise to overlook these aspects.

Sovereign YachtSovereign Yacht by Gray Design

In case you are on the lookout for other examples of Gray Design’s work, do read through our piece on the Dartz Prombron Nagel, which is the world’s first sportback vehicle to act as a yacht puller. Also, for beaches there is theStandcraft limousine beach cruiser which had the designing mastery of Grey Designs.

Audi A8 W12 sedan special edition concept unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Limited edition Audi A8 W12 conceptLimited edition Audi A8 W12 concept front shot

German expertise at creating cars possibly doesn’t leave much of a chance to be described in superlatives anymore, as the standards have risen above that. The unique combination, minimalistic appeal and superior luxury have never found better common ground. One of the masters of this combination, Audi unveiled its flagship model concept in the form of A8 W12 special edition version, which shall have a rejuvenated interior and will have a production run of only 50 exclusive pieces, each of them being numbered individually. The unveiling happened at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show 2011.

The interiors have been given a redo. It features Cognac toned Poltrona Frau leather with grey lining, and also light gray brown wood veneer on various sections. The central console, dashboard, tunnel, partly on the door trims and even seat consoles, feature this exclusive grade of leather as the lining material. On further research, we came to know that even the key hasn’t been spared from the leather decoration. The other fabric used on the interior is the olive ash toned wood, which has been used as veneer. The surfacing has been given a special rough texture which is a contrast to the smooth leathering, but blends in extremely well for a very fine grade sophisticated appeal. It can be found on the seat backs, cockpit fascia, door trims, rear control panel and glove compartment areas. Also, the carpeting on floor is deep piled, and has special floor mats to protect it. While you are cruising around, it also wouldn’t be a bad idea to make use of the sun roof which is spread over the entire hood almost. As for color options for the car, monsoon gray is the common version, but there is also a darker shade of blue to opt from.

Limited edition Audi A8 W12 conceptLimited edition Audi A8 W12 concept back and interior shot

Also, please check out our piece on the Audi A9 Hybrid, which had a self repairing mechanism. It would be plenty to let you know what the German carmaker can do with innovation barely rivaled anywhere

Elvis's first guitar and 24 kt gold piano to go under the hammer

Elvis’s first guitar goes for saleElvis’s first guitar and Beatles rare pics goes for sale

Someone who can manage to remain the heartthrob of millions even after 34 years of death is surely a true rock star. Yes, we are talking about the Rock n Roll king Elvis Presley who had created such a great standard in music industry that is hard to compete even today. We have earlier mentioned Elvis Presley’s memorabilia that fetched millions at an auction and now once again Rock n Roll fans can grab his first ever guitar at Guernsey’s Auction House in New York. His first guitar was a gift from his mother on his 11th birthday. The guitar was bought from the Tupelo Hardware Store and costed $6.95 at that time which is expected to fetch more than $300,000 today.

The auction will take place on September 24 and 25 at the Guernsey’s Auction House in New York and will include more than 1000 other celebrities’ memorabilia apart from this iconic guitar. Guernsey’s owner and president, Arlan Ettinger said “One could imagine that this guitar is worth as much if not more than that. You’ve got to marvel at this guitar.”

Elvis’s first guitar and Beatles rare pics goes for salephoto of Stuart Sutcliffe, the fifth Beatle, with George Harrison (far l.) and John Lennon (far r.)

Apart from the legendary guitar, the auction will also sell the rare Beatles photos by Astrid Kirchherr who captured the band members during their heydays in Germany. The photographer met Beatles in 1960s in Hamburg, Germany and was engaged to the fifth Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe until he died of brain hemorrhage at the age of 22. Beatles was active in 1960s and was the most commercially acclaimed rock band at that time. The Beatles memorabilia also has 10 of Sutcliffe’s artworks and the letters that Sutcliffe sent to Kirchherr.

President Obama's Martha's Vineyard vacation rental goes up for sale

Obama’s Martha’s Vineyard on saleBarak Obama and family visited this place thrice Martha’s Vineyard.

List Price: $23.7 Million

The Property: Martha’s Vineyard is the 58th largest island in the United States and has played host to the current President of U.S. Barack Obama and his family not just once but thrice. This 28.5-acre residential compound is surrounded by four waterfronts and is situated in Chilmark on the tony Massachusetts Island. The property known as Blue Heron Farm is owned by Republican businessman William Van Devender and is available at $50,000 for a week vacation. The residential compound was built around 15 years ago. It was also home to one of the earliest known deaf communities in the United States.

Physical Address: 41 Cobbs Hill Road, Chilmark, MA 02535

Setting: Blue Heron Farm, the Martha’s Vineyard estate is spread on 28.5 acre of area and comprised of five structures including a 5,118 square foot mansion. The property is known for its eight stall horse barn and has got its title of ‘Farm’ because of this feature. Obamas are not the only famous persons to visit this grand property but former president Bill Clinton and his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also visited this estate in 1998. Also, former president Ulysses S. Grant often used to visit the place for vacation during 1870s.

Martha’s Vineyard on saleObama’s Martha’s Vineyard on sale

Interior and exterior: The exterior of the property has four waterfront parcels, a tout pool and a hot water tub. Since this property is famous for vacation it has many options for outdoor games like Par 3 golf courses, basketball court, tennis court and a lawn bowling. If you want to rejuvenate yourself in water, the estate has an easy access to a nearby private beach on the Atlantic Ocean. The huge interior of the mansion is just breathtaking as it features 13 grand bedrooms, 12 full and three half bathrooms. The property is equipped with ample amenities like Sprinkler System, open porch, Exercise Room etc. The kitchen is equipped with all the modern facilities and up-to-date appliances fixed on granite counterparts. The property has three garages and a boat dock.