Being Batman comes at a cost. Not just the physical and emotional toll, mind you. We’re talking money. Dollar signs. Big bucks. Make no mistake — in the case of the Caped Crusader, extraordinary wealth is absolutely a superpower. The clever folks at MoneySupermarket.com have put together an equally clever infographic featuring the “Dark Knight Rises” hero and all of his wonderfully expensive toys, showing you just how much money goes into each and every item in Batman’s arsenal. The short version: protecting Gotham City is not a cheap gig.
Another little Batman related tid-bit I came across came from my curiosity as to the exact landscape of Gotham city. Not anymore. This map details every street corner and neighborhood of the city that Batman protects.
Akon has been a pop culture staple for the better part of the last decade, and has inspired acts from Lady Gaga to T-Pain. His newest track ‘Hurt Someone’ with French Montana just had a monstrous video debut. Check the method below.
For those out there who are French Montana fans in the San Jose California area, be sure to grab some tickets for his show TONIGHT at the Fiesta Lounge. This is an after party event for Drake’s ‘Club Paradise’ tour show. 9:30p at Fiesta Nightclub, San Jose, CA.
Here is a neat idea that allows you to play with the different faces for a watch. The Watch ‘oNe’ basically features an E-Ink display which is LED back lit, but its face is not constant, meaning you can change it at whim or fancy. Hook the watch up to the internet and download your kinda face to it. Designers have a choice to upload their creativity to the on-line store, for others to purchase.
So the possibilities with this one watch are endless… mechanical, digital, classic, futuristic, complex…any type of face can be downloaded (via micro USB port) for use. The physical watch can also be interchanged with different parts using a range of colors and materials. Constructed out of abs plastic, sapphire glass, stainless steel and fine leather; Watch ‘oNe’ is going on sale in March 2011 for $350.
The iPad can control all kinds of devices, from your Apple TV or remote desktop or AR.Drone, to slightly more bizarre things like a robotic prison guard. Given that, it was only a matter of time before someone used it as part of an overall badass project, like the Adastra Superyacht.
The $15 million Adastra Superyacht is a 139-foot-long yacht built by Hong Kong billionaire Anto Marden and yacht designer John Shuttleworth. The boat itself looks futuristic, but the coolest part is that you (or somebody) can control it using an iPad. With the iPad control system, someone can guide the yacht from up to 164 feet away.
I imagine it’s a bit like controlling a toy boat, only it’s friggin’ huge. The chassis of the 47-ton superyacht is made out of carbon fiber, with a glass and Kevlar foam sandwich hull. Adastra can travel at its optimum speed of 17 knots–which is around 20mph–for up to 4,000 miles.
While I don’t know much about what’s onboard yet, it would be interesting to see what other tech the boat uses. A fully automated wet bar, perhaps?
Jaguar has released new details of its latest model at the New York Motor Show, as it continues a turnaround set to see it become a global luxury car brand. The new F-Type is the spiritual successor of the Jaguar E-Type, one of the world’s most legendary roadsters and now a much sought-after collectible around the world.
Revealed at the New York event, the F-type will launch as a convertible with a range of engines and will offer just two seats, putting it in the same range as other performance models such as the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-Benz SL.
Performance wise, it’s believed that the aluminium model will offer a top speed of over 180 mph (289 km/h) and a 0-60 mph (97km/h) range of under five seconds.
In a video designed to underline the driver-focused nature of the new car, Formula One star Martin Brundle commented “the first thing I noticed is that it turns in beauitfully, it’s got so much grip my ribs are in the side of the seat.”
The F-Type production model will be revealed later this year and is expected to go on sale in 2013, Jaguar said. The paint job in the photos isn’t necessarily my swag, but I’m sure in a solid color the car looks even more beastly.
Much like NAMM in the U.S., Germany’s Musikmesse is a chance for the music industry to showcase both old favorites and new technology. Among the rows of classic amps on show at Marshall’s booth this year is something that may look like an amp from the Jim Marshall signature series, but which is nothing of the sort. The authentic Marshall amp head and cabinet facing of the prototype Marshall Fridge open up to reveal 4.4 cubic feet (124 liters) of can or bottle chilling storage space, with handy can storage on the inside of the door and a mini freezer to feed users with a steady supply of ice cubes.
British manufacturer of super-luxury motor cars Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the Phantom Series II at 2012 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The series II comprises Phantom Saloon, Phantom Drophead Coupe and Phantom Coupe featuring enhanced design, drivetrain and technology. The Phantom II features “significant improvements in design, drive-train and technology,” Rolls-Royce says. Phantom Series II family of cars are powered by V12 direct injection engine and mated to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox, while its rear differential enhance the driving dynamics. The interior gets a new sat-nav system with 3D maps and the new and larger 8.8-inch screen is connected to an improved camera system to aid maneuverability of the vast machine. Fuel consumption is said to be about 10 per cent better than the current 17mpg and CO2 emissions are reduced from 388 to 347g/km.
There have been a string of Oscar de la Renta expansions of late, although the most unexpected comes in the launch of a partnership with rapper Dr. Dre on a pair of lavish designer headphones which double up as earmuffs. Currently featuring on the “new arrivals” section of the Oscar de la Renta website, the fluffy “luxe silver fox” earmuffs surround a pair of Beats by Dr. Dre headphones. Retailing at $695, this limited edition item is one of de la Renta’s more extravagant partnerships, compared to the label’s teaming up with US luxury stationery firm Mrs. John L. Strong on items such as note cards, invitations and place cards. While de la Renta announced the launch of a childrenswear collection for Fall 2012 just last month, the label’s Dre collaboration hints there could be hip-hop themed ventures to come for the ever-expanding brand.
While the majority of technology execs are packing their cases for Vegas, for some it’s all about Anaheim. Akai is clearly ramping up its NAMM campaign, outing the latest in its legendary MPC series: the Renaissance. While the new boy is no dumb controller — it packs a full audio interface, USB hub and lots of I/O — for the first time the MPC gets dedicated external software. Sound familiar? Well yes, it’s no doubt a direct response to the popular Maschine hardware / software combo from Native Instruments, but Akai isn’t just playing catch-up here. The new hardware includes a “vintage” mode that recreates some of that legendary MPC3000/60 crunch, and the standalone software comes with a massive sound library, instant VST mapping (so you can work with all your third-party synths) as well as the option to run in VST / AU / RTAS mode itself. If you’re worried about the possible implications of a “tethered” MPC, take a peek at the promo video over the jump, which should soon allay your fears.
This Ferrari 360 Modena limousine was created by cutting a regular 360 Modena in half and adding seats in the middle to provide interior room for eight people. There is one large flat screen on-board plus several smaller screens set into the head rests. It also has a state of the art sound system and fibre optic disco lighting. Estimated at £250,000 ($390,000), this is the fastest limousine in the world – it can hit a top speed of 166 mph. This unique vehicle was designed By Dan Cawley of Style Limousines, then tuned to perfection by Prestige Limousines, Birmingham, England.
Originally listed for $27M in 2010, this penthouse just sold for $21.5 million and was owned by Netscape Founder Jim Clark. The Miami Beach condo property is a 5803 square-foot, multi-story residence that sits at the top of The Setai, overlooking South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The world-famous 40-storey Setai Resort is serviced by Singapore-based, five-star hotel management company GHM Hotels.
LG and fashion label Prada are collaborating for the third time to release the first LG Prada smartphone, the Prada phone by LG 3.0. The phone combines Prada’s style with LG’s innovative technology, including one of the biggest and brightest screens in the world with 4.3inch and 800-nit screen. Menus and the user interface are also influenced by Prada with black, grey and white menu and icons. The Prada Phone by LG 3.0 adopts LG’s “tri-dual” design meaning it has a dual-core 1GHz processor and 512MB of RAM per core, bringing a total of 1GB. The 8 mega-pixel camera is a real highlight because it can record 1080p video at a smooth 30fps. The PRADA Phone also supports WiFi , 3G and Bluetooth. On-board memory weighs in at 8GB, which is upgradable through the use of microSD cards. The phone runs Android’s Gingerbread OS. It is planned that the handset will update to Ice Cream Sandwich in the future.
The first LG Prada, also known as LG KE850, was the world’s first mobile phone to use a touchscreen display. Dr. Jong-seok Park, CEO of LG Eletronics Mobile Communications Company, said, “Our working relationship with PRADA is unique in its longevity and success, something no other phone company and luxury brand have been able to replicate.” Designer labels attached to phones is not a novelty these days considering the Hugo Boss Samsung Galaxy Ace or the BlackBerry Porsche Design P’9981 devices.
The special edition of the Ferrari FF showcased in the annual Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, was sold within fifty minutes on Thursday, October 27, 2011. Despite a price tag of $395,000 (or $95k more than a dealer-purchased Ferrari FF), the 10 available cars sold out in less than an hour. The Neiman Marcus FF will come in an elegant Grigio Caldo exterior color and with a matching luggage set to compliment the Ferrari’s treated leather interior. To top off the package is an awesome Ferrari Winter Driving Experience that will be held in Aspen, Colorado. You don’t even have to flog your own FF through the Colorado snow; it’s an arrive-and-drive program, using Ferrari’s FFs instead of your own. Individuals who ordered the Ferrari FF Neiman Marcus also get the added bonus of receiving their cars by spring of 2012 (much sooner than normal FF buyers).
Available in stainless steel or black plated stainless steel, the Braun BN10 Digital Watch is the cutting edge of cool. Both versions come with either a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap depending on the type of outward image you like to project. Featuring the EasySkroll v2.0 operating system, it’s water resistant up to 30m and scratch resistant thanks to K1 hardened glass. The BN10 is currently available for pre-order now via Braun, with retail set at $680 USD.
Ritual Box by G.H Mumm is a set of luxurious objects and accessories that will help transform your tasting experience into a delightful ritual. Individually made by Ateliers Domeau & Pérès, each Ritual Box by G.H Mumm takes not less than eight weeks and the expertise of born craftsmen to complete. Each module consists of a wooden structure varnished white or red within, lined with foam rubber, and externally sheathed in white or red leather.
The Ritual Box transforms from a refined cube to 5 sophisticated modules holding a champagne bucket, 6 “tulipe” champagne glasses, a service of 6 forks and spoons designed by Guy Degrenne, 6 plates and 6 verrines made by Siléa and Finally two chandeliers by Villeroy & Boch to illuminate your ritual sitting on red pillows. The gift box also includes the iconic red leather draped sword that can be used to saber the bottle. Edited to 10 limited editions over the world, the ritual box is available on demand or at Colette for5,000€
Luxury car maker Rolls-Royce has developed its first electric-powered vehicle, that goes up to 125 miles fully charged. The one-off Phantom 102EX has been touring the globe to gauge the reactions of Rolls-Royce owners and potential customers to a fully electric-powered car. The 6.75-liter V-12 was replaced by a massive 71-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery housed within the aluminum spaceframe.
“We have engineered the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment,” chief executive Torsten Muller-Otvos said in a statement. “We begin an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce cars of the future.” The company wants to ascertain how long the car can drive between re-charges and how it operates in extreme weather conditions, but there are no plans yet to develop a production version.
“I must be convinced that any alternative drive-train we choose for the future delivers an authentic Rolls-Royce experience,” Muller-Otvos said. “It must be a technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us on a sound footing for a sustainable future.”
Jean Paul Gaultier has collaborated with Champagne brand Piper-Heidsieck on two new bottles – Black Cancan Millésime 2000 and the Piper-Heidsieck French Cancan. The Cabaret-inspired French Cancan bottle is dressed in black latex, fishnets and ruby masquerade mask at the neck. The Black Cancan Millésime 2000′s adornments include a Swarovski Crystallized stocking, a studded collar of diamond-cut crystals, and a JPG seal. Nestled alongside it in the sleek crimson and midnight-colored case are two other Gaultier creations — gothic Schott Zwiesel flutes with gold harness rings. Only 60 bottles of Black Cancan Millésime 2000 exist, and one bottle “offered in a sensual case” will run you $630.
Kyle Myricks aka Stalley is self described “great American writer” from Massillon, Ohio. He left home to play Division 1 basketball in Michigan, injuring himself shortly after. That set back brought him to NY to play for Long Island University but a second injury derailed his athletic plans. He change his focus to music. In 2008, he connected with Ohio’s own, Terry Urban on the mixtape release “Goin Ape” as well as toured opening for Mos Def. His 2nd project MadStalley: The Autobiography brought attention to his transition from small time griot to rap star. He’s since worked with brands like Nike, ESPN, 10Deep and Mishka. Currently, Stalley has been working with Creative Control, the media collective associated with Dame Dash, DD172 and fellow rap artist Curren$y. His recent release titled Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music), he carefully illustrates a typical night out on his popular hometown strip. He’s appeared on BET’s 106 and Park as a part of the Music Matters campaign and premiered his video for “SLAPP” on the countdown.
On Thursday the 17th, the Above Ground crew will be bringing Stalley to San Francisco to perform at 330 Ritch alongside Moe Green, Hopie, and Damey. Click the pic below to get your tickets before they sell out.
Designed by watchmaker and former museum director Arnaud Tellier, the ’2lmx’ is the inaugural watch of a new
Geneva-based luxury watch manufacturer by the same name. A series of barrels move to display the hours and minutes in 24-hour format, with the device’s internal workings are partially exposed through sapphire crystal windows. The unusual watch movement consists of 337 parts and 44 jewels, manually wound with a power reserve of approximately 120 hours. Six rolling drums, each imprinted with the numbers from zero to nine, are activated by cams in the custom-designed vertical tourbillon mechanism. Each watch is hand-finished and -assembled over the course of 1,000 hours in switzerland. the five 2012 models include a platinum case with black or white dial, rose gold case with black or white dial, and anthracite titanium case with black dial.
I’m a huge watch person, and although I put ton’s of wrist pieces up on the blog, the Perrelet Turbine Poker watch is one I know for sure I’ll have in my collection quite soon. This is a piece which makes very clever use of the brands aeronautical-inspired 12 blade double rotor dial. A selection of cards are hidden beneath the rotor blades which constantly revolves thus obscuring the cards which will not be revealed until the rotor stops. Perrelet offers three dial options featuring different card hands. The case is in DLC coated stainless steel and has a rubber strap. Movement is the Swiss automatic Perrelet caliber P-181 with double rotor, exclusive to the brand. Retail price for the time piece starts at $6,000 USD.
This wildly magnificent villa is located at the very tip of Punta Mita, the most northern point of Banderas Bay with views of the Pacific Ocean and across Banderas Bay to Puerto Vallarta with the Sierra Madre Mountains in the background. Casa El Destino, completed in 2008 by Mexico-based architecture firm Possenbacher Design, with interiors completed by California based design firm Barbara Page Interiors. This oceanfront home is a blend of contemporary and colonial Mexico, consisting of 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living featuring seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. I’d just be down to relax in the living room with adjoining wet bar, dine in the dining room or enjoy the outdoor eating areas. Girls can lounge under the grand Palapa, take a swim in the ocean front infinity pool, or enjoy a workout in the fully equipped gym. All in all this villa comes out to a rate of $7,600-$11,000 per night.
Maximilian Busser and Friends (MB&F), an independent watchmaker known for its extreme designs, has taken the wraps off its new Legacy Machine 1 watch. Jean-Francois Mojon developed the design of the model’s movement, while Kari Voutilainen took care of its impeccable finishing. The Legacy Machine No 1 is based on the idea of what if MB&F designed a watch not in 2011, but 1911. The end result is a watch that is traditional in shape. Beating inside the new MB&F watch is a hand-wound three-dimensional movement. It supplies a 45-hour power reserve.
The caliber comprises 279 individual parts, including 23 jewels. It operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. Integrated within the mechanism is a 14mm balance wheel with four conventional regulating screws, floating above the movement and dials. The balance spring is a traditional Breguet curve, which terminates in a mobile stud holder.
The movement incorporates gold chatons with polished countersinks. It also boasts fine finishes, which include extraordinary hand-crafted finishing, created in the spirit of respect to the 19th century style; Geneva waves and hand-made engravings. The caliber finds its natural home in a 44mm case made of 18k red or white gold. It is composed of 65 individual parts.
The top of the new MB&F Legacy Machine 1 watch is protected by a domed sapphire crystal, with internal and external glare-proofed coating. Its back part is fitted with sapphire glass with anti-glare treatment on a single side. The movement animates hours and minutes, displayed on two independent dials. The left dial is controlled by a crown at 8 o’clock.
In charge of the right dial and winding is a crown at 4 o’clock. Moreover, the watch face demonstrates a unique vertical power reserve indicator. The new MB&F watch is worn on a black or brown hand-stitched alligator leather strap, finished with a gold tang buckle. Pricing will be set at $92,000.
Mosley Tribes and Moët & Chandon recently partnered to create limited edition “Rosé” sunglasses in celebration of a private four-city celebrity hosted penthouse tour called The Rosé Lounge. Select guests of the Rosé Lounge will receive the limited edition “Rosé” Mosley Tribes sunglasses and experience an evening with local tastemakers and media that bring the Moët Rosé nightlife experience to life. The Raynes comes with a Mineral Glass Photochromic lens that adjusts to indoor and outdoor light conditions. Moët & Chandon and Kelly Rowland debut the Rosé Lounge with an exclusive 200-person celebration for Kelly Rowland’s new album Here I Am in NYC on July 26 (my birthday). The Rosé Lounge will also be traveling to Atlanta, Miami and Chicago.
Another little Batman related tid-bit I came across came from my curiosity as to the exact landscape of Gotham city. Not anymore. This map details every street corner and neighborhood of the city that Batman protects.
