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One of the savviest travelers I've ever met is my friend Mead Metcalf of Aspen, Colorado. He knows to pack valuables in his carry-on rather than risk entrusting them to checked luggage or shipping them from abroad. So last year in Hong Kong, he put $4,500 worth of souvenirs (jewelry, silks, and a new Nikon D3100) in his hand luggage for the flight home. In San Francisco, boarding his connection to Denver, the overhead bins were full and he was forced to check the carry-on to Aspen. That was the last time he ever saw it. Metcalf had taken every precaution but one. Read on for how to avoid such a trap, as well as other common mistakes that I watch even the smartest travelers make time and time again. 1. Handing your most indispensable possessions to a stranger. You never know when you might be forced to gate-check your hand luggage. Place your jewelry, iPad, camera, house and car keys, medication, and anything else you can't live without in a thin pack or pouch inside your carry-on so that, if you must surrender your carry-on to a flight attendant at the last minute because the overhead bins are full, you can remove the smaller bag and keep an eye on it beneath the seat in front of you. 2. Missing out on the royal hotel treatment. Next time you book a luxe getaway celebrating a milestone occasion such as a big birthday or wedding anniversary, let the hotel know the reason for your visit. Inform the front desk at check-in or, better yet, the general manager by e-mail before you arrive. Hotels often provide a free upgrade or do something extra to make your stay memorable so that you'll take photos, tell friends, and return for future celebrations. 3. Getting ripped off by your credit card. Not long ago the only way to escape a three percent foreign-transaction fee was a Capital One card, but Chase now has ten travel-rewards credit cards that waive the surcharge on overseas transactions; many offer great additional travel perks (such as double points for dining or free checked baggage) and are free for the first year, so you can try them and, if you're not pleased, dump them before paying an annual fee. The American Express Platinum Card, too, now waives foreign-transaction charges. 4. Being scared away from a fascinating destination. Don't rule out a trip based solely on a U.S. State Department Travel Alert or Travel Warning. They are often influenced by politics and are written not just for travelers but for diplomatic officers and dual nationals who end up in places and situations that everyday tourists do not. Many security experts say that State Department Travel Warnings should be taken with a grain of salt, and sure enough, over the years I've visited destinations for which Travel Warnings were in place (Colombia, Egypt, Fiji, Lebanon, Mexico, and Turkey) only to enjoy some of the most rewarding travel moments of my life. Typically, sights are delightfully uncrowded, prices are low, security is high, and the locals are thrilled to have you. Sure, sometimes a place really is too risky to visit, which is why in addition to checking the State Department's advice (travel.state.gov), I always get a second opinion from the United Kingdom (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice), Canada (travel.gc.ca), and Australia (smartraveller.gov.au). 5. Wasting precious hours at your destination fumbling with local logistics. There are times when you need a stellar concierge but you're not staying at a stellar hotel. Don't let that stop you. Find the nearest five-star hotel and march right up to the concierge desk. Good concierges can provide an English-speaking driver or guide, a reliable doctor, hard-to-get tickets, a walking route, or instructions for cab drivers written in the local language. They are usually happy to help even if you're not staying at their hotel, as long as you're not pushing in front of guests. Just be sure to tip. 6. Paying airline ticket-change fees. Don't forget that there are ways around the painfully punitive $200 change fees levied by American, Delta, and United. JetBlue and Virgin America charge only $100, and Southwest charges no change fees at all. American now offers a Choice Essential Fare option: For an extra $68, you avoid any change fee and you also get one checked bag and Group 1 Boarding. 7. Failing to visit the one place on your cruise itinerary that was your top priority. Many people choose a cruise for that one port of call they've always dreamed of seeing. Then, thanks to bad weather, rough seas, a labor strike, a safety threat, or some other unforeseen reason, the cruise line cancels the port call with no possibility of a rain check (and no compensation, either). If your life's dream is to see the Colosseum or the Acropolis, book a cruise that starts or ends in Rome or Athens, rather than stopping there mid-cruise. 8. Losing out on V.I.P. hotel perks and free nights. Too few travelers, even those who are mileage- and points-obsessed, are aware that hotel credit cards can save you hundreds of dollars, yielding benefits worth far more than the card's fee. The Fairmont Visa, for instance, provides two free nights plus breakfast, elite status that means free in-room Internet, and $50 in savings on meals or spa services-and the $95 annual fee is waived for the first year. The Hyatt Visa provides two free nights at any Hyatt worldwide (including $700-a-night Park Hyatts in Paris and Tokyo) as well as elite status, which in turn yields free Internet and upgrades based on availability for $75 a year. 9. Getting stuck paying for rental-car damages you didn't cause. It's just not enough to have a credit card that provides collision-damage coverage and to check your car at pickup for scratches or dents. Be sure to photograph any preexisting damage (outside and inside the car), with a time/date stamp, and get a written record of the state of the car at pickup. Only return the car when the office is open, and request a written record that you returned a damage-free car. 10. Lacking enough miles for the airline tickets or upgrades you want. Even mileage junkies who sign up for all the right points-earning credit cards forget that they can amass thousands of miles when shopping for their favorite brands online: Log on to your account on your preferred airline's Web site and click to its retail shopping portal, which links to hundreds of brand-name retailers, and rack up two to ten more miles per dollar spent. 11. Assuming your passport is valid until it expires. You checked the expiration date on your passport to make sure it precedes the date of your flight home, but you forgot that certain countries (China, Russia, and the U.A.E., among others)require that passports be valid for six months past the date of your flight home, and 26 European nations require that passports be valid for three months past. Check the State Department's Web site for entry and exit requirements for the destination you're headed to next (travel.state.gov). 12. Making sure everyone knows you're a tourist. Nothing marks you as an American more than your brand-new white sneakers. Comfy footwear is a must, but the goal is to blend in, so pack beloved broken-in shoes and buy new ones upon your return (to break in for the next trip). Similarly, pack old clothes that you're ready to throw out; leave them behind at your destination to make room in your bag for clothing you buy locally, which helps you blend in and makes for good souvenirs. | 2 | 900 | travel |
More from Redbook 12 Signs You Have Mom ADD 9 Questions For A Top Fertility Doctor Inspiring Quotes For Any Situation The Pregnancy Health Crisis To Know French Children's Books You'll Love Fertility Stats For Your 20s, 30s, And 40s "That's so sad!" The end of Where the Red Fern Grows now THAT'S sad. My happiness with my life just as it is, on the other hand, is pretty great; no violins needed, thanks! "How does your husband feel about that?" Oh, dear. I knew there was someone I'd forgotten to tell. "Don't you like kids?" Very much, actually; I was a camp counselor for years, and I'm stockpiling storybooks for the kids my sisters plan to have. The fact that I'm not interested in having my own son or daughter means I can lavish my time, resources, and valuable life lessons on my friends' and family's offspring. That's quite it-takes-a-village and pro-kid, really. "But you'd be such a good mom!" I also could have been a good doctor, maybe, and I'd definitely be a good doorstop, but neither of those are things I want to be; aptitude isn't the same thing as inclination. "You'll change your mind." That's what I said to a friend who told me he didn't want a dog. It's amazing how little some people know about themselves. "How selfish." While it's true that my husband and I love our matching designer track suits and the creepy candlelight dinners we conduct in utter silence each night more than we could ever love another person, that's a pretty intense thing to say about us, don't you think? " My life would just feel meaningless without my kids." One of the loveliest things about modern civilization is that women can respect and support each other's progress along wildly differing life paths. We don't even have to compare ourselves to each other if we don't feel like it! "That's just unnatural." So are wearing clothing, getting vaccinated, shaving one's legs, being vegetarian, and almost everything about David Bowie, and I'm a huge fan of all of those things. There are more than 7.1 billion people on the planet right now according to the Census Bureau, a baby is born in America every 8 seconds and I am perfectly comfortable with ignoring my body's default settings and not making more. I think humankind will be OK. "Who will take care of you when you're old?" My friends and I are going to spend our golden years in a rambling mansion shooting the breeze over complicated old-timey cocktails; we childless DINK (Double Income, No Kids) types who didn't have to foot the bill for college educations or weddings will take care of the mortgage, and those of us who do have kids and grandkids will encourage them to stop by every once and a while to make sure we're all still alive. You're more than welcome to pull up a chair. Follow Lauren on Twitter . | 4 | 901 | lifestyle |
Weird science With these interesting items, you'll instantly add character to your home -- just be prepared for a few raised eyebrows. This whimsical mechanical switch plate reinvents electricity in any room every time you flip the wood-and-brass lever; plus, it easily fits over most standard switch plates. Toggle switch plate, $40, UncommonGoods.com Light bright Crafted from solid wood, this quirky lamp can sit on a desk or be mounted on a wall. Block light, $150, VoosFurniture.com Look sharp These magnetic hooks, um, cut right to the heart of storage issues in the kitchen, bathroom or home office. Knife magnet hooks, $45 for set of 5, SupermarketHQ.com Sidesplitting storage Keep your meds organized -- and surprise any nosy guests poking around your bathroom -- with this sassy, brightly glazed stoneware. Or use it in the kitchen as a playful cookie jar. Ceramic Prozac canister, $88, JonathanAdler.com Drink to that Step away from your keyboard and meet three instant conversation starters for all your coffee breaks at work. When at rest, these dishwasher-safe eight-ounce plastic cups sit in a tray made to resemble a circuit board. Ctrl-Alt-Delete cups, $10 for set of 3, ThinkGeek.com Roe deer games Made of beech wood and designed in Europe, this fanciful deer head is the most artistic and animal-friendly way to mount a prized trophy on the wall. Vlaemsch Roedeer (simple assembly required), $135, AllModern.com Zip it Store candy (or even your keys!) in this quirky hand-blown glass zipper bag. Unzipped Glass Zipper Jar, $18, UncommonGoods.com Funky fridge Each vintage magnet is made from a record (remember those?) and lists six oldies from celebrated artists, Steve Miller and Motown. Set of Six Record Magnets, $18, UncommonGoods.com Stick that in your pipe Keep this funky match holder on your mantel or near a set of candles it's functional and a great conversation starter. Pipe Match Strike, $42, JonathanAdler.com | 4 | 902 | lifestyle |
You went where?! That's the question that separates tourists from travelers and the one we secretly love to be asked. Here are ten ways to make sure you always have a great answer. Picture-Perfect China WHAT YOU'LL DO: Snap magazine worthy travel pics no, really with the guidance of renowned photographer Greg Girard (a longtime contributor to National Geographic) on a 14-day photo tour of China. WOW FACTOR: High. Not only will you be shooting China's most spectacular scenery, but you'll be doing it under the tutelage of one of the world's most respected pros. FEAR FACTOR: Low. The trip is a breeze. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy. Shutterbugs of every age and skill level are welcome; accommodations include luxury hotels like The Peninsula, in Beijing. EXCLUSIVITY: Medium. The trip is capped at about two dozen people. HOW TO DO IT: National Geographic Expeditions' 2014 trips leave May 10 and September 13 (888-966-8687; $7,495 per person). TROPHY LINE: "In Shaanxi Province, we went down to the 'Clinton platform,' which was built when Bill Clinton visited, to snag some close-up shots of the terra-cotta warriors, which all have different facial expressions. Later we traveled to Yangling, where we went behind the scenes at the tomb of the fourth Han emperor, Jing Di. We were the only ones there." Larry Grunewald, Wake Forest, North Carolina BING: THINGS TO DO & SEE BEFORE YOU DIE Extreme Jungle in the Congo WHAT YOU'LL DO: Explore on foot and by canoe the rarely visited Odzala-Kokoua National Park, in the heart of the Republic of Congo and home to one of the few remaining populations of western lowland gorillas. WOW FACTOR: High. You'll see herds of elephants and Cape buffalo and rub elbows with rare mon- keys and that's just from the lodge's observation deck. FEAR FACTOR: High. Gorillas may charge, chimps may yowl, but the guides many of whom were trained at South Africa's Kruger Nation- al Park to work specifically with dangerous game will keep you safe. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Challenging. Be prepared for long treks and wading knee-high through shallow rivers. But you'll recuperate in style at the lux- urious Langa and Ngaga camps both built just last year by high-end outfitter Wilderness Safaris. XCLUSIVITY: Medium. Both camps can accommodate 12 people (most guests spend three days at each), and the safari tends to draw an international crowd, many of whom are photographers and journalists. HOW TO DO IT: Book through Wilderness Safaris (27-11-807-1800; six nights from $6,474 per person, double occupancy). TROPHY LINE: "We were in an open field when a 350-pound silverback gorilla charged straight at us, stopping just five yards away to beat his chest and roar. After he showed us who was boss, he just went away." Jackie Caradonio, New York City Saving Cheetahs in Namibia WHAT YOU'LL DO: Volunteer at Namibia's Cheetah Conservation Fund, a collection of farms in the red-rock region of the Waterberg Plateau that house more than 50 injured or orphaned big cats. WOW FACTOR: High. You'll nurse sick cheetahs back to health and watch recuperated cats being released back into the wild. FEAR FACTOR: Low. There's virtually no danger to volunteers. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium. Many of the cheetahs are quite tame and used to human contact, but the work hours can be long and the tem- peratures extreme. Those less physically fit can help with administrative tasks. Volunteers stay in the comfortably rus- tic, colonial-style Babson House. EXCLUSIVITY: Low. Thousands of visitors arrive each year from Europe, South Africa, and the United States. HOW TO DO IT: The Cheetah Conservation Fund welcomes visitors year-round (264-61-237-294; two weeks, $3,030 per person; four weeks, $5,050). TROPHY LINE: "It was such a thrill to spend time with the 'ambassador' cheetahs, which were orphaned and raised from little cubs. They're so gentle that I was able to pet one and listen to it purr." Sally Davidson, Washington, D.C. Ethiopia's Vanishing Tribes WHAT YOU'LL DO: Ethiopia's remote Omo River Valley is home to some of the world's most ancient and fragile cultures. WOW FACTOR: Off the Charts. The region includes thousands of genetically and linguistically diverse tribespeople who still follow ancient traditions. Among the highlights: the donga stick-fighting rites of the Surma tribe and the beautifully ornamented Karo and Hamar women. FEAR FACTOR: Medium. Safety risks are low, but the experience of interacting with people from such different cultures in this remote and harsh environment can be intense. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: High. To get to and from the Omo, you'll need to drive three days from Addis Ababa over rutted roads and three days back or spring for a plane charter (one-way flight, $5,200 for up to six). EXCLUSIVITY: High. Travelers rarely visit the Omo (Lumale Camp, the safari's base, receives fewer than 60 guests a year), and with modern society endlessly en- croaching, the region's cultures may not last much longer. HOW TO DO IT: The Africa Adventure Company arranges itineraries from July through October (954-491-8877; 12 days from $7,850 per person). TROPHY LINE: "We were a three-hour drive from the nearest market town days of walking for tribespeople. The camp had just six tents, and we were the only foreigners on that section of the Omo River. There is no bridge, so to get from one side to the other you need a boat. Some of the villagers hadn't seen foreigners for months or even years. I went out of my world and into another that seemed untouched and yet faced rapid change because of the government's plan to dam the Omo and utilize land once considered too remote to exploit." Susan Hack, Cairo, contributing editor to Conde Nast Traveler Walking Japan WHAT YOU'LL DO: Follow in the foot-steps of ancient emperors and hike the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail in the Kii Mountains, south of Osaka. The five-day trek, through stands of cedar and cypress, links important Buddhist shrines and small villages . WOW FACTOR: High. Surrounded by sublime, serene landscapes, you'll walk through tiny rural villages where invitations into people's homes are common. FEAR FACTOR: None. No fear, just a renewed sense of self. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Medium. Hiking the trail is not easy you'll strug- gle up steep, forested hills and rocky terrain for hours every day. EXCLUSIVITY: Low. Loads of people do the trek every year. HOW TO DO IT: GeoEx arranges custom hikes, recommending March through November for temperate weather (415- 922-0448; from $6,680 per person for groups of six to eight). On the Road in Afghanistan WHAT YOU'LL DO: Land in Kabul to begin a 12-day road trip through the heart of Afghanistan, crossing national parks dotted with lakes, exploring bazaars and mosques, and taking tea with local old-timers who'll regale you with tales from the days of the Hippie Trail. WOW FACTOR: High. It's not every day you get to see behind the headlines of a war-torn country and partake in buzkashi a game on horseback that's a bit like polo (except played with a headless goat carcass instead of a ball). FEAR FACTOR: Medium. This isn't for war fetishists: Though you might feel skittish driving out of Kabul, most of the trip is far north of the conflicts in Kandahar and Lashkar Gah. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Challenging. Most Afghanistan trips require a level of physical fitness, since hiking is the best way to enjoy the mountain scenery. There's also the hassle factor: Plans might be altered due to landslides, road blockages, and severe weather. EXCLUSIVITY: High. You're unlikely to meet another American who's been to the area, with the exception of military personnel. HOW TO DO IT: Wild Frontiers offers twice-yearly itineraries (44-20-7736- 3968; 12 days from $7,600 per person). TROPHY LINE: "We visited cities that were ransacked by Genghis Khan in the thirteenth century and by the Russians in the '80s. You have to follow set pathways to avoid land mines. It's a haunting place." Jason Beckett, Norwich, England Into the Unknown: North Korea WHAT YOU'LL DO: Spend a week in the world's most politically isolated dictatorship, where you'll explore the capital of Pyongyang and the surrounding provinces and experience the spectacle of Arirang the mass gymnastics festival where 100,000 people perform synchronized routines with mind-boggling precision. WOW FACTOR: Off the Charts. Seeing the fervor Kim Jong-un and his family command is jaw-dropping visitors describe a cult of personality bordering on religious fanaticism. FEAR FACTOR: Medium. The U.S. State Department's warning against travel here notwithstanding, recent history has shown that chances of any actual harm to tourists is low. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy. Since the government doesn't allow you to venture outside a strict itinerary, you'll only visit sights that are already set up for tourists. EXCLUSIVITY: High. Just a few hundred Americans visit the DPRK annually, and a total of roughly 50 foreigners attend any Arirang performance. HOW TO DO IT: Book through Walter Keats of Asia Pacific Travel (800-262-6420; eight days from $3,000 per person). TROPHY LINE: "They kept piling platters of food in front of us, as if to say, 'You think we're starving? We'll show you we're not.' I've never seen such a volume of food. We had a serving of dog meat soup, which was a little spicy." Jeff Cline, Hickory, North Carolina Ancient Iraq WHAT YOU'LL DO: Spend eight days exploring the majestic and mountainous Iraqi region of Kurdistan, including the surprisingly cosmopolitan city of Erbil. WOW FACTOR: High. History and culture buffs get a front-row seat to ancient Mesopotamia, and traveling through post-Saddam Iraq is a thrill in itself. FEAR FACTOR: Low. Baghdad this is not. Erbil is served by major European airlines from cities including Frankfurt and Vienna. Americans entering Erbil don't even need visas. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy. Accommodations are comfortable, and roads are in good condition. Hiking at a steady pace is about the most strenuous activity you'll endure. EXCLUSIVITY: Medium. Tourism to Iraqi Kurdistan is still in its infancy, so while actual numbers are low, they'll likely grow by leaps and bounds in the near future this is a stable, semi-autonomous region that's focusing on attracting more visitors. HOW TO DO IT: Book through Wild Frontiers (44-20-7736-3968; eight days from $4,240 per person). TROPHY LINE: "Our guide was a local who took us into his home and told us stories about his dad, who was a guerrilla fighter against Saddam. We met his wife and daughter, who made us tea and cake, and it felt like being welcomed by long-lost friends." Janice Roper, London Rafting Bhutan WHAT YOU'LL DO: Raft the rivers of Mangde Chhu Canyon in the Himala-yan wilderness, which is home to some of the world's least-explored waterways. WOW FACTOR: Off the Charts. Reverence for nature is everything here. There's also the access to isolated villages and centuries-old monasteries in the Bhutanese backwoods that can be reached only by river rafts . FEAR FACTOR: Medium. verland, be prepared for steep drop-offs, exposed cliffs, and two-way traffic on one-way mountain roads. You'll feel much safer once you're on the water. DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate to strenuous, depending on your rafting experience. The Mangde Chhu is classified as Class III white water (considered challenging but not extreme), while activities and hikes in the semi-tropical forest require at least a basic level of fitness. EXCLUSIVITY: High. You'll raft through unpopulated, untouched countryside even few locals have ever seen. HOW TO DO IT: O.A.R.S. offers 11- and 17-day trips in February and December (209-753-4795; 11 days from $5,495 per person). TROPHY LINE: "We were given special permission to camp at the former residence of the first king of Bhutan. There's a nearby village, and at night the entire population came to join us. Monks wearing elaborate costumes performed traditional dances, and throughout the evening there were skits, music, and more dancing." Nicole Duke, San Francisco | 4 | 903 | lifestyle |
Sure, you love to get your own way but it's hard to have a happy relationship if you never let your partner have a say. Your time together versus your time apart Here's the thing: Just because you're in a relationship doesn't mean you have to spend every minute together you have friends and interests outside of your relationship, right? So come up with the right balance of time with each other versus time apart (say, each of you gets a night out with friends every week but Saturday night is reserved for the two of you), and stick to it. BING: SEE IMAGES OF THE MOST ICONIC HOLLYWOOD COUPLES Your decorating styles You love French Country, but your partner prefers mid-century modern. Rather than battle it out, shop together and pick out pieces that you both like. Can't agree on anything (or just feeling lazy)? Call in an interior decorator (or a neutral friend with great style) to help you come up with a look you'll both love. BING: INSIDE ANGELINA JOLIE'S HOMES Your tolerance for clutter You're so organized your sock drawer is color coded. Your partner, on the other hand, is more like Pigpen from Snoopy. The solution: Cut the clutter to minimize those piles under the bed. Go through each room and decide what to donate, what to store and what to throw out. BING: HOW TO GET ORGANIZED AND STAY THAT WAY Your sleep styles He wants the room pitch-black with classical music. You like dim lighting, a ceiling fan and total silence. Come up with an environment that you can both sleep well in say, he wears a sleep mask and you wear ear plugs or sleep in separate rooms (like 30 percent of all married couples do, according to The National Sleep Foundation). BING: TOP RATED PILLOWS Your sex life Sex every other week works for you. But your partner wants to get it on four times a week. If it's not a health issue (a simple blood test can rule out a hormonal problem) or an emotional problem (like stress from a job loss) then you need to step it up, says Bree Maresca-Kramer, a certified therapist in South Florida. "The goal is to meet somewhere in the middle, so you're both satisfied," she adds. Your vacation styles Your dream vacation involves a white sandy beach and cocktails with little umbrellas. But your partner prefers extreme adventures…like shark diving and caving. Split your time up so that your vacation is a mix of down time and adventures, or take mini-vacations apart, suggests Maresca-Kramer. And, no, you don't actually have to dive with sharks if you don't want to; maybe just go along in the boat. BING: BEST VACATIONS FOR COUPLES Your parenting styles You're super laid back, while your partner thinks tiger moms are onto something. This is the kind of thing that you should work out before you get married (and certainly before you have kids). Start by discussing why you believe in a certain parenting philosophy (is it because you were brought up that way?) and figure out a parenting style that works for you both. If you can't come to a compromise this one is tough reach out to a therapist. | 4 | 904 | lifestyle |
When it comes to hotels, we at Conde Nast Traveler like them luxurious and beautiful. But sometimes, you just want something a little different. From hotels shaped like donuts to capsules jutting from the edge of a cliff, these are the world's most weird and wonderful accommodations. HOTEL COSTA VERDE Costa Verde, Costa RicaThink it's impossible to sleep well on an airplane? Try booking a suite at Hotel Costa Verde 727 Fuselage. Hotel owner and architect Allan Templeton salvaged a 1965 Boeing 727 and renovated the interior to house two guest rooms, both fully equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes. The plane is perched on a 50-foot pedestal and juts out across the rainforest canopy. Grab a drink on the hardwood deck built on the wing, or head to El Avion, the hotel bar built inside a Fairchild C-123 plane. THE "DOUGHNUT HOTEL" Zhejiang, ChinaOne look at China's "Doughnut Hotel" otherwise known as the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort and it's little surprise that its architect, Beijing-born Ma Yansong, was named as one of the most creative people in architecture. The newly opened resort actually consists of three buildings, two of which curve to form a 27-story torus that towers over Taihu Lake, west of Shanghai in the Yangtze River Delta. ECOCAMP Torres del Paine National Park, ChileThe Ecocamp's design is inspired by the dwellings of the Kawésqar, the all-but-extinct nomadic seafarers who devised domed huts to withstand 100-mile-per-hour winds. Though the 24 geodesic domes, run entirely on hydro- and solar power, provide some domestic comforts bathrooms have flush toilets and running water staying here isn't for anyone unwilling to be immersed in the elements. FREE SPIRIT SPHERES Qualicum Bay, British ColumbiaA "oneness" theme is central to Tom and Rosey Chudleigh's woodland hideaway on Vancouver Island: Each of the couple's three rentable spheres was designed to blend innocuously into its natural surroundings. The cozy modules are strung to 15 feet off the ground with heavy-duty ropes and are anchored by nearby timber; they sway ever so gently with the whims of Mother Nature (or more turbulently as guests move about inside). The orbs are wired with electricity and stay toasty-warm in winter. BIVACCO GERVASUTTI Mont Blanc, ItalyThough Bivacco Gervasutti seems to rest precariously at 9,300 feet above sea level, this capsule hotel is well-secured it was designed to prevent snow accumulation, resist avalanches, and withstand high-altitude conditions (and it provides sleeping, dining, and living space for 12). The only trick is getting there: The ascent from Val Ferret Valley to Mont Blac's Frebouze Glacier takes about four hours. TREEBONES RESORT Big Sur, CaliforniaA decade ago, a family decided to make a resort inspired by the way animals live, "perched lightly on the land." Five years of permits and two years of construction later, this collection of 16 yurts dotting 11 acres along a bluff 400 feet above the Pacific Coast runs on its own generator, has a 65-foot ocean-view bar, sources all of its veggies within 40 miles, and feeds leftovers from its California cuisine restaurant and sushi bar to 18 resident chickens. Each yurt has hot and cold running water but no showers or toilets (those are in the main house, which has heated tile floors). WHITEPOD Les Giettes, SwitzerlandLeave it to the French-speaking Swiss to make a romantic geodesic dome. These 15 pods come with wood-burning fireplaces, organic-cotton sheets, private baths, and minimalist-yet-groovy decor that would be at home in a copy of Stern magazine circa 1976. THE "BARBIE SUITE" AT PALMS HOTEL Las Vegas, NevadaLeave it to Las Vegas to bring Barbie's Dream House to life, courtesy of famed potter/interior designer Jonathan Adler, who created the Barbie Suite at the always-over-the-top Palms Hotel. Not a single detail has been overlooked in this 2,350-square-foot hot pink paradise, where girls of any age can live out their Barbie fantasies (the room can hold up to 50 people). Corseted "dress" chairs, custom wall coverings, a two-way fireplace, oversized Jacuzzi, and a sunburst-styled mirror constructed from 65 actual Barbie dolls are just a few of the amenities you'll enjoy in these ultra-girly digs. V8 HOTEL Stuttgart, GermanyThe "Tankstelle" Room, one of the car-themed hotel's most popular, drew inspiration from the "tankstelle," or gas station. Guests sleep beneath a massive pump canopy stained with "petrol grime" and emblazoned with the Shell logo. The room is also decked out with authentic 1920s Shell memorabilia, including an authentic Shell pump station and petrol canisters. TREEHOTEL Harads, SwedenThe Scandinavian design of this treehouse villa emphasizes sustainability: Rooms are outfitted with hydroelectric power, LED lights, and toilets that odorlessly combust or freeze waste; showers are located in a separate unit, as is the tree sauna. | 4 | 905 | lifestyle |
More from Redbook How To Start Caring For Elderly Parents Totally Free Ways You Can Give Back Health Tips From Hormone Doctors The Healthiest Superfoods For Your Body Time To Ramp Up Your Fitness Routine The Major Thing Your Diet Is Missing It's an image I will never forget: my mom holding a stranger in her arms. I was 9, and couldn't see what had happened from the backseat of our car, but somehow I learned right away that the driver in front of us had struck a boy. Mom and Dad had seen him fly into the air over the hood of her car and fall out of sight. They jumped into action as a team. Dad ran to the boy on the ground. Miraculously, he wasn't seriously hurt. Most clearly, I remember what Mom did. She went straight to the woman who had been behind the wheel. "He ran right in front of me!" she wailed over and over. She collapsed onto the street. My mother scooped her up, rocked her, and cried with her. "I know, yes, I know," Mom sobbed. My mother, Linda, has always had a way of relating to people, even total strangers, without pretense, on a deep, empathetic level. It's one of the things I have loved most about her. We never saw the driver of that car again. But I imagine that Mom's support helped her get through one of the worst experiences of her life. Nine years ago, it was my mother's turn for a horrifying, life-changing moment. She was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) at age 61. It's a degenerative brain disease, a form of dementia with no treatment or cure. Since then, I've watched a passionately joyful woman, a devoted mother, an engaged listener and friend deteriorate and transform into someone almost unrecognizable. It's been agonizing to slowly lose her. Photo Credit: Jonathan Skow/Corbis Outline A year before, my mom confessed she was having trouble signing her name. She'd recently started a job fund-raising for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and her ability to connect passionately with people was paying off. She was soon raising millions, and was an adored mentor for junior employees. But she was struggling to find words in everyday conversations, especially in groups. Her normally flowing handwriting morphed into choppy, childlike block letters. She had trouble organizing meetings she was expected to run. She couldn't understand jokes, and often asked my dad to tell her what was funny. Without our knowledge, but with my father's help, she began a series of medical tests to try to figure out what was wrong. We heard the verdict at my home in Nashville over Christmas in 2005. My husband, my brother and sister, and my in-laws sat on one bed as my parents explained that Mom had five to seven years until she would need full-time care. We listened, shocked, and struggled to understand. It was hard for Mom; she'd made my father keep the news from us for a few months. She was determined to continue working as long as she could, and didn't want pity. We were sworn to secrecy. And so began an excruciating period where we had to act as if nothing was wrong. We started covering for my mom's condition everywhere we went with her even Starbucks, where, at the head of the line, Mom said, "Let's get nachos!" We faked laughter at her "joke." We coached her at crucial moments when no one was watching. One day, my sister, Ashley, visited her at work and found her hunched over a phone book. "Oh, good, you're here," Mom whispered. "How do you spell Chicago ?" Almost every time we had dinner together, a glass broke or a plate of food wound up on the floor. She ate spaghetti with her fingers. She had accidents and falls that landed her in the ER. In conversations, we worked subtly to help Mom find words or finish sentences, trying to shield her from her own struggle. It was scary, and exhausting. One summer day, an old high school friend of mine saw her walking on a road close to home and offered her a ride. Mom couldn't tell her where she needed to go, and seemed lost and confused. That marked the end of the charade. We couldn't keep her secret anymore. It was a relief, in some ways, to allow the truth to emerge. The Fox Foundation graciously kept her on for many months, but it was time for her to retire far sooner than any of us had imagined. My first child, Huck, was born in 2007, the same year my mother stopped working. She had always wanted to be a grandma, and sometimes she surprised us. One afternoon when Mom and Dad were babysitting for me, I called to check in. Mom tried to tell me how it was going. "He's. He's. He's being " she stuttered. There was a long pause. I thought she wasn't going to be able to say more. "Cantankerous," she blurted, the longest word she had mustered in months. In his early years, Huck was often cantankerous. But he and "Nana" spoke a language the rest of us couldn't understand and didn't quite have the patience for. She couldn't change his diapers, but when they sat on the floor with a spinning top or a jack-in-the-box, my mother's heart and silliness shone, and their energies matched. When my second son, Jasper, was born, Mom had trouble saying his name. She and Huck made a game of it. Huck: Say Jasper , Nana. Mom: Spasper. [ Hilarious, fall-down laughter ] In some ways, she was delightful. There was plenty of the emotional connection I had known all my life, without the concern for manners and appropriate behavior. She was less judgmental of others, and often playful. But just as often, she was depressed and angry. She couldn't hold Jasper by herself when he was a baby, because once, in a moment of confusion, she almost dropped him. I was struggling to protect both my children's safety and my mother's pride. After awhile, the "Spasper game" with Huck was more humiliating than fun. We had to explain to him why he couldn't play it with Nana anymore. He adapted. Finally, as the doctors had predicted, caring for my mother became too taxing for my father. She was unable to dress or bathe herself. She often wandered away from the house in fits of rage. My dad followed and coaxed her home. She became physically aggressive and abusive, sometimes biting or throwing things. When we saw each other, visits revolved around preventing some kind of physical or emotional injury. Once, right in front of both boys, she screamed obscenities and dropped a glass that smashed right by their bare feet. We tried hiring aides. She hated almost all of them. Many of them burned out and quit. My mother wanted only my dad's help, and simultaneously craved independence from him. One early morning, my father thought he was having a heart attack. While he sat in the foyer awaiting the paramedics, he worried more about my mother's well-being than his own, as she ran upstairs and down multiple times in her underwear, trying to figure out how to help. Tests later showed he hadn't had a heart attack. It was stress, we realized, verging on panic. The family became convinced that, for everyone's safety, Mom needed long-term care. The move was the hardest change my tight-knit family has ever had to endure. The residence we found for her is full of kind, skilled people, and within a short time my mother seemed settled there, and unaware she was in a new place. But our visits were agonizing for me. I couldn't look at her without seeing a fading picture of who she used to be. I resented this mostly manic, dangerous, crazy woman who had taken over my mother's body. I hated her insidious disease. I couldn't help but speak of Mom in the past tense. She just wasn't there anymore, not in the way I wanted her to be. I searched my mother's familiar face, but I barely saw a glimpse of her. I usually broke down after I got home, sobbing so uncontrollably that I was sore the next day. Then, unexpectedly, I discovered a kind of healing. At a party, I found myself talking with two women whose parents suffered from dementia. One of them told me she'd moved to Nashville to take care of her mother in the last year of her life. She said she had found surprising serenity and healing in an emotional, spiritual relationship with her mom that was different from any they'd experienced before. The second woman was a good friend who told me about a phone call from her dad right before he died of Alzheimer's. For a moment, he showed a remarkable lucidity, and for the first time in her life he told her he loved her, over and over again. Listening to their stories, I started to weep. I needed to love my mother in a different way. The innocent way Huck did. The empathetic way my mother had always loved others, sometimes total strangers. With a renewed heart, I flew to see her the next day. She was sitting, head bowed, in the living room of the residence. A guitar player strummed and sang for a small audience of patients. One woman across the room occasionally shouted at no one. A man in a wheelchair angrily said, "Come ON!" Another woman sat upright, singing along beautifully, knowing all the words of "You Are My Sunshine." Mom slept. I shook her gently. "It's me," I said. "It's Kim." I brought my head down underneath hers, trying to get her attention. It took a few moments. But when she saw me, her eyes opened wide. Her mouth lifted into a wide, happy grin, as though I was one of the greatest surprises of her life. We sat like that for a while, smiling at each other and humming a bit to the music. I rubbed skin cream on her dry hands. I focused on this new person in front of me, in many ways a stranger. She radiated a peace that comes from having little self-awareness. Sometimes she seemed sad and cried out, wordlessly, for no apparent reason. My dad had told me how to copy her with my voice, at the same volume and pitch, as a way of communicating. I tried that and we locked eyes when she heard me. Then I brought my cry down to a quieter, calmer tone. Her voice followed me there. With almost all language gone, she and I discovered a new way to say, "I get you. You understand me. We love each other." She is, in many ways, a "new" mom. But now it's easier to welcome memories of her as she used to be. I see her in the expression Jasper makes when he sings at the top of his lungs, eyes and mouth open wide, head tilted back and shaking slightly. I remember her as I run, the way she always used to, into a cold ocean when no one else wants to. I'm sure I know how she felt as I listen to my own children with all my heart. In the living room of my mom's new home, I wrapped my arms around this changed woman. Then I got up to get her some juice and a straw. When I came back to her, she had forgotten me. But joy spread on her face as she discovered me for the first time all over again. We both cheered. "Want to go for a walk?" I asked. She sucked in her breath in wonder. Her eyes opened wide and bright. "Yes!" she said. " With almost all language gone, she and I discovered a new way to say, 'I get you. You understand me. We love each other.'" For Kimberly's father's side of the story, click here . | 4 | 906 | lifestyle |
It looks like great fashion sense is hereditary. {none} Jennifer GarnerLike mother, like daughter: Jennifer and Seraphina made a coffee run in matching cobalt blue tops. {none} Katie HolmesSuri Cruise actually has a fashion blog dedicated to her best looks, but this one she's borrowed from Mom! The two stepped out in black and white tops with white skirts. {none} Kim KardashianWhen she started dating Kanye West, fashion bloggers noted that Kim began wearing more neutrals and now she's passed that color scheme down to their daughter, North. North West's black frock is as chic as her mom's beige-and-black ensemble. {none} Gisele BundchenThe supermodel and her daughter, Vivian Lake, wore swimsuits in the same print to play in the waves. {none} BeyoncéThey're not doppelgängers, but Blue Ivy and Beyoncé both added some fun to basic black Blue with a fun polka-dot print and Bey with a graphic sweatshirt and chunky gold necklace. {none} Sarah Jessica ParkerSarah Jessica's daughters, Marion and Tabitha, matched their mama as they bundled up in poofy jackets, boots, and knit hats. {none} Halle BerryHalle and Nahla aren't afraid of color: The duo chose purple-centric outfits Mom in a loose-fitting dress and daughter in a tank and leggings. {none} Angelina JolieAngie and her oldest son, Maddox, made traveling look chic, donning aviator sunglasses, dark jeans, and cool leather bags. {none} Jessica AlbaJessica and her daughters, Honor and Haven, all wore pastel fit-and-flare dresses to a Mother's Day luncheon. {none} Reese WitherspoonNot only does Reese's daughter, Ava, look like the spitting image of her mother, she dresses like her, too. Both blondes chose high-waisted shorts and preppy tops. | 4 | 907 | lifestyle |
There's more to it than clearing out the cobwebs and vacuuming the gnarly coils under your refrigerator. You also need to get rid of the old (and, let's face it, gross) -- and bring in the new. Your toothbrush Technically, you re supposed to get rid of your toothbrush every three to four months, but if you can t remember the last time you changed out yours, now s the time. Batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors These are not the home accessories you want to go dead. Stick fresh batteries in now to ensure they don't go beep (unnecessarily) in the night.More from The Nest: 32 style solutions for your home Eye makeup Your eye makeup is one big breeding ground for bacteria, and it's not worth risking a massive infection to scrape every last bit out of your mascara tube. Change out your mascara and eyeliner especially, as those go closest to your eye and tend to have the shortest shelf lives.More from The Nest: 6 sexy bedroom decor secrets Your foundation After a year, your foundation will likely be less than its best -- and may already be separating. For optimal color, swap it out for a fresh bottle now.More from The Nest: 12 essentials every couple should have in their home Your sneakers If you put more miles on your Manolos than your Nikes, you may not need to change out your sneakers just yet. But for most people, their sneakers see enough wear and tear that they won't provide good support after a year of use -- which means you'll set yourself up for joint and back pain down the road. So after you're done with your spring cleaning, treat yourself to a new pair. Your kitchen sponge Sanitizing your kitchen sponge in the dishwasher or with a quick zap in the microwave will only take it so far. If you've just used your sponge to scrub every inch of your kitchen, it's time to put it to pasture. Baking soda in your fridge/freezer Your baking soda helps absorb the odors from last night's (or, ahem...last month's!) leftovers. Spring for a fresh box to keep your fridge smelling good. Your pillows Not to get too intimate, but odds are that after a year of use, your pillows are loaded with dried saliva, flakes of dead skin and those icky creatures they attract -- dust mites. Using a washable pillow cover beneath your pillowcase could help you keep your pillows for longer, but if you don't use covers, change out your pillows every year. Your water filter Whether you have a stand-alone filter or one linked to your fridge, it needs to be replaced to help keep your water chemical- and contaminant-free. Your sunscreen Once opened, your sunscreen starts losing potency. Most sunscreens do last for two to three years, but it might be a good idea to trade yours out now for better protection. Cedar in your closets Keep the moths at bay by freshening the cedar in your closets -- either by sanding the cedar blocks to refresh the scent, or by replacing them. Your toilet brush Even if you're fastidious about disinfecting it regularly, it still has the grossest job in the house. Trade it in for a fresh one to minimize germ transmission. Canned goods and bottled water in your emergency kit Even canned goods won't last forever -- so go ahead and use that soup and beans that you have stockpiled (or donate it to your local food bank) and swap in some fresh supplies. | 4 | 908 | lifestyle |
We asked all of our blogger friends to give us their best tips for staying organized. Here are 19 great clutter-busting ideas (including some of our own!) to help you simplify your life. Have a place for everything Have a place for everything. Whether it s a basket, drawer or file, it s the key to keeping clutter at bay. -- Kate Riley of CentsationalGirl.com I hate searching for camera chargers, phone chargers, etc., so I try to group similar items together. Keeping them all in the same place really helps. -- Marianne Strong of HavenandHome.blogspot.com I discovered a few great apps, like Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals, that give me access to recipes so I can create grocery lists right on my phone. No more random Post-it lists for me! -- Shelly Beauvais of LePetitHappy.blogspot.com Throw things away I work from home, so I have my computer and desk in an armoire that I can close up when work time is over. Plus, it hides my ugly printer. -- Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day (JordanFerney.blogspot.com) Keep your closet organized with an efficient shelving system to maximize every inch of your closet space. -- Nicole Gibbons of SoHauteStyle.com Throw away anything you don't need. -- Stefanie Schiada of BrooklynLimestone.com Organize shelves Divide the shelves of your media center into zones for books, games, movies and music. And don't forget to designate a spot for remotes. I stuff pillowcases with their matching sheets to save space. -- Katie Ragona of The Design Apprentice (KatieAnneR.blogspot.com) Invest in jewelry trays to compartmentalize your rings, earrings and necklaces in a drawer. -- Erin Hiemstra of Apartment34.blogspot.com Laundry rooms don't have to be an eyesore. If you don't have cabinets, just hide messy shelves full of detergent and supplies behind bamboo blinds. -- Sherry Petersik of YoungHouseLove.com Odds and ends My three rules to organize by: fabric boxes, wooden wine crates and purging! -- Julieann Covino of CreateGirl.blogspot.com Hang jewelry on the wall in old vintage frames. -- Kirsten Grove of SimplyGrove.com Label, label, label! That way, everyone knows where things go and there's no excuse for leaving a mess. -- Traci Zeller of TraciZeller.com/blog Cut the clutter Zigzag hooks are a key organizing tool. They keep everything from bags in the closet to towels in the bathroom neat. I take photographs of my daughter's art work for our photo albums so that we have a memory of it rather than keeping the actual pieces. -- Vanessa Francis of DecorHappy.blogspot.com To cut down on paper clutter, register for paperless billing for everything you can. -- Kerry Hale of First-Time-Fancy.blogspot.com Group towels by color and size, and roll them up for maximum storage in your bathroom or linen closet. -- Michelle Jennings Wiebe of InteriorsbyStudioM.com/blog I swear by those clear plastic shoe boxes from The Container Store! -- Michelle Verdugo of DesignEvolutionBlog.com | 4 | 909 | lifestyle |
Play Swiss Family Robinson at these hotels built in the trees. Manaus, Brazil ARIAU AMAZON TOWERS This sprawling sylvan playground, located 35 miles northwest of Manaus, offers more than six miles of canopy walkways, some as high as 70 feet. Outdoorsy though they may feel, these treehouse suites have all the trappings of more conventional accommodations: A/C, queen beds, private bathrooms, and big ol' balconies. Adventurous guests can go jungle trekking and piranha fishing, or sign up for a tropical tree-climbing program led by local photographer Leonide Principe; the rest of you can just drink the day away in one of the resort's four treetop bars. Chole Island, Tanzania CHOLE MJINI LODGE This rustic-chic camp, located on a private island in the Mafia Archipelago, boasts seven super-private thatched-roof treehouses, complete with king-size beds, heated outdoor showers, and sweeping ocean views. Some suites are even equipped with bilevel sleeping areas for children, who'd no doubt be keen on snorkeling, diving, and swimming with whale sharks in crystalline Chole Bay. Qualicum Bay, British Columbia FREE SPIRIT SPHERES A "oneness" theme is central to Tom and Rosey Chudleigh's woodland hideaway on Vancouver Island: Each of the couple's three rentable spheres was designed to blend innocuously into its natural surroundings. The cozy modules are strung to 15 feet off the ground with heavy-duty ropes and are anchored by nearby timber; they sway ever so gently with the whims of Mother Nature (or more turbulently as guests move about inside). The orbs are wired with electricity and stay toasty-warm in winter. Guests must be 16 or older. Hainan Island, China SANYA NANSHAN TREEHOUSE RESORT AND BEACH CLUB The operators of this four-unit treehouse resort, which has a sister site in Maui, are quick to warn potential guests that their accommodations are "not for the fussy." Maybe so, but they're perfect for environmentalists who want a fresh-air experience that doesn't involve tented shelter. Located in the South China Sea, the property sits adjacent to a 5,000-acre Buddhist park rife with pagodas, temples, and manicured gardens. The Big Beach in the Sky treehouse sleeps six and is accessible only via suspension bridge; the Hawaiian Hale Hotel Treehouse, meanwhile, is ideal for larger parties: It sleeps up to 20 and is just two minutes from the beach. Limon, Costa Rica TREE HOUSE LODGE Sandwiched between the turquoise Caribbean and the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge, the Tree House suite at the ten-acre Tree House Lodge is a sight to behold: a split-level hideaway propped up on stilts and accessible via wooden suspension bridge. The space has air-conditioning, a Jacuzzi, fridge, iPod dock, mosquito netting, screened-in windows, and a barbecue grill, not to mention it's a short walk to Punta Uva beach. After a swim, guests can rinse off in a shower built right into the folds of a 100-year-old Sangrillo tree. Harads, Sweden TREEHOTEL The newest of the bunch, this architectural treehouse villa just won the Grand Tourism Prize, Sweden's most prestigious travel award. Only five of its 24 rooms are presently available for booking (the rest are still under construction); one resembles a UFO, another a Brobdingnagian bird's nest, and yet another a gleaming mirrored cube. The Scandinavian design emphasizes sustainability: Rooms are outfitted with hydroelectric power, LED lights, and toilets that odorlessly combust or freeze waste; showers are located in a separate unit, as is the tree sauna. Though the closest town has a population of just 600, outdoorsy types will find no shortage of invigorating activities, from hiking and horseback riding to dog sledding and kayaking. Kerala, India GREEN MAGIC NATURE RESORT Thirty acres of Wayanad rainforest envelope the treehouses at this South India resort. Angled catwalks and hanging bridges connect the units, which perch atop ficus trees some 60 to 115 feet in the air; each has running water and fashionable bamboo accents. Guests can take a cooking classes on-site, plant a tree sapling on the property, or venture out for a day of exploration at the nearby Edakkal caves or Soochippara waterfalls. | 4 | 910 | lifestyle |
Ever wonder how certain people manage to stay so incredibly neat? Here are their tricks. Have a vision for who you want to be. This makes it easier to know what to bring into your life -- from decorating your house to building your wardrobe to how you use your time. Pick a purpose for each room. This allows you to set up each room in the way you use it. Sometimes the function is obvious (think: kitchen and bath), but many rooms serve multiple purposes. In these instances, you can create order by carving out zones (see the next slide for more info on this). Buy less stuff. Some people are minimalists. It's okay if you're not. But never grab something because it's on sale or free. Hidden costs include maintenance of the item (i.e., cleaning it) or the guilt of getting rid of it. Keep surfaces clutter-free. Follow this rule of thumb: If you use it every day, it gets to stay; if you don't, put it away. Think about how often you use an item, and let that decide how much "real estate" it should take up on surfaces. Take the kitchen counter, for instance. Maybe the coffeemaker and toaster get to stay, but the food processor goes away. Choose multifunctional furniture pieces. Look for furniture that does double duty: a storage ottoman that can corral magazines or books, a coffee table with drawers to stash the remote, a bookcase that can be used as a nightstand. Arrange like with like. In the pantry, place canned goods on one shelf, cereal on another, snacks on another. In the bathroom, hairbrushes go in one bin, moisturizers in another, makeup in another. Look back. The back of the door is another great place to stash items. An over-the-door pocket shoe organizer can hold jewelry, scarves, mittens, household cleaners, hair care products and accessories -- and yes, shoes. Put a clock in the bathroom. A lot of people lose track of time in the morning; a clock will keep you on schedule. If you need to save space, mount a wall clock. | 4 | 911 | lifestyle |
Whether styling a cubicle or a home office, the spaces that manifest your work should be inspired. Check out these 15 pretty desk accessories that mean business. Binding force Forget the piles of unsightly folders. Keep your files organized in a sleek binder made of 100% recycled materials. The geometric finish of this contemporary version will be a perfect addition to a mod office. SHOP NOW: Binder, $24, RusselandHazel.comMore from The Nest: 32 style solutions for your home By Nicole Mann Novick At ease(l) Those with sleek, urbane style will appreciate this small acrylic easel. The clear Lucite-appearing construction offers a subtle way of showcasing photographs or keeping important documents at eye level. SHOP NOW: Acrylic baby easel, $15, CB2.comMore from The Nest: Easy ways to save $1,000 Hold it If you're known to decorate with a bit of retro kitsch, this vintage-inspired dachshund letter holder is just for you. It may even cheer you up when you are reaching for the bills. SHOP NOW: Dachshund letter holder, $32, Anthropologie.comMore from The Nest: 10 bills to cut right now Bronze age With regency style bronze-hued metal clawed feet, this cheeky desk set is unexpected and chic. If you're the type to place a leopard rug in your office, these sophisticated accessories should also be on proud display. SHOP NOW: Bronze desk Set, $24, Anthropologie.com Open sesame This faux coral handled letter opener is a likeminded accessory for a beach-y interior. The red enamel and 24K gold plating deserve an office with an ocean view. SHOP NOW: Coral letter opener, $110, L-Objet.com Whimsy with weight Leather animals are a sure nod to vintage safari style and this elephant paperweight version is both whimsical and sweet. SHOP NOW: Leather elephant paperweight, $36, Zuny, EmmoHome.com Sharpen up Artsy types with a sense of humor will want to show off this golden devil pencil sharpener. Keep it front and center to let colleagues know that you mean business. SHOP NOW: Brass pencil sharpener, $95, JonathanAdler.com Animal magnetism Glazed python-printed leather panels give this desk blotter serious animal magnitude. Fashion forward types will be mad for the ultra-chic and on-trend detail. SHOP NOW: Desk blotter, $195, Barneys.com End of story If you swoon over Hollywood Regency decor, these vintage-inspired gazelle bookends are a must. Let them steal the spotlight on a nearby bookcase or keep them on your desk to give notebooks and binders a touch of class. SHOP NOW: Gazelle brass bookends, $173, DwellStudio.com Clutter compacter This Japanese designed stapler is a treat for minimalist fanatics. Discreet in its lines, this tool is also compact enough to be tucked away by workaholics that want to avoid clutter. SHOP NOW: Stapler, $7, Muji.us Under the spotlight Traditional enthusiasts will want to work into the night by the light of this brass pharmacy lamp. We like that it's transitional enough to remain a focal point if your style becomes more daring. SHOP NOW: Pharmacy lamp, $193, Robert Abbey, LampsPlus.com Note worthy If you gravitate towards flirty and feminine spaces, take this pink polka-dotted notebook with you. It will add a bit of preppy pizzazz to a ho-hum workday. SHOP NOW: Notebook, $16, SugarPaper.com Roll out Those that make a habit of choosing high design and architectural elements will love this steel tape dispenser. Plus, the simple, removable rod makes it easy to replace rolls. SHOP NOW: Tape dispenser, $61, Akto Get carded Acrylic accessories are sleek and chic, transitioning seamlessly into any style of decor. A clear business card holder allows your work to stand out. SHOP NOW: Card holder, $12, Russel + Hazel, Amazon.com | 4 | 912 | lifestyle |
Going green is a global move. We've discovered 22 products that will help reduce your homebound footprint, while staying stylish because, after all, eco is in. Rare gem Woven of 100-percent organic cotton, this orchid-hued bedding collection gives you the ultimate in sleeping comfort while staying friendly to the earth. SHOP NOW: Rare Orchid bedding, from $58, Coyuchi.com The write way Old mixes with new in this mid-century modern-inspired desk that's built from salvaged and reclaimed woods and finished in natural beeswax for a unique, one-of-a-kind furniture piece that is eco-chic. SHOP NOW: Mitchell Desk, $1,999, ZinHome.com Basket case Keep your home organized with this Senegalese cattail grass woven hamper, and with a height of 27 inches, it will store oodles of miscellaneous items while adding a touch of geometric color. SHOP NOW: Oversize hamper, $165, SwahiliIModern.com Furniture fusion Teaming up with Japanese designer, Nendo, BoConcept has released a new fusion line with designs heavily influenced by the art of origami as seen in this chair's curved, folded lines. And not only does this company produce furniture for the urban dweller, they strive to leave the smallest footprint possible by taking responsibility for its people and environment. SHOP NOW: Fusion chair, $2,857, footstool, $1,302, Nendo, BoConcept.com Salvage to perfection Crafted from trees downed by storms and other salvage materials, this Hudson Valley studio turns discarded tree products into contemporary furniture and home accents. This blacked pine wall planter will add easy-to-care for plant life to your indoor or outdoor entryway. SHOP NOW: 27" x 27" grid planter, $495, PTACEKHome.com Rain on me Besides trimming off an average of $90 on your annual water bill, this five-setting water head also saves up to one gallon of water per minute as you shower. Ideal for those who want to save the planet without sacrificing water pressure, this EcoFlow model is editor tested and approved. SHOP NOW: EcoFlow 5 Mode Showerhead, $42, Waterpik.com Farm fresh Hailing from naturally found plants and herbs in Australia, Jurlique brings the best in body care to your daily routine, keeping your skin looking and smelling its best. SHOP NOW: Body care assortment, from $22, Jurlique.com Teak-nique Forget the microfiber bath mat that requires weekly washings. This all-teak bath mat is naturally water and mold resistant and doesn't require time in the washing machine. SHOP NOW: Teak shower mat, $80, ARB Teak & Specialties, BedBathandBeyond.com Smooth operator Get your clothes wrinkle free with this energy-efficient iron that doesn't scrimp on the steam, while also being the only eco appliance of its kind with a 25-percent energy savings compared with a regular iron. SHOP NOW: DW6080 Eco Intelligence Iron, $120, Rowenta, BedBathandBeyond.com Care taker Your furniture needs a little loving every now and again, and what better way to take care of heirlooms than with this nontoxic care kit? Containing an all-natural furniture tonic, color reviver, leather serum, leather cream and paste wax in the scent of your choice (lavender, rosemary or bergamot) your furniture will be thanking you. SHOP NOW: Furniture care kit, $115, ChristophePourny.com (Dining) pretty in pink Handmade and locally sourced, this pretty pink dinnerware set will add an elegant eco touch to your tabletop. SHOP NOW: Dinnerware in pink, from $18, Mud Australia, ABCHome.com Sliced and diced Committed to making lasting green products for their consumers, this Minnesota-based kitchenware company has created attractive cutting boards from materials that leave a low carbon footprint and are knife friendly, dishwasher safe, heat resistant and made in the US. SHOP NOW: Kitchen Series cutting boards, from $12, EpicureanCS.com I can see clearly Forgo the excessive use of water bottles in the home and replace them with these pretty-printed glass water bottles that feature a crafty wooden top. Not only will the environment thank you, your water will taste better and be safer, as it won't be exposed to cancer-causing BPA. SHOP NOW: Thrive glass water bottle, $13, Ello, Target.com You're welcome With so many grocery stores charging for paper bags these days, it's time to save with this cheeky, reusable "thank you" bag, diminishing the need for paper or plastic. SHOP NOW: Thank You bag, $35, Lauren Dicioccio, MoMAStore.org Repeat this Made of 100-percent New Zealand wool, this green and ivory hand-tufted rug repeats a timeless pattern for subtle color, texture and taste to your floor. SHOP NOW: Betty hand-tufted wool rug in Sprout, from $450, AngelaAdams.com Give a hand Coming in a sleek stainless steel caddy, this hand soap and lotion duo is made in small batches from all eco-friendly goods with olfactory-pleasing scents, so you can cleanse and moisturize without the use of harsh chemicals. SHOP NOW: Honeysuckle soap and lotion set, $34, Barr Co., Anthropologie.com Loud and clear This unusual donut-looking speaker is environmentally mindful, as it's made of hollow recycled pulp and comes with a rechargeable battery. Unique to its design, sound is amplified as it vibrates through its hollow core, allowing you to get clear sound from an ultra-light and ultra-conscious device. SHOP NOW: Pulp MP3 Speaker, $56, MollaSpace.com Bright idea Save on your annual energy bill and avoid having to change out bulbs on a continuous basis with this LED lightbulb that has a 10-year warranty and uses 84-percent less energy than typical versions. SHOP NOW: 100 W LED bulb, $20 each, Cree, HomeDepot.com Trash to gold An in-home composter is the ultimate eco-chic small appliance to bring into your kitchen, as this little wonder has a capacity that works for a family of up to five. Through an internal heating and churning process, this mill produces one batch of high nitrogen soil every two weeks ideal for lawns, gardens and potted plants. SHOP NOW: Metro composter, $299, NatureMill.net Dream clean Not only is this front load washer ultra-quiet, it also has an eco-friendly setting that is gentle on your clothing and even more so on the environment. It's 75-percent more energy efficient than a standard washing machine, and also uses 56-percent less water -- both Mother Nature and your bank account will thank you. S HOP NOW: Front load washer, $1,399, ElextroluxAppliances.com Block head Made from salvaged wood, these icosahedron blocks make a handy side table as they add playful geometry to your living space. SHOP NOW: Ico wood block, $150, AreNaturals.com | 4 | 913 | lifestyle |
You've got the chips, dips and booze. But are you really ready for some football? Make sure to avoid inviting these annoying Super Bowl party guests. Or if you are one, consider hosting your own get-together (so you can be as annoying as you want). The Overanimated Yeller You've got the chips, dips and booze. But are you really ready for some football? Make sure to avoid inviting these annoying Super Bowl party guests. Or if you are one, consider hosting your own get-together (so you can be as annoying as you want). "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! WHAT KIND OF CALL WAS THAT?" is probably coming out of this one's mouth every second, in between guffaws and standing cheers (knocking over your drink). Just. Sit. Down. The Question Asker Every year, same story -- there's always one person in the group yelling out questions every five seconds. "What's that call mean?" "What team are you cheering for?" "Why's everyone booing?" "Who won last year?" and on and on until you're not even sure you're watching a football game as much as you're participating in a trivia contest (and losing). The Grub Mooch Game? What game? This guest only seems to see the spread. They munch, chomp and guzzle everything in sight, leaving little in their wake. And hey, it would be fine, except they brought nothing to add to the mix, and they pass out from a food coma, taking up valuable couch space. Save everyone the annoyance and pig out at home. (Or come after...we'll still be eating.) The "Shhh the Commercials Are on!" Guest Not a bit shy to yap during the game, this one then screams for everyone to shut up when the commercials come on, grabbing for the remote and turning up the volume to ear-blasting decibels. There are generally two viewing responses: a hearty "That sucks!" or a louder-than-imaginable laugh that leaves you wondering what the hell was so funny. The Not-Really-a-Fan Fan This one takes the cake in our book. It's okay to not be a fan of either team playing, but pretending you are -- and coming dressed to the nines in team garb? Not okay. Own up to the fact that you don't know anything about either team and you just really wanted to wear green today. If you don't, your never-washed, brand-spanking-new T-shirt kind of gives it away (not to mention the wrong answers to simple team questions like, "Who's their quarterback?"). The "But My Team is Better" Fanatic Hey, we're all about sticking to your guns and rooting for your team, but coming dressed in your team's jersey and giving 800 different reasons why your team is better than the ones playing (even if it's holding down an 0-16 record and has the worst defense ever)? Annoying. Drink a brew, watch the game, and hush. The Oblivious Game "Watcher" Contrary to seemingly popular belief, one of the biggest draws of a Super Bowl party is, um...watching the game. If you're not into it, that's cool, but please don't ask us about our home remodeling plans while we're watching our team go for a touchdown. We're a bit distracted. | 4 | 914 | lifestyle |
Real couples reveal the quirky things that bug them about their spouse. The Wives Face it: No matter how much you and your partner love each other, you also get on each other s nerves from time to time. We polled couples on what irritates them most about their significant other. Check out what they had to say -- we re betting you can relate to at least one of these! He still leaves the toilet seat up, and it burns me up every time I go into the bathroom. -- virgo&sag He will not look behind anything in the fridge. He just claims whatever item he wants isn't there. -- Kimbus22 He leaves mail all over the counter, instead of putting it in the mail sorter three feet away. -- Mama2TwoBoys "He still puts dirty utensils and dishes in the sink instead of in the empty or dirty dishwasher." -- srgw "He constantly complains about where I keep things but refuses to put them somewhere else." -- Kimbus22 "He leaves soaking-wet towels on the floor, the bed and the couch. Meaning there's a cold, wet spot there for hours afterward. UGH!" -- littlemisswitness "Bless his heart -- he thinks I'm the 'Keeper of All Things.' 'Have you seen my (fill in the blank)?' 'Do you know what I did with (fill in the blank)?' 'Where do we keep the (fill in the blank)?' All the time." -- lest12 "He throws clothes next to the laundry hamper but not in it! Why?" -- Gina P. "He puts the garbage on the kitchen counter right next to the dang garbage can." -- Kimbus22 The Husbands "She kicks me out of the bed when I snore!" -- Chris S. "She leaves every door and/or drawer she touches either open or ajar. I am constantly banging into them. It's insane!" -- Nic L. "It takes her a few weeks to unpack from a business trip." -- David L. "She paces behind me while I'm working." -- Joe K. "She gets too easily discouraged." -- Christopher O. "Her lack of communication skills." -- Stephen TM. "She doesn't hang the towel back up where it belongs after she showers." -- Ethan G. "She worries too much." -- Brent D. "She takes too long in the shower." -- Widny P. | 4 | 915 | lifestyle |
We're ready for romance all year long! Check out our 14 ways to spice things up every day. 1. Send flowers for no reason at all Let her know you re always thinking about her, even when it s not a national holiday. A single stem will do -- this time it s literally the thought that counts. You see, random acts of kindness are always appreciated, and she just might return the favor. 2. Cook dinner together Preparing a meal together can be an intimate affair. There s something sweet about working side by side, even if you re slaving over a simple salad and pasta. Break open a bottle of wine and savor the moment. 3. Plan a weekend getaway What s more romantic than a weekend away? Leave your troubles at home and check into a cozy hotel room. Explore the local restaurants and attractions or even better, order room service and simply enjoy each other s company. 5. Send an unexpected text message A sweet (or saucy!) note can bring you closer even when you're apart. Keep it simple and sexy. And no one needs to know that while your coworkers are checking important business emails, you're passing love notes. 6. Have a movie night at home Making out in the back of the theater is so old-fashioned. Whether you choose a romantic comedy or a hair-raising horror flick, snuggling up on the couch is an obvious choice for keeping things close. 7. Take a class together Share in each other's interests. Sweat it out cycling or learn to cook -- even if you have to pretend you're having fun! Paying attention to your partner out in the world will win you bonus points at home. 8. Pick a lazy Saturday to stay in bed Have breakfast in bed…and lunch…and dinner. A cozy day under the covers with your love will bring you back to the good ol' days when you needed nothing but each other. Clothing optional. 9. Get dressed up Leave the workout gear at the gym and put some effort into preparing for date night. Wear something sexy that makes you feel confident -- and something even swankier underneath. 10. Go for a Sunday drive Take in some scenery and enjoy your love's company. Listening to good music on the open road while catching up is a great way to remind each other why you fell in love. And as cliché as it might sound, a beautiful vista or lookout is primed for love, so pull over! 13. Enjoy the great outdoors Enjoy a leisurely hike and then relax with a picnic lunch. Pack a blanket, cheeses and a bottle of wine and simply breathe in the fresh air. Getting away from it all is a small reminder to focus on each other. 14. Plan a relaxing night at home Surprise her when she gets home from a long day at work with a truly romantic gesture. Greet her with a trail of rose petals leading to a candlelit bubble bath and a glass of champagne. The well-planned pampering for no reason at all will feel especially heartfelt. | 4 | 916 | lifestyle |
Pick up one of these in-law-approved holiday gifts so you'll receive a warm welcome. A Box of Chocolates Here's a gift that's perfect for sharing: roasted and salted peanuts covered in caramel and white chocolate. See's Polar Bear Paws, $20, Sees.com A Serving Set Give this to in-laws who love entertaining. Towle Eat, Drink & Be Merry two-piece salad set, $40, Mikasa.com Pepper Mill A Pretty Pepper Mill Simply unscrew the head to refill again and again. Snowman pepper mill, $45, SpoonSisters.com A Tea Set Pick up this stackable set for your parents before you head home. Yedi Tea 4 Two set, $40, BedBathandBeyond.com Shopping List Notepad A Smart Notepad Come summer, this notepad will be handy at the farmers market. "At the Farmers' Market" pad, $8, KnockKnockStuff.com Door Decor Cook with these fragrant bay leaves all year long. Bay Leaf With Chilies swag, $32, Bambeco.com Address Book A Retro Address Book This is just the right size for your mother-in-law's purse. Telephone pocket address book, $10, ContainerStore.com Tiffany Tumblers. Toast to a happy and healthy holiday season with these artistic Tiffany-glass-inspired tumblers. Tiffany double old-fashioned glasses, $12 each, Store.MetMuseum.org Cutting Board A Cutting Board Give a piece of hometown pride with a state-shaped cutting board. A.Heirloom plyboo state-shaped cutting board, $46, Amazon.com {none} | 4 | 917 | lifestyle |
Vow to get it together in 2014 with these tips on dealing with clutter. Buy less stuff. Some people are minimalists. And it's okay if you're not, but this year, resolve to stop buying or taking things just because they're on sale or free. Aside from the obvious reason--you won't add to your collection of clutter--you'll also avoid hidden costs like maintenance of the item (i.e., cleaning it) or the guilt of getting rid of it later on.More from The Nest: Easy ways to save $1,000Bing: Organizing tricks for the new year Don't wait to put things away. Before dumping something on a table or chair, always ask yourself: "Does it belong here?" Putting most items in their proper place (for example, hanging up your coat in the closet instead of tossing it on the sofa) takes mere seconds. And the bonus? You'll spend less time looking for them later.More from The Nest: 6 sexy bedroom decor secretsVideo: Decorating rules you can break Keep everyday items within arm's reach. Place frequently used items up front in a cabinet or closet. Things you use less often, you can put up high, down low or way in the back.More from The Nest: 10 bills to cut right now Keep everyday items within arm's reach. Place frequently used items up front in a cabinet or closet. Things you use less often, you can put up high, down low or way in the back. Arrange like with like. Group similar items together so you'll always know where to find them. In the pantry, place canned goods on one shelf, cereal on another and snacks on their own. In the bathroom, hairbrushes go in one bin, moisturizers in another and makeup in one by itself. You get the idea! Get rid of duplicates. When you've just gotten married or moved in together and you merge your belongings, you're bound to end up with two (or more!) of certain household items, such as coffeemakers, vacuum cleaners or crockpots. The solution: Keep one and sell the other on eBay, Amazon or Craigslist. But first, ask yourself what you are going to do with the money, like buy something new for your nest or put it toward a trip. A goal will make it easier to part with your things. {none} | 4 | 918 | lifestyle |
" For the first time in its decade and a half of production, Chevrolet's Corvette -- billed as 'America's only true sports car' -- is being challenged for the title." That's how Steve Kelly introduced our April 1967 comparison pitting the newly refined big-block Shelby GT500 against the Corvette Sting Ray 427. By way of explaining why Shelby's original GT350 wasn't deemed a worthy Corvette competitor, he described it as "a rough-riding, hard-steering Mustang fastback with Bunyanesque brake pedal and an engine which would outshout a John Deere tractor." Similarly, he noted, "There was a brief period when the [Shelby] Cobra was thought to be a fair and equal competitor to the 'Vette, but a too-high price and rather impractical design put it out of contention." On the surface, this comparison still looks lopsided, pitting a purpose-built fiberglass-bodied two-seater against an all-steel four-seater that shares underpinnings with the lowly Falcon. But, in fact, their performance was close, and a similarly equipped GT500 was priced within $250 of a Sting Ray. Carroll Shelby's star was indeed rising throughout the 1960s. The good-ol'-boy chicken farmer/car racer from Texas possessed sufficient raw driving talent to win the 1959 Le Mans race in an Aston Martin just seven years after his first race in a teetering MG TC. An angina diagnosis a year later prompted his untimely retirement from racing, but before long, he was shoehorning Ford engines into AC Aces that subsequently won enough races to attract the attention of one Lido Anthony Iaccoca. Lee wanted to build some racing cred for his gangbuster-selling pony, and when Ford's own efforts to homologate the Mustang for SCCA B/Production racing failed, he commissioned the Shelby American shop to get the job done. For its production classes, the SCCA allowed major engine or suspension modifications, but not both. Shelby decided to keep the K-Code 271-horse 289 small-block and focused on lowering and stiffening the suspension, beefing up the brakes, and installing a Detroit Locker axle, among other modifications. The formula worked. His 36 R-spec full-race GT350s won five out of six regional SCCA championships, with Jerry Titus winning the '65 B/Production championship against certain Corvettes and Sunbeam Tigers. Shelby's race shop, located in a hangar at LAX airport, received "knock-down" Mustangs -- minus their hoods, rear seats, and radios -- from Ford's San Jose plant. Shelby modified the suspensions, installed a scooped fiberglass hood, relocated the battery to the trunk, and tweaked a number of other items. Just 521 '65 GT350 street cars -- all Wimbledon White -- found buyers, so to broaden customer appeal for 1966, four new colors were added and the styling was better differentiated from the Mustang's by installing Plexiglas quarter windows in place of the side louvers, adding brake-cooling scoops, and polishing the Mustang's black horizontal grille bars. The rear seat also became optional, and the raucous suspension and exhaust were tamed somewhat, although a Paxton supercharger option boosted power to around 380 hp (at $700, it found only 11 takers). Sales jumped to 1365 retail street cars and another 999 sold through Hertz. Seeing that a little more differentiation and refinement had more than quadrupled sales, Shelby American figured that a heaping pile of it would really ring the registers. So, for 1967, a longer fiberglass hood with a wider scoop was matched to extended headlamp surrounds that also changed the grille shape, and quad headlamps replaced the Mustang's duals, with the middle two clustered near the center of the grille -- until it was discovered that several states' laws prohibited this arrangement, whereupon they were relocated outboard. Venturi-effect air-extractor scoops replaced the one-year Plexiglas quarter windows, and in back a fiberglass trunk and new quarter-panel extensions provided a ducktail spoiler effect. Full-width taillamps borrowed from the Mercury Cougar (but without the vertical chrome bars and sequential signaling), a Cobra logo fuel cap, and Magstar aluminum wheels or Thunderbird five-spoke wheel covers completed the exterior transformation. Inside were a wood-rimmed three-spoke wheel and a rollbar incorporating suspender-style shoulder harnesses like the ones on an airline flight attendant's jump seat. The inertia reel at the top was patterned after the belts in an F-4 Phantom fighter jet. The GT500 was the first production car to incorporate a rollbar and shoulder harnesses. The rear seat was standard, and A/C and AM/FM radio became optional. These were no longer race cars with license plates. The biggest news mechanically was the availability of the new GT500 model powered by a 428 Police Interceptor engine topped off with two 600-cfm Holley four-barrels (though it's doubtful this engine could possibly inhale 1200 cubic feet of air per minute without help). Output was rated at 355 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Ford installed these Shelby-only engines before shipping the cars to LAX. The same was true of the slightly stiffer springs, anti-roll bar, and Gabriel adjustable shocks fitted to GTs. Gone were the days of the race shop handbuilding a high-strung chassis -- the Shelby folks were now busy painting and installing fiberglass body parts and trim items. It would have been a lost cause anyway. The '67 Mustang grew so much and gained so much weight that Shelby knew he couldn't produce a racing version that would outrun his original '65 GT350, so he didn't even try. (He did, however, build the notchback Mustangs Ford raced in Trans Am that year.) Meanwhile, Chevrolet was in the final year of perfecting its C2 Corvette (actually, it was working overtime readying a delayed C3), so the '67 featured cleaner ornamentation and new seats with a proper handbrake between them. The 427-cube engine options entered their second year -- now covered by the beloved stinger hood design -- and four-wheel disc brakes had been in production since 1965. Naturally, for his king-of-the-American-sports-car-hill contest, our man Kelly selected a top-spec L71 solid-lifter tri-power 427 (435 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque) mated to a close-ratio four-speed transmission, though, oddly enough, it came mounted in a roadster instead of the more Shelby-competitive coupe. Kelly praised the GT500's roomier interior, sublime inertia-reel shoulder belts, civilized trunk, and quieter drivetrain, while knocking the more highly strung Corvette for being "ticklish to keep running at slow speeds in bumper-to-bumper traffic." The Corvette demonstrated better workmanship and clearer gauges, and its engines -- 327 and 427 -- were deemed better breathers with greater bandwidth for performance tuning than the Shelby's 289 and 428. But the 'Vette had an Achilles heel: its 7.75x15 rayon bias-ply tires. The aging bodywork lacked clearance to accommodate the GT500's lower-profile, more modern E70-15 Goodyear Speedway 350 tires, so grip at launch and when exiting turns suffered greatly by comparison. Nevertheless, the Corvette managed a 0.7-second advantage in quarter-mile acceleration (13.8 seconds at 104 mph versus 14.5 seconds at 101 mph) and a 9-foot advantage in stopping distance (135 versus 144 feet). Mr. Kelly signed off acknowledging that the GT500 needed more power to match the Corvette's performance, but he neglected to pick a winner. We can only assume that management scolded him and sent him back out to do the job properly, because, just one month later, in the May '67 issue, Kelly had rounded up both automatic and manual versions of the GT350 and GT500 to pit against an automatic 327/300-hp Corvette and another 427/435-hp four-speed, both coupes. This time around, he revealed a soft spot for the lazy, quiet demeanor of the C6 automatic-equipped GTs, noting that they accelerated to 60 more quickly than their row-your-own counterparts, though they trailed the four-speeds at the quarter mile. He was unimpressed with the two-speed Powerglide Corvette, which proved slower down the strip than both GT350s. Ironically, he found the refinement of the 327 Corvette matched that of the GT500, while the 427 was "as loud and hard to tame as the GT350." The Shelbys picked up a few more bonus points for spaciousness and lower maintenance and insurance costs, but at the end of this review, the Corvette's superior build quality ("The add-on fiberglass pieces of the GT aren't nearly as well finished or mated as any part of the entire Sting Ray body") and its performance advantage (Powerglide notwithstanding) ultimately led to his crowning the Corvette "the granddaddy of the sport-personal cars." Of course, 1968 brought revisions to both our American hero cars, especially the Coke-bottle-curvaceous C3 Corvette, so in March '68, we returned to the well, this time with ragtop versions of each. Shelby's styling didn't change much (the hood, grille, and front lighting were revised, and the convertible joined the lineup), but the company's structure changed a bunch. Shelby American had outgrown its LAX digs, so manufacturing was subcontracted by Ford to A.O. Smith in Michigan, with oversight by the newly spun-off Shelby Automotive Inc. (A.O. Smith didn't have much better luck matching the paint on the fiberglass bits.) By this point, Steve Kelly's institutional memory was fading, as he looked longingly back upon the true LAX-tuned '66 Shelbys as "much more of a sports car than the '67 and '68." But it was hard to argue with his assessment that "Shelby has sold out to the add-on and chrome-it establishment. The new cars are more decorated than the old and show strains of having too much ornamentation." The new fat-tired Corvette was widening its lead, with the GT500's acceleration falling between that of the 327 and 427 Corvettes, and 60-0-mph braking far behind them (155 feet for the GT500 versus 117 to 119 for the 'Vettes). Ditto the handling: "Steering is right out of Mustang land. At least the feeling of 'plasticity' is. Response is not at all like the Corvette's." Never much one for hyperbolically proclaiming comparison winners, Kelly wound up saying of the top-finishing Corvette, "Kinda wish we had one." We never bothered comparing the dramatically restyled '69-'70 Shelby following our initial drive report, which concluded, "Driving characteristics left much to be desired when compared to Shelby ancestors, as is evidenced in [its] severe understeer and body roll." For this reenactment of our recurring series, we rounded up two cars owned by inveterate Shelbyphiles. Corvette owner Colin Comer literally wrote the book from which much of the research for this piece was gleaned, "The Complete Book of Shelby Automobiles" (Motorbooks International), and has owned well over 50 Shelbys of various stripes over the years. But this 40,000-mile Corvette, resplendent in its original coat of Marina Blue paint, earned a spot in Comer's collection and sees frequent hard use in rallies like the Copperstate 1000. It's also equipped almost exactly as our April '67 car was. Craig Conley's Dark Moss Green GT500 is his prodigal Shelby. The original owner bought the car and a racing 427 short block and heads like those used on the Cobra, with the intention of making a true race-bred GT500 upon his return from Vietnam. Unfortunately, he never returned, and Conley bought the car and engine in 1977, but the realities of family life forced him to sell it in 1981 to buy his first house. The third owner completed the engine swap (mounting the 428's intake and carbs). Conley pestered the owner annually to sell it back to him, which he finally did -- five days before our photo shoot, during which time Conley fitted a Detroit Locker axle (a dealer-installed option in 1967). I start out in the Corvette and am impressed by its eagerness to fire after about a quarter of a revolution. The idle is a tad lumpy, as expected with a solid-lifter high-overlap cam, but the car is perfectly happy to motor around for photos, and a few brief dabs at the loud pedal evince no balkiness from the vacuum-operated front and rear two-barrels (as early reports on the L71 had complained about). This close-ratio box's short-throw chrome-ball shifter moves with the same sublime mechanical precision I recall from driving "The Last" 1967 Corvette (MTC November/December 2006). Modern radials provide oodles more grip than the early skinny bias plies, too, but probably compound the effort required to twirl the helm at maneuvering speeds. This higher-strung (12.5:1 compression) GT500 probably makes a better Corvette rival than the ones Kelly drove. Having just received the car, Craig has yet to fine-tune the carbs, which are running eye-wateringly rich. This undoubtedly compromises performance somewhat, but the sensation of big-lunged torque is unmistakable. The wood-rim steering wheel delights the fingertips as much as the Nardi wheel in any Italian GT, though I concur with Kelly's "plasticity" comment regarding road feel. Brake and clutch operation is also more pedestrian than the Corvette's (long-throw clutch, overboosted brake). Shorter gearing seems more tailored toward quarter-mile blasts than Le Mans duty, and the Detroit Locker axle makes an unholy racket in all but the gentlest of bends. But overall this particular GT500 seems to be trying to set the record straight in Motor Trend once and for all: I'm NOT so refined, I'm a rip-snorter like my '65-'66 forebears, now lemme at that Corvette! OK, point taken. And right about now we're more inclined than ever to forgive and forget Shelby's brief decline into "add-on-and-chrome-it-dom" in light of the recent introduction of Ford's 650-hp, 200-plus-mph Shelby GT500. But the top-dog Corvette was then, and remains now, the king of the Yankee-doodle sports cars. Which Shelby Engine to Choose? Of the two standard and three optional engines officially available to the prospective 1967 Shelby buyer, the most powerful was the special lightweight 427 racing engine lifted straight out of the GT40 Mk II. No horsepower or torque numbers are available, but the one GT500 that was built this way was sent to Goodyear for tire testing at speeds of up to 170 mph, and it averaged 142 mph for 500 miles to set a record. The price for this ultimate Shelby Mustang, dubbed Super Snake, was to be $7500. Long Beach dealer Mel Burns Ford envisioned selling an exclusive run of 50 such cars the way Pittsburgh's Yenko Chevrolet sold special 427 Chevelles and Novas, but the first one took forever to sell and no more were built. The next step down was the 427 medium-rise-intake engine from the Cobra (it actually displaces 425.8 cubic inches), which was conservatively rated at about 425 hp and 480 lb-ft. Its bigger-bore, shorter-stroke configuration allowed greater performance than the more square standard "428" (actually 427.0 cu in) 355-hp/420-lb-ft engine, but its $2000 option price found only two buyers. The base 289 GT350 traded its steel-tube headers for a stock cast-iron manifold while somehow maintaining its 306 hp and 329 lb-ft rating, but this engine was 277 pounds lighter -- a boon for handling. This suggests that maybe the ultimate canyon-storming option was the Paxton supercharged GT350, which added back only a fraction of that weight difference. It was advertised as boosting power by 46 percent (which would be 446 hp) based on the ideal mathematical effect of its 6.3 psi boost, but the realistic improvement was said to be perhaps 25 percent, or about 380 hp. Car Life test results reinforce that assessment, recording 6.2 seconds to 60 mph and a 14-second 92-mph quarter-mile run. Alas, priced about $500 more than a similarly performing GT500, only 35 1967 Shelbys were supercharged. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray ASK THE MAN WHO OWNS ONE Colin Comer bought his first car at age 13 -- a damaged '68 Mustang ragtop, quickly sold before his parents found out. Today he is editor at large for Sports Car Market and American Car Collector magazines, has written three best-selling books on musclecars and Shelbys, and restores and sells collector cars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Why I Like It: "I love the originality of it, the great color combination, and its factory original side pipes and the L71 435-hp engine. I'm really not a big Chevy guy -- my collection is almost all Shelbys -- but who can ignore the importance of a 1967 427 Corvette?" Why It's Collectible: 1967s are the most valuable of the "mid-year" Corvettes, and only the aluminum-head L88 is more valuable than this L71, but they're not driveable because they're million-dollar cars, and their high compression demands racing fuel. Restoring/Maintaining: Most parts are widely available -- maybe too available. When you can buy all the parts, it becomes difficult to tell the originals. Beware: Original paperwork documenting the car's history is essential, and fake paperwork is easy to get. Track down and verify the chain of ownership, and consider having a museum authenticate the paper's age if all else fails, before buying. Expect to Pay: (coupe/convertible) Concours-ready, $139,675/$162,175; solid driver, $77,600/$90,000; tired runner, $42,675/$50,375. Join the Club: Corvette Club of America , America's Corvette Club , The National Council of Corvette Clubs, Inc. OUR TAKE Then: "For those rare individuals who want -- and can handle -- its potential, the 427 Turbo-Jet is a red-hot machine. But if it gets away from you, don't say we didn't warn you." -- Bob McVay, Motor Trend, March 1966 Now: Mid-year examples are the hottest-selling Corvettes at auction, especially the big-blocks, but the only way to guarantee maximum return on investment is to find an open road, drop the top, and listen to those side pipes sing. SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 426.9-cu-in/6996cc OHV V-8, 3x2-bbl Holley 3902355 (prim) & 3902353 (sec) carburetors Power and Torque (SAE gross): 435 hp @ 5800 rpm, 460 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Drivetrain: 4-speed manual RWD Brakes: front: vented disc, rear: vented disc Suspension: front: control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar: multi-link, transverse leaf spring, anti-roll bar Dimensions: L: 175.1 in, W: 69.6 in, H: 49.8 in Weight: 3366 lb Performance: 0-60 mph: 5.5 sec, quarter mile: 13.8 sec @ 104 mph, 60-0 mph: 135 ft (Motor Trend, April 1967) Price: when new $5733 1967 Shelby GT500 ASK THE MAN WHO OWNS ONE Craig Conley's business, Paradise Wheels Inc., started out refurbishing Shelby wheels, and today Craig is among the world's foremost independent experts at authenticating Shelby American automobiles. He's owned more than 50 Shelbys and restored, sourced parts for, and fettled countless others. Why I Like It: "What Shelby fan wouldn't like a 427 GT-500 four-speed California black-plate car with 28,000 miles on the clock? I bought it in 1977 and regretted selling it to buy my first house, until I was able to buy it back after it had covered only 6000 miles in 35 years." Why It's Collectible: 1967s are considered the last of the Shelby-built GTs, and this unmolested original preserves all its original endearing flaws (like mismatched paint on steel and fiberglass pieces), making it highly desirable. Restoring/Maintaining: More parts are being reproduced to high quality today, and the high value of the cars means the Shelby-unique bits get circulated in any condition for people to put cars back together with original parts. Beware: The big-blocks run hot in this small chassis, so the cooling system needs to be in perfect condition. The dual Holley carbs run rich and, with today's ethanol-rich fuel, they need frequent service--especially if you let them sit. Expect to Pay: Concours-ready, $168,625; solid driver, $114,000; tired runner, $77,500. Join the Club: The Shelby American Automobile Club , Shelby GT 500 Club OUR TAKE Then: "With personal cars getting hairier all the time, it seemed likely that Carroll Shelby would do something to keep ahead of the pack. Sure enough, he introduced the Shelby GT500, a car so hairy as to make others look crew cut by comparison." -- Unattributed, Motor Trend, January 1967 Now: The David versus Goliath aspect of this pairing is undeniably appealing, and had the GT500 in our April 1967 contest packed this race-bred 427 option instead of the milder 428, its slingshot stone might have felled the mighty Corvette. SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 425.8 cu in/6978cc OHV V-8, 2x4-bbl Holley 2804 (prim) & 2805 (sec) carburetors Power and torque (SAE gross): 425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 480 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm Drivetrain: 4-speed manual RWD Brakes: front: vented disc, rear: drum Suspension: front: control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; rear: live axle, leaf springs Dimensions: L: 186.6 in, W: 70.9 in, H: 51.6 in Weight 3794 lb Performance 0-60 mph: 6.2 sec, quarter mile: 14.5 sec @ 101 mph, 60-0 mph: 144 ft (Motor Trend, April 1967, original "428" 355-hp, 420-lb-ft engine) Price: when new $4576 | 9 | 919 | autos |
Audi says its Crosslane Coupe concept merely previews future design and technology ideas, yet we know that it's actually our first glimpse at the Q2 crossover due next year. The new Q2, however, will probably incorporate some of the clever styling and efficiency strategies shown in the Paris show car. The Audi Q2 will probably use a shortened version of the new MLB platform that will underpin Audi's other new cars and SUVs -- including the next A4, A6, Q5, and Q7. The stubby model will fit in price- and size-wise below the Audi Q3, and is being touted to fight the likes of the Mini Countryman, and even the Nissan Juke. he Crosslane Coupe previews the design of the Q2 with incredibly skinny headlights (which are expected to show up in future Audis), a deep hexagonal grille, a sharp character crease running between the front and rear fenders, and a steeply raked rear windshield. The car has no B-pillar, allowing for a large expanse of glass between the angled windshield and thick C-pillar. It's a sporty three-door design that looks like a mix of the styling seen in the A1 and A3 cars, and the Q5 crossover. The big news under the skin is that the concept uses a new Multimaterial Space Frame, which uses an aluminum frame along with carbon-fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) and glass-fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP). Audi says this combination of materials helps substantially reduce vehicle weight, without costing an inordinate amount compared to other light weight strategies. The Crosslane Coupe concept is said to weigh in at just 3058 pounds, even with the added mass of a complex plug-in hybrid system. That system consists of a new turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-three engine rated for 128 hp, one electric motor/generator rated for 67 hp, and a traction motor with 114 hp. The second electric motor provides most of the driving motivation at speeds up to 80 mph; above 34 mph, the gasoline engine can also assist by turning the smaller motor and helping charge the 17.4-kWh battery pack. At high speeds, the gas engine takes over primary motivation duties, although the electric motor can assist for extra passing power. The whole system is supposed to return fuel economy of 257 mpg, in part because the plug-in hybrid should be able to drive at moderate speeds for 53 miles on electrical power alone. The 2+2 interior is finished in tan and black leather, with real machined aluminum employed for most of the controls, and a bright color screen used instead of a traditional instrument cluster. Like the outside, the cabin has plenty of sharp angles and trapezoidal openings. The optimistic economy claims, angular styling, and fanciful touches like a removable CFRP roof panel make it clear the Crosslane Coupe is just a concept car. Yet we can expect to see much of the design language and some version of this plug-in hybrid powertrain when the Audi Q2 makes its official debut in late 2013. | 9 | 920 | autos |
According to an April 2010 study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project , two years ago the number of 12- to 17-year-olds in the United States who carried a mobile phone was up to about 75 percent. Six years prior, in 2004, less than half of teens and tweens owned a cell. We can only imagine what the statistics look like today. Presumably, this would indicate that to most parents, the right age to buy your kid a cellphone lies somewhere around 12. (Though who knows what researchers would find if they charted cellphone use among elementary schoolers?) Curious, we asked some of our readers at what age they intended to (or had) caved to the nagging and pleading for a personal line. One of our favorite responses, which really highlights the nuanced nature of the debate, came from a woman named Brook, who purchased her daughter a cellphone at eight: "I don't think that there is an appropriate age. There are circumstances that may dictate a younger age than most parents normally purchase one. I know my daughter got a plain talk and text plan when she was eight, primarily as a way to communicate with her Dad, who lives 1,100 miles away, and to communicate with me when she's with him. At ten and half, she got a smart phone and it's a great tool. It's a privilege with many rules attached. Ninety-five percent of the kids in her class have one." Brook's testimony, besides giving us a seemingly reasonable idea of the current percentage of "mobilized" kids, is in line with that of many developmental psychologists and child safety experts who hold that there is no one-age-suits-all when it comes to buying your little one a phone. It all depends on the maturity level of the child in question and the preference of the parent. When considering biting the bullet and extending your family plan, first ask yourself whether your child is responsible enough not to abuse their phone privileges. Do they tend to lose things? Are they often forgetful, is there a strong possibility the phone would go uncharged most nights? How independent are your kids? Do they "need" to be accessible for safety reasons, or is this about them bolstering their social life? Are they likely to adhere to their minute, texting, and data limitations? Can they be trusted to power down during class, family time whenever seems appropriate ? If you have a smartphone in mind, do you trust them to choose apps wisely, and exercise caution when it comes to social media? In a nutshell, are your kids capable of following your rules? …And last but not least, can you afford the added expense? Forewarned is forearmed: Once your kids get the gadget in their hands, a whole new world is literally at their fingertips. For your budding social butterfly, having a cellphone is all about socializing and impressing peers. The aforementioned Pew study also found that half the cell-owning kids sent 50 text messages a day and preferred texting their friends to engaging in face to face or even phone conversation. Patricia Greenfield, a professor of psychology UCLA who specializes in children's use of digital media, insists this is not a decision to be taken lightly. "Kids want the phone so that they can have private communication with their peers. You should wait as long as possible, to maintain parent-child communication," she cautioned in an interview with the New York Times . Of course, there are ways of controlling the extent of their cell usage, namely by opting for a no-thrills flip phone or prepaid, over-the-counter number, choosing a restrictive plan, or opting out of Internet capability entirely. All in all, weigh the pros (being able to check in with your kiddo at all times, constant access to educational resources on the Internet) versus the cons (ability to cheat in class, distracted driving, addictive use of social media , irresponsible use of the same cyberbulling , "sexting," " selfies ," etc.) and make the call (See what we did there?). Far be it from us to judge when you or your child is ready to take this critical step. More from Elizabeth Street: Brilliant Money-Saving Tips for Moms 10 Genius Food Apps to Save You Time & Money in the Kitchen The Best iPhone Apps for Busy Parents Save Time and Money in the Kitchen, Thanks to Your Freezer The Best Coupon Sites to Spare Your Bank Account The Surprising Gadgets That Will Put Your Kids To Sleep | 4 | 921 | lifestyle |
All the New Sheetmetal from the Second City | 9 | 922 | autos |
When we commenced the Motor Trend Real MPG program six months ago, we weren't exactly sure where its path would wind, but we knew we'd eventually wind up here -- with a stack of mileage data from 100 cars and trucks in front of us. This is a milestone at which to plot some graphs, rub our chins, and ask ourselves what all we've learned. As it turns out, lots. Before presenting our high-octane insights, allow me to run the highlight reel of reasons why we've gotten here. Lights, please. For starters, the mileage measurements you see performed by the media are dubious at best. As a group (including us), we've attempted just about every cockamamie scheme imaginable, from weighing the entire car before and after a mileage run (laughably imprecise) to data-logging the fuel tanks' calibrated drainage via the OBDII port (OK, that one was my idea). All these were patently clumsy side steps around the most obvious approach: inserting a high-quality (expensive) turbine-type fuel-flow meter somewhere in the fuel line. But installing these is easier said than done, kemo sabe. And while rearranging the fuel lines of press-pool cars (which get rapidly swapped among media outlets) has its comic possibilities, it would also draw the ire of manufacturers and attract many unsmiling lawyers (or worse, smiling lawyers). Enter our partner, Emissions Analytics, which has created a brilliant solution that's precise and noninvasive (and complex and expensive, which is why we didn't come up with it). Way back in the January issue, we presented a fairly comprehensive explanation of how it works. Here's their one-sentence recap: We calculate the fuel's burn rate by capturing the exhaust pipe's gaseous emittance; measure its flow rate, analyze a sample of it to determine its concentrations of CO and CO2; and then walk back the math to figure out -- every single second, mind you -- how much gasoline is being burned to produce these numbers. The good news is that no modifications to the car were required. The bad news was all the wrinkles we had to iron out, including learning to check the entire exhaust system for leaks, fabricating a zillion (OK, about 25) individualized tailpipe adaptors, keeping the instrumentation running night and day to maintain its sensor's stability, and, critically, establishing a supply of chemically consistent fuels. For this, we turned to our fuel partner, Chevron, which has brewed 15,000 gallons of regular, premium, and diesel fuels specifically for this project. Why the bother? Gasoline's energy density can vary by about 4 percent among stations, so a program like this had better start with an absolutely known fuel source. Our fuels (of deliberately typical blends) are held at Chevron's Richmond, California, refinery and delivered in barrels to another partner, Dion & Sons in Long Beach, which decants these into 5-gallon batches for delivery to our crew. Chevron periodically tests samples from both Richmond and Long Beach to monitor the fuel's condition. As critical is EA's proprietary, 88-mile driving loop. Capturing a rich assortment of real-world driving circumstances, it's folded with repeated segments (to check consistency), punctuated with two-direction laps (for wind compensation), and spotted with episodes to specifically illuminate air-conditioning load. How about traffic? Gridlock that's beyond our software's compensation flags a repeated test. But typical traffic variations are actually welcome, as they provide insight into how a car responds to them (as we'll see shortly). And let me point out that the route, an agnostic collection of city and highway elements (later weighted 55/45 percent as per, but not a clone of, the EPA cycle), provides a consistent, balanced setting for real-world mileage-measuring. That's unlike typical magazine long-term testing, which is often colored by an individual driver's commute route and driving style, or an unpredictable mix of multiple drivers. Multiply that 88-mile loop by 100 cars (with perhaps 15 percent repeated for verification) and you'll see we've driven more than 10,000 miles chasing insights about real-world mileage. So what have we learned? Let me get my pointer. In the first graph, you can see that our cars' Real MPG city and highway results are fundamentally clustering around their EPA versions, with nearly as many above the "perfect agreement" 45-degree lines as below. The average difference between the car's EPA and Real MPG results is 0.4 percent -- pretty darn close. Nevertheless, they rarely coincide, instead appearing as clouds (at its extremes, 18 percent better and 17 percent worse), and therein reside our insights (graphs 1 and 2). That scatter you just saw isn't as random as it looks, though. If we average each manufacturer's Real MPG results, some brands appear to be trending better than their official numbers, others, worse (graph 3). Don't put much weight on this, though, as it's early days with just a handful of results per manufacturer percent -- plus we're fully aware of other evidence suggesting different trends. We'll be keeping an eye on this one, nevertheless. In graph 4, we've applied the same treatment to the popular flavors of propelling cars (regular gasoline engine, premium gas, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid). For premium, regular, and hybrid, our results closely jibe with the EPA's; the diesels, though, are using 3.4 percent more gallons per 100 miles; the single plug-in example, 8.4 percent less. However, an example of one -- or even eight, in the case of the diesels -- is really only a tantalizing suggestion at this point. Ever wonder what that "your mileage may vary" sentence at the bottom of the TV ad really means? By far, the biggest variation is your particular mix of city and highway driving, which on average can account for a 26-percent swing in mpg (graph 5). Air-conditioning use plays a much smaller role (graph 6), but, interestingly, more so during city driving than highway, as a slower average speed means more minutes of A/C operation per mile while higher speeds naturally aid in cooling. Question: Has engine downsizing made smaller engines more sensitive to driving styles and road congestion? What we've found is that, not surprisingly, mileage drops as displacement increases, as shown by the middle curve in graph 7 bracketed by indications of the best and worst extremes. But aggressive driving considerably penalizes cars with smaller-displacement engines (graph 8), though to a lesser degree, the opposite happens in congested traffic (graph 9). Last, we have the impact of both traffic congestion and hot-foot driving regardless of displacement (graph 10). On average, there's an 11-percent swing. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission began a review of its 39-year-old guidelines for how car companies advertise mileage claims. There's consumer confusion, evidently, over those "40 mpg!" claims in ads -- without explaining that it's the cherry-picked EPA highway number. We're all for the review, and, FTC, if you want advice on real-world mileage claims, give us a call. In the meantime, we'll be methodically testing our way through our second 100 cars, and gaining even more insights along the way. See you at 200! Definition of Terms Aggression Penalty This represents how much mpg suffers as the average rate of acceleration increases. Specifically, the Emissions Analytics data model predicts the impact on mileage were your acceleration rate double that prescribed by the test route. Air-Conditioning Use Throughout the driving cycle, each car's a/c is repeatedly switched fully on, then off, to sample its influence on mileage. Emissions Analytics sensors can detect the changes in CO and CO2 produced and, consequently, its impact on mileage. Congestion Penalty The congestion penalty is similar to the aggression penalty but a bit more complex. Here, it predicts a mileage "penalty" based upon two parameters teased from the data: The increased number of stop/start events and a lower average "city" speed. | 9 | 923 | autos |
Add another to the list of cars tragically absent from the U.S. market. Nissan announced that this fall it will add another Nismo vehicle to its growing portfolio--this time a performance-bred Nissan Note Nismo. Compared to the regular Nissan Note eco-hatchback (known as the Versa Note in the U.S.) the Nismo variant will benefit from powertrain, chassis, tire, suspension, and aerodynamic upgrades. While we still know very little about what's going on inside the Nissan Note Nismo, we can see for certain that it looks athletic and purposeful in its red-white-and-black Nismo clothing. No surface appears ignored, beginning with Note Nismo's fully-overhauled front end. The lower part of the front fascia is noticeably widened, complete with a front spoiler and inset L-shaped scoops dotted with LED daytime running lamps. The Note's pedestrian horizontal-bar grille is eschewed in favor of a much sportier mesh grille, which leads into angular headlights with darkened housings. Red Nismo folding mirrors; side sills; and sharper, more incised body lines are matched with familiar black-and-white wheel designs. Around the rear, a new rear bumper is packaged with a red-trimmed, four-part diffuser and pronounced single exhaust port. An all-important roof spoiler finishes the Nismo-fication. The entire look is reminiscent of the existing Juke Nismo . The Nissan Note Nismo is slated to hit Japanese showrooms in both standard and Nismo S form, the latter of which is destined to receive a specially-tuned engine and a five-speed manual transmission -- although the company sadly has not yet confirmed what engine is involved. Nissan has also blessed the Note Nismo with body rigidity reinforcement and claims the car has improved balance. Finally, optional factory sport seats are standard on the Nissan Note Nismo S, and high-performance Recaro buckets are also available for the Nismo S. In response to question we're all wondering no, there's no word yet on whether this glorious-looking hot hatch will come Stateside. Right now, it's only confirmed for Japan. "The Nismo brand is steadily growing here in the U.S.," a Nissan spokesperson said in an interview. "It stands to reason we're looking into expansion where it makes sense." While that's in no way a concrete affirmation, it bodes well for more exciting cars to join Nissan's lineup. The Nismo stable now includes the Juke Nismo, Juke Nismo RS , 370Z Nismo , and GT-R Nismo . Recent Nismo concepts include the IDx Nismo and Sentra Nismo . Check back again for updates as we hear more about the Nissan Note Nismo, and let us know in the comments if you'd sign up for U.S.-bound model. Source: Nissan | 9 | 924 | autos |
Steal the "musts" from the winning playbook. It's easy to fall in love, but to stay happy in love is a challenge. What used to be endearing about your partner, "He's so fun and spontaneous!" may now be a source of frustration, "He never makes plans in advance!" Marriage is a choice you have to make every day and relationships are work - but the work can be fulfilling and fun.If it feels like there's been more work than play in your relationship lately, consider stealing these secrets that happy couples know. Some of them may surprise you. A good 'we' starts with a good me Kelly knows that an essential piece of her good marriage is that she has interests outside of it. "I love hiking and my husband doesn't, so I joined a hiking club on my own. I'm a better wife and woman when I do things for myself - I come back to our relationship excited." Tip: What's something that you used to love doing that you haven't expressed in the recent past? Reconnect with your passion and you'll have a more passionate relationship as a result. Sweat the small stuff It's the little things that you and your partner do - or don't do - that will affect your relationship. Happy couples know that it's important to pay attention to the details. Small gestures, like warming your partner's car on a cold day or sharing a compliment don't go unnoticed. In fact, research shows that we need 5 positive interactions to negate just one negative interaction - so keep the positive exchanges coming! Tip: Consider doing one small gesture that you know your partner will like every day. Notice how it affects your dynamic. It's OK to fight It's not the fact that you fight but how you fight that will determine the health and happiness of your relationship. Couples who boast that they never disagree may be suppressing their needs and desires in favor of their partners. While compromise is an integral part a relationship, expressing yourself is also essential. Tip: If you find that you fight too much, try the five-second rule. Count to five before opening your mouth to voice your gripe and ask yourself if your complaint is constructive to share or potentially destructive. Keep expectations in check A woman was asked how she made her 60 year marriage last. She answered simply, "My husband and I never fell out of love at the same time." The happiest couples realize that falling in love and being in love are different, and they don't put pressure on themselves to feel fireworks daily. They work hard to have more ups than downs, but accept that there will be times that they won't be in sync. Tip: If you haven't felt the romantic butterflies you long for, consider mixing up your relationship routine to introduce more novelty. Nothing compares to their love Many of us have a tendency to compare our romantic relationships with those of our peers as if we're in a 'best relationship' reality show. The reality is that none of us know the true health and happiness of a relationship unless we're in it. How many times have you been surprised to hear that a 'perfect couple' broke up? Happy couples know that nothing compares to their love. Tip: Instead of comparing your relationship to others, consider using yourself as a frame-of-reference. Are you measuring up to the vision you held and the commitment you made on your wedding day? It's OK to schedule sex Not sexy to schedule sex? That's true, but it's sexier than not having sex at all with your partner. According to therapist Dr. Ian Kerner, "If you don't use it - you lose it." Literally. Testosterone levels will drop and you'll be less inclined to want to pursue an intimate connection. If you're overbooked with small kids or a busy career and never feel that there's time for intimacy, consider putting aside time. Tip: Just because you've scheduled time for intimacy doesn't mean there's no room for spontaneity or mystery! Don't be sure that you know your partner Many couples pride themselves on knowing everything about their significant other down to what she'll order on a menu to what his deepest desires are. However, a study showed that the longer a couple was together, the less likely they could predict their partner's preferences. The reason? Our tastes and desires change through time, but we stop asking questions and learning about our partners. Couples who feel connected stay curious about each other. Tip: Allow yourself to be surprised by your mate. Don't assume that just because he hated something ten years ago, he'll never want to try it again. They are present Is there anything more important than our relationships? Regardless, so many of us prioritize everything (laundry, emails, TV shows) over connecting with our mate. 82-year-old Carol has been happily married and widowed twice and says, "The most important thing you can offer in a relationship is your presence." Tip: Your 'to do' list will always be full. Before getting pulled into many directions, take the time to greet each other with a hug or a kiss after work. Touching your mate will release oxytocin in your brain, which will help you feel more connected for the rest of the night. The happiest couples I've interviewed enjoy an active life together, where they continuously share new experiences; and a dynamic life apart, in which they are able to express themselves as individuals. They believe in fairytale romance, but realize that it's up to them to create their own happily ever after. Andrea Syrtash is a dating and relationship expert and advice columnist. She's the author of He's Just Not Your Type (And That's a Good Thing) and Cheat On Your Husband (With Your Husband). | 4 | 925 | lifestyle |
The 2007 Jeep Patriot, the latest vehicle derived from Chrysler's C-segment platform, distinguishes itself from its Compass sibling with more palatable Jeep styling, including a blockier front fascia, four real door handles instead of rear handles "hidden" in the door frame, and less tumblehome to the greenhouse for a more ruggedlook. It's not quite a modern-day version of the 1984 to 2002 Cherokee, but it comes close, especially if this November the SEMA floor in Las Vegas finds itself littered with Patriots with whip antennas and on raised suspensions. What sets it apart from the Compass, though, is the optional Trail Rated Freedom Drive II all-wheel-drive system. Like the Compass, the Patriot is front-drive standard, with optional Freedom Drive I andits electronically controlled coupling (ECC) to the rear differential, transmitting torquethrough a two-clutch system. The driver can lock the center diff with a T-handle to ensureup to 60-percent torque to the rear wheels. The Patriot-only Freedom Drive II uses the same ECC, but adds one inch of ground clearance, 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, full-size spare, skidplates, tow hooks, foglamps, manual seat-height adjuster, and a lower ratio for the CVT. Unfortunately, that means there's no manual gearbox in the Trail Rated version. Engineers couldn't get the five-speed gearbox to match up with the ECC. A five-speed manual is available with the 2.4 and Freedom Drive I. With FDII, the low-gear "crawl" ratio is 19:1, versus a 14:1 standard low-gear ratio for the CVT. Dropping the CVT from "drive" into "low" shuts off the electronic stability-control program and adds hill-descent control, a first for a Jeep and for a vehicle this cheap. You can manually shut off the hill-descent control while in "low" for faster off-roading. Fast off-roading is what Jeep offered in the Patriot first drive. It wasn't the sort of trail that would make a Wrangler sweat, but likely would've stranded competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape four-bangers. Getting FDII in the Patriot is a bit like having the folding picnic table in the previous generations of CR-V. You may never go off-roading or picnicking, but you've got something extra versus the competition for about the same amount of money. Patriot starts at $14,985 with the 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four (a 2.0-liter four is available with front-drive only), CVT, front-wheel drive and manual window regulators. The cheapest 4x4, which includes an upgrade to the 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine, is $16,735 and with Freedom Drive II, Patriotism LC startsat $19,175. The Patriot is split into Sport and Limited trim levels; $25,000 or so will get you a well-equipped model with heated leather seats and premium audio with fold-down rear speakers for tailgating. The Patriot is perhaps unique in offering its level of offroadability in a cute 'ute package and is simply more likeable than the Compass and Dodge Caliber (its other C-segment sibling), with more refined ride and handling and better body control (Chrysler says it's added improvements to those first two C models). But like its platform siblings, the Patriot is stuck with the DaimlerChrysler/Hyundai/Mitsubishi "global" 2.4-liter VVT four. It's not a bad engine, but not stellar, and in most versions it's mated to the CVT, which saps its off-the-line punch and sounds like a blender under heavy acceleration, especially when bouncing around an off-road course. Frozen daiquiri, anyone? 2007 Jeep Patriot Base Price $14,985 - $21,785 Vehicle Layout Front engine, FWD or 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV Engine 2.0L/158-hp/141-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4; 2.4/172-hp/165-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4 Transmission 5-speed manual; continuously variable auto Curb Weight 3100-3300 lb (mfr) Wheelbase 103.7 in Length x Width x Height 173.6 x 69.1 x 64.4 - 65.6 in 0-60 MPH 9.3 sec (MT est) EPA City/HWY Econ 12-16/23-30 mpg On Sale In U.S. Currently | 9 | 926 | autos |
Bad news, husbands. Although you may consider yourself to be your wife's most exciting sex partner, chances are the honor actually lies with one of her ex-lovers. A recent study from iVillage found that less than half of married women describe their husband as their best sex ever. Fifty-two percent of those surveyed said an ex was better in bed than their current spouse. Sound dismal? That's not the worst of it. The website surveyed 2,000 married women with a 60/40 split of those with and without children. If the lackluster sex isn't bad enough, the poll found that 66 percent of married women would rather read a book, watch a movie or take a nap than have sex with a spouse. Some might describe their sex lives as stale, but according to the survey, married women are quite content with this boring bedroom behavior. "The iVillage study shows that not all housewives are desperate - surprisingly they are quite content and fulfilled with their predictable sex lives," said editor Liz Zack in a press release. "Perhaps that's because sex is not a priority when it comes to personal time. Today's married women lead such busy lives that they consider rest and relaxation a better self indulgence." The New York Post recently cited the study in a story titled, "Nobody marries their best sex ever." Sex therapist Sari Cooper told the Post that she talks to many women who are concerned that their husbands don't match up to sexual escapades of the past. But Cooper explains: "Your best sexual relationship has likely been with the person who was most unstable and most volatile, but was very passionate. That's like riding a roller coaster. That's passion. But if you have a family, riding a roller coaster isn't that great for kids." Photo: Christoph Wilhelm/Getty Images | 4 | 927 | lifestyle |
There hasn't been much to report on Buick's model-year 2014 lineup. Aside from a refreshed 2014 Buick Regal , the brand has soldiered on this year unchanged, though sales through the first half of 2014 are stronger compared to the same period last year. The next few years, however, will be different. By mid-2015, Buick is planning to launch refreshed models, along with a few new cars including a crossover and a two-seater aimed at injecting some fun into the brand. The new crossover will likely be a version of the mid-sized Envision slated to launch in China . According to AN's report, a U.S.-spec Envision could arrive as soon as the second half of 2015 and wcasill likely be powered by a 2.5-liter I-4 or a 2.0-liter turbo-four. The Envision's dimensions slot perfectly between the Encore and Enclave, making it a perfect candidate to become a big seller. Another possible new model would essentially be Buick's version of the Opel Cascada convertible . The Cascada is a two-door, four-seater top-down that could come to the U.S. by early 2016, AN reports. Late last year Opel registered a number of nameplates with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including Cascada, which served as an early hint that General Motors is considering the convertible for the U.S. There's a good chance it'll get a different nameplate, though it should get the same 2.0-liter turbo-four powering the Regal and Verano. Speaking of the Verano , a next-generation model could come sooner than later, despite the fact that the compact sedan has only been on the market a few years . It should ride on the same chassis as the next-gen Chevrolet Cruze and retain its 2.0-liter turbo-four as an engine choice. A 1.5-liter I-4 should serve as the base engine when the new compact arrives in early 2016. Buick's largest sedan, the LaCrosse , will be new for model-year 2016 and should arrive in showrooms by early 2016, maybe sooner. It'll ride on GM's Epsilon chassis that's also slated for the next Chevrolet Malibu, Impala, and Buick Regal. It's expected to showcase dramatically evolved styling, along with downsized powertrains. Meanwhile, a redesigned Regal should pop up by mid-2017. Finally, the strong-selling Encore should get a mid-cycle update in 2016, while the three-row Enclave will be all-new in 2017. Changes for Buick's big crossover will be significant. For starters, it'll ride on a new platform (shared with the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia). The Enclave is currently powered by a 3.6-liter V-6, but rumors suggest that the new and lighter platform will allow GM to downsize the engine to a 2.7-liter mill that could be mated to the company's new nine-speed automatic. In all, the purported changes and additions should make for a more compelling Buick lineup. Source: Automotive News (Subscription required) | 9 | 928 | autos |
Blondes may have more fun, but they might just have more relationship issues, too. According to a recent study, hair color plays a surprising role in women's infidelity. When it comes to cheating, blonde women make up a staggering percentage of the unfaithful, while a much smaller percentage of female cheaters are brunette. The study, carried out by support website CheaterVille.com, found that a whopping 42 percent of women who admit to cheating also happen to have blonde hair. Redheads came in second at 23 percent, brown-haired cheating ladies made up 20 percent, and only 11 percent of women stepping out had black hair. Apparently, there's a color spectrum for infidelity. The website conducted the study based on the online postings submitted by a cross sample of its members. And while founder James McGibney admits that this isn't the most scientific of studies -- baldness or hair coloring were not taken into consideration -- the results are still pretty interesting, especially with a number as high as 42 percent. And let's not leave out the men. Cheaterville found that 40 percent of male cheaters have brown hair, 32 percent are raven-haired, 20 percent are blonde, and a mere five percent are redheads. Also interesting, McGibney discovered that 43 percent of both male and female victims of infidelity were brunettes. He said of the findings: "From Veronica vs. Betty to Ginger vs. Mary Anne, we've always favored one look over another. But now our research gives us a tempting look at how hair color might play a role in infidelity - and that's nothing to brush off." | 4 | 929 | lifestyle |
Make your partner a priority Every marriage is different, but the best marriages all share love, respect and joy. Maintaining a healthy and vibrant relationship isn't always easy, but there are several things you can do to keep yours on track. These 15 tips will help your marriage thrive. Remember when you were first married, and you were each other's whole world? That feeling isn't sustainable forever, but don't let your partner slip to the bottom of your priority list after kids, job, friends and hobbies. Remind your spouse -- often -- that he or she is important to you. Keep up your appearance Think back to when you and your spouse first met: would you have shown up for a date in a stained tee and stretched out sweatpants? The marriage license doesn't mean you can let yourself go. Show your spouse the kind of respect you'd show a coworker by looking your best, even if you're just lounging around the house. Remember to say thank you When you've been married awhile, it's easy to take for granted the nice things your spouse does: a cup of coffee made just the way you like it; a gentle neck rub when you've had a stressful day. Remember to thank each other for the little things; it will help you both feel more appreciated. Keep the romance alive Work, kids and other responsibilities can make you feel tired, and less inclined toward romance and sexual connection. But passion can be the glue that holds a marriage together during difficult times, so don't let it slip away. Make time for romantic dates and sexual play. It's important. Give each other some space This may sound counterintuitive when we're talking about bringing couples closer together, but it's important to remember that you are both unique individuals with different thoughts, feelings and interests. Cultivating and appreciating your individuality will make you more interesting to each other, and to yourselves. Make time for fun All work and no play make Jack and Jill dull marriage partners. Make time for play time -- with the family and just the two of you -- and you'll get a lot more enjoyment out of life and your marriage. Love the one you're with Aside from being a great Stephen Stills song from the 70's, this is good advice. You fell in love with the personality and qualities your partner had when you met, and it's unfair to expect your spouse to change now that you're married. Ask for what you want Some people believe that long-term partners should be able to read each other's minds, but that's unrealistic. If you have a specific request -- a hug, a listening ear, or a particular brand of cologne for your birthday -- ask for what you want. Don't make your partner guess. Live your own life With all the demands that other people and responsibilities make on your time, it's easy to put your own needs on the back burner. Make an effort to cultivate personal interests and hobbies outside your marriage. You'll both feel happier, more vibrant, and more engaged in life. Make time for free time We all know the effects of overscheduling: a higher level of stress. And stress leads to short tempers, frustration, fatigue and eventual burnout. Put aside time when you can both relax, whether you're enjoying an activity like walking, reading or biking, or simply watching a beautiful sunset. The important thing is to relax, and to do it together. Believe in your spouse, and show it It's lovely to know that someone is on your side, especially when you've made a mistake. As a loving spouse, be generous with support. Offer a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and give advice only when it's requested. Just as you do with your children, remind your partner of his or her wonderful qualities, and why they are the person you love and have chosen to spend your life with. Share your thoughts and feelings If a problem crops up in your marriage (as it inevitably will) talk about it right away; letting a problem fester only makes it harder to solve down the line. Get in the habit of checking in with each other, and schedule time alone for undisturbed heart-to-heart talks. Be loyal to your spouse The person you chose to marry deserves your respect, and the respect of others, so don't gossip, ridicule or complain about your partner at parties or family gatherings. If there's a problem, speak first to your spouse. Then, if you need to talk to someone, choose a trusted friend or counselor. Let small things go Have you heard the expression, "Choose your battles?" That's often applied to parenting, when you're deciding which of 10 irritating kid behaviors you want to correct. But it's equally applicable to life with your spouse. If your partner does or says something that hurts your feelings or creates a problem, by all means say something. But if he doesn't make oatmeal the way you would, or she forgets to put the screwdriver back where it belongs, maybe it's best to let that go. Share the responsibility of making a home, and a marriage The wedding ceremony isn't the end result of a courtship, it's the beginning of a partnership that will be challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Marriages are living things that need to be cultivated. That takes intention and teamwork. Think of yourselves as partners in the creation of your home and your life together, and take equal responsibility for making your marriage thrive. Sharon O'Brien is a couples counselor and freelance writer in Portland, Oregon. | 4 | 930 | lifestyle |
Are you tired of the same old dinner and a movie? Does every date seem like just another Saturday night? Maybe it's time to get creative, spice things up, and think outside the bar. Here are a few outrageous and unforgettable dating ideas to make sure your next night on the town is not your average date. Your Average Date Ideas Are you tired of the same old dinner and a movie? Does every date seem like just another Saturday night? Maybe it's time to get creative, spice things up, and think outside the bar. Here are a few outrageous and unforgettable dating ideas to make sure your next night on the town is not your average date. Up, Up and Away Elevate your romance, and leave your earthbound cares behind, by taking your date for a ride in a hot air balloon. You can arrange a hot air balloon ride at almost any time of day -- from sunrise to sunset. Some balloon rides include a gourmet picnic or a champagne brunch; all offer breathtaking views and an above-the-treetops change of perspective that no other experience can equal. Good Hunting Searching for an interesting date idea? Join a scavenger hunt hosted by a charity or community group -- or organize one of your own. Invite friends to help you and your date locate the treasures on your list of hard-to-find items, or make it strictly a duet. Either way, let the scavenging begin. Dance, Dance, Dance What date could be more classic than a night of dancing? Take a drop-in lesson or dress to the nines and go to your nearest club. Who cares if you're a little rusty or don't know the moves? Once you're waltzing cheek-to-cheek or swinging to a salsa beat with your heart's desire, you'll feel like you're floating on air. Adrenalin Rush Nothing says romance like shark-infested waters. Swimming with sharks is a popular travel adventure these days. And with hundreds of shark species roaming the world's oceans, there are many places -- from Mexico to South Africa to Australia's Great Barrier Reef -- where you can go nose-to-nose with these fascinating seagoing predators. Giddy Up Saddle up for adventure when you take your date horseback riding. Whether you go for a ride at a local stable or spend the weekend at a guest ranch, sitting astride a horse is a great way to spur romantic feelings and add a little flair to your date. After all, who doesn't look terrific in a cowboy hat? Take It Off Find a secluded spot and go for a refreshing swim the way nature intended. That's right, we're talking skinny dipping here. If you're a little shy, make it a moonlight swim. Take along a picnic basket to share with your date while you dry off. Surprise your guy with this idea. Trust us, he won't mind. Shoot the Rapids A really good date should leave you breathless, your heart pounding, and that's pretty much guaranteed when you make a date to go white water rafting. Find a reputable river guide and choose your river -- from Class II to Class V -- based on your experience and your tolerance for terror. Then grab a paddle, strap on a life vest, and take the plunge. Putting on the Ritz Impress your date and go in style by splurging on VIP passes to something you'll both love, whether it's a sporting event, an invitation-only gallery opening, or a concert by one of your favorite bands. With your VIP passes, you and your date will have the best seats in the house -- and you'll feel like celebrities. Go Crazy At the end of "Wedding Crashers," the 2005 comedy starring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn as best friends and business partners who crash weddings to meet women, the two guys and their new true loves head off on a date - to crash a wedding. Follow their lead and do something crazy, like crashing a wedding, sneaking into the movies, or prowling the zoo after dark. Stop short of serious law breaking to avoid arrest, but have your escape route planned just in case. Dive In Sometimes there's just no need to talk -- like when you're under water. Make a date to go snorkeling where you can watch brightly colored tropical fish drift and dart around a coral reef. Or if you feel a deeper call, try scuba diving. You'll need to take a class and earn your scuba certification, but romantic rewards are well worth the trouble. On the Road Road trips are an American tradition, a rite of passage, and a great idea for an extended date. Choose a destination that takes you across the border into a different state or country, then hit the road, let serendipity be your compass, and just see what happens along the way. The best discoveries may be what you learn about each other. Back to Nature Go camping -- but don't go far. Pitch a tent in your back yard, build a campfire in a portable fire pit, and open a bottle of wine. Share intimate conversation over a gourmet dinner as the moon begins to rise, then cuddle up and look for shooting stars among the constellations. If the date goes really well, you can even make s'mores.Larry West is a freelance writer in the Pacific Northwest whose better-than-average dates have included surprise trips to Paris and Maui. | 4 | 931 | lifestyle |
You can never have too many alternative-powertrain supercars, right? Peugeot is teasing the Onyx concept car before its debut later this month at the Paris Motor Show. While we don't yet have any official information, Peugeot's teaser video and official Facebook page do reveal quite a bit on the sexy concept's styling. Peugeot has revealed more photos and information on the Onyx concept, which the automaker said was made with materials processed as little as possible. The doors are made from a pure copper sheet while Peugeot says the polished metal mirror will develop a patina over time. As we predicted, the rest of the body is made from carbon fiber in a matte black color. The rear-drive concept is powered by a diesel hybrid with a 3.7-liter V-8. Though the enginen itself apparently has about 600 hp, Peugeot says that the hybrid system temporarily boosts total horsepower to about 680 by recovering the energy usually lost during braking. Inside, the dashboard uses wood produced from used newspapers and the passenger compartment is a one-piece pod made from felt. "For the interior, I was inspired by an everyday object, the egg box," said Julien Cueff, Onyx interior stylist, in a release. "With remarkable economy of material, it protects very fragile items. I adapted the concept into an intuitive space, with a minimum of connected parts, to become one with the car." The two-tone Peugeot Onyx concept car wears what appears to be flat-black paint along with a copper color on the front fenders and doors. Carbon fiber most likely helps keep weight down while we'd be surprised if the Onyx didn't employ a full EV or diesel-hybrid powertrain. Peugeot already sells a diesel-electric hybrid in the form of the 3008 HYbrid4 plus 508-model variants. Peugeot's teaser video also shows the rear spoiler in action, along with intriguingly shaped rear styling details probably helping to increase aerodynamic efficiency. Though it's too early to predict whether the Onyx may evolve into a low-volume supercar, the car's technology will most likely be used in future Peugeots. | 9 | 932 | autos |
Volvo is dangling forbidden fruit in our faces at the Paris Motor Show. The automaker is showing off not one, but two wagon concepts based on the stunningly handsome V40 -- the Volvo V40 R-Design and the Volvo V40 Cross Country. The Volvo V40 R-Design can be filed under "never gonna happen." This stunning compact wagon (shown at the Paris Motor Show in Polestar's signature shade of Rebel Blue) takes a standard V40 and adds a satin metal-framed black gloss grille, a unique diffuser, twin exhaust pipes, 17- or 18-inch five-spoke diamond cut wheels, and an optional Polestar-developed Sport chassis. The Sport chassis is lowered almost a half-inch compared to the standard V40, and also includes new shocks, struts, dampers, and more. Though it's being displayed in T5 trim, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter I-5 making 250 hp, Volvo says the R-Design pack will be available with all engines, even its 1.6-liter 113-hp turbodiesel I-4. If any of Volvo's Paris Motor Show concepts had a shot at making their way to the United States, it'd be the Volvo V40 Cross Country. Just as the XC70 is the high-riding version of the V70, and the XC60 is the high-riding version of the V60. Lifted by 1.6 inches, the V40 Cross Country also gets XC70-like wheels, faux-skidplates, unique bumpers, and a new grille. Despite the fact that Volvo will bring neither the V40 R-Design nor V40 Cross Country to the U.S., that doesn't stop us wishing for the forbidden fruit. | 9 | 933 | autos |
Porsche sells nearly as many Cayenne luxury crossovers as the German automaker does 911s, Boxsters, and Caymans combined, so when Motor Trend 's 2011 SUV of the Year goes under the knife for a refresh, it's a big deal. In 2011, one Motor Trend staffer even called the Cayenne "the best all-around SUV I have ever driven." So with the 2015 Porsche Cayenne refreshed and heading to dealers this November, is it ready for the luxury SUV competition? Now armed with the Macan crossover in the $50,000 range, Porsche has made big price hikes for the model-year 2015 Cayenne. At least for now, the naturally aspirated V-6 is gone as a base model, leaving the $62,695 Cayenne Diesel (prices include $995 destination) as the least expensive way to step into Porsche's best-seller, when the Macan simply isn't big enough. Like all 2015 Cayennes, the Cayenne Diesel gets a restyled front clip with airblades that direct air to the intercoolers. Porsche has also updated the LED taillights, and says the license plate surround, liftgate handle, and taillights are better integrated into the liftgate lid. Though those details might better be appreciated in person, status-conscious Cayenne owners may be happy to know that, like the BMW X5, the Porsche now features exhaust outlets that are integrated into the rear bumper. Inside, there's a multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles. HID headlights are standard on the Diesel, S, and E-Hybrid models, while the Turbo gets standard LED headlights. Rear-seat ventilation is now an option, but there's no mention just yet of a stretched Cayenne that could compete directly with Range Rover and other super-luxury SUVs. The BMW X5 plug-in hybrid will have some competition when it arrives, in the form of the new 2015 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid. Motor Trend spent a year with a Cayenne S Hybrid , but the automaker's SUV hybrid is now a plug-in. As before, a 333-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 sits under the hood, but is paired with a now more powerful electric motor for 416 hp combined at 5500 rpm and 435 lb-ft of torque from 1250 to 4000 rpm. Porsche claims the all-electric top speed is 78 mph, but it remains to be seen how easily the powertrain will switch over to gas-engine power. The 10.8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be plugged in or charged while driving. Our 2011 Cayenne S Hybrid long-termer sprinted to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds; Porsche estimates the new S E-Hybrid will get to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds onto a 151 mph top speed for all those plug-in hybrid owners planning a trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Priced at $77,395 to start, we're eager to see how Porsche's third plug-in -- after the Panamera and 918 Spyder -- performs. The volume model probably won't be the Diesel or the E-Hybrid, but the Cayenne S. No longer using a V-8 engine, the 2015 Cayenne S sports an eight-speed automatic and a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6 with 420 hp at 6000 rpm and 406 lb-ft from 1350 to 4500 rpm, both gains over the outgoing V-8. The real gain will be in overall driving range and fuel economy -- the 2014 Cayenne S with a 4.8-liter V-8 is EPA-rated at 16/22 mpg city/highway. While mileage figures for the Diesel model have yet to be released, they won't stray far from the 2014 model's 20/29 mpg. The 2015 model's 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 produces 240 hp at 3800 to 4400 rpm and 406 lb-ft from 1750 to 2500 rpm. Porsche estimates a 0-62 mph time of 7.2 seconds -- a 2013 model got to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds in a comparison for which it placed second, behind the Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel, but ahead of the Mercedes-Benz ML350 Bluetec and Volkswagen Touareg TDI. At the top of the 2015 Cayenne lineup is the Turbo model. Under the hood of this ridiculous $114,595 crossover is a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V-8 with 520 hp at 6000 rpm and 553 lb-ft from 2250 to 4000 rpm. Porsche says the 2015 Cayenne Turbo will go from 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds, or a tenth quicker with the Sport Chrono package, on to a 173-mph top speed. It's the Cayenne crossover for the Porsche owner who must have the very best, though the 2015 Cayenne Turbo S can't be far behind. That not-yet-confirmed crossover will likely borrow the Panamera's 570-hp version of the twin-turbo 4.8-liter V-8, and we can't wait to get a BMW X5 M, Range Rover Sport SVR, Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo on the same track at the same time. Expect a price around $150,000. The second-generation Porsche Cayenne started its life earning the honor of becoming the Motor Trend 2011 SUV of the Year. Now refreshed for 2015 and strengthened by the Macan from below, we have no doubt Porsche's SUV-lead lineup isn't going anywhere anytime soon. | 9 | 934 | autos |
Let's get the obvious out of the way -- the 2015 Dodge Challenger is here and the model to covet is the SRT Hellcat , which churns out 707 hp from a supercharged V-8 and is priced right, with an MSRP of nearly $61,000 (including destination and gas-guzzler charges). Impressive indeed, but that much power for that much money is a bit much for most people. Thankfully, other powertrains do exist, including the carry-over 3.6-liter V-6 and 5.7-liter V-8, though those engines can now be bolted to a new eight-speed automatic. But the big news is that Dodge is now offering its big and burly 6.4-liter V-8 -- previously offered in only the Challenger SRT -- in a non-SRT Challenger, allowing you to upgrade to more power while saving some coin in the process. Read our 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat First Drive here . The Challenger R/T Scat Pack and Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker are the two non-SRT models getting the 6.4-liter V-8, which now makes 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque (the 2015 Challenger SRT 392 also makes the same power), an increase of 15 horses and 5 lb-ft compared to the 2014 Challenger SRT's engine. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a carry-over six-speed manual or an all-new eight-speed automatic that finally puts the archaic five-speed auto to rest. The benefits of the power bump and new automatic gearbox are noticeable. For starters, the Challenger feels much stronger off the line and the eight-speed shifts smoothly, regardless if you're driving hard on the track or going for an easy cruise on the street. Better yet, Dodge says the automatic improves fuel economy by about 8 percent, achieving an estimated 25 mpg on the highway compared to 23 mpg for the 2014 Challenger SRT paired with the five-speed. Additionally, the new automatic allows the 6.4-liter-equipped Challenger to skirt the gas guzzler tax, bringing the R/T Scat Pack's base price to $39,890. The six-speed manual is dinged with a $1000 guzzler tax, but is still cheaper at $39,490. As Dodge points out, the R/T Scat Pack bridges a gap that once existed between the 5.7-liter-powered R/T and the Challenger SRT. Model-year 2015 prices for those cars start at $32,490 and $46,990, respectively. That said, the R/T Scat Pack presents itself as a pretty good value and we doubt Dodge will have any issues selling a ton of them. The R/T Scat Pack's list of standard features includes 20-inch rims, Brembo four-piston brakes, sports suspension, and an active dual-exhaust system that produces a nice deep growl. Four-piston Brembos, by the way, were used on the 2014 Challenger SRT. The 2015 Challenger SRT 392 and Hellcat now get a more substantial Brembo brake setup that includes six-piston clampers up front. Other SRT-exclusive features include an adaptive suspension system and SRT's selectable drive modes. In all, the R/T Scat Pack finally brings the Challenger to the same playing field as the Camaro SS and Mustang GT. Meanwhile, the Challenger 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker adds a shaker hood with functional cold-air intake, Nappa leather, and other visual treatments. Slotting below this 2015 Challenger R/T Scat Pack is the Challenger R/T , which is still powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 making 375 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. We sampled an R/T with the new eight-speed auto (the six-speed is still available) at the Portland International Raceway and the powertrain never seemed out of breath, even on the long straights. The R/T's engine and exhaust note are a bit more docile than the 6.4's, and it's whisper quiet at cruising speeds. The R/T's suspension is a bit softer, too, but it's relatively stable through corners as long as you scrub off a lot of speed beforehand. That said, the Challenger excels on the open highway as a grand tourer, soaking up bumps with ease. We also got behind the wheel of a V-6-powered Challenger SXT , which, at first glance, left us wondering if a six-cylinder would be enough for the two-door brute. It didn't take long to quell those doubts and the eight-speed auto definitely helps the 3.6-liter V-6 (305 hp and 268 lb-ft) shine. (The six-speed manual is still off limits to the V-6.) Dodge says this powertrain will get 30 mpg on the highway, which is 3 mpg more than the outgoing 2014 model with the five-speed auto. In addition to the new gearbox, the Challenger's electronic architecture has been upgraded, which means the two-door can now be had with advanced tech such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision assist, and blind-spot monitoring. But Dodge didn't stop there. The automaker also put a lot of effort into making the cabin a better place to be, with updated soft-touch surfaces, revised switchgear, and an eye-catching instrument panel. The large, 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment touchscreen, which has impressed us in other Chrysler products, is finally available for the Challenger. Exterior tweaks are a bit more subtle, but include a revised front fascia with headlamps bordered by halo-style LED accents. Out back, the 2015 Challenger gets LED taillamps. Dodge boasts that sales of the last-gen Challenger were strong -- the Challenger's sales tally in 2013 doubled the amount it achieved in 2009 when it first launched. While Dodge undoubtedly did its homework for the SRT Hellcat , the automaker was wise to put a lot of effort into the rest of the lineup, especially the addition of the 6.4-liter V-8 for the "normal" Challenger. The R/T Scat Pack (and 392 Hemi Scat Pack Shaker) isn't quite the hellraiser the SRT Hellcat is, but it'll be entertaining to watch it pester the Mustang GT and Camaro SS. It can start doing just that when it, along with the rest of the Challenger lineup, arrives in showrooms this fall. 2015 Dodge Challenger SXT, R/T BASE PRICE $27,990-$39,490 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD, 5-pass, 2-door coupe ENGINE 3.6L/305-hp/268-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6; 5.7L/372-375-hp/400-410-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8; 6.4L/485-hp /475-lb-ft OHV 16-valve V-8 TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual; 8-speed auto CURB WEIGHT 3800-4100 lb (mfr est) WHEELBASE 116.2 in LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 197.9 x 75.7 x 57.5 in 0-60 MPH 4.5-6.5 sec (MT est) EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 14-18/23-30 mpg (MT est) ON SALE IN U.S. Third Quarter 2014 | 9 | 935 | autos |
Looking for a little wow factor this Valentine's Day? Turn up the heat with one of these inspired date ideas. You're sure to get some sparks flying. Plan the perfect picnic Sometimes the most romantic date idea is as close as your own living room. Throw some logs on the fire, spread a blanket on your living room rug, and hunker down for a romantic dinner for two. -- By Katherine West Slevin Go to Paris What could be more romantic than Paris? Spring a surprise trip on your date and head to the City of Light. Stroll along the Seine, kiss atop the Eiffel Tower, and get in touch with your inner Parisian. Bring Paris to you Can't quite afford a hop across the pond? Don't despair. Dust off your copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, queue up some Édith Piaf or classic French cinema, scatter a few well-placed photos of Parisian landmarks around la maison, and get ready to wine and dine your sweetie Paris-style. Take instruction Flirt with the unknown this Valentine's Day and spend the day learning a new skill. Sign up for a rock climbing school, book an excursion with a fly fishing instructor, or attend a cooking class. The adventure of it is sure to spur a little romance. Take the plunge No, not that plunge. Scope out a romantic river, lake, quarry or after-hours pool if you're in a colder climate, and sneak your honey in for a late-night swim. Clothing optional. Do the opposite Valentine's Day calls for something a bit out of the ordinary. Suburbanites, plan a night out in the city. City dwellers, head to the countryside for a romantic night away or day trip. Whether you're kicking it into high gear with a night on the town or slowing things down with a trip to the country the change of pace will do wonders for you and your romance. Nature calls Take in the scenery with a winter hike. Remember to bring along a thermos of cocoa (or spiked cider) to keep the chill away. Better yet, make a night of it. Pitch your tent and snuggle up for a romantic evening of camping. Go wild Take in your favorite exotic species and test your animal attraction this Valentine's Day with a trip to the zoo. Strolling around the African Savanna and Amazonia is sure to provoke some primal twinges. Revisit old haunts There's nothing like Valentine's Day to incite a little nostalgia. Return to the site of your first date, where you first met, or the spot where you proposed. Take your sweetie on a tour to visit romantic landmarks of years past. Perhaps you'll find a new one along the way. Go all out Pick up VIP passes to a special event. Whether it's a concert, a sporting event, or the opera, hit the town in style and give your date a night to remember. Take a tour A wine tour that is. Visit local wineries and explore new vintages and views. Check with local companies that offer tour packages and transportation, or hire your own car and driver for a more intimate excursion. Wine not your style? Many breweries also offer tours. Elevate your expectations Is your romance in need of some new perspective this Valentine's Day? Consider taking your date for a ride in a hot air balloon. For ultimate romance, schedule it for sunrise or sunset and spring for the champagne and gourmet treats. Get starry-eyed Go stargazing at your local planetarium. Check with local museums and science centers to see if they have a planetarium that offers public shows. You never know, your celestial navigation might just lead to some navigation of another sort. Laugh out loud Laughter releases endorphins, the body's feel-good chemicals. So what better way to give your date a jumpstart than by taking in a comedy show? Check your local comedy clubs and entertainment venues for upcoming acts. Get sporty The couple that plays together, stays together. Ensure fun this Valentine's Day by hitting up the batting cage, mini-golf course or bowling alley. After all, there's nothing like a little friendly competition to turn up the heat. Show some vibrato The grandeur of the opera, with its spectacular scene design, costumes and ensembles, is undoubtedly Valentine's Day worthy. Transport your date to another time and place with a trip to the opera house. Go for a spin Get your blood pumping by going for a bike ride. Many cities and tourist hotspots have bike shares or outfitters where you can rent bikes by the hour or day, and some offer scenic tours. Turn up the flirtation factor and check to see if they have tandem models available. Get caught in the snow February is the perfect time to engage in a little wintery play. Spend the day snowshoeing, skiing, tubing or ice-skating. Better yet, make a weekend of it. Spend your days playing in the powder and your nights cuddled up in front of the fire. Cut a rug Spice things up this Valentine's Day and surprise your sweetie with a dance class. Go in for the more sensual dance styles like tango, salsa or rhumba. After class, take your newly acquired moves out on the town. If nothing else, it's bound to result in a few hearty laughs. Slow your gait Go for a dreamy horseback ride through snow-covered pines. Whether it's a day spent at your local riding stable or a weekend away at a horse farm or guest ranch, it will be a Valentine's Day to remember. Chart new waters Take your Valentine on a dinner or sunset cruise. Enjoy an extravagant meal or sip champagne while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Once you're back on shore, remember to keep the romance afloat. Get rubbed A couple's massage class is the gift that keeps on giving and a pretty hot date. You and your Valentine will get some hands-on instruction that will undoubtedly lead to countless nights of fun. Learning new tricks not exactly your style? No worries, simply book a couple's massage at your local spa (sans instruction) to start your Valentine's Day off with a little sensual relaxation. Be naughty Inject some excitement into your romance this Valentine's Day with a covert operation. Sneak into a movie, prowl around the zoo after-hours, or go for an after-hours swim at a hotel pool. Sometimes a little mischief is just what you need to recharge your courtship. Just be careful not to get caught! Do some toe tapping Whether it's the symphony, a local act at the town pub or a stadium-worthy rock show, infuse your Valentine's Day with some music. You'll be humming those sweet sounds all the way home. Bend it like Buddha Get in sync with your Valentine and take a couples yoga class. Partner yoga is fun, invigorating and a great way to connect. Looking to turn up the heat? Consider some one-on-one instruction in tantric yoga. Go gaming Hit up the nearest arcade or boardwalk and challenge your date to a game of skeeball, Donkey Kong or Whac-A-Mole. If things are going well, stay for a rematch. Go parking Most of us haven't been parking since high school, when the presence of parents and a lack of our own apartments forced us to find creative places to spend quality time with our heartthrobs. This Valentine's Day, rediscover the thrill of young love. Take your sugar for a trip down Lover's Lane (literally). Find a dark, secluded place to park and jump in the backseat for a steamy make-out session that neither of you will soon forget. Soak it up Transform your washroom into your own personal spa. Light some candles, queue some romantic ballads, and draw a bubble bath for two. Get lyrical Poetry slams, where poets go head-to-head reciting original work to enthusiastic audiences of would-be judges, offer culture and art in a hip scene. Check local bars, coffee houses and clubs for upcoming shows, or contact your local slam poet's society. Stay local What says Valentine's Day better than a night away at a fancy hotel? But, you don't have to travel far. Check out Valentine's Day packages at hotels in your own city. Simply moving your love affair to a new location (even if it's just down the street) might be what you need to turn up the heat. Turn up the heat Go in for some uninhibited fun this Valentine's Day and take in a peep show or burlesque. From Las Vegas style spectacles to vintage vaudeville, there are some tasteful options out there. Warning: may quickly lead to some wicked flirtation. Go on the hunt Join a professionally organized scavenger hunt or go geocaching. Geocaching, where treasure hunting and GPS technology meet, can make for hours of fun. Looking for something a little more intimate? Consider designing your own hunt, leaving clues for your beloved to follow to a romantic (or saucy) destination. Seek out hidden watering holes The modern day speakeasy where unmarked doors, elusive entrances and obscured intercoms meet with accomplished mixologists. No longer the illicit establishments of the Prohibition years, speakeasies have made a comeback. Inject some intrigue (and tasty craft cocktails) into your Valentine's Day and check out your town's underground speakeasy scene. Go-lightly Get in touch with your inner Holly Golightly. Spend the day with your Valentine, flirtatiously taking turns doing things that you have never done before à la Breakfast at Tiffany's. It might be just the thing to kick-start your romance or add a much-needed spark. Be a tourist Can't get away this Valentine's Day? Pretend you're a tourist in your own city. Visit a museum, take a city tour, or hit up popular tourist attractions. You may end up reviving your love affair with your city as well as your date. Spoil her You're sure to win big points with this one. Send your sweetie-pie to the spa for a day of relaxation, pick her up with a new outfit in hand, and take her out for a night on the town. Your efforts will be returned tenfold. Keep things moving Plan a progressive dinner: appéritifs sipped from a scenic rooftop, hors d'oeuvres taken at a high-end eatery, small plates at a fireside café, topped off with sweets and digestifs at an upscale cocktail lounge. The constant visual and oral stimulation offered by a progressive dinner is sure to keep things interesting. Tap your inner chef Cooking a meal together is a great way to spice things up, literally. Make it an all-day event by meeting your date in the cookbook section of your local bookstore (there are some great cookbooks that offer aphrodisiac meals for two), shop at your local famer's market for ingredients, then hit the kitchen and turn up the heat. Be athletic Hockey and basketball season are upon us. Take on a playful spirit and treat your date to a game. Who knows, by next Valentine's Day maybe you'll be ready for season tickets. Plan a stay-date Kids or a lack of reservations have you housebound this Valentine's Day? Not to worry. Surprise your sweetie with a romantic night in. Similar to a staycation, a stay-date can pack just as much romance and excitement as a night out. Create your own aphrodisiac tasting menu, roast marshmallows and stargaze in your backyard, or decorate your house to resemble your sweetheart's dream destination. | 4 | 936 | lifestyle |
Use these tips to fall in love again. Believe it's possible to fall in love again The first step toward falling in love again is to believe that it's possible. Give yourself what Buddhists call "beginner's mind," which is an openness and eagerness to change your current way of thinking. If you and your partner believe that you can rediscover what you first loved about each other, then you can. Make time to laugh together Laughter has been described as good medicine because it helps us feel better, and because it makes so many life events easier to handle. If you can find humor in everyday situations, and you make a point of sharing funny moments together, the good feelings and shared joy that result will help your relationship thrive. Be affectionate Who doesn't enjoy knowing they are truly loved? One of the surest ways to demonstrate love for your partner is with affection: quick kisses, gentle back rubs and holding hands. These loving gestures probably came naturally when you first met, and they still feel really good. Bring 'em back and see what happens. Spend time without the kids As much as you love your children, you and your partner were together and in love before the kids arrived, and hopefully you'll be together and just as much in love when the kids are off on their own. It makes sense in the meantime to plan some alone time just for the two of you to remember the person you fell in love with and to discover who that special person is now. Be generous Thoughtfulness and generosity often come naturally to new couples, because they're delighted to be together and they want those feelings to show. That's why it's sad when couples stop paying attention to each other, and the kind and generous gestures they once enjoyed are reserved for other friends and family. Practice your own version of the Golden Rule and freely share what you have: thoughts, compliments, the newspaper or the last slice of cake. Find each other sexy Sure, we all want to be appreciated for our intelligence, wit and sparkling personalities. But wouldn't it also feel great to be thought of as wildly attractive? While it's true that women are judged more than men by their appearance, we all have the perfected images of models and actors to emulate. Knowing that someone thinks we're hot can be very appealing, so let each other know that your sexual sparks are still alive. Learn about each other Relationship experts know that the quality of friendship a couple shares how well they know each other, and how interested they are is often an indicator of the strength of the relationship. People change over the years, so don't assume you know your partner well just because you live together. Demonstrate your interest by talking with each other about your friends, work, favorite books or childhood memories, and rekindle those sparks you felt when you first met. Be willing to forgive If there's one experience common to all relationships, it's this: at some point your partner will hurt your feelings or disappoint you, and you'll do the same. When that happens, don't automatically close the door to the relationship (and your heart) if your partner seems genuinely sorry and is willing to work through problems with you. As the celebrated writer Maya Angelou wisely advises, "Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time." Plan romantic date nights With the pressure of jobs, kids and household duties, couples sometimes put romance on the back burner. Don't let that happen to you. No matter how busy you both are, make time occasionally for romantic evenings, whether you make reservations at a 4-star restaurant or plan a picnic in the park. A romantic interlude could be just the thing to jumpstart your love. Say I love you, often You've been together for a while, and you know you love each other, but that's no reason to put your relationship on autopilot, assuming that it will stay on a steady course forever. All relationships need nurturing, and all partners can benefit from being reminded that they are loved. So express your love as often as you can. Reignite your passion for life Remember when you first met? How eager you were to share your thoughts, interests and friends with each other? If the years have worn you down and now the best thing you share is a bag of chips while you watch TV, it's time to rediscover your passion for life. Do this for your relationship and for yourself, because you'll feel happier and more satisfied with life. A partner who is open to new activities and interests is more fun, more intriguing, and much more likely to be someone you could fall in love with all over again. Kiss a lot One of the best ways to fall in love again is to go back to basics. Forget the quick peck goodnight and kiss your partner like you mean it. A passionate kiss creates a connection that even the most romantic words can't emulate, so let your lips do the talking. Who knows a good old-fashioned make-out session might help you feel like a kid again. Get back in shape One of the most common complaints from long-term couples is that one or both partners have let themselves go. This could mean gaining a few pounds, spending less time on personal grooming, or settling into a dull daily routine. If this sounds familiar, take heart. It's easy to fix, and you'll reap the rewards of higher self-esteem, greater interest in life and renewed attention from your partner. Tackle a self-improvement project together Do you both have an interest in losing 10 pounds, learning Italian, or climbing a rock wall? It may seem counterintuitive tackling a project to help you fall in love again but setting a goal, planning your strategy and celebrating your success is one of the best ways to bond and build trust, respect and love. Find a goal you'd both like to accomplish and work on it together. Share a dream When you're newly in love, a big part of the excitement is having dreams and goals in common, and building a life that moves you toward them. Now that your relationship is a little farther along, perhaps some of those dreams have been achieved or abandoned. Don't settle for stagnation identify some new goals (both long- and short-term) that you can share and work toward as a couple. Surprise your partner Nothing beats the blahs like a surprise or two, so shake up your daily routine a little. A weekend in Paris may sound divine, but these changes don't have to be big or expensive to be effective. Take a daily routine like kitchen duty, for example: instead of just unloading the dishwasher while your partner cooks dinner, try turning on some music and asking him to dance. Don't take each other for granted One of the joys of being in a long-term relationship is having a partner you can count on, but the downside of constancy is complacency. If you and your partner seem to be taking each other for granted, take a new look with fresh eyes, appreciate one another's great qualities, and express your appreciation. Who knows you may find new qualities you can fall in love with. Shake up your sex life Even the most passionate partners can get bored with the same old routines. Put aside your tried-and-trues and try a bit of role playing, act out your fantasies, or have your next sexual rendezvous in a new place. With a little imagination, you can return to those early times when you couldn't keep your hands off each other. Be kind One common habit among couples that have been together for a while is letting go of the good manners they practice every day with strangers. By demonstrating kindness toward your partner, which includes speaking respectfully, listening attentively and lending a helping hand when it's needed, you show your love and respect for each other. Make your relationship a priority Although it's not healthy to make your relationship the sole focus of your life, it's important for both partners in a couple to acknowledge how important they are to each other. Set aside time to be alone together, and make decisions in ways that strengthen your bond. By being mindful of your partner and the importance of your relationship, you can fall in love all over again and your love can thrive.Sharon O'Brien is a licensed counselor and freelance writer in Portland, Oregon. | 4 | 937 | lifestyle |
Ideas for unusual wedding must-haves. Every betrothed couple wants a wedding that guests will remember. But you don't have to say your vows in an Italian vineyard to make your wedding memorable. With a little imagination, even common wedding must-haves -- food, flowers and music -- can be special. These ideas for unusual wedding must-haves can transform your nuptials from ordinary...to extraordinary. Choose an Unusual Venue Instead of a hotel ballroom or banquet hall, consider holding your wedding or reception in a spot that has special meaning for you. That could be a theme park, museum, zoo, historical location -- or even an art gallery. Unusual venues often cost less to rent than more traditional ones, so if a place looks interesting to you, ask. You may be surprised how easy it is to secure a truly memorable location. Bridal White…or a Bold Color? Generations of brides have chosen traditional white or ivory gowns, and they are beautiful. But if color better suits your style, look for a dress in your favorite bold hue and have your attendants wear a paler version, or black. If you fall in love with a traditional white gown, make it unique by adding a sash in your favorite bright color. Make Your Bridal Party a Real Party Who says the bride's attendants have to be all female (or all-male for the groom)? Choose the people who mean the most to you. That could be other family members, friends of all ages, neighbors, or mentors. If you like the look of a wedding party in matching outfits, choose what your attendants will wear, just as you would in a traditional wedding. Get Creative with Flowers If you have a favorite flower, ask your florist to feature it in the wedding and the reception by designing arrangements that feature your special bloom in one color or a multitude of colors. Instead of carrying a pale bouquet down the aisle, have your attendants carry pale nosegays while you carry a bold and colorful arrangement. For the reception, consider different arrangements of the same flowers, or mix a variety of flowers and use vases in varying sizes. Serve Sweet Bites Instead of a traditional wedding cake, serve individual wedding cupcakes, or have a dessert buffet and let guests sample a little bit of everything. This idea may save some money, because the labor involved in traditional wedding cakes can make them more expensive than other desserts. And this way, you can buy from your favorite bakery, even if they don't do wedding cakes. Let Your Guests Have Their Say It's your special day, but you can help your guests feel like they are creating a bit of history by sharing their loving thoughts and wishes for the happy couple. Hire a videographer and set up the camera in an out-of-the-way place at the reception. Encourage guests to record their good wishes as a keepsake for the couple. A Reception to Remember Instead of traditional dining and dancing after the ceremony, consider hosting a cookout on the beach, treating everyone to miniature golf, or taking your guests to an amusement park to ride on a rollercoaster. A wedding reception is all about having a good time and celebrating the new couple -- so anything goes as long as it's fun. Plan Around a Color Theme Add drama to your wedding by choosing a color theme. This can range from variations on white (which can be very elegant) to pale pastels, colors from nature, or bold red, purple, pink or blue. Use this theme throughout your wedding--décor, flowers, tablecloths, and so on--for a lovely and memorable event. Your Music, Your Way Want to make your wedding reception more personal? Instead of a traditional band or DJ, feature Irish, Greek or Spanish music. Or hire a swing band. Your guests will love it -- and it will set your wedding apart from all the others. Let the Party Begin As the wedding feast winds down and just before the dancing begins, bring in entertainers for a short post-dinner show. Book singers, dancers, jugglers, or even a comedian to get the crowd warmed up before the dancing starts. Your entertainers don't have to be professionals -- talented amateurs are fine and you can often hire them cheap (or maybe for free, if they really like you). The idea is to make your reception an event to remember. Personalize the Food If you prefer something more interesting than the traditional beef or chicken so often served at weddings, how about dishing up foods that reflect your cultural heritage? Is your town known for a local specialty? Or what about food you just plain love, like sushi, cheeseburgers or dim sum? If you love it, chances are your guest will too. Do-It-Yourself Dessert For a small wedding, try offering do-it-yourself desserts like fondue, s'mores or a chocolate fountain, perfect for dipping fresh fruit. The informal approach will soon have guests laughing and chatting, and they'll really feel like part of the event. Wow Them with the Invitation The invitation is the first note in the concert of your wedding celebration. Make your invitation memorable -- and make it a keepsake for friends and family -- by using bright colors or unusual paper or notecards. Personalize it even more with your favorite quote, poem, or photos. Boogie Down, Baby It's part of every wedding: that delicious moment of anticipation the guests feel, right before the wedding march begins. If Wagner's melody (the familiar tune you know as "Here Comes the Bride") is a bit tame for you, give your guests something to remember by walking down the aisle to hip-hop, jazz, or whatever your favorite music happens to be. Or maybe you won't walk...you'll dance. Entertain Your Dinner Guests In addition to great food, make your wedding dinner extra-special by giving guests something to look at. Collect cute, sweet and funny photos of the couple, from infancy to now, and create a slideshow or table collages as part of the dinner entertainment. Capture All the Special Moments Wedding photos of the couple, bridal party and immediate family are definite must-haves. But don't forget the fleeting and memorable moments leading up to the ceremony. Enlist friends, family or a professional photographer to snap candid photos of the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelor party, wedding planning, dress try-ons, rehearsals...all the special moments between "will you" and "I do" that you'll both want to remember. Add a Musical Surprise Make dinner memorable by adding music. Hire singing servers (they don't have to be professional singers, just folks with a sense of humor and a willingness to perform) or ask members of the wedding party to lead guests in song. Make a Keepsake Guestbook For a guestbook you'll treasure, provide sheets of paper and pens at each table and ask guests to answer a question, for example: "how did you meet the couple," or "what's your favorite memory of the bride or groom?" Or you could ask guests to draw a picture that represents the couple or the occasion. Afterward, make a scrapbook you'll enjoy for years to come. Say Hello and Goodbye The receiving line is a lovely post-ceremony tradition. Build on that by adding a receiving line at the end of the reception. Instead of letting guests just wander off, cap your celebration by saying personal goodbyes to everyone and thanking them again for being part your big day.Sharon O'Brien is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon. | 4 | 938 | lifestyle |
DO create an engaging profile Any single guy or gal will tell you dating isn"t easy. Luckily, there are rules to help guide us along the way. Here are the ultimate dating dos and don"ts. If you're into online dating, you know there's a lot of competition. Put your best digital foot forward. "That means a fantastic photo and interesting profile that speaks to your target audience," says Paula Rosdol, an online dating coach and expert. DON'T falsely advertise You want to present your best self, but you definitely don't want to fib about who you are. Make sure your bio is genuine and your profile picture looks like you. Catfishing is not cool. DO pace yourself "One of the most common ways to get involved with the wrong person is by accelerating the pace of your relationship," Rosdol tells MSN. When it comes to dating, slow and steady usually wins. And if the relationship works out, you'll be thankful that you took time to enjoy every moment. DON'T give up It's easy to lose hope in the daunting world of dating. Don't forget that it takes time to find the right person. "Like pursuing and attaining any worthwhile goal, finding the right person and relationship at any age takes a certain amount of commitment and determination," Rosdol says. DO volunteer Not having much luck at the bar or online? Try volunteering. Even if you don't find a date, your time will still have been well spent. DON'T jump out of the closet and into online dating Coming out of the closet still isn't easy. For those who have newly declared their homosexuality, rejection can be traumatizing. Clinton Power, an expert on gay dating issues, told MSN: "[Online dating] can sometimes harm the self-esteem and self-regard of gay people in a negative way as they experience multiple rejections from people." In short, love is a battlefield, even online. Be wary. DO network and seek support If you're newly out of the closet, meeting like-minded people is key. "Meeting other gay and lesbian people through sporting groups, interest groups, clubs and through friends is the most natural way to help meet potential romantic partners," Power tells us. "These social networks are critical for the good mental health of all gay and lesbian people." DO take time to plan the date "I don't know, what do you want to do?" sounds bad enough after years of marriage. But on a first date? Unacceptable. If you asked for the date, you should also do the planning. Put some effort into your courtship. DON'T try too hard Planning the date is one thing, but keep your plans limited to the near future, at least in the beginning. Dating confidence coach Adam LoDolce, creator of the film "Go Talk to Her," puts it simply: "Don't be needy." DO split the bill Ah, the story of the bill. Who should pay on a first date? It's been a touchy topic for a while, but splitting the bill is totally acceptable. Most people also adhere to the first date rule that "whoever does the asking does the paying." DON'T be afraid of chivalry Guys can split the check, but they can also open car doors, pull out chairs and walk a woman to her door. Not all ladies are wooed by gentleman, but it's better to err on the side of chivalry. DON'T overshare about an ex In life and in dating, some things never change. Keeping quiet about your ex on a first date is one of those things. Talking too much about your last relationship is impolite, awkward and shows you're probably not ready to dive back into dating. DO maintain eye contact Don't be creepy, but do show that you're interested in your date. "Listen and ask great questions," LoDolce tells us. DON'T ogle others Dating site eHarmony asked women about their top complaints regarding men. No. 2? "He can't stop looking at women." But the ogling works both ways women should be cautious of their gaze, too. Make sure you're focused on your date. That means ignoring the eye candy. DO flaunt your sense of humor "Be sarcastic and witty, playful and fun," LoDolce says. You don't have to workshop your stand-up routine (and you probably shouldn't), but definitely show your date that you love to laugh. And who doesn't? DON'T be self-deprecating It's great to be able to laugh at yourself, but don't overdo it. Too much self-deprecation and they'll probably start to wonder why they agreed to go out with you in the first place. DO edit yourself Yes, grammar is important, even in dating. There's no need to copy edit your text messages, but you might want to give them a quick once over. "Wuld u like 2 go out again" is both grammatically and romantically incorrect. DO look for love in unlikely places More and more singles are looking for love in unlikely places. Be mindful of your surroundings, but don't rule out meeting someone at the airport, in another city or, yes, even at a multinational megastore. DON'T go out in a big group If you're looking for love, "big groups are usually overly intimating," LoDolce says. He suggests limiting your entourage to three. DON'T feel bad about being a late bloomer It's never too late to find love, and it's never too late to get started with dating. In fact, a University of Texas study found that late bloomers are actually more satisfied with their relationships down the road. DO keep up with the times Some dating rules are forever, and some are a-changin'. For example, plenty of men like forward women. A Huffington Post survey found that 82 percent of men like a woman who's comfortable with asking them out. So ladies, don't be afraid to put yourself out there. DON'T obsess over your ideal No, you shouldn't settle. But you shouldn't rule out anyone who doesn't fit the 'Prince Charming' persona, either. "Give anyone five minutes of your time," LoDolce says. DO acknowledge red flags Some red flags are universal, and some depend on the individual. Go with your gut when it comes to acknowledging dating deal-breakers. "And if the flag is too red hot," LoDolce says, "get out quickly before you're in too deep." DON'T get drunk on a first date You can't make a second first impression, so you probably don't want to be sloshed when you meet a potential partner. You know your own drink limits, but as a general rule, don't have more than two. DO have fun and be a flirt. "Have a great smile and a magnetic vibe," LoDolce advises. Remember this is a date, not a job interview. DO ask questions It may not be a job interview, but it is sort of a relationship interview. You want to get to know the person with whom you'll potentially be sharing lots of time. Don't get too personal, but don't be afraid to inquire about work, friends and hobbies. DON'T talk too much "People want to express themselves," LoDolce reminds us. Allow your date to get to know you, but take the time to get to know your date, too. Frankly, that means knowing when to shut up. DO follow up It's perfectly fine to call or send a post-date text message. "I had a really great time," is a simple and sweet way to let the other person know you're game for another outing. DON'T lose hope if they haven't responded He hasn't called? She won't respond to your text? He might be busy; she might not be interested. Don't let that trigger feelings of insecurity or inadequacy. DON'T make dating the center of your life Liz Marie, social media manager of WeLoveDates.com, tells us: "If one of your hobbies is checking our online dating inbox, it might be time to back away from the dating game just a bit." It's important to maintain your hobbies, friendships and career. Ultimately, these things will only make you more appealing to potential mates. DO research your date There's nothing wrong with doing a quick online search of your date before you meet him or her. You want to know what you're getting into, after all. It's also a good way to prevent online dating fraud. DON'T cyber stalk While it's totally fine to do a web search of your date, cyber stalking is another story. If you suddenly find yourself perusing his ex girlfriend's Facebook page, put down the mouse and back away. "Totally creepy," Marie says. "With a few clicks you can find out anything about anyone...but that doesn't mean you should." DO learn lessons from bad dates If you're stuck on a lackluster date, Marie suggests using it to sharpen your skills: "Bad dates can teach you how to talk to anyone, how to pretend to listen when you really aren't, and how to be assertive yet polite when you just need to get the heck out of there." DON'T be a show off Impress a date with your manners, not with superficial details such as your job title or bank balance. Showing off only comes across as insecure, LoDolce says. DO show confidence Be confident without having to say it. Self-assurance goes a long way with first impressions, so learn the fine line between confidence and cockiness. DON'T talk about sex Sure, it might be on your mind. But talking about it too soon just makes things awkward. Simone Paget, a blogger for WeLoveDates, explains: "Making sexual innuendo, sharing your bedroom habits or asking inappropriate questions during the first date is likely to make everyone feel uncomfortable." DO talk about your passions "First dates can be a bit nerve-wracking," Paget says. "Talking about subjects that you're already excited and passionate about is way easier and a good way to connect with the other person." DON'T complain too much Is there a draft? Was the dessert too rich? Need more water? Keep it to yourself. It's all too easy to fill awkward silences with small complaints about your surroundings. Make sure to minimize your grumblings. "Keep things upbeat and positive," Paget advises. DON'T leave your cellphone on the table We shouldn't have to tell you this, but some singles are guilty. "I know for a fact that there are guys out there who think it's going to help their cause to put their cellphone right side up on the table and have it buzzing a few times," LoDolce told us. "It's the biggest deal breaker. Put it in your pocket. Done deal." DO reevaluate your physical standards You might nab dates with hotties, but if those relationships are fizzling out quickly it might be time to look at your standards. "Redefine what your needs are, and redefine what you want," LoDolce advises. "If you're looking for a lasting, loving relationship, you should know, logically, that [physical] attraction is less important than your emotional attraction."Kristin Wong is a freelance writer who frequently writes about dating and relationships for MSN Living. | 4 | 939 | lifestyle |
10. Circle the lot 4 times looking for a better parking spot. Feel misplaced sense of pride when finding a spot 2 spaces closer than the one you spied when you arrived 12 minutes ago. 9. Upon entrance, make a beeline directly to the in-store Starbucks. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Instead, *spend* $200 buying a tall latte for yourself and a milk box and bag of Cheddar Bunnies for the kidlette. 8. Head to clothing section. Consider a cute peplum top in slimming black, while kid complains in cart about how long it's taking to get to the toy section. Put peplum top into cart and hope it achieves its purpose in your wardrobe: to stylishly camouflage belly flab. 7. Set latte down in cart while contemplating new workout gear that will be worn for sitting on the couch. Sigh when kid spills latte with leg. Search for paper towels to no avail. 'Mop' up latte with Old Navy receipt found in handbag. More from Dynamom: Dear fellow parents, why babies and restaurants don't mix 6. Arrive at toy section. Child wants 3 new Hot Wheels trucks. Enter into lengthy in-aisle discussion with child about how they need to appreciate the things they have and enjoy what they already own. Revel in glory from respected glances via other Hot Wheels Aisle Moms clearly struggling with same issue. Settle on one new truck for child, feel accomplished and await Good Mom Award or sash of some stripe. 5. Feel very frugal buying dog food on sale, even though it's only $.15 cheaper than normal. Put another bag into cart. Contemplate emailing TLC to be featured on Extreme Couponers because obviously this is talent, people. 4. Find food section. Add the following: fruit chews, potato chips, Cheez-its, granola bars, peanut butter, frozen waffles, giant bag of mandarin oranges. Every. Time. More from Dynamom: I survived a $17 haircut 3. Browse housewares section for no apparent reason. Realize you really need an owl candle. And a citrus scented home fragrance diffuser. And that white lacquered tray. 2. Look at contents of cart. Experience momentary guilt about home décor purchases. Remove peplum shirt and set next to stackable crates. Consider buying a stackable crate. 1. Check out at the register. Feel simultaneously proud and horrified that you're spending $148. Realize your kid is still holding the Hot Wheels truck. Make that $152. More from Dynamom: 10 things about going to the movies with kids Dynamom is lighting up the internet with a sensible flameless candle. Find more at her blog , or come chat with her on Facebook and Twitter . 10 men single moms should avoid | 4 | 940 | lifestyle |
The most memorable gifts come from the heart. In that spirit, here are 20 heartfelt ways to delight your significant other, without breaking your budget. Book a romantic hotel Many hotels cater to business travelers who go home on weekends so nice rooms are often available at less-expensive weekend rates. Take advantage of this and treat your sweetie to a romantic night in a hotel. Whether you choose to order dinner from room service or see the town, this short getaway will help you both get away from it all for a little while. Serve breakfast in bed It's such a simple idea that it's easy to overlook, but don't. Breakfast in bed, made and served with love, is the perfect way to start the day. Whether you're serving a quick weekday bowl of cereal, or Eggs Benedict on Sunday morning, make it memorable: good china, a cloth napkin and a single fresh flower in a bud vase. Give the gift of music No music lover can ever have too large a collection, and individual songs are very affordable. Surprise your significant other by downloading one of his favorite tunes and emailing it to him. Whenever he hears it, he'll think of you. Shower your love with lovely quotes Do a little online research to find romantic quotes that express your love, then write them out by hand. Sprinkle these love quotes around the house where you know your partner will find them, or find a special place to put one each day for a week or two. Massage her cares away When she gets home from a long day at work, surprise your love with a refreshing beverage or glass of wine and invite her to relax on the couch. Treat her to a relaxing foot massage that begins with gentle cleansing and ends with soothing lotion. Give an unexpected gift If you pass by a shop and see a new book by your partner's favorite author on display, buy a copy and surprise her. If a bouquet of flowers reminds you of his blue eyes, bring them home. Some of the best surprises are the unexpected ones gifts large or small that arrive for no particular reason other than to say, "I love you and I'm thinking of you." Create new traditions You don't have to be married to celebrate a special anniversary. Make your own celebration by commemorating special dates that only belong to you: the day you met, the first time you made love, or even the day you discovered you both love Star Trek movies. There's no limit to the number of special events you can celebrate each year, so pull out your calendars and start planning. Make a coupon book of special treats Here's an idea that never gets old: put together a handmade book of coupons for things you know your partner would love to receive from you back rubs, shopping dates, breakfast in bed, games of catch and present it at an unexpected time, i.e. not a birthday or holiday. This is a gift that can make any day special. Text a love poem Feeling creative? Put your inner poet to work on a short original poem or haiku that uniquely expresses your love, then text it to your significant other as a personal, private and special surprise. Relive her favorite movie scene Does your partner have a favorite scene from a romantic movie? Make her fantasy come true by restaging the scene, complete with friends as actors if the situation calls for it. Just make sure that when the scene ends, you are alone together. Do a little online shopping It wouldn't be hard to figure out which online stores your partner favors. Perhaps, under the guise of buying a gift for someone else, you and your sweetie can go online shopping together, while you pay attention to items he especially likes. Without his knowledge, order the item and have it delivered to him at work. Pack a love note with her lunch Who doesn't love to know they're loved? Remind your significant other by penning a short love note even three little words will do and placing it in her lunch bag so she'll find it in the middle of the day. Buy tickets for something he loves You may not love monster trucks or professional hockey, but if your sweetie does purchase two good seats to his favorite event and let yourself really get into it. Arrange some time beforehand and ask him about the event you're going to see. When the program starts, give it your full attention and see it through his eyes. Sing 'your' song Do you and your love have a special song? Learn all the lyrics and perform it a cappella or with musical accompaniment at an unexpected time: while you're walking through the grocery store, waiting for the subway, or putting gas in the car. The public display isn't required, but it does add to the fun. Lighten the load For a gift that's easy to give but will be much appreciated surprise your partner by taking over a household chore that he or she usually handles. For example, if she does most of the cooking, offer to plan and cook dinner for a week. If taking out the trash is his domain, take over those weekly duties for a month. Bathe together Do a little advance planning so you know the timing is right and you have all the supplies on hand. Then arrange a romantic bath or shower for two, complete with scented soap, a bath sponge, and his or her favorite hair care products. Having someone shampoo your hair is incredibly relaxing and sensual, so be prepared to move from bathroom to bedroom when the time is right. Plan a mystery date night When you want to treat your significant other to something a bit more special than dinner at the usual restaurant, plan a mystery date night. It doesn't have to be expensive, just make sure you're doing things you've never done together before: explore a new neighborhood, sample ethnic cuisine, or listen to a new kind of music. Tell your sweetie what to wear and to bring an open mind, and then have an adventure you'll both remember. Create a wallpaper surprise Here's a simple gift that makes a memorable impression. Choose a photo of the two of you, from your favorite vacation or a special moment in your relationship, and turn it into the wallpaper on your partner's laptop, tablet or phone. Give the gift of time Check in with your partner's supervisor to arrange for your partner to take an unexpected day off, but make it a surprise. When he gets to work he'll be told he has the day off, and you'll be there to whisk him away to a fun day you'll spend together. Plan ahead by bringing him a change of clothes. Write a love letter Think about all the qualities you love about your partner and put them in a love letter, handwritten on fine paper. Take your time with this lovely project and include as many details as you can think of about how she looks, how she thinks, what she likes to do and how she makes your life special. Sharon O'Brien is freelance writer in Portland, Oregon, who loves a good surprise. | 4 | 941 | lifestyle |
Originality is nice when it comes to proposal ideas, but some have taken creativity to a whole new level. Here are 20 of the most unique marriage proposals ever. Hey, Punkin' Forget Valentine's Day, this guy made Halloween the most romantic holiday ever. A woman named Courtney told Glamour that she and her boyfriend had a pumpkin-carving contest. The boyfriend insisted they hide their pumpkins until they were done. When he turned his pumpkin around for the reveal, it read: "MARRY ME?" He definitely won the contest. A Crappy Proposal? Sara Barron's proposal story is cringe-worthy, but if you're a fan of toilet humor, you'll love it. She explains how her man popped the question: "My boyfriend proposed by hiding the ring in the toilet," Sara wrote at TheFrisky.com. "He got me to find it by pretending he'd taken the world's biggest " well, you get the idea. Upon finding the ring, Sara said yes, and the two are undoubtedly living in bathroom bliss. A Delicious Proposal This proposal will make your heart melt and your mouth water. Rachel Fox and her boyfriend, Ari Weitz, walked into their favorite ice cream shop. There was a delicious new mystery flavor that coincidentally included all of Rachel's favorite things: caramel, pretzel, cookie dough and peanut butter. After the couple tasted the new flavor, the shop owner pointed to its name, written on the menu board: "Rachel, Will You Marry Me?" Fast food Can Be Good For You There's something to be said for getting down on one knee the old fashioned way but, hey, a fried chicken sandwich works, too. A woman posted a Facebook photo of her boyfriend's fast food proposal, which featured a diamond engagement ring sticking out of a sandwich bun."I said yes," she revealed. But is that to the proposal or the sandwich? You Drive Me Crazy Felix Flores had a thing for Ford Mustangs. He also felt strongly about his girlfriend, Addy Moreno. So he decided to combine his two loves by spelling out "WILL U MARRY ME" in Mustangs. The whole thing went down at San Antonio's Latemodel Restoration, where the staff posted the photo on their Facebook page. They confirmed that Addy said, "yes!" She Got the Memo "Sex and the City" taught us that love and Post-its don't mix, but a Denver man changed the game. Brett Beutler wrote, "I Love You" on 8,000 Post-it notes, and then covered the walls of his girlfriend's apartment with them. Using different colored notes, he spelled out: "Will You Marry Me?" His girlfriend said yes, and she described the proposal as both awesome and ridiculous. Stay Tuned Amber Rustad sat down to watch "Sons of Anarchy" with her boyfriend, Scott Bunkelman. During a commercial break, Amber was undoubtedly taken aback when she saw Scott featured in one of the ads. He'd hired a production company to ask: "Amber Lynn Rustad, will you marry me?" The wedding is scheduled for this fall. Under My Umbrella A woman took her girlfriend on a meticulously planned boat ride in Central Park. When they passed Bow Bridge, a group of colorful umbrellas spelled out: "Will You Marry Me?" The happy couple was flattered by the attention but chose to remain anonymous. In a World… David Pogue, a columnist for the New York Times, created a fake movie trailer to propose to his girlfriend. It featured "a thinly veiled version" of their love story. He then took his girlfriend and their families to a real movie, where the fake trailer was played beforehand. After it was over, Pogue got down on one knee in front of the audience and asked for his love's hand in marriage. She responded with an ecstatic, "yes!" Rollercoaster of Love Lawrence Key had a little help from his friends, but he popped the question on a roller coaster ride. With his girlfriend Sophie in the front seat of a log chute, Key and his friends held up signs that spelled "Will you marry me?" Sophie didn't know what was happening behind her until she saw the souvenir photo afterward. She told the Daily Mail: "When we went on the ride they told me to keep facing forward, but I thought nothing of it." Super Mario, super Brad Using a program called Lunar Magic, Brad Smith was able to propose to his girlfriend in Super Mario World. While she was playing the game, Lisa found "Will You Marry Me" spelled out in coins. Brad then presented her with a ring, and she said yes. Muppet Proposal Sid Caesar proposed to his girlfriend, Sara Prindiville, by creating a touching short film starring themselves as Muppets. It was aptly titled, "The Proposal." The movie told the story of their love, and at the end Muppet Sid presented Muppet Sara with a ring. The two married on September 10, 2011. "It was magical," Sid wrote on his YouTube page. My Milkshake Is Better Than Yours Reed Harris's creative proposal backfired, but it still had a happy ending. Harris proposed to his girlfriend, Kaitlin Whipple, by hiding her engagement ring in a Wendy's milkshake. Unfortunately, Kaitlin drank the entire shake and never found the ring. It took an X-ray for her to realize Reed was serious when he told her she'd swallowed her proposal. "I thought he was joking, "she told TODAY's Matt Lauer. "It's not that small a ring," Reed said. OMG BuzzFeed writer Len Kendall proposed to his girlfriend, Katie, in a very modern way: via Internet meme. Kendall used the catchy Lolcats catchphrase to pop the question. He captioned a photo of himself on one knee, asking: "Katie I love you so much. I can haz your hand in marriage?" Katie said yes to the proposal, making Len the "happiest man in the whole Internets." A Pictionary Proposal A man from San Francisco used Photoshop to manipulate a Pictionary card, forcing his girlfriend to draw "Marry Me." Pretending not to know the answer, he guessed her drawing until he finally shouted, "Marry me!" He then pulled out a ring, and after his girlfriend recovered from shock she said yes. Get Your Groupon Like many of us, Dana Burck loved a good daily deal. So her boyfriend, Greg, created a fake Groupon offer. For the low, low price of $1, "a surprise for a Dana from a Greg" was advertised. A pretty good deal, considering the value was $999,999. "I couldn't get a better deal anywhere, never, never ever," Burck told the New York Times. A Website for Julie In 2011, Juliewillyoumarry.me was born, a website dedicated to Julie from her boyfriend Jim. Using cartoons, the site chronicled how the couple first met. Scrolling down, it all led up to the big question, and Jim captured Julie's reaction to the entire website on video, which can now be viewed on the site. LEGO Love Anthony Pinder proposed to his girlfriend of six years, Ariana Gomez, through a LEGO stop-motion film. The project took several thousand photos and a week of editing, but it was worth it. Ariana said yes. Traffic Jam A California man actually shut down the I-10 freeway in Covina, a city near Los Angeles, to propose to his lady love. With the help of 300 fellow motorcyclists and some pink smoke, Hector Martinez brought the freeway to a standstill, then got down on one knee and popped the question. Love is patient, but tell that to the people sitting in traffic that day. Dolphin Proposal In China in 2011, a man rode a dolphin to propose to his girlfriend. She'd been pre-selected from the audience at a marine show. He then rode up to her, standing on the back of the marine mammal. Hopping off, he got down on one knee to pop the question. She said yes, of course, because you don't say no to a man who just rode a dolphin to win your hand in marriage. | 4 | 942 | lifestyle |
The favorite mode of transportation for dancing hamsters everywhere is getting a refresh. Though it was the recipient of a significant refresh for model-year 2014 , the 2015 Kia Soul gets a few tweaks including added revised packaging and a new appearance package. The entire 2015 Soul lineup gets a slight price bump of $205, with the base model starting at $15,900, including destination. The base model Soul is now available with the UVO eServices Package . The free subscription-based service (free for 10 years or 100,000 miles) includes a number of services like Geo-fencing, which alerts owners when their Soul enters restricted areas. Other UVO eServices features include a Speed and Curfew Alert system and the ability to download apps from iTunes or Google Play. The base Soul is still powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four that's rated at 130 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed manual. Opting for the six-speed automatic bumps the base price to $17,900. While the 2015 Soul Plus carries over unchanged, the Soul Exclaim can now be had with a new Umber Color Package. Included in the package are Fathom Blue or Cloud White exterior paint, Nappa leather seats and trim, and special wheels with Gloss black accents. The Soul Plus and Exclaim are powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 rated at 164 hp and 151 lb-ft. A six-speed auto is the sole transmission choice for these models. The 2015 Kia Soul Plus starts at $19,400, while the Soul Exclaim is priced at $21,500. Source: Kia | 9 | 943 | autos |
Anyone who has been through a divorce knows how hard it is to recover and move on. Here, a professional counselor offers helpful tips that may make it easier. Allow yourself time to grieve It s natural to want to rush into another relationship, as a way to distract yourself from the pain and loneliness. But relationship expert and author Harville Hendrix warns that unresolved feelings can damage future relationships. The second marriage becomes a casualty of the first marriage because the first marriage was never grieved and finished, he says. So I began to say to people that I don't care if they date, have sex, whatever, but don't get serious with anyone no matter what they feel for at least two years. Grieve and experience alone- time; experience the suffering of not having anyone there. Surf the waves of sadness, don't drown Grief isn't predictable. One minute you'll feel pretty good, and the next it feels like you're drowning in sadness. In my work with post-divorce clients, I encourage them to simply ride the waves of sadness when they come, rather than trying to avoid the feelings. Clients learn to trust their ability to be OK, and over time the waves will feel less devastating and less frequent. The future can be scary, and that's ok When moving on from divorce, it can be scary to contemplate a future that includes unknowns. Will you find happiness again, and another love? How will it feel not being part of a couple? Coping with feelings of loneliness and uncertainty is a natural part of life, says Buddhist nun and author Pema Chodron, and it s important to remember that those feelings are perfectly natural. It s not a terrible thing that we feel fear when faced with the unknown, Chodron says. It is part of being alive, something we all share. Embrace challenges After divorce, you may have to take on some of the things your partner used to handle. Don t let that intimidate you. Embrace those new challenges, but give yourself permission to be less than perfect. "Suddenly you have a whole new realm of learning and responsibility," says Robert Alberti, psychologist and co-author of Rebuilding: When Your Relationship Ends. "Dealing with those can give you confidence in your own ability. Even if you make mistakes. . . . Mistakes give you life skills and teach you that you can handle being alone." Consider joining a divorce support group For many people moving on after divorce, there s a feeling of isolation as if you are the only person who knows what you re going through. If you need support for the emotional and psychological aspects of divorce, consider joining a therapist-led divorce support group that s designed to help you work through your feelings. If you are ready to meet people and socialize, look for Meetup or other social groups geared toward people who ve been divorced. In either case, you ll meet some new, interesting people who share your experience. Practice good self-care With all of the legal, financial and emotional aspects of divorce not to mention children, if you have them it s easy to lose sight of yourself and your emotional and physical needs. In an interview with Forbes magazine, psychologist Kristin Davin summed up the importance of self-care: It is important to remain healthy and take care of yourself during this very emotional and physically challenging process. People often forget to take care of themselves and often many of the healthy habits they had prior to the divorce, quickly go by the wayside due to stress, anxiety, depression, and feeling simply overwhelmed by the process. This is a key time to do what you can to take care of yourself. Avoid major life changes for awhile Although it may be tempting to think about chucking everything you know and starting fresh somewhere else, don't give in to the temptation. Decisions made in haste, anger, sadness or fear are often regretted later. Experts advise giving yourself at least a year or two to get your equilibrium back before making a major life change. Make friends with other singles When you were married, chances are most of your friends were, too, and it can feel awkward to be single in a sea of couples. Make an effort to meet other singles as soon as you feel ready to socialize. If you don t already have single friends, then find some, says Cathy Meyer, Divorce Support guide for About.com. Your single friends will be a great resource because they are in a similar place and it always helps to have company when dealing with a new life situation. Learn from past mistakes People who are healing from divorce may worry that the faults they recognize in themselves will be repeated in the next relationship. This is normal and expected, but it doesn t guarantee another failure as long as you re willing to look at your issues and address them, according to Harville Hendrix, author of Getting the Love You Want. You are going to take any unresolved problems into the next relationship, he says. The best and only thing you can do is be aware of this and resolve to respond to it differently the next time. Learn to appreciate your appearance After a difficult marriage and divorce, it s common to question your attractiveness. As part of your process of moving on, psychologist Rita Freedman, author of "Bodylove: Learning to Like Our Looks and Ourselves," suggests beginning a new romance: with yourself. Your body can be a loyal friend and a strong ally, she says. Trust yourself enough to pay attention to its messages…trust yourself enough to accept the challenge of change, so that you can say to yourself… Yes, I do think I m an attractive woman. This is me and I like the way I look. Give yourself time to recover Even if you know divorce is the best choice, it's still hard. Recovering from a divorce is not a process you can rush, and it will probably take longer than you think it should, according to Dr. Prudence Gourguechon, psychiatrist and former president of the American Psychoanalytic Association. As she told the Wall Street Journal, "You don't have to feel pressure to be OK, because you're not OK." Give yourself plenty of time to regain your balance. Don't badmouth your ex Don't alienate your children from your spouse…it s bad for the children, says television psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw. And he s right. Once you and your spouse divorce, your relationship is no longer about the two of you now it s about nurturing your children and demonstrating healthy and respectful relationships. So no matter how hurtful your marriage was, avoid badmouthing your ex with the kids. You ll just sound bitter and vindictive. Don't rush into another relationship Getting over the emotional trauma of divorce can be as challenging as recovering from a physical trauma. You can t rush it, and part of what you need is the time it takes to rebuild your life, regain your equilibrium and discover that you don t have to be in a relationship to be happy. Don't jump right into another relationship; give yourself time to heal," says Elizabeth Bernstein, a columnist for the Wall Street Journal. "Don't compare yourself to others; you're not going to be progressing through life in the way someone who isn't suffering through trauma right now is, so cut yourself a break, but no big changes. No moves if you can help it, no relationships, because what's going to happen is if you grab onto something, whether it's alcohol or a person to...try to make this go away, you're just going to suffer this process again when that falls apart. Enjoy being solo Being divorced means you re single; it doesn t mean you have to be isolated. Although it s best not to rush back into being part of a couple too soon after you divorce, there are plenty of ways to enjoy being on your own. "There are more than 30 million people living alone in this country today," says Florence Falk, psychotherapist and author of "On My Own: The Art of Being a Woman Alone." "That's a lot of people, and there are a lot of opportunities for social connection. There are possibilities to pick up new friends and enter different kinds of groups that have to do with your interests. The social dimension after a divorce can be very rich." Discover a new side of yourself One silver-lining aspect of this difficult process is that divorce often gives you the opportunity to shake up your life and make some changes your inner self has been pining for. Whether it s as simple as changing your hair color, or as complicated as going back to school or spending a year in Europe, take some time to think about what you d like to do. Make a fantasy list of everything you ve dreamed of trying, and see what fits you now. And don t be discouraged if there are things on your list that don t seem doable, says Robert Alberti, psychologist and relationship expert. There may be other changes that ARE within your reach. So don't reject the idea of any change, just because you can't make every change… Look for changes you can say yes to, instead of dwelling on what's out of reach. Let go of the past After divorce, it s not unusual to keep looking back and reviewing what went wrong, but don t let yourself get stuck in the past. As the celebrated author and mythologist Joseph Campbell said, We must be willing to let go of the life we ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. Forgive yourself and your ex, let go, and move on. Remember why you decided to divorce Moving on from divorce almost always includes moments of self-doubt as you face your new future. If you ever wonder whether you would have been better off staying in your marriage, remember how it was, and why you decided to leave. I remember one desolate Sunday night, wondering: Is this how I´m going to spend the rest of my life? says Suzanne Finnamore, author of S"plit: A Memoir of Divorce." Married to someone who is perpetually distracted and somewhat wistful, as though a marvelous party is going on in the next room, which but for me he could be attending. Don't drag your old relationship into the new one When you go out on a date, leave your ex at home. There will be plenty of time to share "war stories" about past relationships once you get to know each other intimately, but for now, complaining about your ex just makes you look stuck in the past. Consider divorce a new beginning Rather than seeing your divorce as the end of a life experience, think of it as a chapter in the long book of your life. As one chapter closes, another unfolds. Your marriage may be dead but you are alive and kicking, says Cathy Meyer, Divorce Support guide for About.com. Nurture your heart and soul by treating the ending of your marriage as a new beginning…an opportunity to grow…and practice the art of forgiveness. If you can do these things you will find that love the next time around will be better than you thought possible. Remind yourself that you did the right thing Give yourself credit for making a difficult decision and seeing it through. Now you have a real opportunity to live the kind of life you want and need. Divorce isn't such a tragedy, says Jennifer Weiner, author of Fly Away Home. A tragedy's staying in an unhappy marriage, teaching your children the wrong things about love. Nobody ever died of divorce. Sharon O Brien is a licensed professional counselor in Portland, Oregon. | 4 | 944 | lifestyle |
Home remodeling is on the rise. It can be satisfying to complete a DIY home project (and save money!), but some projects are best left to the professionals. Before you take home improvement matters into your own hands, look at these 10 projects you really shouldn't DIY. There's nothing fun about wasting time, money, or the headache of regret in having to fix a major DIY mistake. -- Charyn Pfeuffer Major home structural changes Go with a pro when it comes to making major structural changes like a bathroom remodel or building a deck. A contractor or architect can navigate tricky permits and licensing laws, and help avoid potentially dangerous situations. BING: HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR PROJECT Home electrical work "You usually don't get a second chance with electricity," Michael Johnston, executive director of standards and safety for the National Electrical Contractors Association told WalletPop. "It's not a job for a handyman." Many building departments and homeowner's insurance policies require that you get a permit, hire a licensed electrician and get an inspection if you want any electrical work done. BING: ELECTRIC SAFETY DOS & DON'TS DIY demolition I'm all for the "out with the old, in with the new" mantra, but before you start swinging a sledgehammer, you may want to rethink this potentially dangerous project. Beyond the risks of asbestos, lead paint dust and other hazardous materials, do you really know what's behind the walls of your home? Gas pipes, water lines and live electrical wires are just a few of the dangers. BING: 'BATH CRASHERS' VIDEOS Adding custom features to your home You may think you're putting a personal touch on your home, but adding a funky color palette or guitar-shaped swimming pool may make your house less desirable on the market. "Buyers want something unusual but not too quirky, such as a great curved or angled wall, a few limestone columns, a walk-in fireplace," builder Orren Pickell told Chicago Tribune. The bottom line: Strange homes don't sell. BING: BREAKING DOWN A POOL COST Home plumbing projects Some plumbing projects can be tackled with minimal expertise like maintaining your toilet or showerhead. When it comes to bigger projects, like putting in a bathtub or tackling a kitchen renovation, this detail is best left to a skilled pro. Mistakes can lead to leaky faucets or worse yet, damaged pipes or waterlogged walls down the road. BING: PLUMBING DISASTER STORIES DIY tree removal "Do It Yourself Tree Removal" ranks No. 1 on the DIY website HomeFixated.com's list of projects to not DIY. What could possibly go wrong with tall trees with power tools? Oh, heavy branches, sharp blades, telephone wires, and the possibility of 15-ft. falls to start. Steer clear of taking this dangerous project to DIY task and hire an arborist. BING: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ARBORIST Emergency roof repairs So, a cyclone straight out of the "Wizard of Oz" just descended upon your house, making patches of your roof look like Swiss cheese. (Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration.) Fixing post-storm damage is a top priority, but don't.There are professionals capable of scaling rooftops and cleaning up the aftermath of such disasters. Plus, they can pin down additional structural weaknesses to help protect your home in the future. BING: HOW TO TAKE MOSS OFF YOUR ROOF Faux artistic finishes This painting technique may seem easy, but faking a realistic stone or wood grain effect takes more than paint, a sponge and online tutorial. Many decorative styles take real artistic skill and years to perfect. If you want your walls to look like they were painted by a Renaissance great, leave the art of painted illusion to the pros. BING: BUYING THE RIGHT PAINT DIY animal removal The baby squirrel that took up residence in your chimney was cute for a hot second, but now it's getting bigger and needs to find new digs. Before you take on DIY wildlife removal (think bats, snakes, skunks and raccoons), consider the risk of bites, rabies or falling off roofs and ladders. Nothing destroys the fun of a DIY project quite like an aggressive mama animal attack. BING: SEE PHOTOS OF RACCOON DAMAGE Building your own backyard fence If you survive the arduous task of digging post holes (unless you splurge for a power auger), there's still math and geometry to contend with. Setting and stretching a fence is a tough DIY project and making everything level and lineup is easier said than done. BING: WHAT TYPE OF FENCE IS BEST ? | 4 | 945 | lifestyle |
The start of spring is the perfect time to start making improvements to your marriage. Follow these thoughtful tips and watch your relationship bloom like a prize daffodil. Laugh it up Expensive vacations are nice, but all it really takes to feel more connected is a good belly laugh. According to Robin Dunbar of the University of Oxford, laughter releases endorphins that help us bond with one another. So stop stressing about that Hawaiian vacation you can't afford, and instead schedule a weekly date night where you watch funny movies and standup comedians together. -- By Amy Leigh Morgan Go soft According to legendary relationship scientist Dr. John Gottman, a "soft start-up" to conflict conversations is crucial. Leading with contemptuous or critical remarks ("You're so selfish! Why can't you just...") is the number one way to guarantee an impasse. Instead, start by respectfully acknowledging your partner's point of view, and then gently bring up your own. This turns you into partners working together to solve a problem, rather than enemies fighting to the death. Have an attitude of gratitude When you've been with someone a long time, it can be easy to focus on everything that's wrong with her. But a study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health recently showed that expressing gratitude for your partner increases "relationship connection and satisfaction the following day, for both recipient and benefactor." So tell your honey what you appreciate about her and see how much happier you both feel. Talk dirty According to sex researcher Dr. Ian Kerner, "speaking or hearing erotically charged words stimulates dopamine transmission, which plays a huge role in sexual excitement. They can enhance the emotional and physical intensity of the experience." If you feel self-conscious or silly, just remember Dan Savage's easy formula for good dirty talk: "Tell 'em what you're going to do, tell 'em what you're doing, tell 'em what you did."Video: Sex by the numbers - male stereotypes Take responsibility for your own happiness If you've been blaming your partner for your feelings of stagnation or boredom don't. Relationships thrive when both parties take responsibility for their emotional well-being. Instead of sulking about your lackluster connection, take a class or explore a new hobby. Go rejuvenate yourself and bring that excitement back to the relationship. Then invite your partner to experience the pleasure of getting to know the new you. Listen The next time your significant other starts talking about a troublesome emotion or situation, see if you can refrain from offering "helpful" solutions (i.e., "Just tell your brother you won't give him any more money.") and instead offer empathetic, open-ended responses ("That sounds really hard. I know how much your brother means to you."). Quick-fix advice often feels dismissive, while empathetic responses build valuable trust. Try something new. Together In Gregory Berns's book "Satisfaction: The Science of Finding True Fulfillment," he argues that novelty and challenge are key components of satisfaction. It only makes sense that taking up a challenging new activity together would increase your satisfaction with both life and your partner. So go crazy! Work out together. Race cars together. Take a cooking class or a circus acrobatics class. You have nothing to lose but your complacency. Make plans for the future Sharing a dream whether it's buying a vacation home or simply spending more quality time together leads to a richer and more meaningful relationship. As you work toward a common goal, you reinforce shared values, add more meaning to everyday life and build trust as you encourage each other. Even the act of selecting a common goal is beneficial, as it requires you and your spouse to communicate more deeply about who you are and what you want. Tell the truth According to infidelity expert Dr. Shirley Glass, you erode your ability to love your partner every time you "protect" him by hiding potentially painful information even about inconsequential things. Trust your partner enough to engage in healthy, respectful conflict when you need to. Your relationship will be stronger in the long run. Reach out and touch someone Multiple studies have shown that affectionate, non-sexual touch reduces cortisol (a stress hormone) and increases oxytocin (a stress-reducing hormone). Hugging your beloved, or even just holding hands, lowers your blood pressure and heart rate. So the next time you feel stressed, grab your sweetie and hug it out. Hang out with happy people A Harvard University study showed that the happiness of an acquaintance or friend increases your own chances of happiness by 15 percent. That's right. Just knowing a happy person makes you 15 percent more likely to be happy yourself. Conversely, your happiness automatically boosts the happiness levels in your entire social network and your marriage.This doesn't mean you should ditch your unhappy friends or hide your unhappy feeling, of course. Supportive friendship and healthy emotions are an essential part of a happy life. Make a love map An easy and rewarding way to rejuvenate your relationship is to make what Dr. John Gottman calls a love map. This is a detailed roadmap of your partner's inner world: what she likes and dislikes, her hopes and dreams, her worries and stresses. Ask your partner open-ended questions about herself and remember the answers. Few things are hotter than feeling known and loved. Take responsibility for your part of the problem Nothing shuts down a negotiation faster than one party blaming the other for everything. No matter what the issue, it takes two to tango. So suck it up and acknowledge your role in the conflict. This automatically transforms an unproductive victim-villain narrative into a collaborative, empathetic one in which both parties feel respected and validated. This goes a surprisingly long way toward refreshing a stale dynamic. Let it out We all know people who hoard small resentments like ammunition, then unexpectedly explode at a minor provocation. Don't be that person. Air out your resentments and sour feelings respectfully as they occur. You'll be surprised at how much easier and more productive your conflict discussions will be. Think small Hollywood has trained us to glorify the grand romantic gesture, but one grand gesture looks pretty puny compared to a lifetime's accumulation of thoughtful, meaningful moments. Instead of a dozen roses each Valentine's Day, give your partner the gift of your loving attention on a daily basis. Something as small as stopping what you're doing so you can listen to him talk about his day is worth an entire florist's shop of roses. Focus on fun (and flirting) How long has it been since you went on a fun, sexy date? A study at the University of Washington found that happily married people make a conscious effort to nurture emotional connection, friendship, fun and playfulness. They also make a conscious effort to court one another, regardless of how long they've been together. Create traditions If you don't already have a tradition established around celebrating your connection, make one. Relationship expert Ellie Lisitsa says, "Establish a ritual of connection in your relationship. By returning to the same restaurant year after year, or by watching the same movie, you form a lasting tradition that you look forward to. This tradition also gives you the opportunity to look back on your relationship and reminisce about years past, reminding you of how strong your bond has become." Communicate your desires clearly Few things feel as vulnerable as fully owning your desires and assertively asking your partner to meet them. But the payoff is huge: healthy trust and intimacy not to mention all those fulfilled desires. And even when your partner doesn't meet your needs, you just might find that honesty is its own reward. Offer solutions When you have a beef with your partner, offer constructive solutions instead of dead-end criticisms. As Dr. John Gottman says, "Don't talk about what you don't want. Talk about what you do want. The positive need is the recipe for success with you that you are offering your partner." Kiss longer Make it a habit to plant lingering, passionate smooches on your partner, instead of quick, dry pecks on the pucker. Cherie Byrd, therapist and author of "Kissing School: 7 Lessons on Love, Lips and Life Force," says, "A soulful kiss triggers endorphins, melts away tension and contributes to a fulfilling, loving relationship." Try it every day for a week and see how much happier you both are. | 4 | 946 | lifestyle |
Wow, it's a great time to be expecting if you're a crafty parent. When I had my kids, the internet had not yet given birth to the beautiful bundle of inspirational craft-joy that is Pinterest, and even Facebook was just learning to walk. Now, we're all just a quick search-and-click away from nursery inspiration in the form of incredible handmade mobiles, DIY wall art and fancily painted changing tables. Here, our top 20 favorite nursery ideas from across the web… Chevron Pattern Admittedly, we are fools for anything in a chevron pattern. This sweet nursery literally feels like eye candy, from its sweet fuschia and white accents to its deliciously colorful wall gallery. Love! Smiles Little baby, big city. Love this adorable mural design from Anita Roll, who believes every child deserves to wake up in a room that makes them smile. This one absolutely delivers. A nice change of pace from the typical blue/white boy nursery. Letters Check out that gorgeous floral wall letter for baby Mila! The soft grey and white striped wall is a perfect backdrop for the splash of hot pink used to accessorize this beautiful nursery. Paper Lanterns This room is all about the clustered paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The trend of hanging large items in lieu of a typical mobile is really adorable, and I like that this one isn't directly above the crib where one might otherwise be concerned about baby's safety. Muted grey walls are a great backdrop for this colorful ceiling decoration and it's mesmerizing! Gallery Wall Ah, the gallery wall. This is a newer trend in baby room design - the idea is, rather than spelling out baby's name on the wall (also cute), find some fun, funky frames, paint them in contrasting colors and add pictures and sayings to sweeten up the space. Look Up Look. At. The. Ceiling. Can't get over the yellow and white pinstriped ceiling in this room, and the contrast with the dark nearly-black wall. This is a room that proves that not all babies' rooms need to be 'babyish' to be cute. Grey Shades Most of us wouldn't think to use grey on the walls for a little girl's room, but this example shows that with just the right touches of femininity, it's the perfect wall shade. We love the use of tree decals and the words on the wall, making this a peaceful room for the sweetest of slumbers. Framed Framed vintage Tintin book covers make this wall especially adorable. Modern furnishings make it picture perfect. Monochromatic We're fans of color for babies, but if you're going for the monochromatic look, take inspiration from this eye-catching design. Treehouse Yes, that would be a tree in this baby's nursery. Talk about whimsical! A circular crib with a hanging canopy makes for a beautiful night's sleep. Green For those who opt not to find out the gender of their little one before birth, green is always a smart choice in nursery design! This darling room is perfect for a boy OR a girl. Light and Sweet A break from the traditional primary color scheme for baby boys, we're fans of the softer, lighter, sweeter colors used in this nursery. Also, this room proves that you don't need to paint an entire wall in stripes in order to get the great effect - just highlight the area behind the crib for an adorable touch. Art Deco This stunning art-deco nursery shows how to use a dark paint color to create interest on a focal wall. The use of a more random chevron pattern really draws the eye and creates a sort of 'tree-like' vibe in this ultra modern room. Owls Oh, owls. We'll love you forever. We know you're but a fleeting trend, but we're glad for this baby who gets to capitalize upon it. | 4 | 947 | lifestyle |
Take advantage of what your town or city has to offer by taking date night outside! We've rounded up tons of beautiful inspiration for romantic outdoorsy outings. 1. Rent a convertible for a day BING: DATING DOS AND DON'TS 2. Make s'mores 3. Have a rooftop happy hour 4. Take archery lessons 5. Tour your city 6. Have a picnic 7. Throw water balloons 8. Play with chalk 9. Ride a Ferris wheel 10. Check out a music festival 11. Eat a sky-high ice cream cone 12. Check out a street fair 13. Take a hike 14. Check out a food truck 15. See a movie at a drive-in 16. Enjoy a meal alfresco 17. Go fishing 18. Catch the sunset after work 19. Go sailing 20. Ride in a hot air balloon 21. Stargaze in your backyard 22. Take a tandem bike ride 23. Roller skate 24. Swing at a park 25. Fly a kite 26. Play Bocce Ball 27. Go minigolfing 28. Go tubing 29. Rock climb 30. Walk through a farmers market 31. Go to a baseball game 32. Pitch a backyard tent 33. Go to the zoo 34. Watch the sun rise 35. Pick berries 36. Participate in a color run 37. Go kayaking 38. Do a beer tasting 39. Walk along a pier 40. Play life-size chess | 4 | 948 | lifestyle |
Preparing for holiday guests can be a stressful experience. You don't have to pass a white-glove inspection to ensure your guests have a good time, however. Here are 10 easy ways to whip your home into shape without whipping yourself into a frenzy. by Jacqui Kramer Plan now, save time later Taking a few minutes to plan can save you time and stress later. Start with a list of rooms that are likely to be used by guests: kitchen, living room, dining room, bathrooms, etc. List the key chores for each room. Keep the task list simple; you can save the big cleanup for after the holidays. Next, look for chores you can assign to family members. Finish your list by highlighting chores that need to be done before guests arrive. Clean the bathrooms early; save the baking for just before the party begins. Create a temporary storage area Closing bedroom doors not only reduces the number of rooms you have to clean, it also provides temporary storage during the party. Move your personal coats to the bed, leaving the hangers for guests. Next, collect everyday clutter (toys, books and so on) in empty laundry baskets and store them in your room. Breakable items should be placed in a safe, visible location in the room as well. Finish by wiping down shelves and adding coasters and cocktail napkins for your guests. Create a grab-and-go cleaning bucket Creating a grab-and-go cleaning bucket saves time and ensures you have what you need for almost any job. Fill the bucket with the basics: glass and furniture cleaner, sponges, a feather duster, a garbage bag and gloves. Keep it simple leave the silver polish on the shelf. Take your bucket room-to-room, cleaning as you go. Focus your efforts on the areas guests are most likely to notice or use, such as faucets, counters and sitting areas. Leave the deeper cleaning for another day. Tune-up your appliances Appliances get a lot of use during the holidays, particularly if you have overnight guests. Reserve time to clean out your microwave, refrigerator and coffeemaker. Remove the microwave turntable to wash it in the sink; wipe the rest of the microwave down with a damp sponge. Next, clean out the refrigerator to make room for holiday treats. Toss out expired food and unwanted condiments, wipe down the shelves and replace the water filter. If possible, tighten the refrigerator door hinges. Finally, scrub out your coffee pot and run hot water through the machine. Don't forget the outdoors The front sidewalk may not be the first thing that comes to mind as you prepare for guests, but it is an important detail. To ensure guest safety, replace all outdoor light bulbs and make sure motion detectors are working properly. Check your stairs and deck for loose boards, nails and slippery carpet. Any potential hazards should either be fixed before the party or, if there isn't time, clearly marked for guests to avoid. If there's snow on the ground, shovel your sidewalk and driveway and use de-icer to complete the job. Keep your pantry stocked Keep your food pantry stocked with non-perishable treats that can be dished up at a moment's notice. Dried cranberries, nuts, crackers, and dry (non-refrigerated) meats and cheeses can all be set out just before guests arrive. Augment with fresh fruits you can wash and serve whole, such as berries and grapes. Add coffee, tea bags, milk, juice and breakfast pastries to the shopping list for overnight guests. Extra toilet paper and hand soap should also be readily available for overnight stays. Preparing for overnight guests Overnight stays can add a layer of complexity to your preparations. Take stock of your available sleeping areas and bedding at least a week in advance. Also, check with overnight guests ahead of time to determine any special needs, such as dietary restrictions, allergies or sensitivities that might impact their visit. If your houseguests will include younger children, ask about childproofing. At minimum, electrical outlets should be covered and sharp or poisonous objects should be removed from easy reach. Discuss any additional requirements, (e.g., baby gates) before your guests arrive. Give your home hotel flair Leaving a welcome kit in your houseguest's room will make them feel like they've checked into a four-star hotel. (It can also prevent last-minute trips to the pharmacy.) Include everything your guests will need during their visit; toothbrushes, fancy soap, pain reliever, mouthwash, razors, and washcloths are always welcome. Add a local-interest magazine or newspaper and a cookie or fancy chocolate for extra flair. Provide an alarm clock, water glass, coaster and reading lamp by the bed to complete the ambiance. Throw a 'camp out' for the kids Delight older kids and give their parents a break by creating a "camp out" area in the basement, home office, or another low-traffic area. Give them blankets and chairs to create a fort, or get out the family tent. Add sleeping bags, a couple of flashlights with fresh batteries, and some activity books with crayons and pencils to finish your "campsite." The kids will enjoy their special space, and their parents will appreciate the privacy. Prepare for next year Preparing for next year when the current holiday season ends can save you money and time in the long run. Start by stocking up on steeply discounted home décor, hospitality items (plates, napkins, etc.), and color-coordinated storage tubs during end-of-year sales. Store your new and existing holiday items in the tubs and stow everything away. The colorful tubs will stand out when it comes time to get ready for next year's event, and you won't have to pay full retail for your party supplies.Jacqui Kramer is a freelance writer in Seattle. | 4 | 949 | lifestyle |
Neil Thomas founded West Coast Auto Appraisals ( thecarappraiser.com ) in 1993 after years selling classic cars, Roll-Royces, and Jaguars. Born and raised in Bristol, England, Thomas nonetheless professes a particular fondness for American musclecars from the '60s and '70s. "I live, breathe, and dream cars," he says. "I am very lucky that my work is my passion!" 1934 Ford V-8 Deluxe Three-Window Coupe (Black) Sold for $90,750 including buyer's premium RM Auctions, Monterey, August 2012, Lot #158 It's not very often you see one of these three-window coupes that doesn't look like it should be in a ZZ Top video. What a great car! Finished in classic Henry Ford Black, with a superb restoration recently completed by a well-known owner and restorer of prewar American cars: Nick Alexander. If that's not enough street credibility, how about a 995-point award at its first show! The old jalopy sold at the bottom of the estimate. You couldn't restore the car to this standard for this money. The '34 Ford is an iconic car and will always be cool. It has enough power from the V-8 under the hood, so you can actually drive it on the freeway; and if it breaks, it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg to fix it. You could probably fix it yourself. The new owner will probably take the car on the show circuit and win a bunch of trophies. 1974 (Ferrari) Dino 246 GTS, Chairs and Flares (Silver with red interior) Sold for $467,000 including buyer's premium RM Auctions, Monterey, California, August 2012, Lot #120 Dinos are hot, no doubt about it, but $467 large! Admittedly, this was a perfect storm: a 246 GTS freshly restored to a Platinum level standard, a Southern California car with only two long-term owners, very low documented miles. She has the fabled "chairs and flares" option. I just love the color combination (I am sick of seeing red Dinos), and let's throw in the Monterey weekend, where all the buyers from around the globe descend upon a little town in Northern California. All it takes are two billionaires in the same room, several cocktails...well, it's going to be expensive. I know the dealer who restored this car, and he told me no corners were cut -- they did everything and did it right. 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS Prototype (Purple with white interior) Sold for $577,500 including buyer's premium Gooding and Company, Monterey, August 2012, Lot #038 I remember this car from when I was a growing up in England in the early 1970s. It was featured in a playing card series called Top Trump. Always fascinated me. It had the fabled Hemi 426 engine and a body built by an obscure Swiss company, Monteverdi. Fast-forward to 2006. I'm at the Spring Fling Mopar show in Van Nuys, California, walking among impressive rows of Dodge Chargers and Plymouth Super Bees. Then, I'm stopped dead in my tracks. This bloody car is parked under a tree! The Top Trump of Top Trumps (7.2-liter engine and 200-mph top speed aces anything in the card pack). I became a kid again. OK, it's a weird car. The 426 Hemi is oddly positioned off-center, next to the driver, and the passenger seat is in front of that? But only two were ever built and the chassis number starts with TNT, damn it! Gooding estimated it at between $600,000 and $800,000, and it sold for $450,000. 1959 Fiat Jolly (Red with wicker seats) Sold for $77,000 including buyer's premium Russo and Steele, Monterey, August 2012, Lot #2169 Hate to be a Debbie Downer, but let me be frank: I don't get these cars. Yeah, yeah, they are cute for $20,000 -- but $77,000? I can't get excited about a car that has a fringe around its roof. My grandmother's house had fringe window treatments back in the 1970s, and they were weird then. Every auction has one of these poor excuses for a car. They all have low miles because they're crap! According to the catalog description, a Fiat Jolly expert restored this car. Wow. I'd hate to be known as that guy, an expert in restoring rubbish. Apparently, fewer than 100 exist today. Just because something is rare doesn't make it valuable. As you may deduce, I'm not too "jolly" about Jollys. I do not, nor will I ever, go to bed at night dreaming of one. If you're going the microcar route, a Messerschmitt or a BMW 600 is way cooler. 1961Jaguar E-Type 3.8-liter Roadster (Pearl gray with red interior) Sold for $181,500 Gooding and Company, Monterey, August 2012, Lot #54 This looks to be a really nice first-year production E-Type, with early production features aplenty, such as welded hood louvers and flat floor, and finished in an unusual color with (yes, my favorite) red interior. These Jags are picking up steam; recent sales pushing close to $200,000 for freshly restored cars have set the market. They're fun to drive, with excellent handling and plenty of torque from the six-cylinders. The reliability and parts backup are great. The E-Type has been voted the most beautiful car in the world many times in various polls and magazines, with good reason: It's a sexy beast! You can't go far wrong with a Jag E-Type. This particular car has been treated to a recent fully documented restoration to an extremely high standard, and is ready for the show circuit. Selling for $181,500, it's at the top of the market, but it's a top car with matching numbers and many original date-coded parts. 1957 Devin SS Gary Special Race Car (Burgundy with black interior) Sold for $66,000 including buyer's premium Russo and Steele, Monterey, August 2012, Lot #2026 A client of mine bought this car on a whim, and I think he stole it. It had been nicely restored with some lovely custom touches, the old aluminum Buick 215-cubic-inch engine fitted with Offenhauser intake manifold and a four-barrel carburetor, mated to a four-speed top loader. While the paint is not perfect and the doors have been fiberglassed shut (with some cracking around the seams), that doesn't matter. Devins are all unique. This one is listed in the Devin Registry, and was campaigned from 1957 to 1961 in SCCA racing. The poor guy who consigned the car "no reserve" is surely kicking himself, as a couple of other Devins had sold the same weekend, one for $111,000 and another for $165,000. At $66,000, that's AC Cobra replica money, and you have something much cooler, with a bit of history and an investment potential. 1988 BMW M3 (Silver with red interior) Sold for $40,700 including buyer's premium Russo and Steele, Monterey, August 2012, Lot #2234 The E30 M3s are starting to get a bit of traction in the collector car world. They're not ueber rare, as about 5000 were built, but many were driven hard, raced, modified, and wrecked. Recently, a 1990 BMW M3 sold at auction in Monaco for $100,000. Crazy money! Admittedly, it was the rare one-of-600-built Evolution model. Strong support from BMW's classic car parts division and a very active online community always help boost the value of a potential classic. With 200 hp on tap, E30 M3s are fun to drive; the European cars had more power. You can powerslide like a pro the first time, taking a wet corner too fast. They're very well-balanced, and the engine is revvy as hell. This example has nice low miles, was just serviced, and boasts a classic German color combination. If the service history is intact from day one, it's a great fun car to own with a future upside. 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Aero Coupe (Violet with violet interior) Sold for $473,000 including buyer's premium RM Auctions, Monterey, August 2012, Lot #149 This is quite a stunning Roller, a lovely Art Deco interpretation of a 1935 design. The rebody was done to an exquisite standard, resulting in a win in its class at Pebble Beach, so you know it's the best of the best. Power and torque are plentiful with the 7.3-liter V-12, coupled to a four-speed syncro gearbox. Driving this beast will be as fun as taking a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model to your next office party. Studying the design of the chassis and drivetrain of a Phantom III is a lesson in overengineering, in a way that only the British can justify. It's just brilliant. The Rolls sold way below its estimate, and probably for considerably less than the cost of building and restoring. Rebodied cars are difficult to value; they're less a blue-chip investment than a fun toy. This car will always be worth $400-$500K because of the quality and stunning looks, so the buyer is not going to lose money. 1989 Ferrari Testarossa (Violet with violet interior) Sold for $473,000 including buyer's premium RM Auctions, Monterey, August 2012, Lot #149 This is quite a stunning Roller, a lovely Art Deco interpretation of a 1935 design. The rebody was done to an exquisite standard, resulting in a win in its class at Pebble Beach, so you know it's the best of the best. Power and torque are plentiful with the 7.3-liter V-12, coupled to a four-speed syncro gearbox. Driving this beast will be as fun as taking a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model to your next office party. Studying the design of the chassis and drivetrain of a Phantom III is a lesson in overengineering, in a way that only the British can justify. It's just brilliant. The Rolls sold way below its estimate, and probably for considerably less than the cost of building and restoring. Rebodied cars are difficult to value; they're less a blue-chip investment than a fun toy. This car will always be worth $400-$500K because of the quality and stunning looks, so the buyer is not going to lose money. 1986 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur (Black with black interior) Sold for $29,700 including buyer's premium Russo and Steele, Monterey, August 2012, Lot #2077 For all my sins, I like these Rolls-Royce Spurs. I've owned a couple. They're a lot of flash for the cash -- that is, until you have to fix anything. They're very complex, and parts are horrendously expensive. Service history is key here, and they need to be driven. This car has exceptionally low mileage, and it's all original. But the catalog description admits: "It's not perfect. The wood has cracked, and the paint is cracked and chipped." Figure $3000 to fix the wood and maybe $10,000-plus to paint it. In 1987, Rolls upgraded these cars with better electrical, cooling, and A/C systems. Rolls-Royce kept this body style up to MY 1998, and they became better over the years. The color is a big deal on these cars: A black car is worth about 20 percent more than, say, a light-colored example. This article originally appeared in the Winter 2012 issue of Motor Trend Classic. | 9 | 950 | autos |
My son is an enormous monster truck fan. He's now eight years old, but he has been collecting (toys), watching, driving (via video games, of course) and otherwise entirely obsessing over monster trucks since he was four. As a solo mom, supporting his passion fell squarely on my shoulders and having never had experienced a truck rally - or anything remotely like it - in my life, I felt very ill-prepared when we attended our first one. Now that we just returned from our seventh truck event - the World Finals in Las Vegas, for which we DROVE from the Seattle area, mind you - I consider myself quite the authority! Think these crazy truck events aren't for you? Here's why you should definitely give 'em a go... 1. You'll get to meet the drivers. Find out which day/time the Pit Party is happening and make plans to attend. You stand in line for a few minutes (sometimes longer, depending on the popularity of the truck - if you're looking to shake hands with the Grave Digger or Max-D drivers, for instance, be prepared to stand around awhile) and then your kid gets to go up, shake a hand, get an autograph and you can snap a photo of them with the driver. The drivers are great about posing for pictures and some of them are really fun to chat with, too. They really appreciate their fans! Tip: Get there plenty early so you'll have a chance to meet as many drivers as you can, and bring something they can sign (a tshirt, a souvenir yearbook, etc). 2. The races are fun and you'll get to know your neighbors . Each show typically includes a head-to-head race and a freestyle event where the trucks do crazy stunts. The races are great because you get to root on your favorite trucks (yes, you'll have some - my personal favorites are the Metal Mulisha and the Lucas Oil Crusader ). You'll quickly discover the ones that the people sitting near you are rooting for, too, and you'll build up some good old fashioned camaraderie (or enjoy some lighthearted smack-talking). Tip: Say hello to whomever's sitting next to you when you first get there, and offer an extra set of earplugs if you have 'em. It's a nice way to introduce yourself and they'll thank you for the ear protection! More from Dynamom: I survived a $17 haircut 3. People watching is a sport in itself. Not so into the trucks? Behold the sea of mullets! Hark, the guy who just paid $15 for a churro! Sometimes if we get to our seats way early, I love to just sit back and watch the people around me. Families of all types, lots of dads and sons with purple mohawks, little girls dressed up as the Monster Mutt Dalmatian , and I've seen my fair share of truck lovin' grannies, too. Tip: Smile, you're probably on someone's iPhone pics, soon to be shared on Facebook! 4. They crash. I am about the most safety-focused person I know, and yet this is the part of the races I enjoy the most. There is nothing like a great roll-over after a truck has caught 'huge air' as my son would say, and flown across the stadium. Seeing a driver attempt a backflip and land on its hood is pretty fun, too (unless it catches on fire, which recently happened and that was scary but the driver was fine). I also love being treated to a great 'save' - when a driver nearly flips over but then rights the truck back onto four wheels. Or watching a truck do doughnuts with only 1 wheel left on the axle. Trust me, it's good fun. Tip: Bring headphones and earplugs. It's really, really loud. More from Dynamom: Dear fellow parents, why babies and restaurants don't mix 5. The drivers are hot. Ok, this is for the single moms (and maybe the non-single ones too, I won't judge) - there are some seriously smokin' hot monster truck drivers . You can even meet them (see point number 1) and then feel like you practically know them when they're driving these giant scary trucks and doing crazy aggressive stunts and practically killing themselves to entertain you. I mean, come on. He is so handsome. There is something about knowing the guy behind the wheel who is OWNING that huge machine is a total bonafide hottie that makes me more than happy to take my son to these events. Fine, call me shallow, I'll own it. Tip: Ladies, do your hair and makeup and go meet these fine specimens at the Pit Parties. And some of them are on Twitter, not that I've attempted to flirt with them there or anything. 6. Your kids will talk about it for DAYS. Weeks, even. Or in the case of my son, years. Kids LOVE the trucks. We've brought friends of ours who had never seen these events and they all had a blast. I've never seen a kid leave the stadium looking anything less than totally psyched. You will be your kids' hero, and isn't that worth a little noise and a lot of dirt? Tip: When the races start, actually watch the races with your kids, rather than snapping pics the whole time or filming tons of video. You can find plenty of pics and videos online afterward. Enjoy the shows together . It's quality time, my friends. Dynamom is lighting up the internet with a sensible flameless candle. Find more at her blog , or find her brand spankin' new pages on Facebook and Twitter . More from Dynamom: What moms really do at Target | 4 | 951 | lifestyle |
For flashy, sexy, Italian supercars, the early 1970s were the best of times. The best because the rulebook had been thrown out, and ultimate fantasy objects like the Lamborghini Countach, Lancia Stratos, De Tomaso Pantera, and Ferrari 365 GT4 BB started rolling out of smoky, strike-prone factories. The common thread among this lot, besides the sleek, wedgy shapes? They were all mid-engined. In the never-ending endeavor to bring as much racetrack tech and therefore provenance to roadgoing cars as possible, sticking the engine behind the driver's head was the next step in the supercar game. In 1961, Maserati introduced the world to its mid-engine Tipo 63. Ironically, the newer 63 proved less successful than the older, front-engine Tipo 61, aka the glorious Birdcage. But no matter, mid-engine cars were newer and more exciting, and being so was -- for the express purpose of selling cars -- better. Need more proof? Despite Enzo's misgivings, Ferrari ditched the 250 GTO's front-mounted engine design and began selling the mid-engine 330 LM to racing privateers in 1963. In the end, placing the engine behind the driver was the undeniable future of the supercar. Even though it had never raced a lap, Lamborghini figured the mid-engine thing out first and built the Miura in 1966. (Lotus fans will argue that the Europa got there first, but you can hardly call that a supercar.) Ferrari struck next with the V-6 Dino 206 GT, and word on the Modena street was that Ferrari was then hard at work on a mid-engine V-12 Miura competitor that would eventually become the 365 GT Berlinetta Boxer. To compete with its compatriots, Maserati also decided to do a mid-engine supercar. It built the Bora. Maserati was and has always been different from the other big two Italian sports car makers. While fully competitive on the track -- Juan Manuel Fangio, Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss, and Wilbur Shaw are just a few of the big names who found success at a trident's helm -- when it came to street cars, Maserati customers were not nearly as flashy as those prancing horse and raging bull types. Nor did they need to be, especially when it came to the Bora. As Han Solo quipped later that decade, "She's got it where it counts." Fitted with either a high-revving 4.7-liter V-8 or a torquier but smog-stifled 4.9-liter V-8, the Bora made big power for the time. Because of emissions laws, all the cars sold in America featured the latter engine (same as the Ghibli) that made 280 hp at 6000 rpm and a stout 339 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. Later on, all Boras switched to a more potent version of the 4.9-liter V-8 and made 310 hp at 6000 rpm. The Bora's tachometer seems to indicate a 5500-rpm redline--but look closely, and you'll see it's actually a yellow line. Redline, and peak power, is indeed at six grand. Yes, the Bora's competitors of the day had more power, but that didn't matter to Maserati. Its supercar was headed in a different direction, in terms of marketing and otherwise. Back in 1973, Motor Trend's Eric Dahlquist noted, "About halfway through the first curve we realized we could have taken it half again as fast, because the Bora sticks without the twitchiness of other mid-engine cars, most of which are a hair-raising handful to control at anything near their limits." This car, then, Maserati's first production vehicle with four-wheel independent suspension, was very obviously a supercar. But it was a different, calmer, and more refined breed of beast. Continued Dahlquist, "However, you will be less likely to find yourself in over your head in the Bora than in any other mid-engine car I've driven." It wasn't just us. Our friends and rivals at Car and Driver had this to say: "After the test, we are convinced that the Bora is the only one of all the mid-engine missiles that is also a useful automobile." In other words, the Bora is more than just a flame-spitting (or worse) supercar. It's in fact a great Grand Tourer, a proper Gran Turismo in the truest sense of the term. "They weren't interested in chasing statistics; they weren't interested in super light weight and pretending to be a race car. They wanted a car that served a higher level of customer than the young playboys who bought Lambos and Ferraris." So says Doug Magnon, founder and president of the Riverside International Raceway Museum and a major Maserati-head. This red one happens to be his Bora. We stare at it as it's being photographed. "The car raises your pulse, doesn't it?" Doug asks rhetorically. But of course it does. Nothing else looks like it. The Bora was penned at Italdesign by none other than founder and master Giorgetto Giugiaro. In fact, it was one of his new firm's first cars. Italdesign subsequently released a press release stating, "The brief called for a car that was clearly a Maserati, modern but devoid of the exotic look that unnecessary decorations can create, strikingly sporty but not inordinately aggressive. In short: innovative but not revolutionary." From the stainless roof to the huge glass panels over the motor to the outright spaceship look, the Bora surely fit that description. Citroen bought Maserati in 1968 largely to secure a steady supply of 2.7-liter V-6 engines for its own upcoming luxurious Grand Tourer, the SM (later enlarged to 3.0 liters). However, the road between France and Italy ran in both directions. Flush with new optimism (and francs), Maserati decided that, while its mid-engine racing heritage was all well and good, to truly separate its new supercar from the pack, it needed to use some tried and true French hydropneumatic technology. That's right, as with every Citroen flagship since the 1955 DS, the Bora came complete with green spheres and LHM fluid (pre-1967 Citroens shipped with red LHS liquid, but that's another story). However, the Bora's suspension was quite conventional. Well, conventional by today's standards, as the rear transaxle (shared with the contemporary Ford GT40 and de Tomaso Pantera) necessitated fully independent rear suspension--a first for a Maserati street car. Both ends got sporting but standard control arms and coil springs instead of the oleopneumatic telescoping dampers. The Bora's hydraulic system powers the brakes, the pop-up headlights, the driver's seat height and the pedal carriage. The seat position is fixed front to back, so the pedals slide to you and the steering wheel telescopes. "The brakes are definitely the best part of the system," says Doug. I knew they'd be pretty good, as every time I've been behind the wheel of a post-1955 Citroen, the thing that impresses me first are the brakes. Sad to say, the Bora has a standard brake pedal, as opposed to Citroen's bizarre yet enticing mushroom button. In a 1974 test of the Bora's sister, the Merak, we wrote, "The best part of this car, mechanically, is the braking system that's also shared with the SM." Road & Track agreed with Doug, me, and Motor Trend, noting in a 1973 road test that, "for once, we found a set of brakes fully matched to a high-performance car." You know the chestnut about a car being only as good as its brakes? By that yardstick, the Bora is exceptional. Most striking is the Bora's design. All 524 Boras built came with stainless steel roofs and A-pillars. Early cars featured lightweight 15-inch Campagnolo wheels with polished stainless steel centers. While its design is unique, stare at the Bora long enough, and you begin to see other cars that followed it -- most notably the BMW M1, also designed by Giugiaro. Keep peering, and you'll see the DeLorean reveal itself, as well as bits of a Datsun 280ZX. The Bora, of course, has my favorite, obligatory 1970s design cue: louvers. But it's where the louvers were located, and more specifically what they were located on, that's of real interest. Giugiaro decided to make the engine cover mostly glass, and rear hinge it for a backwards clamshell effect. Maserati then covered up the big (by Italian standards) V-8 and the four two-barrel Weber 42 DCNF carburetors with a shag-carpeted piece of aluminum. The effect was not only novel but futuristic. "If they'd just left the cover off so you could see the engine, they would have been 30 years ahead of their time," notes Magnon. Indeed. But since the Bora's design brief called for elegance over ostentation, a double-glazed piece of sound-deadening glass was installed between the driver and the motor, a world first. Today, it's standard issue for supercars. Moreover, the engine sub-cradle was affixed with rubber mounts to further cut NVH. Beauty, power, innovation -- the Bora had it all. The mid-engine Maserati story doesn't end here because, as Yoda said, "There is another." Retailing for a cool $10,000 less than the near-$30,000 Bora was the very handsome Merak. Instead of a V-8, the cheaper mid-engine Maserati had but a V-6 (the same as in its international stablemate, the Citroen SM). But while it lost two cylinders, it gained two incredibly cramped seats. How? Since the V-6 is smaller than the V-8 (the Merak/SM V-6 measures less than 12 inches from front to back), Maserati engineers suddenly found themselves with a bunch of extra space. One option would have been to shorten the wheelbase. Instead, they left the unibody as was and created the world's first mid-engine four-passenger vehicle. An odd duck, for sure, but a lovable one. As we wrote in the September 1974 Motor Trend story comparing the mid-engine V-6 Maserati with a Porsche 911S, "And on the other hand is the Merak, the product of a strange French-Italian alliance that somehow manages to combine the best features from these dissimilar worlds." Perhaps that's the biggest difference between the Bora and the Merak. While both are French and Italian, the Bora successfully hides its French parentage. They might as well have called it the Luigi. The Merak, however, is a dual citizen, and proudly so. Just like Italian cars are known for their elegance, French cars are known for their zaniness. Aside from putting the kiddies right up against the firewall, the Merak had bolt-on flying buttresses. Not only was the Merak/SM engine short in length, it was also short in height, due to its non-standard 90-degree layout. The removable buttresses were probably made an engineering priority to ease maintenance of the complex engine (three timing chains!). Inside, more of the Frenchness continues, with the oval one-spoke steering wheel and matching gauges lifted directly from the SM, plus many of the other controls. All that said, the Merak actually uses fewer hydropneumatic goodies than big brother Bora. Only the brakes, clutch, and pop-up headlights require the green fluid. Driving these two was not only an obvious car-guy treat, but also eye-opening. The Bora, despite popular misconception, certainly isn't just a Merak with more power. The character of the two sports cars is remarkably different. The Merak is nimble and quick and feels comparatively very light. The Bora is more deliberate, much faster, and without question more solid. To keep it in the parlance of the era, the Merak is the Muhammad Ali-like floating butterfly to the Bora's George Foreman-style knockout. One's a straight-line powerhouse, while the other is happy to just dance. As Doug explains, "The Merak was known as the best-handling Maserati at the time of its introduction." Based on my day with the duo, that very well still might be the case. While I went into this Maserati fest at Robert Stone's golden Acido Dorado house dreaming of the Bora, I left in love with the Merak. Especially this rare 1973 U.S. model, which, unlike all that followed, hasn't been visually wrecked with fanged, funny-looking federal bumpers. What a fun, funky, and fabulous car. Not to take anything away from the Bora, which is a very exotic yet civilized supercar. But I just found the Merak much more fun from behind the wheel. Either way, I think it's high time Maserati once again stuck a screaming, rev-monster of a motor behind its drivers' heads. The near million-dollar Ferrari Enzo-derived MC12 was an interesting albeit off-limits reminder of Maserati's mid-engine past. But that's a show pony, not a road machine. It's too out of character, too flashy, and too top-shelf -- much more of a Lambo/Ferrari wannabe than a gentlemanly Grand Touring device. As the Bora and the Merak showed, the future of sporting tridents lies somewhere in the middle. This article originally appeared in the Fall 2012 issue of Motor Trend Classic. 1973 Maserati Bora Specifications Engine 300.8-cu-in/4930cc DOHC V-8, 4x2-bbl Weber 42 DCNF carburetors Power and torque (SAE gross) 280 hp @ 6000 rpm, 339 lb-ft @ 4200 Drivetrain 5-speed manual transaxle, RWD Brakes front: vented disc; rear: vented disc Suspension front: control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; rear: control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Dimensions L: 170.7 in, W: 69.6 in, H: 44.6 in Weight 3570 lb Performance 0-60 mph: 6.3 sec, quarter mile 14.5 sec @ 98.2 mph (Motor Trend, April 1974) Price when new $29,500 Ask The Man Who Owns Almost Every Maserati Ever Made Doug Magnon is a commercial real estate developer, Maserati junkie, and the president of the Riverside International Automotive Museum . His collection includes one example of almost every Maserati ever made. Why I Like It: "As a 1970s supercar, the Bora raises one's pulse like that of its competition, namely the Lamborghini Miura and Ferrari Boxer. However, the Bora's machismo is matched with gentlemanly manners befitting a Maserati Grand Tourer." Why It's Collectible: Any mid-engine Italian supercar from this era is desirable, but Maserati made just over 500 Boras. The car's French connection just adds to the allure. Restoring/maintaining: Parts are as rare as the cars, and the parts that aren't so rare handle Citroen hydraulic fluid. Beware: The Bora contains much Citroen DNA, so you're going to need to get on good terms with both a French and an Italian specialist. Expect to Pay: Concours-ready, $75,000; solid driver, $61,500; tired runner, $39,500 Join the Club: The Maserati Club Our Take Then: "Most interesting of all, perhaps, especially to those who have had the opportunity to drive any of the exotic street 'race cars,' is that the Bora is totally tractable and civilized. Your mother could drive a Bora." -- John Lamm, Motor Trend , April 1974. Now: A real Italian masterpiece, with a wonderful sprinkling of French flavor thrown in, the Bora is the rare mid-engined Jekyll/Hyde. It's shockingly comfortable, yet able to run with the big dogs of its day. 1973 Maserati Merak Specifications Engine 181.0-cu-in/2965cc DOHC V-6, 3x2-bbl Weber 42 DCNF carburetors Power and torque (DIN) 190 hp @ 6000 rpm, 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Drivetrain 5-speed manual transaxle, RWD Brakes front: vented disc, rear: vented disc Suspension front: control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; rear: control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar Dimensions L: 170.7 in, W: 69.6 in, H: 44.6 in Weight 3045 lb Performance 0-60 mph: 10.2 sec, quarter mile: 16.5 sec @ 85 mph, 60-0 mph: 149 ft ( Motor Trend , September 1974) Price when new $20,000 Ask The Man Who Owns One (Doug Magnon): Why I Like It: "The Merak has the slick, sporty styling of the Bora supercar, but with lower horsepower and weight that puts it in a class of nimbleness of a Porsche or Alfa Romeo. The Merak owner has an advantage over a Ferrari 308 owner. I never have to answer the question, 'Is this the "Magnum P.I." car?'" Why It's Collectible: This is the only U.S.-spec 1973 Merak that ever existed. It was sent over for the U.S. importer to demo to dealers and delight potential customers before the car went on sale in 1974. Restoring/Maintaining: Three times as many Meraks were produced as Boras, so finding parts is a big-time headache. Beware: The V-6 shared with the Citroen SM deserves its own special circle of hell. Never forget: Adjusting the timing chains every 5000 miles is normal maintenance. Expect to Pay: concours-ready, $30,000; solid driver, $22,600; tired runner, $13,000 Join the Club: The Maserati Club Our Take Then: "But then there's the Merak, a visual delight using almost the same Giugiaro-designed body as the Bora, yet the SM engine and instrumentation allows a price tag almost $10,000 shallower. As beautiful as it is, however, this car is an enigma." John Fuchs, Motor Trend , 1974. Now: Time is a funny thing. Because what was once a parts bin oddball birthed from two near-moribund 1970s manufacturers is today one of the most delightful sports cars I've ever had the privilege to drive. | 9 | 952 | autos |
This short course in flirting will teach you not only how to flirt better but how to tell when someone is flirting with you and how to respond. Have fun. Catch his eye One of the best ways to let someone know that you're interested and approachable is to make eye contact across the room. Don't stare nobody likes a stalker but let your look linger long enough to establish a clear connection. Smile No flirtation device is more powerful than a smile that is warm, inviting and, ultimately, irresistible. Say hello Even shy people can master this one. As you walk by, simply look at her directly, give her a warm smile, and say hello. Expect reality You're flirting, not proposing marriage, so keep your expectations in line with the activity. Best case: you'll meet someone interesting. Worst case: you won't this time. Don't think too much People get paralyzed by the uncertainty inherent in approaching someone they've never met. They obsess about everything from how they look to whether they have the perfect opening line. Stop letting your brain get in your way. Just dive in. Tease, please Gentle teasing is a great way to flirt with a member of either sex. Most guys like women who are sassy and aren't afraid to challenge them a little, and women often enjoy men who are willing to engage in some light banter. Reserve judgment Lack of chemistry is one thing, but don't be too quick to reject someone on the basis of one minor misstep. You're both nervous, so if he says or does something that seems less than perfect, give him the benefit of the doubt and keep talking. Lean in Use body language to show that you're interested, open and ready for more. Bump elbows A quick elbow bump is a gesture that invites greater familiarity; a lingering bump suggests there is more touching ahead. Flirt online Texting, tweeting, email, instant messaging, Facebook and other new technologies and social media have expanded flirting opportunities for everyone and made it possible to flirt with people you may never actually meet. And because nearly everyone has a smartphone these days, so you can flirt from anywhere 24/7. Dance to the music Show that you would welcome a dance partner by moving to the music on your own. Whether you join the crowd on the dance floor or stay where you are, don't just stand there. Enjoying the music and moving your body will invite someone to join you. Laugh If you're having fun, show it with an easy laugh. Laughter will make you appear friendly and confident which, in turn, will make you more attractive. Look and look again See someone interesting across the room? Catch her eye as you work the room, look away, and then quickly look back. She'll know she captured your attention. Flip your hair Have long hair? Make it work for you. Flipping your hair, or gently brushing it away from your face, is an international flirting signal that works for both men and women. Face forward As you talk and flirt, turn to face her directly. It shows that she has your undivided attention. Watch your mouth If she's looking into your eyes as you talk, and then looks at your mouth for a few seconds before returning her gaze to your eyes, it's a clear signal that kissing is a possibility. Say something nice Offering someone a compliment shows that you have taken the time to notice and appreciate something about them. Make sure it's sincere and in good taste. Show your neck Gently tilting your head to expose your neck is a universal sign of vulnerability and sexual interest. But don't get carried away; revealing too much of your neck could be a sign that you're into vampires. Listen well Nothing demonstrates your interest in a person more than giving him or her 100 percent of your attention, so don't scan the room, check your phone or let your mind wander when you should be listening. Mimic body language Flirting couples often mimic each other without realizing it. Leaning forward or back in response to the other person, repeating the same arm movements and head tilts they're all signals that the two of you are making a connection. Whisper Few things are as intimate as a whisper, so get close and get quiet. Touch hands In a flirting situation, a little skin-on-skin action is nearly as intimate as a kiss. Touching hands may lead to holding hands, and there's no telling where holding hands could lead. Go on parade When you spot someone who interests you, walk past slowly and hold his eyes as you stroll by. Do it again on the way back, and chances are you won't be traveling solo for long. Play footsie When you and he are sharing a table, tap his foot with yours. As things progress, slip off your shoe and make that tap a caress. Bump knees If you're sitting side by side, let your knee drift over to bump hers. Make it gentle enough to seem casual, but firm enough so that she knows it wasn't an accident. If she bumps back, you're golden. Be playful Flirting should be fun, so loosen up, keep a playful spirit and enjoy the moment. Ask for a dance A good way to show that you're interested in someone is to ask them to dance. It breaks the ice, lets you connect and communicate through movement, and sets up an easy transition to further conversation and flirting after the dance ends. Apply lipstick A woman's mouth is incredibly sensual. Refresh your lipstick slowly as a man looks on, and he won't be thinking about anything else. Caress his back If your flirting has progressed beyond the knee-bump stage, reach over casually and rest your hand between his shoulder blades or at the small of his back and then lightly caress his back a few times. Hug If the flirting has been fun, but you think he may be uncertain about your interest in seeing him again, you can clear that up with a goodbye hug that will make him want to say hello again as soon as possible. Step into the hug, make full-body contact, and hold it a little longer than a casual friend would. Give him one last smile as you step back and turn to go. You can expect a call. Wink It may seem a little old-fashioned, but there's still nothing like a well-timed wink to let someone know you're interested in getting to know them better. Raise your eyebrows Your eyes are expressive, so use their full power by letting your eyebrows do some of the talking. Eyes right (or left) Use this when you're sitting to one side of him, but not next to him, and you want to get his attention. Glance at him quickly and then back, so that he'll catch the movement out of the corner of his eye. When he turns to look, give him your best smile. Look back Give him the movie star treatment by glancing back over your shoulder with your head tilted down and a sexy smile on your lips, as though you're boarding the final plane to Paris and can't bear to leave him without one last look. Play peek-a-boo Hold up a magazine or menu and peek around the side to give him a demure look he can't resist. Pout There's something about a slightly pouty mouth at just the right moment that men find irresistible. The little girl in you brings out the protector in him. Flirt by phone If you can't flirt in person, a phone call is the next best thing. Having that voice in your ear is so sexy and intimate that you both feel free to say things you might hesitate to share face to face. Phone flirting is all verbal, however, so bring your wit and brush up on your banter. Sharon O'Brien is a professional psychotherapist and freelance writer | 4 | 953 | lifestyle |
The average wedding costs $28,000. Think that's pricey? You're in for a surprise. We've rounded up some of the most expensive weddings of all time. See if you can guess how much was dropped on these over-the-top affairs, then click through to Bing to see if you're right. Most expensive royal weddings Prince William and Kate Middleton The world was watching when Prince William wed Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011. The dress, carriage and overall ceremony were breathtaking. But perhaps even more stunning was the rumored price tag.-- By Kristin Wong Bing: The rumored cost of the royal affair Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer It wasn't dubbed the "wedding of the century" for nothing. Lady Diana Spencer wed Prince Charles of Wales on July 29, 1981. The dress alone cost $13,000, but the biggest expense was security, which set them back $600,000. So what was the total bill for this momentous yet ill-fated occasion? Bing: How much did this royal wedding cost? Felipe, Prince of Asturias and Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano In 2004, Crown Prince Felipe of Asturias, Spain, married a former news anchor, Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano. Just two months before the wedding, a terrorist bomb had exploded in Madrid. Thus, 20,000 police were in tow for the ceremony. Bing: How much did royal nuptials cost? Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Princess Salama Dubai is known for luxury, and this ceremony certainly contributed to the country's lavish reputation. The 1981 wedding of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Princess Salama is thought to be the most expensive wedding in modern history. Twenty thousand guests were invited to the seven-day ceremony. So what was the damage? Bing: How much did this lavish royal wedding cost? Most expensive billionaire weddings Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia Question: What kind of wedding do you plan when your dad's the richest man in India? Answer: Any kind you want. Vanisha Mittal, daughter of an Indian billionaire, married banker Amit Bhatia at a 17th century French chateau in 2004.The evening was topped off with a live performance from an international pop star, complete with fireworks and an Eiffel Tower backdrop. The couple didn't release an official cost, but experts were able to make an impressive estimate. Bing: How expensive did this wedding get? Petra Ecclestone and James Stunt Socialite Petra Ecclestone is no stranger to luxury. She recently purchased the infamous Spelling Mansion for a whopping $85 million. And in 2011, the daughter of Formula 1 billionaire Bernie Ecclestone tied the knot with entrepreneur James Stunt. The ceremony took place in a Roman castle, and if you know anything about Roman castles, you know they don't come cheap. The heiress's model mother, Slavica, was very Marie Antoinette about the over-the-top price. "I don't care how much the wedding cost," she said. "Who cares about money?" Bing: How much did the wedding cost? Aleksandra Nikolic and Andrey Melnichenko When your wedding includes performances by Christina Aguilera and Julio Iglesias, you know it's going to be pricey. Model Aleksandra Nikolic had her dream wedding with businessman Andrey Melnichenko. It was an expensive affair, but with his billionaire status they had no problem footing this bulky bill. Bing: How many millions did the wedding cost? Most expensive celebrity weddings Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault He's the man behind a luxury fashion brand, and she's one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. So it's no surprise that their wedding would be lavish. But the amount they threw down would elicit a double-take even from the likes of Donald Trump. How much did they fork over? Bing: How much did this wedding end up costing? Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas "The ceremony felt like a royal wedding," Catherine Zeta-Jones' uncle told People magazine of his niece's nuptials. Zeta-Jones' wedding to Michael Douglas certainly came with a royally expensive price tag. But it was worth it the ceremony included performances by Jimmy Buffett and Art Garfunkel. Thirteen years later, the two are still going strong. But what was the cost of their walk down the opulent aisle? Bing: How much did this Hollywood wedding cost? Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar Elizabeth Hurley had an epic wedding bill, but then again she and business tycoon Arun Nayar threw two ceremonies. One took place at a castle in Britain and the other at a palace in India. Despite doubling down on the nuptials, the marriage didn't last. So how much did they spend on four years of not-so-wedded bliss? Bing: How much did the wedding cost? Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky The late Dame had a taste for luxury, so it's no surprise her eighth wedding was an opulent affair. While the marriage didn't last, the image of her in a $25,000 Valentino gown is unforgettable. Taylor spent this staggering amount to wed Larry Fortensky in 1996. Bing: How much did this high-profile affair cost? Most expensive weddings that led to an ugly split Liza Minnelli and David Gest Their marriage didn't make the long haul, but it did make Forbes' list of most expensive celebrity weddings. Liza Minnelli wed producer David Gest in a multimillion-dollar ceremony that included a 12-tier wedding cake and 60-piece orchestra. How much did it all add up to? Bing: How much did this wedding day cost? Paul McCartney and Heather Mills When you're in the most iconic band of all time, you're used to doing things big. But Paul McCartney's 2002 wedding to Heather Mills took the cake (which cost $1,500, by the way). Overall, the couple spent an outrageous amount especially considering Paul later called their marriage the "mistake of the decade." How much did they spend to prove money can't buy love? Bing: How much did it cost for a Beatle wedding? Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries What "expensive wedding roundup" would be complete without mentioning this expensive foible? Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' wedding cake alone cost $20,000 almost as much as most weddings total. Between that and the bride's $150,000 worth of wedding-day outfits, it's no wonder the final bill was this high. Bing: How much did it cost for this "reality" wedding? Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston The split was ugly, but the wedding was beautiful. Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston held a beach wedding in Malibu in 2000. Guests enjoyed a gospel choir, a performance by Melissa Etheridge and even a fireworks display. So how much did they shell out before their divorce shocker? Bing: How much did this celeb wedding cost? Most expensive tycoon weddings Vikram Chatwal and Priya Sachdev Vikram Chatwal, a New York hotelier, married model Priya Sachdev in a grandiose ceremony in 2006. It spanned 10 days and three Indian cities. Bing: How much did this wedding cost? Delphine Arnault and Vallarino Gancia She's the daughter of a French businessman and he's an Italian wine tycoon this union already sounds opulent. When Delphine Arnault tied the knot with Alessandro Vallarino Gancia, it was a gallant affair that included the likes of Karl Lagerfield and fellow spendthrift bride Elizabeth Hurley. So what's the grand total for a John Galliano gown, 5,000 white roses and a day you'll never forget? Bing: How much did this tycoon's wedding cost? Cathy Tsui and Martin Lee Ka-shing Flying 150 guests from Hong Kong to Sydney isn't cheap. But even without that outrageous expense, the cost of this wedding could feed a small country maybe even a big one. Chinese actress Cathy Tsui married property developer Martin Lee Ka-shing in a multimillion-dollar ceremony that makes Prince William's and Kate's seem frugal. Bing: How much did the whole wedding cost? Most expensive athlete weddings Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin Soccer star Wayne Rooney and his wife had a multimillion-dollar wedding in 2008. Although they threw a low-key civil ceremony that included a pizza reception, the real cost came when they decided to treat their guests to a vacation. Rooney and McLoughlin flew in their friends on private jets, joining them for a four-day yacht cruise. So how much did the celebratory excursion reportedly set them back? Bing: How much did this wedding set them back? David Beckham and Victoria Adams When your nickname is "Posh," there's no doubt your big day is going to be extravagant. In 1999, former Spice Girl Victoria Adams wed soccer heartthrob David Beckham in a ceremony that cost this six-figure amount. The couple sat on golden thrones at the altar, and the wedding took place in an Irish castle. Think it can't get more outrageous than that? The cake was topped with nude figures of the couple. Bing: How much did this superstar wedding cost? Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren We all know how this one ended and it wasn't with a whimper. It's too bad Tiger Woods' marriage to model Elin Nordegren didn't work out, because it cost a pretty penny. Bing: How much did the golf champ's wedding cost? The divorce, on the other hand, was pretty ugly. It was also significantly more expensive. Most expensive political offspring weddings Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky Former first daughter Chelsea Clinton married longtime boyfriend Marc Mezvinsky in 2010. The flowers alone cost half a mil, so what was the total wedding-day damage? Bing: How much did the wedding cost? Lalit Tanwar and Yogita Jaunapuria You'd think a wedding that included a Domino's pizza stand would be relatively modest. You'd be wrong. When Lalit Tanwar, son of a New Delhi politician, wed heiress Yogita Jaunapuria, his high-profile father pulled out all the stops. The reception included Chinese, Italian and Indian food. One of the gifts was a Bell 429 helicopter. When the registry includes aircraft, you know you're in for an extreme wedding. How extreme was it? Bing: How much did spend on the wedding? Most expensive pet weddings Lola and Mugly You'll roll over when you find out how much these puptials cost. Louise Harris and Bev Nicholson spent a nauseating amount to wed their pets, Lola and Mugly. Here's a hint: The dog food alone cost nearly a grand. Bing: How much for the canine wedding? Chilly Pasternak and Baby Hope Diamond On July 12, 2012, Chilly Pasternak married Baby Hope Diamond in the world's most expensive pet wedding. It was an A-list affair with celebs such as Kristen Stewart and Snoop Dogg showing up to celebrate the doggie union. The price tag was hefty but, on the plus side, it was all for charity. Bing: How much to make these doggies legal? Phet and Ploy Phet and Ploy paid quite the price for meowital bliss. In 1996, two Siamese cats from Thailand tied the knot, and their owners forked over a staggering amount for the wedding. Five hundred guests were in attendance, and the two felines were given more than $60,000 in cash and gifts. So how much was the ceremony? Bing: How much was spent marrying these felines? Most expensive third weddings Donald Trump and Melania Knauss We know: It's a shocker to see Donald Trump's name on this list. He married model Melania Knauss at the Bethesda by the Sea Episcopalian Church in Palm Beach in 2005. Considering his multibillion-dollar estimated net worth, Trump's third wedding was surprisingly modest. Still, the cost of the nuptials would fund a decent retirement for most of us. Bing: How much did "The Donald" spend? Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes Fireworks? Check. Italian castle? Check. Massive bill? You bet. With A-listers such as J.Lo and Will Smith in attendance, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes had a classic, fairytale wedding. Unfortunately, the marriage had a not-so-happy ending. All the couch jumping in the world couldn't save this union. It's a shame, too at this price, you'd hope it would last. Bing: How much for Tom & Katie's wedding? | 4 | 954 | lifestyle |
Get into the Halloween spirit by coordinating a costume with your sweetie. These clever costumes are easy to DIY and well-suited for fun-loving couples. Bounty hunters This clever couple makes "Dog the Bounty Hunter" and his wife, Beth Chapman, a costume reality. BING: COSTUME IDEAS FOR COUPLES Peter Pan and Tinker Bell Peter Pan and his trusty winged sidekick leave a trail of twinkly fairy dust in their trick-or-treating path. BING: FUN DATE IDEAS Buzz Lightyear and Woody Sherriff Woody and his space ranger friend make Halloween fun to infinity and beyond. BING: MOST ROMANTIC TRIPS June and Johnny Cash One of the greatest love stories in the entertainment industry adds some country costume style to Halloween. Bacon and eggs Is someone in your life the bacon to your egg? If so, this DIY Halloween costume is for you. Cop and doughnut Like this costumed couple, some things are meant for each other. Peanut butter and jelly This couple squishes the Halloween costume competition with this spectacular sandwich spread. Lego people Truly geeky couples can dress up in DIY Lego character costumes. American Gothic Art lovin' couples can channel Grant Wood's iconic 1930 painting no expression necessary. Where's Waldo? Keep trick-or-treaters guessing when you dress up in the classic red-and-white striped ensemble. Fred and Wilma Flintstone You'll have a yabba dabba doo time dressed up as the modern Stone Age family. French chef and croquembouche A couples' costume cute enough to eat. End of the world It's the end of the world as this couple knows it. Jane and Daria Best friends forever. Tooth and tooth fairy This Halloween costume is a dentist's dream. | 4 | 955 | lifestyle |
Love may be a mystery, but keeping a relationship happy is often a matter of common sense. Try these tips to help your relationship thrive. Ask for what you want This may seem obvious, but it's surprising how many relationship problems start with the inability of one or both partners to tell the person they love what they want. Expecting your partner to read your mind isn't fair to him. Living in silent misery because your needs aren't being met isn't fair to you. What happens to your relationship if this issue goes unaddressed isn't fair to either of you.-- By Sharon O'Brien BING: HOW TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT Date your partner Being in a committed long-term relationship is no reason to stop dating. Dating your partner, that is. No matter how long you've been together, a little romance now and then can help you both stay excited about the relationship and happy about the person who's holding your hand. Schedule weekly date nights, and a weekend getaway at least every two or three months, to help keep the romance alive. BING: DATE NIGHT IDEAS Live your own life Your relationship is a very important part of your life, but it isn't your whole life. Being independent and having a life that is separate from your partner with your own friends, work and interests will help you feel validated as an individual and enable you to give more to the relationship. BING: HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR OWN INTEREST S Be realistic Don't base your relationship expectations on love songs and romantic comedies. Those are entertainment; this is your life. Understand the difference and don't expect your partner to live up to some idealistic view of the perfect mate. BING: REALISTIC RELATIONSHIP EXPECTATIONS Keep secrets Not from each other, but for each other. You and your partner need to be able to share anything, no matter how personal or potentially embarrassing, and know that it won't go any farther. Let alone end up as girlfriend gossip or a punch line for the guys. BING: WHEN SHOULD YOU KEEP SECRETS? Have sex Countless studies have shown that sex is good for you. Having sex regularly boosts your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, helps you sleep better, reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men and helps to prevent late-life incontinence in women. Frequent sex is also good for your relationship; it promotes intimacy and helps couples bond, build trust, and more easily weather daily irritations and serious life crises. BING: SEX TIPS Know why you stay Why is it better for you to stay with your partner than to be single? If you don't know, or you can imagine yourself living on your own again without many feelings of loss or regret, there's a good chance your relationship won't last. Think about this and make your list. Happy couples know why they are together. BING: SECRETS OF HAPPY COUPLES Pick your battles Every couple argues. It's inevitable. It's even healthy. But happy couples know how to pick their battles, let the little things go, and only fight over things that matter. Couples who argue to clarify the issue, determine where each partner stands and find a solution both can support, also tend to be happier than couples who just fight to win. BING: HOW TO FIGHT WITH YOUR PARTNER Share the chores Unless you're auditioning for an episode of "Hoarders," it takes a lot of work to keep your home running smoothly laundry, dishes, vacuuming, paying bills and there's plenty of work to go around. Don't leave this to chance. Decide together on a fair division of labor, and switch things up now and then to make sure neither of you always gets stuck with the same chores. BING: WHY YOU SHOULD SHARE CHORES Don't fix your relationship, maintain it Couples often don't seek counseling or start talking seriously about their problems until the relationship is broken and one of the partners has shut down. By then, it may be too late. The truth is maintenance always trumps repair. If you add enough oil and coolant to your car at regular intervals, the engine won't freeze up or overheat. The same goes for your marriage. Frequent tune ups and regular maintenance can keep things running smoothly. BING: SIGNS YOU NEED RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING Stop pointing fingers Too many couples handle conflict by ignoring the real problem and focusing instead on trying to figure out who is at fault. Happy couples are more likely to do the opposite. Rather than get caught up in assigning blame, acknowledge that you both own the problem and work on solving it together as true partners. BING: HOW TO HANDLE CONFLICT Flirt with each other Both men and women want to feel attractive and desirable. That doesn't stop just because they exchange wedding vows or decide to live together. Whisper something sexy in her ear when you're at a party or stroke his inner thigh under the table at a restaurant. Let your partner know, by what you say and what you do, that he or she is the one you want. BING: HOW TO FLIRT WITH YOUR PARTNER Change yourself We all have a long list of things we would like to change about our partner, but here's the sad and brutal truth: you can't change another person; you can only change yourself. Focusing on trying to change your partner will just create resentment and frustration. Change yourself instead. You might find that different stimuli will lead to a better response. BING: HOW TO CHANGE YOURSELF Respect your differences As Dr. John Gray pointed out in his best-selling book, "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus," men and women are different. If your partner is a member of the opposite sex, get used to the idea that no matter how much you love them and no matter how well you know them, there are things about the way they think, feel and navigate the world that you will never truly understand. BING: MORE ON "MEN ARE FROM MARS, WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS" Give 100 percent Couples often think the perfect relationship is 50-50, but in reality both partners have to give 100 percent if they want their relationship to work and to last. Things may balance out in the long run, but happy couples don't waste time keeping score. They know that each partner contributes different things to the relationship and, on any given day, one partner is bound to give or receive more than the other. BING: HOW TO MAINTAIN BALANCE IN RELATIONSHIPS Look past the past If you're smart you learn from your mistakes, including mistakes you've made in other relationships, right? Well, yes and no. Although it's important to avoid repeating mistakes that have led to unhappiness and heartache in previous relationships, don't let what was blind you to what is. Your current partner and your current relationship are unique. Don't saddle either with the missteps made by some former lover. BING: LEARN FROM YOUR RELATIONSHIP MISTAKES Exchange gifts Couples who have a strong connection often give each other presents or surprise each other with little love notes. It's a way of preserving and extending the romance of their courtship. The key is to make sure there are no strings attached and that you simply give the gift or write the note to express your love, expecting nothing in return. BING: PICK THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR PARTNER Vive la différence! Yes, men and women are different in many ways, not only as individuals but also as subspecies of the human race, but there's no reason to think of that as a bad thing. Actually, that difference is one reason that relationships between men and women are so interesting and, ultimately, rewarding. BING: CELEBRATE YOUR RELATIONSHIP DIFFERENCES Make each other a priority We all get busy with work, with family, with life and most days we find ourselves juggling priorities just to keep our heads above water. But don't let what is most urgent overwhelm what is most important. Make your partner and your relationship your top priorities and put everything else second. BING: MAKE YOUR SPOUSE A PRIORITY Kiss often Talking is great, cuddling is terrific, but for true intimate connection it's hard to beat a kiss. Happy couples tend to kiss. A lot. They kiss good morning, they kiss good night, and they kiss many times in between. BING: WHY YOU SHOULD KISS Share your fantasies When work and daily responsibilities take up most of your time, it's easy to let go of dreams and aspirations. Make your relationship a safe place to share your hopes, dreams and fantasies even sexual ones and you can plan an exciting future together. BING: MAKE YOUR FANTASY COME TRUE Don't take love for granted Even the best-planned garden needs care in order to thrive. And like a garden, the relationship you created must be nurtured. Don't take your partner or your relationship for granted. BING: NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP Broaden your horizons It's easy to let kids, work and other responsibilities dictate your daily life, but avoid getting stuck in a routine. Encourage each other to learn new things and explore new worlds it will help you feel more alive and keep your relationship exciting. BING: DISCOVER NEW HOBBIES Don't be afraid to experiment With the stress and pressure of daily life, it's easy to get stuck in a rut. Change things up a bit in large and small ways by varying your routine and trying new things together. Whether it's a new restaurant, a new hiking trail or a new sexual position, experimentation can keep your relationship fresh. BING: HOW TO KEEP YOUR RELATIONSHIP FRESH Don't sweat the small stuff When any two people spend a lot of time together, there are bound to be times when you disagree or get on each other's nerves. For the sake of your relationship, learn when to pick your battles and when to let the small stuff go. BING: HOW TO PICK YOUR BATTLES Hold hands Whether you share a fulfilling sex life or not, most people could use more affection. Make it your happy habit to enjoy non-sexual touching such as holding hands, sharing hugs or a cuddling on the couch. BING: WHY YOU SHOULD HOLD HANDS Listen to each other Your partner is one of the most important people you talk to each day, so give him the respect he deserves. When the topic is important, eliminate distractions like the phone, TV, work or household chores and give each other your undivided attention. BING: HOW TO LISTEN TO YOUR PARTNER Encourage good health You love your partner and want the best for him, right? So encourage him to live a long and healthy life that includes exercise, eating healthy and well-balanced meals, and using alcohol in moderation. BING: ENCOURAGE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Make time for each other Benjamin Franklin said that if you love life, "then do not squander time, for that is the stuff that life is made of." When you and your partner decided to spend the rest of your lives together, you probably thought that meant spending a lot of quality time with each other. If you're not doing that, change it. BING: MAKE TIME FOR YOUR PARTNER Keep up your own appearance Don't decide to let yourself go just because you found someone. Dress up occasionally and do something special together. Pay as much attention to looking nice for your partner as you would for coworkers or friends. BING: GIVE YOUR PARTNER COMPLIMENTS Own your own happiness Being part of a couple involves making compromises and sacrifices, but know that your overall happiness is in your hands. Find ways to express yourself and live the life you want within the loving boundaries of a happy relationship. BING: EXPRESS HAPPINESS Be grateful Avoid falling into the common rut of taking your partner for granted. Make a point of jotting down mentally or on paper the wonderful qualities your partner has and what you're grateful for. Then share your list to remind your partner of why he or she is special to you. BING: HOW TO SHOW YOUR PARTNER APPRECIATION Focus on the positive It's nice to have someone you can share your thoughts and feelings with, but don't save up the bad stuff to share only with your partner. As Abe Lincoln said, "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." Keep your relationship balanced by sharing the good as well as the bad. BING: HOW TO BE POSITIVE Be honest If you choose to live your life with integrity, that includes saying what you mean and meaning what you say. This honest communication is especially important with your partner because it helps to build a trusting relationship. BING: HOW TO COMMUNICATE HONESTLY Agree to disagree Some problems simply can't be solved. No matter how much you talk about it, you and your partner just don't agree. Make it okay to disagree occasionally; your different points of view make your relationship more interesting. BING: HOW TO HANDLE DISAGREEMENTS Think before you speak Just because you can say anything to your partner doesn't mean you should. Learn to think before you blurt out the casual or cutting remark that could hurt someone's feelings. BING: HOW TO SAY WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND Laugh together It's said that laughter is the best medicine, and laughing does have proven health benefits. Laughter is also a great way to build your connection as a couple. So don't take things too seriously, and make a point of sharing a laugh whenever you can. BING: HOW TO MAKE YOUR PARTNER LAUGH Be alone together At least once a week, plan some time to be alone with each other with nothing to distract you. Whether you share an activity or just read books quietly at home, the point is to enjoy being in each other's company. BING: WHY YOU NEED ALONE TIME Make decisions together Think of yourselves as co-managers of the relationship you created, with equal responsibility to help it thrive. In that spirit, respect each other's opinions and beliefs, and make important decisions as a team. BING: HOW TO MAKE DECISIONS TOGETHER | 4 | 956 | lifestyle |
Ring in the New Year with our 12-month plan for organizing your home and life. Since no one likes to live in disarray, we've compiled a month-by-month plan of simple tips to rid clutter from all aspects of your home. Find out how to get organized this year with our 12 top tips. January Clean your fridge and pantry Once all the holiday guests have gone home and you're through entertaining, it's a good time to clean out your fridge and pantry. Throw out (or compost) half-eaten leftovers, check expiration dates, and if you have foodstuffs you don't plan on enjoying, donate it to a local food pantry. Take this opportunity to set up items with oldest in front to be used first and restock your go-to ingredients. February Tackle paperwork and piles Tax time seems like the right time to organize your office space for maximum efficiency. Start by sorting through the piles of papers what needs immediate attention, what can be filed for later and what gets sent to the shredder? Next, review your filing system and retire what you don't need. Filing systems should be simple and easy to manage. Lastly, clean out your desk and back up important data on an external hard drive. March Spring clean and host a yard sale Spring cleaning can be daunting, but when you clean your house and make some money at the same time, it makes the simplification process much easier. Instead breeding scattered clutter kid's toys in the den, stray hair accessories and items in the kitchen "junk drawer" keep a catch-all 'garage sale box' that for items to unload. Price items to sell, and when your sale is over, donate leftover goods to a local charity. April Get garden ready Now's the time to put on your gardening gloves and set up an organized space to store your outdoor supplies. Clean and dry all of your garden accessories before creating an accessible space for these supplies in the garage, shed or basement. Also, make sure none of your fertilizers or pesticides are expired and keep them sealed up and kept safely out of reach of children. May - De-clutter sports and camping equipment Sports and camping equipment can take up a lot of space. If you're short on storage, an over-the-door rack can work wonders for organizing balls, mitts, helmets and shoes. Storage tubs can also be a lifesaver. For camping equipment, compartmentalize your gear by cooking pots, stove and utensils, tent/sleeping essentials and sundry supplies. A check list can be handy to keep track of what you have or need to replace, and there are some excellent camp gear check lists available online for ideas. June Summer fun This month is all about streamlining summertime fun. Keep a basket by the back door full of sunscreen, bug spray and hats. Get beach- and pool-ready with a bag or shelf of towels and swimsuits. Stock up on refreshing snacks like popsicles and juice boxes and use Ziploc bags to portion out on-the-road nibbles. July Get your car road ready Some simple planning can help ensure your car runs properly and that you're prepared to handle any unexpected on-the-road issues. Before you hit the highways, have a certified technician check your vehicle for safety. Further prepare for emergencies with membership in a 24/7 roadside assistance program like AAA. Now is also a good time to restock your travel first aid kit. August Back to school Help your kids get off to a smart start with a little of bit of prep and organization. Stock up on school supplies and avoid any last-minute project disasters. Buy in bulk to save money. Get a wall calendar and mark down appointments, after-school activities and important dates. Assign each kid a different color to keep obligations straight. Create a study space that will help promote positive homework habits. This may seem obvious, but a thoughtful environment can help encourage educational success. September Winterize your house Get your home ready for sweater weather with a few simple tips. Remove dead tree branches that could fall and cause damage in heavy snowfall. Make sure your chimney is clean and check for any leftover summer "guests." Seal leaks on your roof, around doors and windows and add insulation as needed for maximum energy efficiency. Not only will you be ready for snow, cold and inclement weather, you'll stay safe and comfortable. October Organize the shed and garage These two places tend to be a catch-all for everything from gardening supplies to sports equipment (and everything in between). Start by tossing items that aren't used. Contact your local EPA office for guidelines on how to dispose of old paint and chemicals. Next, sort like items. For smaller items, you can use hooks for storage. For larger items, shelving systems can be useful. Hazardous items like car fluids, fertilizers and lawn mowers should be kept safely out of reach of children. November Prep for holiday houseguests This holidays inevitably bring an influx of houseguests. Get ready by washing linens, towels and a few spare sets if possible. Keep décor simple with a few little luxuries, like a vase of fresh-cut flowers, a pretty bar of scented soap or a local bottle of wine. Set up a small sitting area stocked with local reading material; a local guide book or newspaper is a nice touch. If you're unsure that a spare room is guest ready, spend a night and gauge its comfort for yourself. December Give to charity It's the season for out with this old, in with the new. Assuming you've been good, most households will amass new presents around the holidays. Now is a good time to take inventory of what you own, use and overlook. Give old or damaged clothing and bedding to your local shelter. Goodwill is a great destination for secondhand books, electronics and appliances. A good rule of thumb is that unless an item has sentimental value, if you haven't used or worn it in a year, get rid of it. There's someone out there who will appreciate it. | 4 | 957 | lifestyle |
What do you give your special someone on Valentine's Day? Whether you've been together forever or you're in a new relationship, we have 40 sweet ideas. Opt for an evergreen statement Flowers wilt. Why not give your admirer a potted plant or a sapling? Its roots will continue to grow just like your feelings for each other. Pick up the paintbrush, Picasso Taking the time to draw or paint your sweetheart a picture shows patience, commitment and playfulness. You don't need to be a Renoir to draw something that displays your sentiments. Craft your own little coupon booklet How much would you love to get a coupon book from your flame, offering foot rubs, back massages, trips to Starbucks or an hour of hanky panky? J ust be sure that whatever you commit to, you are willing to redeem. Add a little adventure Create a scavenger hunt by offering clever clues that lead your babe from one destination to another. For example, write a riddle hinting at the restaurant where you'll be dining. Making them guess how the evening will unfold adds an element of intrigue and fun. Get thee to the grocery store then put your apron on Cooking a romantic dinner for two is a meaningful way to share your desire to nourish the mind, body and spirit of your Valentine. It doesn't need to be extravagant it's the sentiment that counts. Add flourish with flowers, candles and a bottle of bubbly. Bonus points for concocting your beloved's favorite dish. Bake up a storm, Betty Crocker Valentine's Day is all about chocolates and sweet treats. Kick that theme up a notch by crafting your pumpkin's favorite cookies or cakes. Get out of town! Conspire with your paramour's pals so that she or he thinks they're just going out with their cohorts. But in reality, the friends will deliver them to the airport, where you'll be waiting with tickets to Vegas, Miami, Cancun or, if you have the means, Paris. Spend an evening at the symphony Perhaps your pookie has a penchant for the refined. Surprise them with tickets to the opera, symphony or ballet. Get Sporty Splurge on boxed seats for your sweetie pie's favorite sports team. Give 'em a whole lotta rub By which we mean you should treat your sweetheart to a couple's massage. They're sensual, soothing and fun. Give the gift of relaxation Gift your gal with a day at the spa. Pampering her with pedicures, massages and facials will make her feel like the princess you know she is. Make a statement Declare your love in a public place. You and your lover are hand-in-hand, strolling through the park, when suddenly you announce to everyone within earshot that you are head over heels for your hottie. Your willingness to share that with onlookers is bold and shows that you're committed. Regale them at a restaurant Before going out for a romantic meal with your significant other, call the restaurant and ask them to write a sweet sentiment on your dessert. Or kick it up another notch and hire a musician to serenade the two of you tableside. (Just make sure the restaurant doesn't mind.) Seek some global inspiration According to the Your Tango site, "In South Korea, the 14th day of every month is dedicated to an aspect of love. For example, May is Rose Day, October is Wine Day and December is Hug Day." Take a cue from a culture you admire, research what they traditionally do to celebrate their love, and then try it out on your special someone. Channel your inner Shakespeare Tuck a poem or haiku into your darling's purse or wallet. Doubtful? You don't need to be Elizabeth Barrett Browning! Get creative and cute. Trust us: They'll be dizzy with delight. Tell them how you really feel In the tech-heavy era of today, you likely just dash off quick texts or emails to your dumpling. Why not set a pen to paper and write them a love letter? For bonus points, write the letter in another language (like French) using an online translator as your guide. Splurge on a gastronomic delight Instead of going to your standard eatery, take your pet somewhere super-fancy like a James Beard chef's restaurant or the newest, hottest talk of the town. Share your sentiments in song Cobble together a playlist with tunes that remind you of your sweetheart by either going retro with a mixed tape or creating an iTunes playlist and naming it after them. Roll right into their heart Speaking of retro, take your lover to the roller rink. These establishments need to come back into style. Imagine clasping hands, looking at each other lovingly as you roll around in rental skates to the magical musings of REO Speedwagon. Memorable, right? Take a walk down lover's lane If you aren't too keen on the idea of skating, maybe bowling is more your league. Bowling is a great way to blow off steam and have some light-hearted fun with your partner. Perk up the posies Of course there isn't anything wrong with roses. It's just that they're quite common on Cupid's big day. Add your own unique flair by picking a bouquet at the farmer's market and presenting it in a mason jar, or seek out some more exotic flowers and lavish them with a pretty vase. Take the Leap If you've been thinking it's time for the two of you to take your relationship to the next level by moving in together, then gift your gumdrop with a toothbrush and a key to your place. Prescribe retail therapy If you just can't seem to come up with a good gift for your snookums, suggest a day at the mall. There is no shame in saying you want to shop together to pick out their gift. That way you won't wind up getting them something they don't want. Get cooking If the two of you typically reach for a to-go menu, give the gift of culinary know-how and take cooking classes together. Cut a rug! Sign up for dance classes they're the perfect way to get close, goof off, and learn some moves for the next wedding (yours?!) you attend. Let them go Out for a night on the town, that is. Offer them one month of Fridays for a Girls' or Boys' Night Out with their pals while you stay home with the kids Relive those magical moments Put together a scrapbook (digital or analog) of your dates, vacations and cherished occasions. Not only is it thoughtful, it's also a reminder of how much the two of you have shared. To the moon, Alice! Give a gift that's out of this world literally. The symbolism associated with naming a star after your honey bunch is obvious. How moon-eyed would you be if someone did the same for you? Adopt an endangered species Is your special someone crazy for critters? If so, they'll go wild when you adopt a precious critter on their behalf. Get crafty Knit a sweater, make a stuffed animal or bracelet, or construct a collage. Taking the time to create a handmade gift shows patience, creativity and thoughtfulness. If it doesn't turn out as you planned, remember what they always say: It's the thought that counts. It's Elementary, dear Watson Make them a Valentine's Day card reminiscent of the ones you used to make in elementary school. Grab (safety!) scissors, a glue stick and some construction paper. A handmade Valentine is a cute and endearing sentiment. Write a love letter a la Big in Sex and the City If your mind blanks when you set pen to paper, copy a love letter written by Napoleon, Beethoven, Victor Hugo or some other eloquent romantic. Genius is always worth repeating, but make sure you give them credit. Write and sing a song So what if you're not John Mayer? Writing a song for your sweetie is touching, tender, swoon-worthy and downright sexy. Play! Be a child at heart and make a fort. Craft a cozy corner with blankets, candles, board games and treats and then just snuggle up and spend some quality time together. Get inked Emblazoning your lover's name in tattoo form isn't the best idea if you aren't married. But if you want to show your fervor in a wild and crazy way, opt for a temporary tattoo instead. Create personalized candy or soda Personalize M&Ms with terms of endearment the two of you share or have labels made for your sugar's favorite soda. Explore your city How often do the two of you go out and explore your own hometown? Be tourists and see the sites you wouldn't typically check out. Toast the town Book an evening at a local hotel and splurge on room service and movie rentals. Getting away from the regular routine is a great way to reignite the spark. A picture is worth a thousand words Have your portrait taken together. Or make things steamy by giving your beau a boudoir photo of yourself. Dish out something different Why not go plate (or pottery) painting? It makes for a great couple's date and acts as a daily (and functional) reminder of a special time you shared. | 4 | 958 | lifestyle |
Spring is not only a good time to clean your house and garage; it's also the perfect opportunity to revamp your dating life. Here are a few tips that can help. Be ready Start with your wardrobe. Check your closet, or go shopping, for a few date-ready outfits in the styles and colors that make you look and feel most attractive. Make sure some of those options are always clean and ready for spur-of-the-moment social opportunities.-- By Sharon O'Brien Be realistic about your options If you're older or a bit overweight, and your fantasy date is a 20-year-old hardbody, how is that working out for you? Maybe it's time to let go of unrealistic dreams and get to know some people who would appreciate what you have to offer. Get in shape When it comes to dating, you want to look and feel your best, so say goodbye to your couch-potato lifestyle and those extra pounds you added over the winter. Work out more, stop eating junk food, and take the stairs whenever you have a choice. Don't be afraid to walk away Are you dating someone who doesn't seem to be that into you? Maybe it's time to stop trying to push your current relationship uphill, and to focus your attention on someone who shows a genuine interest in you. Freshen up your online dating profile If you've been in the online dating world for a while, take some new photos and update your profile to include any new interests or insights. Now is also a good time to consider the people who reply to your profile. If they don't seem to be a good fit for you, or you consistently attract people who leave too much to be desired, a little profile revision can help you meet people who are more in sync with your goals and personality. Branch out Have you been focusing exclusively on one source for potential dates? Try different ways to meet people volunteer, take a class or join a special-interest group that supports a cause that's important to you. The more diverse you are in the way you live your life, the more chances you'll have to meet interesting people. Sharpen your listening skills Everyone likes to talk about themselves that includes your date and it's the best way to really get to know someone. Show your interest by asking questions about the things that interest them, and by being an engaged and active listener. Leave the past in the past Nothing turns a date from great to grotesque faster than someone who spends the entire time complaining about past relationships or the ex who got away. Give yourself a fresh start with a new person by leaving your old baggage at home. Follow the trends What are the newest and best ways to meet new people? Speed dating, lunch dates, airport dating (because so many single people travel for work or pleasure)? How about special-interest Meet Up groups, or hiking, kayaking or ski clubs? There are so many ways to connect with people who share your interests. Be happy Don't expect someone else to turn your life around or make you happy. Would you want to be with someone that needy? People are more likely to respond positively to someone who's upbeat and optimistic. Try something new Avoid the usual dating routine dinner and a movie or the club scene. Try sharing a new experience and plan it together. Embrace honesty Sure, you want to put your best foot forward, but you're better off being honest about your opinions, feelings or beliefs right from the start. You want someone who's attracted to the real you and not a fantasy you created. To give your relationship a strong foundation, build it on the truth. Look for patterns If you feel like your dating life is in a rut because you keep meeting the same kind of people but never find a good fit, take a look at how you present yourself or why you may be attracted to the wrong people. Look for opportunities to make new friends This is important, because you want to have an interesting life while you're looking for "the one." If you really like someone you meet on a date but mutual sparks aren't flying, see if you can turn that encounter into a friendship. The more people you meet, the richer your life will be. And you never know when a friend may introduce you to someone who could turn out to be the love of your life. Speak your mind If you want something (or don't), then say so. If you want him to call you during the week to check in, ask him to do that. If you'd like her to plan the next date, make the suggestion. It's better to ask for what you want, whether you get it or not, than to expect other people to read your mind or to assume that if he or she really cared, they would know what you want. Learn from your mistakes Even the worst date can be a lesson learned, or at least a great story to share with your friends. Keep your spirits up and try to do better next time. Make the first date just about fun First dates can really put pressure on people. They sometimes feel like a job interview or, worse, an audition to be someone's partner for life and that creates nervousness, discomfort and awkwardness. Make an agreement that the first date is going to be just about fun, and don't worry about where it may lead. Put dating in perspective Granted, when you're looking for a partner, meeting that special someone takes on great importance. But don't make finding dates and checking your online profile the center of your life. You have work, friends, family and hobbies, and the enjoyment of those aspects of your life will help you feel confident and positive about the future. Living a balanced life will make you more appealing. Focus on the person you're with It's just plain rude to be on a date with someone and to start blatantly check out other people. And it's just as rude to spend half the date texting your friends or checking voicemail. Be kind and polite put the phone away and focus your attention on the person you're with. Don't give up Dating can be hard sometimes, but don't get discouraged. You really never know where or when that special person will turn up at work, at the gym, on the bus or at the grocery store. Be open, stay positive, relaxed and friendly, and have fun with your life. When the right person does show up, you'll have a lot to share. | 4 | 959 | lifestyle |
When you first met, you couldn't keep your hands off each other. Now, you're often too tired for sex. Here's how to put the spark back in your relationship. Talk to each other, every day No matter how busy you both get, make time each day to talk to each other about what's on your mind. Whether you share problems and brainstorm solutions, or just share the funny things that happened during your day, you'll both feel more connected. BING: GREAT CONVERSATION STARTERS Spend time alone Once a relationship is established, the pull of spending time alone may start to lessen. Don't let it. It's important for couples to have time alone to talk, laugh and relax together. Plan one night a week for just the two of you whether you go out on the town or plan a cozy evening at home. If you have kids, schedule a babysitter. BING: ROMANTIC DATE IDEAS Keep up your appearance Sure, your partner will find you more attractive if you're well-groomed and wearing something flattering. But since so much of sexual enjoyment is in the mind, keeping up your appearance will also help you feel sexy. And that will help put both of you in the mood for sex. BING: MOST EFFECTIVE EXERCISES Dance together Studies show that dancing is a great way to get in shape, and it's a lot more fun than a treadmill. Dancing also keeps you young, agile and sexy. So whether you're at home or in a club, grab your partner and dance. BING: MOST ROMANTIC SONGS EVER Make your partner feel important A common complaint among longtime couples is that everyone else friends, family, kids, coworkers gets priority over your partner. Sure, it's important to have a full life, but that doesn't negate the importance of connection to help couples keep the spark alive. Make sure your partner knows that he or she is first on your list. BING: HOW TO MAKE YOUR PARTNER FEEL IMPORTANT Share non-sexual touching Remember when you first met and you wanted to touch all the time? Physical touch a hug, holding hands, an arm around her shoulder convey love. And that helps couples feel more connected. BING: LONGEST MARRIED HOLLYWOOD STARS Hug for at least 30 seconds No need for a stopwatch, but the next time you hug your partner make it a good, long embrace. Researchers have found that healthy hugs can increase oxytocin, a hormone that helps with bonding and feelings of attachment. BING: WHY HUGS ARE GOOD FOR YOU Make time for sexual play Set aside one weekend a month or one night a week to have fun with your partner in bed. Be silly, try role-playing, experiment a little the idea is to experience fun and joy together. BING: ROMANTIC MOVIES TO WATCH WITH YOUR PARTNER Try toys If your sex life has become routine, perhaps sex toys will add the variety and spice you're looking for. Make toy shopping a mutually pleasurable event, and only indulge in what you both agree on. This is meant to be fun and pleasing for both partners. BING: HOW TO KEEP THE SPARK ALIVE Don't put sex on the back burner Of course the kids, your job and other important commitments sap your energy and attention. But your own well-being and your partner's is just as important. Sex is actually a great stress reliever, so make sure connecting with your partner is near the top of your to-do list. BING: WORK-LIFE BALANCE TIPS Try new positions Even your favorite, never-fail positions can become dull over time. Spice things up a bit by trying something new. Classic erotic books like the "Kama Sutra" can offer many suggestions. BING: TOP ROMANCE NOVELS OF ALL TIME Share sexual fantasies Schedule some alone time to jot down one or two of your sexual fantasies and ask your partner to do the same. Then plan some uninterrupted time when you can share your fantasies with each other. Sometimes just hearing about them will turn you on, but if it feels good to act them out, go for it. BING: BENEFITS OF KEEPING A JOURNAL Share laughter When was the last time you both shared a hearty laugh? Visit a comedy club or revisit your favorite funny movies to find ways to laugh together. In addition to releasing endorphins, those brain chemicals that make us feel so good, laughing together will help you feel more relaxed, refreshed and connected. BING: FUN DATE IDEAS Go somewhere new We've all heard about the thrills of the mile-high club (having sex in an airplane bathroom) but there are many options for sexual venues that are safer, more comfortable and much more fun. Use your imagination and try trysting in new locations. BING: MOST ROMANTIC TRIPS IN THE USA Get in shape In addition to helping you look and feel more attractive, taking care of your body with exercise and a balanced diet will help to maintain or improve your stamina. BING: WHY YOU SHOULD WORK OUT WITH YOUR PARTNER Tell each other what turns you on Would you let your cousin give you gifts every year in a color you hate, or would you gently tell him what you prefer? It's the same with sex. If some of your partner's old moves just don't feel good anymore, or you'd like to try something new, lovingly and respectfully ask for what you want. And encourage your partner to do the same. BING: MOST ROMANTIC TRIPS IN THE WORLD Take turns initiating sex Often couples get into a routine where one partner does the asking more than the other. If you're not usually the one who initiates sex, surprise your partner by planning a romantic evening or simply saying what you want. It's a compliment to be asked, so share the joy. BING: HOW TO GET OUT OF A DATE RUT Don't compare your relationship to others Just as each of us is unique, so are our relationships. The "norm" for your relationship how often you have sex, and what you do during sex is your business as long as it feels healthy and is good for both of you. BING: STEPS TO A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP Make your bedroom a love nest No matter how large or small your home, it's easy to turn your bedroom or sleeping area into a romantic retreat. Splurge a little on silky all-cotton sheets and bedding in a beautiful color. Create a sexy mood with dim lighting, scented candles and romantic music. Lock the door or make sure you won't be disturbed. Then focus on each other. BING: HOW TO CREATE A ROMANTIC BEDROOM Put yourself in the mood for sex Sex may be the last thing you think of after a hard day, but it could be just what you need. Try relaxing with a glass of wine or beer, take a bath or shower, and put on romantic music and light some candles. See if allowing yourself to truly relax helps you get in the mood for sex. BING: TIPS TO HELP YOU RELAX Schedule time for each other With all of the obligations you both have during the day, it's easy to run out of time. So at the end of the day the only time you find yourselves together is when you fall into bed, exhausted. Keep the spark alive by spending quality time together, even if you have to schedule it to make it happen. BING: HOW TO SAVE TIME Save your bed for sleep and sex Unless you both enjoy sharing erotic videos, don't watch TV in bed, let alone balance your checkbook or knit a sweater. So much of your life can be spent in other areas reserve your bed for romance and relaxation. BING: SHOULD YOU HAVE A TV IN THE BEDROOM ? Keep each other's secrets Feeling comfortable with someone sexually can also mean allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Build trust with your partner by agreeing not to talk about each other's personal matters with others. BING: SECRETS YOU SHOULD NEVER KEEP FROM YOUR PARTNER Share new experiences Nothing dulls the senses or the passion like the same old routine day in and day out. Shake up your lives and your relationship by adding new activities you can experience together, whether it's a thrilling sport you'd both like to try or a new restaurant in the neighborhood. Even the smallest change in routine can wake up your brain. BING: THINGS TO TRY BEFORE YOU DIE Write love notes Every once in a while, take turns putting pen to paper and writing down what you love about each other. This is a great way to remind your partner (and yourself) about the people you fell in love with. BING: HOW TO WRITE A LOVE LETTER Kiss hello and goodbye It's amazing how easily the activities of daily life can get in the way of romance, but don't let that happen. Make a habit of kissing each other daily even if it's just a quick peck no matter who's around to watch. You'll be a role model for other couples. BING: THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT KISSING Shower or bathe together As a prelude to sex, or just as a relaxing way to connect, you can't beat water for washing away the worries of the day. Shampoo each other's hair for a sensual treat you'll both enjoy. BING: SCENTS THAT PROMOTE RELAXATION Share a massage One of the best ways to de-stress, and to get in touch with your body, is massage. How lucky you are to have each other to practice on! Whether you enjoy a quick shoulder rub after a stressful day, a couple's massage workshop, or a professional couple's massage at a spa, this is a wonderful way to relax and stay connected. BING: HEALTH BENEFITS OF MASSAGE Don't underestimate the importance of maintenance sex It's inevitable: your partner's in the mood but you're not, or vice versa. When that happens, consider participating out of love for each other. Sometimes the disinterested partner can become interested, and sometimes not. But acknowledging each other's needs with love and respect can strengthen your bond rather than break it. And occasional maintenance sex will keep the door open for more romantic interludes. BING: THE BEST WINTER DATE IDEAS Sharon O'Brien is a psychotherapist who works with individuals and couples in Portland, Oregon. | 4 | 960 | lifestyle |
Paris, France Paris, the City of Light, seems made for lovers. Wander the winding streets of the Marais, stop at a sidewalk café for a croissant and café crème, and walk hand-in-hand along the Seine.Video: What your engagement ring says about youLater, you can explore the Left Bank. Visit the Luxembourg Gardens, drop by Shakespeare & Company, the modern heir to Sylvia Beach's famous bookstore that welcomed American expatriate writers like Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce, and stop on one of city's graceful bridges at sunset to watch the lights come on all over Paris. SEARCH: SEE TOP SIGHTSEEING SPOTS IN PARIS Dubrovnik, Croatia Couples around the world who are looking for romance are beginning to rediscover Dubrovnik on the southern coast of Croatia. The city's fortified old town, set into limestone cliffs, overlooks the sparkling Adriatic with its many beaches and offshore islands, and offers a charming architectural blend of ancient churches, majestic palaces and marble-paved streets. Dubrovnik's appeal to travelers is not new. Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, who visited the city in 1929, said, "If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik, because the beauty there will leave anyone breathless." SEARCH: BREATHTAKING VIEWS ON THE SOUTHERN COAST OF CROATIA Kyoto, Japan Kyoto, which was the imperial capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years, escaped much of the World War II violence that devastated some Japanese communities and the frenzied rebuilding that followed. Several rivers and canals flow through Kyoto, and the city is home to more than 2,000 temples and shrines as well as 20 percent of Japan's national treasures. Kyoto is also famous for its ryokan, traditional inns and guest houses, which allow visitors to experience a taste of old Japan. SEARCH: IMAGES OF THE IMPERIAL PALACE Venice, Italy What could be more romantic than gliding through Venetian canals in a gondola, passing beneath arched bridges and balconies overflowing with colorful flowers? There is a local legend that says lovers will be granted eternal love and bliss if they kiss on a gondola at sunset under the Bridge of Sighs as the bells of the Campanile di San Marco begin to toll. Hey, it's worth a try. Or you can wander through the cobblestoned streets of Venice, check out one of the cafes that ring the Piazza San Marco, and listen to the bells from there. SEARCH: ROMANTIC DAYTRIPS AROUND VENICE Maui, Hawaii When you travel to the island of Maui, you can feel yourself start to relax and embrace the aloha spirit the minute you get off the plane. Maybe it's the warm fragrant air washing over you, or maybe it's just knowing you're in paradise. While you're here, explore the beach town of Lahaina and the Haleakala volcano, learn to surf or take a whale watching cruise (the waters around Maui are the winter habitat of Humpback whales), and drive the road to Hana to get the flavor of old Hawaii.Video: Picking a honeymoon hotel room. SEARCH: BEST RESTAURANTS IN MAUI Buenos Aires, Argentina Buenos Aires is where the tango began, and the city still has the sultry vibe that inspired the world's sexiest dance. From the genteel look of its Belle Époque and French-colonial buildings to the pulsing beat of its bohemian heart, Buenos Aires is a city that never disappoints. SEARCH: DANCE CLASSES IN BUENOS AIRES Bora Bora Novelist James Michener described Bora Bora as "the most beautiful island in the world." Not many people would disagree after seeing the South Pacific island's jungle-cloaked mountains, cobalt lagoon, coral reef and white sand beaches. SEARCH: BEST BEACHES FOR SNORKELING IN BORA BORA Provence, France Provence, in southeast France, epitomizes the good life and living well. From long lunches in charming village cafes to bustling farmers' markets to fields of lavender stretching to the horizon, Provence makes romance a part of every day. Mix in the incomparable Mediterranean beaches for which this region is famous, and it's a hard combination to beat. SEARCH: VIEW BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS OF PROVENCE Outer Banks, North Carolina The Outer Banks is a region of firsts, from the first English colony in America (the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island) to the first powered flight by a heavier-than-air craft (the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk). Walk the beaches looking for seashells, tour the historic lighthouses lining the coast, or go snorkeling or scuba diving in the Graveyard of the Atlantic, where 3,000 shipwrecks are clustered just offshore of the Outer Banks. SEARCH: ARE THERE WILD HORSES IN THE OUTER BANKS? Vietnam Get out of the big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and head to places like Hoi An, a well-preserved 15th-century port town and site of the famous so-called China Beach, or Halong Bay (the name means "where the dragon descends into the sea"), a UNESCO-protected area where emerald-green waters surround some 3,000 limestone mini-islands. SEARCH: BEAUTIFUL VIEWS IN VIETNAM Napa Valley, California In wine country nationwide, romance is second only to wine in the appeal those regions have for travelers, but California's Napa Valley did it first and still does it best. Some of the most celebrated vineyards in the United States are in Napa, and they are supported by a justly famous collection of classic restaurants and iconic inns and hotels. SEARCH : VISTAS OF NAPA VALLEY Vancouver Island Vancouver Island, off the west coast of Canada, features pristine beaches, old-growth rain forests, and a bit of Old England and a picturesque harbor in the city of Victoria. A perennial favorite spot for couples seeking seclusion and romance is Point No Point Resort on the island's southwest coast, which offers 25 rustic cliff-side cabins with fireplaces and kitchens, many with private hot tubs on decks overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Jamaica In Jamaica, it's all about the beaches and the water. You can kayak along the shore, swim in the hotel pool or the clear Caribbean waters, and watch native cliff divers every day. At Negril, you can check into the Rockhouse, which boasts a group of thatched-roof bungalows atop rock cliffs that overlook a brilliant blue cove. SEARCH: BRILLIANT SUNRISES IN JAMAICA San Blas, Panama Travelers come to this remote archipelago in northern Panama to escape the crowds in Panama City and the more popular Caribbean coastal area of Bocas del Toro. San Blas is short on modern conveniences but long on rustic charm, and several lodges on the archipelago's islands have accommodations built over water. San Blas features excellent snorkeling, where underwater tourists can see more than 75 species of coral and hundreds of varieties of tropical fish. SEARCH: UNDERWATER IMAGES FROM SAN BLAS Bermuda Bermuda's pink sand beaches and English traditions have been attracting travelers for centuries to this island paradise, which has been a British possession for more than 400 years. An historic shipwreck offshore in 30 feet of water offers exceptional diving, Bermuda's hotels offer old-world charm, and the local cuisine relies heavily on fresh seafood simply prepared. SEARCH: LOCAL CUISINE TO TRY IN BERMUDA Milford Sound, New Zealand Milford Sound, on the coast of New Zealand's South Island, has been called the Eighth Wonder of the World. The waters of the sound, surrounded by sheer rock faces, are home to penguins, seals and dolphins. Milford Sound is located within the Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site, where visitors can take what is often described as "the most beautiful walk in the world," a three-and-a-half-day hike through the area's natural beauty. SEARCH: FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK PHOTOS Cook Islands Go Tahiti one better and travel 400 miles southwest of that fabled isle to the lesser-known Cook Islands, a true Polynesian paradise. Snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving are favorite activities on the Cook Islands, but so is motu walking (wading in the shallow waters between islets) and dreaming with your lover in a double-wide hammock. SEARCH: MAPS OF THE COOK ISLANDS Bali, Indonesia Bali is a land of exceptional beauty, with white-sand beaches, blue lagoons and green terraced rice paddies leading to the distant mountains. The resorts here specialize in luxury and are tailor-made for romance. SEARCH: MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN BALI Lake District, England England's Lake District is famous for its rugged beauty and excellent hiking, but the small inns that dot the region are known for their comfort and charm. The Lake District combines windswept moors, leafy forests and, of course, beautiful lakes. While you're in the area, be sure to visit Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth's former home, which is now a museum filled with the poet's original manuscripts and a collection of outstanding 19th-century watercolors. Krabi Island, Thailand The remote beaches and tropical forests of Krabi Island are a quiet and relaxing alternative to more touristy parts of Thailand such as Phuket. Many of the best beaches and most scenic spots are only accessible by boat, which helps to preserve Krabi Island as a low-key romantic hideaway for lovers worldwide. West Coast of Ireland Visit Ireland's west coast and you'll soon understand why it's called the Emerald Isle. Verdant green hills slope down to rugged cliffs and lonely beaches a perfect landscape for romance. Explore the Ring of Kerry and the many villages, castles and other landmarks along that route. Tour the Lakes of Killarney and the moors of Connemara, then stop at one of Ireland's many pubs for a pint of Guinness and join in when the locals start to sing a traditional Irish ballad. Amsterdam Amsterdam is an idyllic spot for lovers. Stroll along the many canals that flow through the city center with centuries-old buildings on every side, charter a cruise and a private dinner on an elegant wood-paneled canal boat, or rent bicycles (maybe even a tandem) to see more of the city at a relaxed pace. When you've had enough exercise and adventure, pop into one of Amsterdam's cozy cafes to share a drink and talk about your day. SEARCH: GREAT AMSTERDAM MUSEUMS Savannah, Georgia Savannah is so steeped in history that the entire city has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Savannah is famous for its antebellum mansions, beautiful town squares and colorful, not to say eccentric, residents. Arrange a horse-drawn carriage ride through the largest contiguous historic district in the United States, and sip champagne as Savannah puts you under its spell. Oregon Coast The Oregon Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States and some of the most diverse. Visit the Sea Lion Caves in Florence for an intimate view of Stellar sea lions in their natural habitat, or explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a 40-mile stretch of coastline that features wind-sculpted sand dunes 500 feet high. Farther north, stop at Cannon Beach for lunch, shopping and beachcombing among the tide pools in the shadow of Haystack Rock, before checking into one of the romantic resorts along the coast. Istanbul, Turkey Istanbul is a city that invites you to wander. Explore the crowded bazaars and open-air restaurants. Enjoy panoramic views of the Bosporus, and the quaint neighborhoods on the European side of the strait that forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia. Seychelle Islands If you've ever dreamed of being a castaway on a (nearly) deserted island, consider the Seychelle Islands, which are in the Indian Ocean off the East Coast of Africa. Prince William and Kate Middleton honeymooned there after their royal wedding, but lovers were finding their way to the Seychelles long before then. The Seychelle Islands, many of them private with only one luxury hotel or a small collection of villas, offer stunning beaches where you can swim and sunbathe, dive to explore fantastic coral reefs, and then have dinner by moonlight. Patmos, Greece This small Greek island is just 14 square miles can only be reached by boat, but what you find there will make the trip worthwhile. The walled hilltop village of Chora is a labyrinth of interlocking courtyards, chapels and mansions. One of the mansions houses the island's only hotel, the 17th-century Archontariki, where you'll find six rustic suites with modern conveniences and private rooftop decks with incomparable views of the Aegean Sea. Patmos also has countless hidden coves and deserted beaches where you and your partner can while away the hours as you discuss discuss your dreams. SEARCH: PHOTOS OF ARCHONTARIKI HOTEL Montreal, Canada Montreal is one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world, and it has all the romance that implies. Linger over breakfast and café au laits at a terrace café in Old Montreal, and book a carriage ride through the cobblestoned streets of the old city. Take a sunset cruise on the St. Lawrence River or share a candlelight dinner at an 18th-century restaurant. In summer, Montreal features weekly fireworks shows, part of the annual fireworks competition L'International des Feux Loto-Québec, which draws pyrotechnic experts from five continents. Edinburgh, Scotland Start at Edinburgh Castle, which has overlooked the city from atop its rocky crag for nearly 3,000 years, and then shop along Victoria Street. Take a scenic walk along the Water of Leith, the main river running through Edinburgh, explore the Princes Street Gardens, and then tour the Royal Yacht Britannia to get a firsthand look at the lifestyle of the rich and royal. Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is one of the most romantic destinations in the United States. For an unforgettable experience, combine a visit to Charleston with a journey through the South Carolina low country. A few miles north of Charleston, roads lined with live oaks draped with moss lead to small coastal towns and fishing villages where you can sample local shrimp and oysters. Back in Charleston visit the Battery for a spectacular view of the harbor and explore the Historic District and Rainbow Row, a collection of pastel-colored Georgian-style townhouses, and then watch the sunset as the sky turns to gold over the Ravenel Bridge.Sharon O'Brien is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon, and a frequent contributor to MSN Living. | 4 | 961 | lifestyle |
We interviewed a handful of real husbands who told us what they love most about their wives. Happy Wife Appreciation Day, ladies! By Kristin Wong 'Without her ...' "I love my wife because she is all that I am not: smart, sophisticated, intelligent, beautiful and my best friend. Without her, I wouldn't be where I am now." Victor Santiago, Yuma, Arizona 'Meet in the middle' "I love that she's a pessimist and I'm an optimist and we're able to meet in the middle."Brook Syers, Houston, Texas 'Adventurous' "I like how smart Myne is; I always feel I can count on her great suggestions when I'm thinking through a difficult issue. I love that, because she's more adventurous than I am, she gets me to see and do things that I otherwise would not have done."Tola Odejayi, Seattle, Washington 'Keeps me grounded' "What I love about my wife is that she allows me to be a man, and when the child comes out, she understands. She keeps me grounded and humbled with a soft and steady support of who I am and who I need to be."Darryl Ferguson, Houston, Texas 'Wonderful heart' "She's my wife and my best friend. She's beautiful, caring, has a wonderful heart and helped give me my son." Bobby Banck, Ft. Smith, ArkansasAuthor of "The Interview." http://www.themissiondad.com 'Safe in her arms' "I love my wife because I know I'm safe and loved in her arms."Tony DiLorenzo, Poway, California 'Lucky husband' "I love my wife because of how supportive she is of everything I do. I'm a lucky husband!"Brian Jensen,Salt Lake City, Utah 'Her strength' "What I love most about my wife? Her strength. Her love. Her humility. Her spirit. Her passion. And her presence."Corey Allan,Dallas, Texas 'She's more than awesome' "To describe my wife Melissa as "awesome" would be a serious understatement. She's so much more than awesome...she's a role model for ladies of the next generation. She's more than awesome because she's a genuine inspiration."Shawn Cartwright,Yorktown, Virginia 'Better person' "I love my wife because she brings out the best in my weaknesses and contributes to me being a better person."Austin Cohen,Atlanta, Georgia 'Kindness, compassion' "I love the way her eyes close when she laughs hard. Internally, I love my wife because her kindness, compassion, and intelligence inspires me to be a better person."Terrance Gaines, Atlanta, Georgia 'Trust in me' "I love that she accepted my mother living with us for her last years without a second thought. I love that she has trust in me without a doubt." Chip Peterson,Spring, Texas 'My leading cheerleader' "She is what propels me forward and onward and has always been, and continues to be, my leading cheerleader. In 18 years of marriage I have yet to see her put her interests ahead of mine."Ricky Ahuja,Ashburn, Virginia 'Woman of substance' "My wife, Tiffini Spry, is an amazing woman of substance and I am very grateful to have her. Her spirit is contagious, and her ambition is inspiring, but I also love her softness and nurturing nature." Troy Spry, Charlotte, North Carolina 'Role model' "I love the fact that she is the perfect role model for my three daughters."Alex Gile, Carlsbad, Calif. 'The boss' "About 10 years ago I retired...and went to work for my wife. For years I thought JoAnn was a great mom to our children and the best wife a guy could have. Now I am in love with the boss!"Bob Shirilla,Canfield, Ohio 'Together we are one' "I love my wife because she is the other half of me. Together we are one, and when we are apart, I always feel like a piece of me is missing...when I'm with her the world just seems right!" Roland Nutter, Pepperell, Mass. 'My best friend' "As Becky and I celebrate our 28th anniversary this year, I reflect on all the love and romance, sorrow and laughter, challenges and joys. It has been wonderful to share life's ups and downs with my best friend, my soul mate."Mike Bennett,Dallas, Texas 'Courageously committed' "I love my wife because she is fully and courageously committed to living the best and most fun life imaginable…"Matt Olin, Charlotte, North Carolina 'Better man' "Lisa makes me a better man by holding me accountable for being the best husband and father I can be." Joel Schmidt, Des Moines, Iowa 'Great mother' "My wife is The MOST beautiful and intelligent woman I have ever known and she's also a GREAT mother." Joel Freeman, Lambertville, Michigan | 4 | 962 | lifestyle |
Adam and Eve Whether they are fact or fiction, love stories inspire us. Here are some of the greatest love stories from history, literature and today's headlines. "In the beginning . . ." Whether you believe Adam and Eve were two flesh-and-blood people that God banished from the Garden of Eden or literary archetypes that represent the dawn of humanity, the account of their enduring devotion in the face of unimaginable loss and hardship is one of the greatest love stories ever written. BING: WHAT CAUSED TROUBLE ? Duke and Duchess of Windsor In 1936, King Edward VIII of England gave up his throne to marry "the woman I love," a twice-divorced American socialite named Wallis Simpson. The scandal rocked the British Empire and captivated the rest of the world, but the couple remained devoted to each other until the Duke's death in 1972. BING: WHO PRODUCED A MOVIE BASED ON THEIR LIFE TOGETHER ? Antony and Cleopatra The love affair of this Roman general and his Egyptian queen, along with their war with Rome and mutual suicide, shook the ancient world and inspired one of Shakespeare's most celebrated tragedies. BING: THE LIZ TAYLOR-RICHARD BURTON MOVIE WAS A FLOP ? Elizabeth Bennett & Mr. Darcy The two principal characters in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" the poor but intelligent and free-spirited woman and the wealthy but reserved and misunderstood gentleman are among the most beloved in English literature. Their famous romance, which at first seems unlikely and then impossible, finally shows that love conquers all. BING: WHO STARRED IN THE 2005 MOVIE ? Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund The unexpected reunion of these two star-crossed lovers under the shadow of war made motion picture history. Released in January 1943, shortly after the Allied invasion of North Africa during World War II, the film "Casablanca" was not considered anything special. But three Academy Awards and 70 years later, this story of love and sacrifice has become a classic. BING: MORE 'CASABLANCA' TRIVIA George Burns and Gracie Allen George Burns and Gracie Allen met in 1922, married in 1926, and spent 40 years making people laugh. The comedy duo performed together in vaudeville, radio, television and films until Gracie's final illness and eventual death in 1964. Burns, who never remarried, visited his wife's grave every month until his own death at age 100. BING: GEORGE'S SWEET SIGNOFF TO HIS WIFE Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara The tempestuous love affair between Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind" is one of the most popular romances ever written. The novel won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, and the film adaptation took home 10 Academy Awards. BING: WHO PLAYED WHO IN 'GWTW' John and Abigail Adams John Adams, the second president of the United States, and his wife, Abigail, shared a passionate and lifelong love affair despite the many separations they endured during their 54-year marriage. The unending stream of letters the couple exchanged for more than half a century show very clearly that they were not only intellectual equals and political allies but also deeply in love. BING: BOOKS ABOUT JOHN ADAMS Romeo and Juliet In Shakespeare's classic story of forbidden love, Romeo and Juliet fall in love despite their families' longstanding feud. Miscommunication and other plot twists lead to the death of both lovers, but the tragedy and shared grief unite the two families and bring lasting peace. BING: THE MANY FILMS ABOUT ROMEO & JULIET Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier A professional actress at 20 and a movie star at 23, Grace Kelly got the best role of her life at age 26 when she retired from acting to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco and become a real-life princess. Princess Grace died in 1982 of injuries she sustained in a car accident. She was 52. Prince Rainier, who never remarried, was buried alongside her when he died in 2005. BING: SEE NICOLE KIDMAN'S TAKE ON GRACE KELLY Nick and Nora Charles Nick and Nora Charles first appeared in 1934 in Dashiell Hammett's best-selling final novel, "The Thin Man," and then had long lives in the series of films they inspired. Reportedly based on Hammett and his longtime lover, playwright Lillian Hellman, Nick and Nora, and their witty banter, became the model for the many romantically linked detective duos that would follow. BING: MORE DASHIELL HAMMETT BOOKS Johnny Cash and June Carter Country music stars Johnny Cash and June Carter married in 1968, 13 years after they first met backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. Both were married to other people when they met, but their love eventually proved irresistible. They continued to make music together for the next 35 years, and died less than four months apart in 2003. BING: WHO PLAYED THEM IN 'WALK THE LINE' ? Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall Bogie and Bacall met on the set of "To Have and Have Not," the first film they ever made together. She was 19, he was 44, but they were instantly attracted to each other. The couple married in 1945, had two children together, and was very happy during the few years they shared before Bogart's death at age 57. BING: SEE MORE PICS OF THEM TOGETHER Lancelot and Guinevere Guinevere was the wife and queen of King Arthur, the legendary British ruler, and Sir Lancelot was his friend and most gifted knight. Both Lancelot and Guinevere loved Arthur, but their irresistible passion for each other and their betrayal of Arthur destroyed a kingdom as well as a marriage and a friendship. BING: BOOKS ON SIR LANCELOT Rachel and Jacob Another great biblical romance is the story of Jacob and Rachel. Jacob spent seven years working for Laban, Rachel's father, to earn the right to marry his true love. After seven years, the wedding took place, but Laban tricked Jacob by disguising his older daughter, Leah, and passing her off as the bride. Laban told Jacob he would have to work for him for another seven years to win Rachel's hand. Jacob agreed and, after 14 long years, finally took Rachel to be his wife. BING: READ MORE ABOUT RACHEL AND JACOB Queen Victoria and Prince Albert When Queen Victoria married her first cousin in 1840, they were both just 20 years old. It was not love at first sight their union was practically an arranged marriage but the couple developed a deep love for each other and had nine children together before Albert's death at age 42. Victoria mourned him for the rest of her life. BING: PHOTOS OF THE BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY Pierre and Marie Curie The two famous scientists met in Paris, where Marie had come to study. Their mutual love of science drew them together, and they married a year later. When Marie rejected Pierre's first proposal because she wanted to return to her native Poland, he said he would go with her, even if it meant he would have to give up science and teach French. The couple worked together throughout their marriage and made breakthrough discoveries that led to Nobel Prizes in physics and chemistry. BING: THE MOVIE ABOUT MADAME CURIE Robin Hood and Maid Marian Robin Hood, the legendary hero who took from the rich and oppressive and gave to the poor and oppressed, first appeared as a character in medieval ballads. Maid Marian was sometimes depicted as a damsel in distress, sometimes as Robin's sword-wielding companion, but always as his true love. BING: ROBIN HOOD'S INFLUENCE ON POP CULTURE Ronald and Nancy Reagan The Reagan's marriage could have been just another Hollywood union, but instead it became one of the great love stories of the 20th century. Ronald and Nancy Reagan were both professional actors when they married in 1952 he was 41 and she was 30 but politics beckoned and led them first to the governor's mansion in California and then to the White House, where they served two terms as president and first lady. They didn't always have a smooth road she overcame breast cancer and he survived an assassination attempt and colon cancer before battling Alzheimer's disease for the last 10 years of his life but they made their lifelong romance look easy. BING: RONALD REAGAN'S MOVIE CRED Nickie Ferrante and Terry McKay In "An Affair to Remember," which is considered one of the most romantic movies ever made, Nickie Ferrante and Terry McKay (played by Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr) meet during an ocean cruise and fall in love. They agree to meet six months later at the top of the Empire State Building he needs time to establish himself as an artist and to prove he can provide for her but when the day comes she is injured in an auto accident and loses the use of her legs. Pride keeps them apart--he thinks she stood him up and she refuses to contact him until she can walk again but love triumphs when comes to confront her about the missed appointment and finally learns the truth. BING: CARY GRANT'S FILMOGRAPHY Scheherazade and King Shahryar King Shahryar and Scheherezade are the central characters in the "Thousand and One Nights." After discovering his wife's infidelity, the king executes her and seeks vengeance on all women. Each day, he marries a young woman, spends the night with her, and then has her killed the next morning. When he marries Scheherezade, the beautiful daughter of his vizier, she is determined to escape the executioner. During her wedding night with the king, she tells him an intriguing story, but stops near dawn with the tale unfinished. Eager to hear the ending, the king allows Scheherezade to live for another night. But as soon as she finishes the first story, she begins a second and, again, stops near dawn without reaching the end. This goes on for a thousand and one nights. By then, the couple is in love and go on to have a happy life together. BING: READ MORE ON THIS DUO Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward Married for 50 years, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward could have been Hollywood royalty, but they chose instead to live in an 18th-century Connecticut farmhouse. Newman claimed their long marriage was due to "correct amounts of lust and respect," and Woodward said it "probably helps that we always enjoyed each other's company." BING: NEWMAN'S LEGACY ENDURES Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera When Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera met, he was a famous painter and she was an art student seeking advice from the master. Her parents opposed the marriage Rivera was 42 and Kahlo was 22 when they wed in 1929 and referred to the couple as "the elephant and the dove." Their relationship was tempestuous, fueled by their fiery tempers, and they divorced in 1939 only to remarry a year later. BING: SALMA HAYEK ON PLAYING FRIDA KAHLO Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin's long and happy marriage seems to prove the old adage that opposites attract. She was religious; he was an atheist. He loved sushi; she hated it. Asked in 1980 to reveal the secret of their successful union, Kanin said, "I think the key is that we don't always agree. Agreement is deadly dull." Yet despite their differences and disagreements, this multi-talented couple gained fame as actors, filmmakers, screenwriters, playwrights and authors. BING: RUTH GORDON FILMOGRAPHY Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester Charlotte Brontë's story of a poor governess and her wealthy employer is a classic love story. The couple's wedding plans are spoiled when Jane Eyre discovers that Rochester is already married and keeps his insane wife shut away in another part of his mansion. Jane leaves, but returns much later after inheriting a fortune. When a fire at the house blinds Rochester and kills his wife, the lovers are reunited and happily become husband and wife. BING: THE JANE EYRE MOVIE Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy He didn't like her when they first met, but it didn't take long for that to change. Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, both consummate actors in their own right, teamed up to make some of the best romantic comedies of the 1940s and 1950s as well as a breakthrough film about race relations with "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" in 1967, which was Tracy's last movie. Off-screen they were devoted to each other for more than a quarter century. BING: THEIR MOVIES TOGETHER Alfred Stieglitz and Georgia O'Keefe When Alfred Stieglitz and Georgia O'Keeffe met in 1916, he was 52 and famous an internationally acclaimed photographer and a leader in the New York art scene. She was 28 and unknown an art teacher in a small town in Texas. They married in 1924, but there were problems, and by 1929 she had moved to New Mexico to paint. Despite their differences, however, the couple's love never faltered. During the 30 years between their first meeting and Stieglitz's death in 1946, they wrote each other thousands of letters sometimes two or three a day. BING: SEE HER ARTWORK Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas were both writers, but they were more famous as thought leaders, critics and den mothers for artists and writers such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce, who flocked to Paris during the early 1900s. The two women met on Toklas' first day in Paris in 1907 and were devoted, lifelong companions until Stein's death in 1946. BING: READ MORE ABOUT THE DUO Beauty and the Beast This classic fairy tale about the power of love to transcend appearances and overcome evil has inspired numerous films and a popular TV series. The beautiful Belle agrees to live with the Beast in his castle to save her father's life and the two become friends, but she repeatedly rejects his marriage proposals. When Belle's sisters trick her in to betraying the Beast and she finds him on the brink of death, she realizes she loves him, which breaks the spell he had been living under and reveals him as a handsome prince. The two marry and, of course, live happily ever after. BING: BEAUTY & THE BEAST VIDEOS John Lennon and Yoko Ono Critics may always debate whether John Lennon and Yoko Ono made beautiful music together, but it seems clear that they both found harmony in their love for each other. The couple met in 1966, married in 1969, and had a son in 1975. Lennon, the former Beatle, and Ono, the avant-garde artist, collaborated on many recordings and other projects and held "Bed-ins for Peace" to protest the Vietnam War. After Lennon was shot and killed outside their New York apartment building in 1980, Ono founded the Strawberry Fields Memorial in Central Park, the John Lennon Museum in Japan, and the Imagine Peace Tower in Reykjavik, Iceland. BING: WATCH THE PLASTIC ONO BAND VIDEOS E. B. and Katherine White When they met in 1926, she was in an unhappy marriage and already working at The New Yorker and well on her way to becoming one of the most influential editors of her generation, he was a fledgling writer and seven years her junior, but each would turn out to be the other's soul mate. They married in 1929, both became famous, and in 1938 they left New York for a small farm on the coast of Maine, where they lived together happily for the rest of their lives. BING: E.B. WHITE'S BIBLIOGRAPHY Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz When the 28-year-old B-movie actress and the 23-year-old Cuban bandleader married, they formed a romantic partnership that would produce an entertainment empire, two children and one of the most popular sitcoms in the history of television. Tired of being apart because of work obligations, they formed Desilu Productions (the first independent television production company) and used $5,000 of their own money to produce the pilot for "I Love Lucy." The rest is history. BING: CLASSIC 'I LOVE LUCY' CLIPS Andrew Jackson and Rachel Robards Andrew Jackson was elected president in 1828, but during the campaign his opponents constantly attacked his wife, the former Rachel Robards, calling her a bigamist and a woman of loose morals because she and her first husband had divorced and, unbeknownst to her, the divorce had not been finalized before she and Jackson married.Rachel Jackson died of a heart attack in December 1828, two months before her husband took office. Jackson blamed his political enemies and never forgave them. He remained single for the rest of his life and reportedly kept Rachel's portrait at the foot of his bed so that her face would be the last thing he saw at night and the first thing he saw each morning. As his own death approached, Jackson said, "Heaven will be no heaven for me if Rachel isn't there." BING: BOOKS ON ANDREW JACKSON Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are two of the world's most recognizable celebrities and they are nearly as famous as lovers and parents. The couple, who met and fell in love while filming "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" in 2005, have six children (three of them adopted from different countries). Both Pitt and Jolie have busy careers and are deeply involved in humanitarian work, yet still manage to find time for each other and the kids. BING: SEE WEDDING PICS Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy When British actress married Canadian actor Hume Cronyn in 1942, it was the beginning of a personal and professional partnership that would last for more than 60 years. Often considered America's first couple of acting, Cronyn and Tandy earned numerous awards, including the first Tony awarded for lifetime achievement. Many people often considered their long and happy marriage as remarkable as their successful careers, but they grew tired of being asked how they made their marriage work. When Mike Wallace asked the question during a "60 Minutes" interview, Tandy gave a deadpan answer that surprised him: "I don't think this is really the time to announce this, but we were thinking of splitting up." Cronyn added: "Jessie has got another fella, and I want to play the field." BING: THEIR MOVIES TOGETHER Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning Robert Browning wrote to Elizabeth Barrett for the first time on January 10, 1845, after reading a volume of her poems. He was a virtually unknown 32-year-old poet and playwright; she was an internationally famous poet, but also an invalid and a 39-year-old spinster. Over the next 20 months, they exchanged nearly 600 letters, and she later credited their romance with saving her life. In September 1846, they were secretly married and traveled to Italy, where they lived happily for the next 15 years, until her death in 1861. BING: MORE ON HER POETRY Jackie and Rachel Robinson Jackie Robinson was an outstanding baseball player, but he is best remembered for being the first black man to break the color barrier in professional sports. He did it with the help of a good woman his wife Rachel. When the Brooklyn Dodgers signed Robinson, he became the target of insults, death threats and violence on the field. Despite the bigotry and harassment he endured, Robinson was named Rookie of the Year in 1947, and by 1949 other major league teams were recruiting and signing black players. In an interview years later, Robinson gave his wife the credit: "When they try to destroy me, it's Rachel who keeps me sane." BING: WHO PLAYED THE ROBINSONS IN THE MOVIE '42' ? Warren Beatty and Annette Bening When Warren Beatty and Annette Bening met at a pizza restaurant in 1991 to discuss whether she was right for a role in his new film "Bugsy," his dating history looked like a Who's Who of A-list female celebrities (Raquel Welch, Cher, Natalie Wood, Faye Dunaway, Bridgette Bardot, Diane Keaton, Madonna and many others), but she was just there to talk about the job. Before long, though, both Beatty and Bening knew they had found something special. They married in 1992 and have raised four children together while enjoying one of the strongest and happiest Hollywood relationships on record. BING: SEE PICS OF THEM TOGETHER OVER THE YEARS Harry and Bess Truman They met in Sunday School when he was 6 and she was 5, but after graduating from high school together they went their separate ways. Years later, they reunited, fell in love and married. Although separated by his military service during World War I and, later, by the demands of his political career, the couple kept up a lively and romantic correspondence throughout their long marriage. Harry once wrote of Bess: "I thought she was the most beautiful and the sweetest person on earth," BING: BOOKS ABOUT HARRY TRUMAN | 4 | 963 | lifestyle |
Whether relationship advice comes from experts or from other observers of humanity, it provides insights we all can use. Here's some of the best we've seen. The power of love "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Leo Buscaglia, American author, professor and philosopher BING: READ ABOUT BUSCAGLIA How you live "The key to reviving or divorce-proofing a relationship is not in how you handle disagreements but in how you are with each other when you're not fighting." Dr. John Gottman, psychologist and co-founder of the Gottman Institute in Seattle BING: HE'S STUDIED DIVORCE PREDICTION Mature love "Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.' Mature love says: 'I need you because I love you.'" Erich Fromm, German author, psychoanalyst and social psychologist BING: READ MORE ABOUT FROMM Don't look for 'perfect' "We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." Sam Keen, American author and philosopher BING: WHAT HAS HE WRITTEN ? Remember the little things "Marriage is not just spiritual communion; it is also remembering to take out the trash." Dr. Joyce Brothers, American psychologist, television personality and advice columnist BING: READ MORE OF HER ADVICE Know that love is worth it "Love is everything it's cracked up to be ... It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for." Erica Jong, American author BING: HER MOST FAMOUS WORK ? Keep growing together "Relationships [and] marriages are ruined where one person continues to learn, develop and grow and the other person stands still." Catherine Pulsifer, American author BING: FIND OTHER QUOTES Be 'passionate friends' "Marriage, ultimately, is the practice of becoming passionate friends." Dr. Harville Hendrix, author and co-creator of Imago Relationship Therapy BING: READ MORE ABOUT THE THERAPY Be a good listener "The first duty of love is to listen." Paul Tillich, existential philosopher and theologian BING: FIND MORE QUOTES Friendship and love "It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages." Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher BING: INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES ABOUT LOVE Marriage is limitless "Being married is like having somebody permanently in your corner. It feels limitless, not limited." Gloria Steinem, journalist, feminist and co-founder of Ms. magazine and the Women's Media Center BING: FIND MORE STEINEM QUOTES Learn from your parents "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, Catholic priest and president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame BING: FIND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE Look forward "Life has taught us that love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." Antoine De Saint-Exupery, legendary French pilot and author BING: READ ABOUT HIS LIFE A change of heart "The most powerful agent of growth and transformation is something much more basic than any technique: a change of heart." John Welwood, American psychotherapist and author BING: FIND TIPS FOR GETTING BACK TOGETHER Love makes you better "I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you." Elizabeth Barrett Browning, English poet BING: FIND HER POEMS Connect on the day-to-day "Real-life romance is fueled by a far more humdrum approach to staying connected. It is kept alive each time you let your spouse know he or she is valued during the grind of everyday life." Dr. John Gottman BING: READ ABOUT HIS INSTITUTE Understand yourself "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." Carl Jung, Swiss psychiatrist and the founder of analytical psychology BING: READ MORE ABOUT JUNG'S BELIEFS Keep talking "Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation." Oscar Wilde, Irish writer, poet and playwright BING: FIND MORE WILDE QUOTES It takes two "When you struggle with your partner, you are struggling with yourself. Every fault you see in them touches a denied weakness in yourself." Deepak Chopra, Indian-born American physician and author BING: FIND MORE INFO ON CHOPRA Love yourself "If we are incapable of finding peace in ourselves, it is pointless to search elsewhere." Francois de la Rochefoucauld, French author and aristocrat BING: FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIM Accept vulnerability "Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable." Dr. Joyce Brothers BING: FIND MORE OF BROTHERS' QUOTES Seek understanding "Human nature dictates that it is virtually impossible to accept advice from someone unless you feel that that person understands you. So the bottom-line rule is that, before you ask your partner to change the way he or she drives, eats, or makes love, you must make your partner feel that you are understanding." Dr. John Gottman BING: HIS PSYCHOLOGIST WIFE ? You are beautiful "Learning to accept the way you look can be of great help towards increasing your enjoyment of sex." Dr. Ruth Westheimer, noted sex therapist BING: FIND MORE DR. RUTH QUOTES Love at every sight "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." Mignon McLaughlin, American journalist and author BING: WHAT WERE HER MOST FAMOUS WORKS ? Don't judge "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Teresa, Catholic nun and founder of the Missionaries of Charity BING: FIND OTHER FAMOUS QUOTES FROM MOTHER TERESA Don't marry yourself "The great myth in our culture is that compatibility is the grounds for a relationship actually, compatibility is grounds for boredom. Incompatibility makes for a dynamic, powerful, growing, exciting relationship. But this comes with a cost and a benefit because it is the context for most growth and ultimate happiness." Dr. Harville Hendrix BING: FIND MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR Forgive and move on "Marriage is three parts love and seven parts forgiveness of sins." Lao Tzu, philosopher in ancient China and founder of Taoism BING: MORE LAO TZU QUOTES Prepare for love "For one human being to love another, that is perhaps the most difficult of our tasks; the ultimate, the last test and proof; the work for which all other work is but preparation." Rainer Maria Rilke, Austrian poet and novelist BING: FIND HIS POEMS Be brave "Love is no assignment for cowards." Ovid, poet in ancient Rome BING: FIND OTHER QUOTES Be happy "Don't brood. Get on with living and loving. You don't have forever." Leo Buscaglia BING: FIND HIS WORKS Love is life "Where there is love there is life." Mahatma Gandhi, Indian activist who championed civil disobedience and inspired civil rights movements worldwide BING: FIND MORE QUOTES FROM GANDHI Create purpose together "In the strongest marriages, husband and wife share a deep sense of meaning. They don't just "get along" they also support each other's hopes and aspirations and build a sense of purpose into their lives together. That is really what I mean when I talk about honoring and respecting each other." Dr. John Gottman BING: FIND HIS BOOKS Don't give up "The art of love ... is largely the art of persistence." Dr. Albert Ellis, American psychologist who was once described by Psychology Today as "the greatest living psychologist." BING: FIND MORE QUOTES Spice things up "Don't stint on foreplay or afterplay. Be inventive!" Dr. Ruth Westheimer BING: FIND MORE DR. RUTH ADVICE Fall deep "This would be a much better world if more married couples were as deeply in love as they are in debt." Earl Wilson, American journalist and columnist BING: FIND MORE OF HIS QUOTES Shake your fear "To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead." Bertrand Russell, British philosopher, mathematician and social critic BING: READ ABOUT HIM Embrace change "We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person." W. Somerset Maugham, British author BING: HIS FAMOUS WORKS ? Appreciate the space between "Once the realization is accepted that even between the closest human beings infinite distances continue, a wonderful living side by side can grow, if they succeed in loving the distance between them which makes it possible for each to see the other whole against the sky." Rainer Maria Rilke BING: FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS LIFE Don't waste time "Most marital arguments cannot be resolved. Couples spend year after year trying to change each other's mind but it can't be done. This is because most of their disagreements are rooted in fundamental differences of lifestyle, personality, or values. By fighting over these differences, all they succeed in doing is wasting their time and harming their marriage." Dr. John Gottman BING: FIND MORE RELATIONSHIP ADVICE Affection is happiness "Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives." C. S. Lewis, Irish author and educator BING: HIS FAMOUS SERIES ? Sharon O'Brien is a professional psychotherapist as well as a freelance writer. | 4 | 964 | lifestyle |
A kiss is just a kiss or is it? We decided to see what researchers, anthropologists and scholars had to say about kissing. Here's what we found out. Why do we kiss? Is kissing a matter of nature or nurture, instinct or instruction? No one knows for sure. Some scientists have theorized that kissing is purely instinctual, a natural act that springs from our innate desire for intimacy. Others believe that kissing developed as an outgrowth of early human mothers' breastfeeding their infants or chewing food and then pushing it into their young children's mouths with a nourishing kiss. What is known for sure is that 90-some percent of all human cultures throughout history have engaged in some form of kissing behavior, but anthropologists and missionaries discovered many other cultures during the past 500 years from Africa to South America that either knew nothing of kissing until they were shown or rejected kissing as disgusting behavior. Follow us on Facebook. It's in his kiss When couples kiss, they exchange a lot of information on a subconscious level, information that may affect the course of their lives. Researchers have found that a woman who kisses a man can detect information about his immune system and genetic makeup that can help her decide whether he would be a good mate, would be likely to father healthy children, and would be around long enough to help bring them up. Men and women also tend to prefer different types of kisses. Men like wet, sloppy kiss; women often prefer less tongue and more tenderness. One reason is that a man's saliva contains testosterone, a male sex hormone that can stimulate a woman's libido. Follow us on Facebook. Kissing cousins Kissing is not exclusive to human beings. Other species also kiss or engage in some form of kiss-like behavior. Bonobos, a type of chimpanzee that is closely related to humans, kiss often and passionately. Other apes also kiss, elephants insert their trunks in each other's mouths, and wolves and other canines lick faces. Some form of facial contact is common even among birds and reptiles. Follow us on Facebook. The history of kissing The first literary evidence of kissing appeared about 3,500 years ago, in the ancient Vedic Sanskrit texts of India. Kissing is also mentioned prominently in the Bible, particularly in the Song of Songs, which was written around 900 B.C. But given how much humans enjoy kissing, and how many other species exhibit similar types of behavior, it's likely that people have been kissing for millions of years. Follow us on Facebook. Why we kiss at weddings If you think that kiss the bride and groom share after exchanging their wedding vows is pure romance, think again. When ancient Romans reached an agreement, they would kiss to legally seal the contract. The practice extended to the marriage contract as well, and it has continued to be a common practice in modern times even though most couples are unaware of its significance. Follow us on Facebook. Can a bad kiss end a good relationship? Have you ever wondered how important a first kiss really is to the future of a relationship? Very, according to Gordon Gallup, Jr., a professor and evolutionary psychologist at the State University of New York at Albany. In a study that Gallup conducted, 59 percent of men and 66 percent of women say they have ended a budding relationship because of a bad kiss. Follow us on Facebook. Kissable you If you want to be supremely kissable at all times, there are a few things you should avoid. According to a 2012 online poll by the dating site MutualAttraction.co.uk, 400 respondents ranked smoker's breath as the top kissing turnoff, with 20 percent giving it the thumbs down. That was followed by cold sores (15 percent), body odor (13 percent), dry lips (12 percent) and bad teeth (11 percent). Other kissing negatives such as dental braces, nasal hair and chewing gum ranked much farther down the list. Follow us on Facebook. Kissing is good for you Is kissing good for your health? Researchers at Arizona State University found that frequent kissing reduces stress, improves our bodies' response to and recovery from the stress we do experience, and lowers our levels of bad cholesterol for better heart health. Follow us on Facebook. Kiss away calories When you're in the middle of a tender kiss, you probably aren't thinking about your waistline. Nevertheless, your kisses are still burning calories. How many depends on the length and passion of each kiss, but a generally accepted rule of thumb is 2 to 6 calories for every minute of kissing. One source "The Art of Kissing," by William Case claims that one minute of passionate kissing burns 6.4 calories. Follow us on Facebook. Why does X mean "kiss?" The modern custom of using an X as the symbol for a kiss in a text message, email or letter dates back to the Middle Ages. People would draw a Christian cross at the bottom of a document or letter to indicate their sincerity and honesty the letter X also represented the Greek word for Christ and then place a kiss on the cross. Since most of the common people could neither read nor write, the X followed by the kiss became widely used to seal contracts and make a sacred oath. Gradually, the X came to symbolize the kiss itself, and the rest of the meaning was lost. Follow us on Facebook. First kisses The first on-screen kiss, filmed in 1896 by the Edison Company, was titled, "The May Irwin-John C. Rice Kiss." The film was 30 seconds long and was nothing more than a close-up of a man and a woman kissing. The first on-screen kiss between two members of the same sex was in Cecil B. DeMille's 1922 film "Manslaughter." To boldly go . . . Gene Roddenberry, creator of the original Star Trek series, is often credited with filming the first interracial kiss ever shown on American network television. The episode "Plato's Stepchildren," which aired on November 22, 1968, featured a kiss between Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols). The groundbreaking kiss came less than 18 months after the U.S. Supreme Court made interracial dating and marriage legal in all 50 states by declaring all anti-miscegenation laws unconstitutional. World's longest kiss The longest kiss on record lasted 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds. The record-breaking kiss, which occurred over more than two days in February 2013, was achieved by Ekkachai Tiranarat and Laksana Tiranarat (both of Thailand) at a Valentine's Day kissathon organized by Ripley's Believe It or Not! It was the second time in three years that the couple had won the annual contest. International Kissing Day International Kissing Day, which is sometimes called World Kissing Day, may sound like something we just made up, but it isn't. The holiday was supposedly invented by a dental insurance company in the UK, but it soon caught the imagination of people worldwide and was adopted by the United Nations in the early 1990s. Grab a partner, pucker up, and celebrate. The science of kissing The science of kissing is not only the title of a popular book by Sheril Kirshenbaum, a research associate at the Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy at the University of Texas at Austin. It's also an actual, well, science. The name of the science is philematology, those who practice it are called philematologists or sometimes osculologists, and the scientific name for kissing is osculation. Class dismissed. Stolen kisses Under the laws of ancient Rome, stealing a kiss was a crime. Roman law called such kisses crimen osculationis, and considered them evidence of one-sided lust. Punishment for taking a kiss without permission, which could result in fine or imprisonment, required proof of the kisser's unchaste intentions. The severity of the punishment was based on the rank of the injured party; it was most severe in the case of a nun or married woman, and least severe if the woman was neither married nor betrothed. Movie morality The infamous Hays Code governed what Hollywood filmmakers could show and what audiences could see for nearly 40 years (1930-1968). The Hays Code stated that no film should "lower the moral standards of those who see it" and banned not only nudity, but also such things as suggestive dancing and lustful kissing. Under the Hays Code, people kissing in films could not be lying down; at least one had to be sitting or standing. All married couples in movies had to sleep in twin beds. If they ever kissed on one of the beds, then at least one spouse had to keep a foot on the floor. Muscular kissing Writing in "On Kissing: From the Metaphysical to the Erotic," author Adrianne Blue explains that a passionate French kiss involves all 34 muscles in a person's face whereas a simple pucker and peck requires only two. So for a good facial workout, fire up your passion. Healed with a kiss "Kiss and make up" is pretty standard strategy when couples fight, but it turns out there is a scientific basis for the reunion that takes place after an argument. Kissing increases oxytocin (the so-called love hormone that promotes bonding, intimacy and well-being) and reduces cortisol (a stress hormone that spikes during an argument). Kissing reduces the stress that was coursing through your body during your relationship battle, allows you and your partner rediscover your natural chemistry, and helps you feel close again. Kissing never gets old Couples often kiss less often over time, but the happiest long-term couples report that they still kiss regularly. No wonder. Kissing increases oxytocin, the same hormone that helps us bond to a new love also helps us stay committed for the long haul. Kissing also reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which helps to keep a long-term relationship running smoothly. The novelty of new romance wears off quickly, and sex becomes less important as the years pass, but our desire for intimacy never wanes. Frequent kissing is a sign of a healthy and happy relationship, one characterized by true affection and attachment. Smart couples make time to kiss, no matter how old they get or how long they've been together. | 4 | 965 | lifestyle |
Kim Cattrall, actress "Practically all the relationships I know are based on a foundation of lies and mutually accepted delusion." With her cynical view of romantic relationships, actress Kim Cattrall sounds as though she's channeling Samantha Jones, her popular but somewhat jaded character from "Sex and the City." BING: HOW MANY TIMES HAS SHE BEEN MARRIED & DIVORCED ? Kelly Osbourne, singer, actress and daughter of rocker Ozzie Osbourne "I was dating this guy and we would spend all day text messaging each other. And he thought that he could tell that he liked me more because he actually spelt the word 'YOU' and I just put the letter 'U'." When it comes to relationships, sometimes it's the little things that matter most. And sometimes, as singer and actress Kelly Osbourne observes, it's just nitpicking. BING: GET THE LATEST ON HER LOVE LIFE Jack Nicholson, actor "There's only two people in your life you should lie to... the police and your girlfriend." It's hard to say which of these two strategies is likely to cause the most trouble. BING: GET DETAILS ON HIS RELATIONSHIPS OVER THE YEARS Daphne Zuniga, actress "I started dating older men, and I would fall in love with them. I thought they could teach me about life." Well, that's one way to get an education, but maybe not the best way. BING: SEE HER IN HER MOST FAMOUS ROLE Woody Allen, film director, comedian and actor "To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering one must not love. But then one suffers from not loving. Therefore to love is to suffer, not to love is to suffer. To suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy then is to suffer. But suffering makes one unhappy. Therefore, to be unhappy one must love, or love to suffer, or suffer from too much happiness. I hope you're getting this down." Words to live by? Maybe. But first you'll have to figure out what this famous filmmaker and funnyman is talking about. BING: SEE HIM WITH HIS WIFE & DAUGHTERS Lena Dunham, writer and actress "I'm not great at dating, but I need to do it to relax." Lena, wouldn't a hot bath and a cup of chamomile tea be a lot less complicated. BING: SEE HER WITH HER ROCKER BOYFRIEND Cher, singer and actress "Men should be like Kleenex...soft, strong, disposable." And what should women be like? BING: SHE'S HAD TWO HIGH-PROFILE MARRIAGES Patti Stanger, matchmaker for millionaires "I had to find a diet that would kick me back into dating shape, because I know that I can't date at size 8. I have to date at size 2. And it's just a fact of nature. Go get your injections and your chemical peels. You gotta look good to attract a man." It's hard to believe this woman makes her living by giving relationship advice. BING: WHO'S SHE DATING NOW ? Katharine Hepburn, actress "If you want to sacrifice the admiration of many men for the criticism of one, go ahead, get married." Married at age 21 and divorced a few years later, Katharine Hepburn chose a 26-year relationship with actor Spencer Tracy - who was married to someone else. Life is full of tradeoffs. BING: SEE HER WITH HER LONGTIME LOVE John Updike, author "Every marriage tends to consist of an aristocrat and a peasant." This arrangement only works until the peasants revolt. BING: WAS HE HAPPILY MARRIED ? Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States "Marriage is neither heaven nor hell, it is simply purgatory." Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves, but he was bound by a marriage that gave him little joy. BING: FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS WIFE, MARY TODD LINCOLN Rita Rudner, comedian "Men who have a pierced ear are better prepared for marriage - they've experienced pain and bought jewelry." As comedian Rita Rudner seems to know, the right training makes all the difference. BING: SHE'S BEEN MARRIED SINCE 1988 Mark Twain, author "What a world of trouble those who never marry escape! There are many happy matches, it is true, and sometimes 'my dear' and 'my love' come from the heart; but what sensible bachelor, rejoicing in his freedom and years of discretion, will run the tremendous risk?" Despite his advice to others, this "sensible bachelor" apparently decided it was worth the risk. He married his sweetheart Olivia when he was 35, and they were together until her death 34 years later. BING: DID THEY HAVE CHILDREN ? Nick Lachey, singer and reality show star "Throw in the towel right off the bat. Women argue in ways that aren't rational to men." Sometimes you just have to face the inevitable, as singer and songwriter Nick Lachey advises. BING: HIS FAMILY IS GROWING Groucho Marx, comedian and actor "Women should be obscene and not heard." This is advice that is sure to warm the heart of any chauvinist. BING: HOW MANY TIMES WAS HE MARRIED ? Phil McGraw, talk show host "The problem is that for women, the average time is just over 14 minutes ... men are left with about 12 minutes during which time they need to think of something to do!" So it's really just a matter of timing, Dr. Phil? BING: HOW LONG HAS HE BEEN MARRIED ? Zsa Zsa Gabor, actress "Getting divorced just because you don't love a man is almost as silly as getting married just because you do." Married nine times and divorced seven, with one annulment thrown in for good measure, actress and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor offers relationship advice that is long on pragmatism but short on romance. BING: WHO'S HER PARTNER NOW ? Jerry Seinfeld, comedian and actor "Why do people give each other flowers? To celebrate various important occasions, they're killing living creatures? Why restrict it to plants? 'Sweetheart, let's make up. Have this deceased squirrel.'" Always a keen observer of human behavior and social customs, comedian Jerry Seinfeld takes the idea of romantic gifts to a new, and fortunately absurd, level. BING: SEE HIM WITH HIS WIFE Phyllis Diller, comedian "Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight." By recommending confrontation over reconciliation, comedian Phyllis Diller turned a classic piece of relationship advice on its head. BING: HOW MANY TIMES WAS SHE MARRIED ? Socrates, Greek philosopher "By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher." Socrates, ever the brilliant sage, managed to combine relationship and career advice in one clever quip. BING: WHO WAS HIS WIFE ? Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former first lady of the United States "The first time you marry for love, the second for money, and the third for companionship." This former first lady only managed two of the three types of marriages she recommended before her untimely death at age 64. BING: SEE PHOTOS OF JACKIE O. & HER SECOND HUSBAND Miss Piggy, actress and bon vivant "Only time can heal your broken heart, just as only time can heal his broken arms and legs." Violence can't heal heartbreak, and it certainly won't prevent it, but this porcine puppet may never agree. BING: WHO'S MISS PIGGY ROMANTICALLY LINKED TO ? Marguerite Duras, French writer and film director "You have to be very fond of men. Very, very fond. You have to be very fond of them to love them. Otherwise they're simply unbearable." This observation won't do much to help you build a lasting relationship. We wonder what kind of guys Marguerite was meeting? BING: HOW MANY TIMES WAS SHE MARRIED ? Marilyn Monroe, actress "A wise girl kisses but doesn't love, listens but doesn't believe, and leaves before she is left." Marilyn Monroe's deep sadness, and the heartache she experienced throughout her life, are summed up in her relationship advice. BING: GET THE DETAILS ON HER RELATIONSHIPS Coco Chanel, fashion designer "As long as you know most men are like children, you know everything." Coco Chanel never married. Small wonder, considering her opinion of men. BING: DID SHE EVER MARRY ? Oscar Wilde, author and playwright "How can a woman be expected to be happy with a man who insists on treating her as if she were a perfectly normal human being." Oscar Wilde was gay, but he obviously knew a lot about women. His advice to treat every woman as special was spot on. BING: FIND MORE OF HIS FAMOUS QUOTES Dave Barry, author "Never assume that the guy understands that you and he have a relationship." Communication is often a problem in relationships, but usually not at a level quite so fundamental as this advice from writer Dave Barry suggests. BING: HOW MANY TIMES HAS HE BEEN MARRIED ? Andy Warhol, artist "When I got my first television set, I stopped caring so much about having close relationships." Apparently Andy Warhol was on the cutting edge of alienation as well as art. BING: SEE HIS FAMOUS ART Graham Greene, author "In human relationships, kindness and lies are worth a thousand truths." Graham Greene, one of the most respected writers of the 20th century, may have had a problem separating truth from fiction. BING: HOW LONG WAS HE MARRIED ? Shia LaBeouf, actor "There's only so far you can take a relationship before you got to get into things that are too serious or over the top." Or you could just go ahead and grow up, Shia. BING: WHO IS HE DATING NOW ? Uma Thurman, actress "It is better to have a relationship with someone who cheats on you than with someone who does not flush the toilet." Fortunately for the rest of us, those aren't the only two options. BING: HER FAMOUS EX-HUSBANDS Megan Fox, actress "Boys in their twenties are a waste of time. They have nothing to offer conversationally." This 27-year-old apparently prefers older men, but is that any reason to disrespect an entire generation of men her own age? BING: HOW MUCH OLDER IS HER HUSBAND ? Jean Kerr, author and playwright "Marrying a man is like buying something you've been admiring for a long time in a shop window. You may love it when you get it home, but it doesn't always go with everything else in the house." As Jean Kerr points out, finding a spouse to match the décor, not to mention a woman's heart and soul, is an enduring problem. BING: WHO WAS HER LONGTIME SPOUSE ? Benjamin Disraeli, former Prime Minister of Great Britain "It destroys one's nerves to be amiable every day to the same human being." If Benjamin Disraeli considered being friendly with his wife such a hardship, it's a wonder he managed to remain happily married and deeply in love for more than 30 years. BING: WHO WAS HIS WIFE ? Alec Baldwin, actor "Don't do it unless you look at that person and say, 'I can't get out of bed in the morning knowing that she's out there.' If you do get married, get a prenup. It's not about money at all. It's about having a document that states how you'll dissolve your marriage while you still have a shred of respect for each other." It's always good to be prepared, but anticipating the worst may not be the best way to begin a marriage. BING: WHO'S HE MARRIED TO NOW ? Mickey Rooney, actor "Always get married in the morning. That way if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted the whole day." After eight weddings, Mickey Rooney offers a unique perspective on marriage. BING: WHO WAS HIS FINAL WIFE ? | 4 | 966 | lifestyle |
Why it shouldn't matter you're single on any day of the year. Life's too short to settle Life's too short to settle, according to sex and relationship author Emily Dubberley. She reveals the benefits of being solo and offers practical advice on life as a singleton. "Even if you know you want a relationship eventually there are times in everyone's life when being single is a much better option," she says. "Whether you're recovering from a heavy relationship, going travelling, working your way up the career ladder or just going through a selfish phase - sometimes a relationship really is the last thing you need." Rise of the single woman If you're a single gal, you may feel like you're in the minority amidst the crowds of lovey-dovey couples, but you're not alone. A significant rise in single occupancy homes in recent years indicates that more than 30 percent of men and women are lapping up the single life in bachelor or bachelorette pads. Women are no longer prepared to settle for second-best just to flash a sparkler on their finger, Dubberley says. "Today, women are actively choosing to stay single and their standards are getting higher. It used to be the case that women thought 'right, I've hit 30, I'd better get married or I'm going to be a spinster'. Now, women are being more selective and aren't afraid to say 'I don't want him because he's an alcoholic or I don't want him because he's got a beer belly and man boobs!' "Women are less inclined to settle for any bloke just for the sake of being married." Flying solo Even so, those new to the singles market might feel pretty strange if they've spent every spare moment with their other half. "Being single has a stigma attached to it - the couple is accepted as the logical desired unit," Dubberley says. "We're brought up on stories of Prince Charming finding his princess and living happily ever after." But the situation is changing and there's good news Dubberley says: "Once upon a time, there was the situation where you'd be judged harshly and labelled a spinster - now there are more women in the workforce and more of us are buying our own homes. There's this realisation that, yes, it is entirely possible to have a complete life without Mr. Right and a baby. "Enjoy your time as a single rather than seeing yourself as 'between partners'. Once you're in a long-term relationship, you'll miss the sense of freedom and those little things like long, leisurely baths and not having to clean up after anybody else." Losing your single status Die-hard singles who have become accustomed to the highlights of 'me, me, me' living may have challenges ahead. When you start seeing someone after months or years as a singleton, your new significant other could mean big changes."It can be difficult to adapt to a relationship as a long-term single [person], particularly if the other person has been single for a long time too," Dubberley says. "It's important to compromise and be prepared to make a few changes to your life if you do meet somebody. But if you have to compromise yourself, it's probably not the best relationship to be in." The new beau may look like a hunk but don't make the mistake of seeing your new man 24/7. Dubberley warns: "A lot of people who have been single for a long time attempt to spend every hour of the day with a new partner. When you first start seeing someone limit dates to a maximum of two times a week so that the honeymoon period will last longer - that way you won't feel like 'oh my god, my entire life has changed overnight'!" Savvy singles If you're living the high life as a singleton, it's not unusual to feel vulnerable at times. Dubberley has this practical advice: Have a phone line installed in your bedroom so that if you hear anything that goes bump in the night, you know you can call someone. Install a lock in the inside of your bedroom door so that you feel secure. Forget the special 'single' ready meals - get a freezer and you can have nice home-cooked food on tap. | 4 | 967 | lifestyle |
Divorce is supposed to be a last ditch decision for a troubled marriage, so it's interesting to know what it takes for couples to call it quits. Researchers from the National Fatherhood Initiative conducted a survey asking people why they decided to untie the knot. Based on their findings, here are the eight most common reasons for divorce. Lack of Commitment Seventy-three percent of couples said a lack of commitment was the main reason their marriage didn't work. According to the survey, 62 percent of exes said they wished their spouses had worked harder to stay married. Thirty-five percent of men and 21 percent of women said they wished they, themselves, had worked harder in the marriage. Too Much Arguing Fifty-six percent of exes surveyed said too much arguing was the reason for their split. "Incessant arguing that doesn't lead to any resolution is incredibly damaging for any relationship," says Clinton Power, relationship counselor and founder of Clinton Power & Associates. "One of the primary reasons arguments perpetuate is because you're not understanding, appreciating or validating your partner's perspective. Once you can begin to appreciate a reality different from your own, you're on the way to de-escalating conflict and finding solutions." Infidelity It's no surprise that cheating plays a significant role in divorce. It was the third most common reason cited in the survey, with 55 percent of respondents saying infidelity caused their split. Cheating expert Ruth Houston warns that infidelity often begins as a seemingly innocent friendship. "It starts as an emotional affair," Houston tells MSN. "It will become a physical affair." Marrying Too Young Forty-six percent of exes surveyed said that age was a factor in the dissolution of their marriage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of teenage marriages fail within the first fifteen years. That number drops to 35 percent for couples who marry in their mid-twenties. Unrealistic Expectations Forty-five percent of respondents said unrealistic expectations eventually led to their divorce. Power tells MSN that couples don't often foresee the amount of conflict that can come with marriage. "An important developmental task for couples is to begin to allow and appreciate the differences that start to show up," he says. "Couples that can navigate this with flexibility will tend to do much better." Lack of Equality A large percentage of those surveyed (44 percent) said they felt their marriage was unequal, and eventually, that inequality led to divorce. If one person feels an unfair amount of responsibility is placed on them in the marriage, the relationship could be in danger. Lack of Preparation Forty-one percent of respondents said they weren't prepared for what they were getting into when they got married. With a lack of martial preparation, couples can find themselves struggling in their union. Proper marital or pre-marital counseling can help couples ensure they're emotionally equipped to handle their union. Abuse Sadly, 29 percent of splits occurred because of domestic violence. Divorce can be a much more complicated process for victims of abuse. "The most important thing is to make sure that you're safe before instigating any separation or divorce," Power tells MSN. "Secondly, let people close to you in your life know of any possible dangers that may come from preparing or announcing a divorce. Have a back up plan that involves these people looking out for your safety." Power also advises victims to seek legal advice. | 4 | 968 | lifestyle |
1. Decide how you want to use the space Spending time outdoors is a wonderful way to refresh mind, body and spirit. If you re lucky enough to have an outdoor space to call your own, these 10 tips will help you easily transform your yard, patio or porch into something really special. Unless your outdoor space is very large, you won't have room for the vegetable garden, dining table, swing set, cutting garden and volleyball net. Think about the outdoor activities that are most important to you and plan around them. There's no right or wrong: if you prefer dining indoors, for example, you can forgo the alfresco table and chairs and fill your yard with an abundance of plants and flowers that you and your guests can admire from the window, or a large vegetable and flower cutting garden that will supply your family with fresh vegetables and flowers for your home. 2. Do you like shade or sun, or both? A large vegetable garden will require lots of sun, but if you plan to use your outdoor space for relaxing it's best to provide some shade. If you're planting trees, choose varieties that will fit well in their designated spaces as they grow. And while you're waiting for shade trees to mature, invest in a portable gazebo you can take down for the winter, or a large umbrella for your outdoor table. If you want more sun in your outdoor space, get advice from a landscape professional about trimming or removing dense trees. 3. Are you formal or informal? Check out landscape and garden books to determine your favorite garden style. If you love formal English gardens with orderly rows of plants, clipped hedges and a balanced design, then go for it -- but know that it might take more work to keep everything trimmed and tidy. If you prefer a more natural look, with a variety of plants and colors, that takes a bit more planning to keep it from looking haphazard. But one upside is that an occasional weed won't be as noticeable as it would be in a formal garden. 4. Add visual interest A flat expanse of grass can be boring, and so are rows of matching flowers, so make sure your outdoor space has plenty of visual interest. Plant trees, shrubs and flowers of varying heights and colors, and choose varieties that peak at different times of the year so there is always something interesting to see. Include a focal point -- one spectacular tree, a blooming shrub, a fountain, or an art object -- that draws the eye. 5. First impression: the front yard The first thing guests see when they come to your house is your front yard, and you want to make a good first impression. No need to go all out, especially if your space and budget are on the small side. Just make sure the sidewalks and driveway are clear of debris, grass and shrubs are neatly trimmed, and flower beds are weed-free. If you have space, a winding walkway is serene and welcoming, but what really matters is that your front yard shows that you care about your home. 6. A welcoming front porch Your front porch and front door are the gateways to your home, so make sure they welcome your guests and represent your personal style. There are a few tips that apply whether your front porch is large or small: keep the porch clean and free of dirt, debris, and spider webs, and make sure mail and newspapers are picked up. A nice-looking doormat adds a decorative touch and helps to keep dirt out of your home. If you have a roomy front porch, consider adding a few Adirondack-style chairs and small tables to encourage conversation on warm summer nights. If space is limited, a small planter with a shrub or flowers adds a homey and welcoming touch. 7. Curves are more interesting than straight lines Most city lots are designed with right angles, so chances are your outdoor space has that, too. Soften those hard edges by planting in gentle curves. A garden hose is a great tool for planning a curved planting bed, and for smoothing out those corners. Simply place the hose where you think you'd like to plant, move it around until it feels right, and cut along that line. Make your garden beds deep enough -- you want to continue that curved design by placing taller shrubs and flowers in the back, with shorter ones up front. 8. Backyard seating: a place to relax Even the smallest city space can become a haven when you add a comfortable place to sit. Whether you have room for a crowd or just a chaise or hammock for one, make sure there's a level place to sit, shade for sunny afternoons (a tree, an awning or an umbrella), a small outdoor table for a book and a glass of lemonade, and some pretty flowers in pots or in the surrounding garden. 9. Make your patio an outdoor room If you're lucky enough to have a patio -- or you're thinking of creating one -- you'll add an extra entertaining space to your home. Great patios offer comfortable seating options that encourage conversation, games and relaxation, plus space to dine -- and perhaps grill -- outdoors. Your patio can be concrete, slate or pebbles, but make sure it's level to avoid wobbly chairs. Shade is welcome on hot, sunny days, and you can add a warm glow in the evening with candles, decorative landscape lighting or tiny holiday lights strung through your trees. Extend your outdoor season with a portable propane heater made especially for outdoor use. 10. Invite Mother Nature Spending time in nature is a wonderful way to refresh body and spirit. Along with the trees, plants and flowers in your outdoor space, consider making your space a nature preserve by adding a feeder with bird seed or planting a butterfly bush to attract butterflies. Make your own healthy hummingbird nectar by boiling four parts clean water and one part table sugar, then let it cool completely and fill a clean hummingbird feeder. The best feeders have perches, which encourage hummingbirds to rest and give us more time to enjoy them. If you have space in your garden, add a bird bath and watch the fun. Just remember to keep it clean. | 4 | 969 | lifestyle |
The legendary Aston Martin Lagonda is making a comeback. But it's not for everybody. The British luxury sports car maker announced today that it will build what it is calling a "highly bespoke super saloon," basically a four-door, built-to-order special, to be branded Lagonda. The automaker wants it to stand on its own, so the Aston Martin name might not appear. And it will be extraordinarily exclusive. So exclusive that Britain itself may never see one outside of a test mule rumored to have been seen near Gaydon, Aston's HQ and factory. So who gets this car? The people who pump money out of the ground, that's who. Aston Design Director Marek Reichman said the Middle East is a natural market for what will be one expensive ride. (The One-77, of which there were only, well, 77 built, cost about $1.8 million.) "If you look at where our One-77s and Zagatos ended up, there's quite a market there," he said. The automaker is apparently feeling its oats after successful introductions (like the One-77 and the V12 Zagato) and an infusion of cash from investors. (It's also on a hiring binge.) The car, Reichman said, will evoke the Towns Lagonda, the lanky, hard-nosed, and wedge-shaped V-8-powered car produced between 1987 and 1990, its last year of production. The new version will be just more than 18 feet long, about a foot longer than the original. "It's avant-garde, has stature and presence; it's a little flamboyant," Reichman said as he emphasized how customer choices would drive aesthetics. "It's honoring the marque, but in a very bespoke way," he said. The Lagonda will be built on Aston Martin's current VH architecture, which provides the basis for all cars now produced except the One-77. Like the One-77, it will be built at the Gaydon factory in a separate building from its other offerings such as the DB9, Rapide S, Vantage, and Vanquish. We previously ran spy shots of what was presumed to be a Lagonda. Production will begin in early 2015. | 9 | 970 | autos |
Chalkboard Globe Painting, gluing, cutting paper -- if you"re as crafty as a 5th grader you can make these simple home décor projects. No mad art skills necessary; just a willingness to repurpose and see old stuff in a new light. Turn an old globe into a message center in the round with two colors of chalkboard paint. Following the contours of the map, paint the oceans black, the land masses green, and let dry before spreading your message of peace around the world. If your hand is too unsteady, simply remove the globe from the base and spray paint it black. She Displays Seashells Vintage seashell shadow boxes go for hundreds online, but they're easy to replicate with beachcomber treasures from your last seaside vacation. Cover the back of a shadow box or deep frame with canvas or cream linen. Glue on shells and label each in the manner of a museum display, or create a title card detailing their provenance ("Susan's Oasis, Myrtle Beach - May 2011") to make it personal. If you don't have your own shell collection, buy a bag at the craft store and skip the labeling. Paper 'Light' House Fairytale buildings come to life in this easy project with magical results. Find a photo of a house, castle or fanciful structure, taken straight on, that's big enough to wrap around a clear glass votive candle holder and tall enough to extend just beyond the top rim. Square off the bottom and sides when you cut the image out, but for the top use small scissors to trim along the roofline. For added effect, cut out two or three window openings with an exacto knife. Wrap the image all the way around the votive candle holder and glue or tape. Place a tea light or flameless tea light inside, and watch your paper light house glow. Shutter Bulletin Board/Organizer Got an empty stretch of wall space too narrow for a bulletin board? Repurpose a wooden shutter as a unique organizer. Hung upside down, it holds file folders, envelopes, cards and photos slipped in between the slats or secured with clothes pins. Use S hooks to hang framed pictures or vertical wire storage baskets. Faux Milk Glass Vase White ceramics and vintage milk glass are hot decorating accents for tabletops and displays. You can get a similar look by spraying those ugly florist's vases lying around your home with white enamel paint. Wipe them down with rubbing alcohol before spraying to remove greasy fingerprints, and use several light coats to avoid drips. Shrunken Sweater Coasters You didn't shrink your beautiful 100-percent wool sweater in the laundry by accident. You intentionally felted it so the resulting dense wool fabric could be cut into eco-friendly drink coasters with no hemming necessary. Likewise, you always intended to use the arms -- cut off at elbow length -- as wrist warmers after opening the stitched seam 2 inches down from the cuff, just enough to fit your thumb through. If you never have laundry mishaps, buy a 100-percent wool sweater at the thrift store, wash it in hot water, dry it at the hottest setting, and follow the steps above. Nail Polish Magnets These sparkly gems are actually flat clear-glass marbles painted with layers of nail polish. Cover the bottom surface with a clear coat, then add layers going from translucent to opaque. Try sparkly glitter backed by shimmering frost with a final solid-color coat. When dry, use silicone-based glue to attach a button magnet. Set against a sheet-metal magnet board, they look like semi-precious stones and make your workspace luxe. Soda Pop Art Display Simple objects become artful when displayed individually. If you're challenged by how to organize them, turn a vintage wooden soda crate -- the kind with dividers for the bottles -- on its side for instant shelving with character. Wax Dipped LED Tea Lights Like the convenience of flameless tea lights but not their plasticky look? Try a wax dip. Melt candle wax in a double boiler, add instant coffee for color and ground cinnamon and ground cloves for texture and scent. Using tweezers, grasp the underside of an LED tea light and dip it into the melted wax flame tip first, immersing the candle almost to the base. Flip right side up and set on wax paper or a metal cookie sheet to harden. Twig Vase Get twiggy with this rustic vase, perfect for an informal bouquet. Gather together thin tree branches no thicker than your pinky, a smooth-sided clear plastic container (peanut butter jars are ideal), a sturdy rubber band and either twine, jute, birch bark or other natural material for wrapping. Stand a straight branch against the jar and cut a length of twig slightly taller than the jar. Cut all branches this length. With the rubber band around the middle of the jar, slip twigs between the rubber band and the jar so the twigs cover the jar completely and the rubber band holds them in place securely. Cover the band with wrapped twine, jute or a strip of birch bark. Tie off the cord or glue bark ends together. Linda Lowen is a Syracuse, NY, writer who is grateful that in the craftosphere the labels "cheap" and "easy" are positive attributes. | 4 | 971 | lifestyle |
The amount of estrogen in women's birth control pills may affect how they perceive other women, a small new study suggests. Among the women in the study, the higher the dose of estrogen in the birth control they were using, the more likely they were to rank other women's appearance as very important to them, the researchers found. The study included 42 women who were using birth control that contained both estrogen and progesterone. Most of the women were taking birth control pills, but four of them were using a vaginal ring such as NuvaRing . Half of the women were taking ultra-low dose contraceptives (that contain between 0.015 mg and 0.020 mg of estrogen), and the other half were taking low-dose contraceptives (containing 0.030 mg to 0.035 mg of estrogen). The women in the study also looked at pictures of men and women and rated several attributes related to their appearance, such as their attractiveness and sex appeal , and other attributes not related to their appearance, such as their health and energy level. The women in the study ranked the importance of all these attributes, from the most to the least important, on a scale from 1 to 10. The results of the new study as well as previous research suggest that the way women rank other women's traits is likely related to the hormones in the contraceptives they are taking, said study researcher Valentina Piccoli, of the University of Trieste in Italy. However, without measuring the women's hormone levels in the blood, the researchers could not pinpoint exactly how the hormones may have affected the participants' rankings of other women, she said. [ 7 Surprising Facts about The Pill ] "This mechanism may be a direct result of the hormones ingested via contraceptive pill use," or it could result from changes in the body's natural hormone levels that occur in women using the contraceptive, Piccoli told Live Science. She noted the findings are preliminary and should be treated with caution. The study did not have a control group in which women were taking a placebo instead of birth control pills, she said. The investigators found no link between the level of progesterone in the pills and the women's perceptions of other women, according to the study, published in the August issue of the journal Personality and Individual Differences. Previous research has shown a relationship between the levels of estrogen in combined hormonal contraceptives and increased jealousy and so-called " mate-guarding behavior ," in which a person tries to ensure that his or her mate is not interested in pursuing other men or women. The new findings show that estrogen levels may be also be related to women's paying more attention to potential female competitors, the researchers said. Piccoli stressed that, in the new study, the researchers did not administer different doses of estrogen but only assessed the doses of the hormone that were in the contraceptives the women took. Therefore, the study does not show a cause-and-effect relationship between the different levels of estrogen and what the researchers have called "objectification" of other women, she said. The researchers will next look at a larger sample of participants to better understand the results, she said. Follow Agata Blaszczak-Boxe on Twitter . Follow Live Science @livescience , Facebook & Google+ . Originally published on Live Science . 10 Things Every Man Should Know about a Woman's Brain 7 Facts Women (And Men) Should Know About the Vagina 5 Myths About Women's Bodies | 7 | 972 | health |
Breaking up is hard to do. Songwriter Neil Sedaka knew it. So does anyone who has lived it. These tips can help you survive, and even thrive, after a breakup. Grieve Emotionally speaking, losing a partner to a breakup is very similar to losing one to death, and in both cases the only way to get over the loss is to let yourself grieve. Give yourself the time you need to process your feelings. -- By Sharon O'Brien Cry Cry as much as you want for the first day or two. Crying when you're hurting the most will release emotional energy, reduce stress and help you move on more quickly. After the first 48 hours or so, allow yourself a little time each day to vent your emotions and just feel bad. But don't wallow. When that time is up, get back to doing other things that will make you feel better and help you heal. Stop talking If you and your ex are able to heal the wounds of your breakup and remain friends, that's great, but don't try to get there too soon. Make a clean break. Don't call him and don't take his calls. Zero contact will help you both heal faster and increase your chances of crafting a new friendship later if that's something you both want after the pain fades. Hit delete Get your ex out of your life virtually as well as physically by cutting all your social media ties. Unfriend him, stop following him and delete his number from your phone and your text favorites. Keeping tabs on him online after the breakup is just another name for stalking, and maintaining those connections will just make it harder for you to heal. Besides, do you really want a painful reminder of your failed relationship every time you log on? Exercise Working out is a great way to work on mending your broken heart. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins, which interact with the receptors in your brain that perceive pain. Regular exercise reduces stress, wards off anxiety and depression, increases self-esteem, helps you sleep, and boosts your immune system and overall health. And by working out frequently while you're grieving and healing, you'll look and feel your best when you're ready to try a new relationship. Spend time with friends You may need some solo time to grieve after a breakup, but don't spend too much time alone. Your friends want to help, so let them. Scheduling time with your friends, whether you meet to play tennis or just get together for coffee, will remind you that you are loved by some wonderful people and that you can have a full and rewarding life even without your ex. Laugh You know that old saying that laughter is the best medicine? When it comes to mending a broken heart, nothing is more powerful than a good laugh. Make popcorn and watch a few screwball comedies, make plans with a friend to check out a local comedy club, or just get together with some of the people who always make you laugh. If nothing else, laughter may give you a welcome break from your heartache; it's not easy to feel miserable when you're laughing. Don't torture yourself You know what we're talking about. Don't spend time reading old love letters, crying over photos of the two of you when you were happy, or reviewing every email and text he ever sent you. Either get rid of all that stuff or put it aside for a few years long enough that it no longer has the power to cause you pain. Get a makeover Most people end up feeling pretty unattractive and undesirable after a breakup. One way to get past that a little more quickly is to change your look. But don't overdo it. Head to the makeup counter to get a professional makeover or spend a day at the spa getting treatments that will help you feel beautiful, but save the drastic haircut until your emotions are under control again. Eat comfort food There will never be a better time to indulge your taste for comfort food than when you're recovering from a breakup. Don't go crazy you don't want to conquer heartbreak only to find that you've gained 30 pounds but don't feel you have to deny yourself, either. Choose a couple of foods that make you feel better, whether it's chocolate or mac 'n cheese, then savor each bite to get the most satisfaction from a relatively small amount of these normally forbidden fruits. Go on. You know you want to. Treat yourself Do a few things just for you. Go shopping for a little retail therapy, take the day off work to take a long walk and see a matinee movie, or book a massage and get your nails done. When you feel lousy, doing things that make you feel better is good sense and good medicine. Keep busy People often feel depressed and lethargic after a breakup, so it's tempting to lock the door, draw the drapes and focus on your pain. Don't. At least not for long. Instead, find things to do that will energize you and help restore your positive outlook. Clean your closets and get rid of all the clutter in your house, resume an old hobby, or volunteer to help a local charity. Change your sheets Buying new bedding after a breakup, from sheets to a new quilt or comforter, is a relatively inexpensive way to help freshen your emotional outlook and rid your bedroom of negative energy and painful memories. Sleep Sleep is good for you in the best of times, but it's even better for you when things turn bad. Sleep heals, pure and simple, so don't stay up late trying to figure out what went wrong or how you can get him back. Instead, go to bed and get some good sleep. If you can't, try taking melatonin at bedtime or ask your doctor for something that will help you sleep. Listen to music When you're going through a breakup, every song you hear seems to be about your pain. So skip the popular songs that will just remind you of what you've lost, and focus instead on instrumentals that make you feel good it doesn't matter if it's Bach or bluegrass or upbeat songs about feeling powerful and seeing a bright future ahead. Go to the dogs Research shows that interacting with animals can help us heal emotionally, so lavish some of the love your ex no longer wants on a furry friend or two. If you have pets of your own, it's easy. If you don't, then right after a breakup is not the right time to adopt a pet. Instead, try volunteering at an animal shelter, offering to walk a friend's dog every day for a few weeks, or pet-sitting for a neighbor who is going on vacation. Write It's great to talk about your feelings with your friends and family, but rather than ask the people who love you to go over the same ground again and again, try keeping a daily journal where you can record your thoughts and feelings about the relationship, the breakup and how you want your life to proceed from here. Meditate Learn meditation or make yoga a regular part of your day. Focus on your breathing, learning to clear your mind and being present in each moment of your life. These disciplines will help relieve the stress and anxiety you're feeling and give you skills that will make your life better even after your heartache is over. Take your time Don't rush out and buy a new car, move to a new city or quit your job when you're in the midst of a breakup and please don't try to start dating right away. All of those actions are things people in pain sometimes do to avoid their feelings, but you'll get much farther faster by letting yourself grieve, delaying any life-changing decisions you may be considering, and not rebounding into a new relationship before you're ready. Get help if you need it Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, recovering from a breakup is just more than you can manage on your own. If enough time has gone by that you think you should be starting to feel better, but you find yourself stuck or actually feeling worse, don't be afraid to find a qualified therapist and ask for help. There may be deeper issues that you need to identify and work through before you can completely move beyond your current pain.Sharon O'Brien is a freelance writer and licensed professional counselor in Portland, Oregon. | 4 | 973 | lifestyle |
Yes, Virginia, there is a stress-free way to entertain during the holidays. In fact, there are 15 of 'em. All you have to do is believe...and follow these suggestions to have as good a time as any of your guests. Say Cheese The ultimate comfort food, grilled cheese is the next big thing in a wave of fast casual eateries opening across the country. Jump on the trend with a holiday party featuring make-your-own grilled cheese sandwiches. Rent a commercial panini grill and have on hand a variety of deli-sliced cheeses, loaves of artisan bread (sliced thin enough for sandwiches) and add-ons such as tomatoes, basil, spinach, roasted red peppers and jalapenos. Don't forget condiments like cranberry mayo, aioli and pesto, along with plenty of butter and margarine for slathering. Pack a Punch What's more tedious than setting up a bar with liquor, mixers and cocktail garnishes? Playing mixologist all night. Instead, keep it simple with bowls of punch and other pre-made beverages. Keep hot spiced wassail warm on the stove or in a crock pot. Mix up a champagne-based drink or offer pitchers of cranberry cocktails. Eggnog is classic, but don't limit yourself to traditional offerings. Breakfast for Dinner Nothing makes your inner child happier than breakfast for dinner. Think outside the cereal box and throw a holiday party with French toast sticks, silver dollar pancake stacks, sausage links on frilly toothpicks and other morning favorites. Many of these ready-made items can be bought frozen, saving you time and energy. Fake It, Don't Bake It Martha Stewart may blanch. But if you're complaining about not having enough time for holiday baking, stop talking and walk the walk -- the cookie walk. Held as a fundraiser by churches and senior centers, this Christmas cookie bake sale features homemade favorites sold by the pound. Arrive early as these things usually sell out. And remember -- it's no walk of shame if you keep it to yourself. Swap Meet If your busy schedule only allows time to bake one cookie recipe, host a cookie swap or exchange. Each guest bakes a different kind of cookie but everyone brings the same number -- between six and 12 dozen, depending on the participants -- so there's plenty to go round. Everyone goes home with a huge holiday assortment for minimal effort. Fountains of Sauce The ubiquitous chocolate fountain becomes an endlessly flowing fondue pot filled with cheese, barbecue or even spaghetti sauce. Melt cheese on a stovetop and thin with white wine or heavy cream. Dilute barbecue sauce with wine or broth and add tomato sauce to spaghetti sauce. For the cheese fountain, pick fondue favorites like bread, apples and vegetables. Chicken, pork and beef chunks -- even french fries -- are good with barbecue sauce. For an Italian feast, try mozzarella balls and breadsticks, meatballs, Italian sausage and mini raviolis. Guiding Light Glowing luminaria are a festive (and inexpensive) way to welcome guests to your home. Pour a handful of sand into the bottom of a brown paper bag and set a tea light in the middle. Arrange in a line at the curb and along driveways and walkways. It's not only romantic but practical as it lights a path so visitors know which door to use. Wrapper's Delight Want to host a girlfriend get-together but don't have the budget for fancy food and drink? Invite everyone over for a gift-wrapping party so the focus is on the task at hand and not the hors d'oeuvres. Have each person bring three different rolls of holiday gift wrap, three rolls of ribbon, her own tape and scissors and the gifts she wants to wrap. You supply the gift tags. Clear several tabletops for separate gift-wrap areas so guests can move from one to another and try different papers and ribbons. Refreshments can be as simple as a pot of coffee and/or tea, cookies, snacks or holiday candy. Dip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Like the wrapping party, this parent-child holiday get-together centers on an activity instead of eating. Kids love to make edible gifts, but not every parent wants the mess in their homes. Be the brave one and host a "Chocolate Covered Everything" party. Set up two chocolate fountains -- one milk, one white -- and invite guests to bring pretzels rods, rice crispy squares, shortbread cookies or other foods to dip, along with one candy decoration to share, such as red or green jimmies, rainbow sprinkles or crushed candy canes. After guests roll dipped items in candy, provide aluminum, paper or plastic takeout containers to package up the gifts. Not Your Nacho The playoffs may be over, but ballpark snacks are always in season. Rent a nacho chip and cheese machine -- the kind with the glass-walled chip warmer on the bottom and the pump dispenser on top for the cheese. Have sliced olives, black beans or refried pinto beans, jalapeno slices, guacamole, sour cream and salsa for guests to top their nachos just the way they like. Many party rental places sell packages that include nacho cheese, chips and trays. Or spend a little extra time to whip up a homemade sauce with real cheddar. Scratch Salvage Surplus If the cost of entertaining is your biggest holiday stress, here's a dirt-cheap idea -- but only for risk-takers who welcome menu challenges like those you might see on Food Network's "Chopped." You can feed an army on a family-of-four food budget by shopping at scratch 'n dent, surplus or salvage grocery stores. They offer deep discounts but at a potential cost. Some items are priced low due to dented packaging that makes them unsellable; others may be near, at, or well past their expiration date. Since stock is always changing, what's available is what you have to work with. Most offer canned and boxed items while some have baked goods, fresh produce and even meats and dairy in walk-in coolers. Visit them in advance, buy a few items and make sure the quality and freshness are up to your expectations. Since many sell items in bulk (such as blocks of cheese or whole hams like those you'd find at a deli counter) it helps to have a slicing machine or access to other professional equipment. Handy Helpers Kids -- especially pre-teens -- rise to the occasion when you give them specific tasks that encourage responsibility. At one party, my eleven-year-old invited a friend to sleep over and help out. They began as coat-check girls, pinning numbers to items, handing out receipts and stowing everything in the spare bedroom. Then they replenished snack bowls, filled ice buckets, took away empties, restocked beverages and refilled creamers and sugar bowls. At the end of the evening they distributed coats and were thrilled to get a handful of unsolicited tips. They enjoyed "interning" in the hospitality field and felt important because they had a role to play. Tour the Light Fantastic For a family-friendly intergenerational party, try this mashup of tailgating meets tour-of-the-stars' homes. Plot out a driving route through neighborhoods with the most dazzling holiday displays, then print a route map to hand out (or give specific addresses to type into GPS systems). Invite guests to meet up at a location with plenty of parking and serve coffee, hot cocoa and snacks from your vehicle. (To keep beverages warm, borrow or rent a few coolers and/or insulated coffee urns.) Decide on the order of drivers in your caravan, then hit the road and stay together. One added benefit: you don't have to clean your house before or after the party. Paws for Some Quiet Time If your beloved family pets are used to ruling the roost, the noise and stress of a holiday party may cause them to shy away from or snap at guests. Instead of worrying about what they're up to and what they might get into, confine them to a quiet room out of the way of all activity. If there is no quiet space or your pet continually cries or scratches, consider boarding her at a kennel for the duration of the party. Dish It Out If you're the one making the big holiday meal this year, resist the urge to do it all yourself and ask each guest to bring one dish. Do it for two reasons: yourself and your guests. First, you won't have to cook everything. Second, it allows guests to prepare one dish exactly as they'd like. With so many special dietary restrictions and preferences today -- from vegan and raw food to gluten-free and low-sodium -- it's actually a relief for some of us to know we can eat what we bring if nothing else works for us. Since guests don't always mention their needs for fear of inconveniencing the host, this is a win-win situation. Just make sure you know what's coming so you don't end up with duplicates. Linda Lowen is a freelance writer in Syracuse, NY. | 4 | 974 | lifestyle |
With wedding season fast approaching, you'll no doubt be cruising one registry after another looking at the same old gifts--Cuisinart mixer? Check. Crystal ice bucket? You bet. If you're already married and have all things domestic settled squarely in place, you no doubt know that many gifts young couples ask for aren't exactly things they need--often they'll never, ever get used (hello, egg slicer!). Why not go off-road instead and get them an unexpected gift that will surprise them with its originality and total, utter usability? For our favorite sure-to-wow wedding gifts, click through the slideshow. Vintage plates to use at their reception Sweet and sentimental, this is a great gift for a couple you know well. Scan their registry to see what the vibe of their china pattern looks like, and find a set of plates that are similar for the two of them to use on their big day (make sure they receive them in plenty of time, or covertly slip them into their place setting before they take their seats). They can break them out on every anniversary for a special dinner, and they'll be guaranteed to think of you when they do.By Biba MiliotoLove Elizabeth Street? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @ElizabethStMom. Spaghetti measure This gorgeous kitchen object takes all the guesswork out of how much pasta to make--it's a genius gift for seasoned cooks or kitchen newbies alike. As a plus, it will look gorgeous hanging in the kitchen when not in use, too (not surprising, considering it's from the MoMA Store!). Pizza cutter A pizza cutter is perhaps the most versatile kitchen tool you could ever have. It slices everything neatly and easily, works for cutting fresh pasta, cheese, and pretty much anything else. This one has serious heirloom style, which makes it a perfect wedding gift. Ice cream membership That's right! Ship incredibly delicious ice cream straight to the newlyweds door. It'll give them a chance to use their new bowls, spoons and scooper, and encourage some fun hang-out time together, too. Talk about a sweet gift. Fragrance diffuser Let them infuse their home with romantic scent via this diffuser from perfumer Frederic Malle. It's a splurge they'd probably not include on their registry, but one that will make them happy every time they come home and smell the gorgeous wafts of Malle's signature home fragrance. Artful vase Even deli flowers look glam in this cubist vase from Jonathan Adler, king of the unexpected gift. Even empty, it'll lend a chic air of design to a bookshelf or table in the couple's home. Get personal with art A gorgeous painting or framed photo is a wedding gift they'll love every day--just be sure you get it right. Are they city slickers who dream of the country? A shot of the wide open plains will warm their hearts. Or New York transplants loving L.A. but missing the city bustle? A skyline landscape should to the trick. We suggest you pay for framing and matting but leave the choice of materials up to them to ensure the finished product will match their home's aesthetic. Kick-start their wine cellar Chances are they've got a slew of nice new wine glasses on their registry. Give them something to sip in the form of a mixed case of wine, and tag each bottle with a special note or purpose. An easy-drinking white is perfect for a BBQ, say, or a nice dessert aperitif to be opened at their first dinner party. Splurge on one or two nice vintages for special occasions: their first anniversary, perhaps, or the night they decide it's time to make a baby. {none} Want more Home and DIY content from Elizabeth Street?10 Kitchen Tools You Didn't Know You Needed11 Life Hacks to Make Your Time in the Kitchen That Much Easier10 Fabulous Tricks for Decorating Small SpacesThe Complete Guide to Every Homemade Stain Remover The Only Thing You Need to Make Your Space Seem That Much Larger | 4 | 975 | lifestyle |
Let's take a look back at when these stunning celebs put on gorgeous gowns and held beautiful bouquets in support of their friends' and family members' big day. Jennifer Lawrence Oscar winner and all-around American sweetheart Jennifer Lawrence played the part of bridesmaid at her big brother Blaine's wedding in October 2013. She was one of 11 bridesmaids and wore a much-talked-about ivory J.Crew gown. The nuptials were held at a farm in Goshen, Ky. ( see photos of the wedding ). BING: SEE JENNIFER AS A BRIDESMAID Jessica Simpson Fashion designer and actress Jessica Simpson has been a bridesmaid a whopping five times for friends and family over the last several years ( see her at sister Ashlee's wedding ). In fall 2013, she stood by the bride's side at the wedding of her publicist Lauren Auslander at the Castle Hill Inn in Newport, R.I. BING: SEE JESSICA AS A BRIDESMAID Lady Gaga "Paparazzi" superstar Lady Gaga, known for her outrageous looks on the red carpet, donned more subdued attire for her friend Bo O'Connor's wedding last summer in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico ( wedding rumors for the star ?). BING: SEE PHOTOS OF GAGA AS A BRIDESMAID Eva Longoria No longer a part of "Desperate Housewives," "Devious Maids" producer Eva Longoria ( who's she dating now ?) looked gorgeous as a bridesmaid at the spring 2013 wedding of her friend Amber Ridinger to Duane Mclaughlin at the Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico. BING: SEE EVA AS A BRIDESMAID Kirsten Dunst Actress Kirsten Dunst ( who's her boyfriend ?) stood by her pal Molly as maid of honor in July 2012 in Santa Barbara, Calif. She was pretty in pink in a floor-length gown with a lavender hair accessory. BING: SEE KIRSTEN AS MAID OF HONOR Ashlee Simpson Singer and sometimes-actress Ashlee Simpson ( see photos from her recent wedding ) joined her famous sister in March 2012 for bridesmaid duty at a friend's Palm Springs wedding. "The O.C." actor Adam Brody was also a member of the wedding party. BING: SEE ASHLEE AS A BRIDESMAID Katharine McPhee "Smash" actress Katharine McPhee ( who's she dating ?) stunned in a floor-length, pale pink number as matron of honor at her sister Adrianna's Los Angeles nuptials in June 2012. BING: SEE KATHARINE AS MATRON OF HONOR Selena Gomez Former Disney darling Selena Gomez ( is she dating her ex ?) looked radiant in an eye-popping blue bridesmaid dress at her friend's Mexico beach wedding in December 2011. BING: SEE SELENA AS A BRIDESMAID Demi Lovato Another Disney star-turned-recording artist, Demi Lovato donned a pretty purple dress as one of eight bridesmaids and even caught the bouquet at her friend Tiffany Thorton's wedding in November 2011. BING: SEE DEMI AS A BRIDESMAID Ali Larter Actress and former "Heroes" star Ali Larter ( see photos from her own wedding ) was alongside her pal and fellow actress Amy Smart for her marriage to HGTV star Carter Oosterhouse in September 2011 in Traverse City, Mich. BING: SEE ALI AS A BRIDESMAID Kourtney & Khloé Kardashian Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian played supporting roles to sister Kim for her marriage to NBA player Kris Humphries in August 2011 in Montecito, Calif., and again this summer as Kim wed rapper Kanye West at a lavish ceremony in Florence, Italy ( see photos ). BING: SEE THE SISTERS AS BRIDESMAIDS THE FIRST TIME AROUND Pippa Middleton English socialite Pippa Middleton ( who's she dating ?) made a splash in a white gown as she helped younger bridesmaids down the aisle at the wedding of sister Kate Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William in London in April 2011. BING: SEE PIPPA AS A BRIDESMAID Keira Knightley Actress Keira Knightley stole a little bit of the bride's thunder when she donned a swishy lavender dress as a bridesmaid at the April 2011 wedding of her brother Caleb and sister-in-law Kerry in Glasgow, Scotland ( see Keira's own wedding dress ). BING: SEE KEIRA AS A BRIDESMAID Tori Spelling "Beverly Hills 90210" alum Tori Spelling ( see photos of her family ) took part in her pal Amy Colvin's winter wedding in Los Angeles in January 2011 at The Beverly Hills Hotel. BING: SEE TORI AS A BRIDESMAID Britney Spears Pop star Britney Spears put the mic away to wear a floor-length blue dress for her assistant Brett Miller's Miami ceremony in January 2011 ( see what she says about single life ). BING: SEE BRITNEY AS A BRIDESMAID Naomi Watts Normally ultra-casual, British-Australian actress Naomi Watts ( see her style ) slipped on heels and a gorgeous white lace bridesmaid dress for the wedding of friend Emma Cooper in December 2010 in Sydney. BING: SEE NAOMI AS A BRIDESMAID Jessica Alba Actress and model Jessica Alba held a bouquet as a bridesmaid, and her husband Cash Warren ( see them together ) was the best man for their friend's Beverly Hills nuptials in September 2010. BING: SEE JESSICA AS A BRIDESMAID Kim Kardashian Reality star Kim Kardashian wore a strapless violet gown as a bridesmaid at her sister Khloé's wedding to NBA player Lamar Odom. The nuptials took place at a mansion in Beverly Hills in September 2009. BING: SEE KIM AS A BRIDESMAID Rachel Bilson Actress Rachel Bilson ( see her pregnancy style ) was all smiles in a long gown at a laid-back, outdoor ceremony for Josh Schwartz and Jill Stonerock at a Santa Barbara, Calif., ranch in September 2008. BING: SEE RACHEL AS A BRIDESMAID Jessica Biel Actress Jessica Biel showed support as a bridesmaid for her former "7th Heaven" co-star Beverly Mitchell on her big day in Italy in October 2008. Her now-husband singer and actor Justin Timberlake was by Jessica's side for the event ( photos from their wedding ). BING: SEE JESSICA AS A BRIDESMAID Amanda Bynes Troubled actress Amanda Bynes ( get the latest on the star ) wore a blue chiffon dress as maid of honor at the wedding of her sister, Jillian Bynes, in July 2008 at Wood Rock Country Club in Simi Valley, Calif. BING: SEE AMANDA AS A BRIDESMAID Kate Bosworth "Blue Crush" star Kate Bosworth looked glam yet effortless as a bridesmaid for a friend at a beachy March 2008 ceremony in Sydney. BING: SEE KATE AS A BRIDESMAID Katherine Heigl Actress Katherine Heigl ( see her with her kids ) played the part of bridesmaid for her adopted sister's ceremony in October 2007 in Santa Monica, Calif. BING: SEE KATHERINE AS A BRIDESMAID Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen Former child stars and twin sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen ( which one is engaged ?) looked all grown up when they stood in as bridesmaids for a friend's beach nuptials in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in November 2007. BING: SEE MARY-KATE & ASHLEY AS BRIDESMAIDS Jennifer Garner Actress Jennifer Garner ( see family photos ), who rose to fame as CIA agent Sydney Bristow in the TV thriller "Alias," looked stunning as a member of the bridal party during the October 2006 nuptials of her assistant in Montecito, Calif. BING: SEE JENNIFER AS A BRIDESMAID Sarah Michelle Gellar "Buffy" star Sarah Michelle Gellar ( her famous husband ?) looked less like a slayer and more like a bridesmaid in a pale pink dress for a friend's August 2006 wedding in Santa Monica, Calif. BING: SEE SARAH AS A BRIDESMAID Cameron Diaz "The Other Woman" actress Cameron Diaz made the trip to the south of France to be part of her friend's bridal party in July 2006. BING: SEE CAMERON AS A BRIDESMAID | 4 | 976 | lifestyle |
All the New Sheetmetal from the Second City | 9 | 977 | autos |
Prepare for confusion: The Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe concept isn't a coupe -- it's a four-door crossover. And it isn't even blue -- it's metallic orange. Clearly some product planners at VW have an interesting sense of humor. Instead of focusing on what the CrossBlue Coupe concept isn't, though, we'll focus on what it is: an innovative plug-in hybrid, wrapped in attractive sheetmetal. Like the CrossBlue concept from the Detroit auto show, the CrossBlue Coupe concept from the Shanghai motor show is built on VW's MQB architecture and powered by a gas engine paired with twin electric motors. The system consists of a transverse 3.6-liter turbocharged V-6 making 295 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, a front electric motor making 54 hp, and a rear motor making 114 hp. The system's combined output is an impressive 415 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and center tunnel-mounted 9.8 kW-hr lithium-ion battery pack bring the plug-in powertrain together. Volkswagen estimates a 0-62 mph time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 147 mph, giving the CrossBlue Coupe some scoot to back up the sporty bodywork. Sportiness is only half of the CrossBlue Coupe's MO. Efficiency is the other half. On that front, the CrossBlue Coupe can operate as a pure EV for as many as 21 miles up to a top speed of 75 mph, when the engine will presumably start up. While in EV mode, the rear motor powers the CrossBlue Coupe, while the front motor and engine are decoupled from the drivetrain for efficiency's sake. When the battery's juice runs dry, the crossover switches to its default hybrid mode, where VW expects the vehicle to get 79 mpg combined on the new European driving cycle. If it hasn't been plugged in and is running on gas, the CrossBlue Coupe is reportedly capable of 34.1 mpg combined. Thanks to a 21.2-gallon gas tank, VW estimates the Coupe's range to be around 720 miles. Aside from the EV and hybrid modes, the CrossBlue has some other tricks up its sleeve. There's a Charge mode that uses the V-6 to charge up the batteries so EV mode can be used later in a trip, and there's an Off-Road mode. The Off-Road setting uses what VW calls "propshaft by wire," in which the gas engine powers the front wheels while the front motor acts as a generator and sends its power to the rear motor, giving the CrossBlue Coupe more traction off the beaten path. The CrossBlue Coupe concept sports the next-generation of VW's SUV design philosophy. While the CrossBlue was upright, sober, and offensively inoffensive, the Coupe has an aggressive front end, a rakish profile, and taut rear design work. The CrossBlue Coupe sports what VW calls a 3-D front end, with its signature horizontal twin-bar grille, which flows into the "eyebrow" daytime running lights, given a 3-D-like effect. The LED elements flow into the lower grille area and continue through the lower air intakes. The CrossBlue Coupe also sports a rakish A-pillar and a swept-back C-pillar, giving the four-door a coupe-like profile. Size-wise, Volkswagen says the CrossBlue Coupe "is exactly [emphasis added] 192.5 inches long, 79.3 inches wide, and 66.1 inches high," with a 117.3-inch wheelbase, making it larger than the current-gen Touareg in just about every respect except overall height. The concept rides on 22-inch wheels. According to Volkswagen, the CrossBlue Coupe gives us a glimpse at the future of the automaker's SUV design. Inside, the five-seat CrossBlue Coupe has an interior reminiscent of the CrossBlue. Both concepts have the same general layout, steering wheel, instrument panel, and infotainment system. The main differences are color choices, an offset shifter on the center console, and headrest-mounted iPad Minis for backseat passengers. The Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe drops at the Shanghai motor show in China. No word on whether the CrossBlue Coupe concept will enter production, but since the concept looks close to production-ready, we'd wager a production model is already in development. Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept BASE PRICE N/A VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 4-door, 5-pass, SUV ENGINE 3.6L/295-hp/369-lb-ft turbo V-6 plus 54-hp front/114-hp rear elec motor; combined output 415-hp/516-lb-ft TRANSMISSION Six-speed dual-clutch automatic LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 192.5 x 79.3 x 66.1 in 0-62 MPH 5.9 sec (mfr est) EPA CITY/HIGHWAY FUEL ECONOMY N/A | 9 | 978 | autos |
The upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT will be powered by a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, an engine the automaker has been slowly teasing for the past few months. Now, the slow tease is finally over as AMG has released full specs on the new V-8, called the M178. AMG's newest V-8 will make 503 hp and the engine will produce its max torque rating of 479 lb-ft between 1750 to 4750 rpm. Affalterbach revealed some details of the new hand-built V-8 last month, including the two turbochargers that sit within the engine's V configuration, a layout that AMG is calling "hot inside V." This configuration is what gives the M178 its compact dimensions. AMG also claims the turbo placement improves response and exhaust gas emissions. Also contributing to the engine's compact design is its dry sump system, allowing engineers to mount the M178 2.2 inches lower within the engine bay. The engine also features lightweight forged pistons, zirconium alloy cylinder heads, and cylinder walls lined with Benz's "nanoslide" technology. The M178 gets a sport exhaust system that includes variable flaps to control volume levels . AMG has teased the M178's exhaust note numerous times and the sound it produces is quite good. That said, we'll have to reserve judgment until we get our first spin in the Mercedes-AMG GT, which has big shoes to fill following the departure of the much-loved SLS AMG GT . That car was powered by the M159 , a naturally aspirated, 6.2-liter V-8 rated at 583 hp and 479 lb-ft (622 hp and 468 lb-ft in the SLS Black Series). Source: Mercedes-Benz | 9 | 979 | autos |
With a few exceptions, it's generally accepted that emissions from gas- and diesel-powered vehicles are contributing to global warming and some fear the end of the world's fossil fuel supplies could be close at hand. With only so much oil in the Earth's crust and ever increasing pressure from governments around the globe to improve fuel economy and lower emissions, automakers have been forced to begin developing vehicles powered by alternative propulsion methods. While there is no clear leader to replace the combustion engine yet, there are several contenders One technology that is gradually gaining momentum now is electric propulsion. Just about every major automaker is working on electric vehicles, from the impractical (the hastily-converted Scion iQ EV) to the practical ( the bespoke Tesla Model S, the 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year ). The future of the electric car hinges on two things: range and infrastructure. Range anxiety is a very real issue that skeptics of electric cars often seize upon. Of the 10 full-electric cars currently available to the public, the average range is 94.2 miles, with the low-end represented by the iQ EV (EPA-estimated 36-mile range), and the bell-busted on the opposite end of the spectrum with the Model S (EPA-estimated 265-mile range for the top-spec, 85 kW-hr battery pack). Compounding the range issue is that it takes on-average six hours to fully recharge a battery pack for electric cars. That means a trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, a 382 mile journey that'd take just five-and-a-half hours in a traditional gas-powered car, could take nearly forty hours in an electric car like the Nissan Leaf, which has a 73-mile range and a 6-hour recharge time. As a single car for a family that likes to travel, most electric cars just aren't practical yet. So what are automakers doing to fix the problem? Two things: better infrastructure and bigger, better batteries that can store more energy. The challenges facing both solutions are daunting. Not only do automakers need to work to make their electric vehicles charge faster, but they also need to make fast-charging stations as abundant as gas stations are. One automaker currently working on solving the infrastructure issue is Nissan. The Japanese automaker is currently developing a fast charger that could charge a Leaf battery from empty to 80 percent full in about 10 minutes, reportedly without severely impacting battery life. In the more immediate future, electric car maker Tesla is tackling the problem with both bigger batteries and by building its own infrastructure. Its flagship Model S for example, is currently available with 60 kWh and 85 kWh battery packs. Even the Model S' smallest battery, the 60-kWh pack, dwarves the 24 kWh and 23 kWh batteries used by the Leaf and Ford Focus Electric, respectively. The 60 kWh battery gives the Model S an EPA-estimated 208-mile range, while the larger still 85-kWh battery sports a 265-mile range. Tesla knows that big batteries can only help so much. To make the electric car a practical solution for single-vehicle families, the automaker has opened rapid-charging stations or "Superchargers" in Tesla parlance up and down both coasts. The Superchargers are capable of adding about 150-miles of range in around 30 minutes. The Supercharger network includes five strategically-located stations on the West Coast designed to facilitate travel between Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegasand two on the East Coast to allow travel between Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. Another solution, championed by French automaker Renault, is a swappable battery pack. Designed by a company called Better Place, the swappable battery packs work in much the same way a quick-lube oil change station works: you drive up to a Better Place station when your battery is depleted, and within five minutes the old battery is removed from the bottom of the car and a fresh battery is installed in its place. Better Place leases the battery packs out, lessening the cost-of-entry for EV buyers and helping it pay for its operations. The Better Place model isn't perfect though; it requires both automaker and government support to make a meaningful impact. Currently, the Renault Fluence Z.E. is the only vehicle compatible with Better Place's system, while Denmark and Israel are the only countries that have any sort of Better Place infrastructure, limiting the technology's appeal. Another solution to our petroleum woes might be powering our cars by using natural gas. Natural gas has plenty going for it: it doesn't contribute as much to global warming as gasoline or diesel, it pollutes less, it's easier on engines, and it's cheap, thanks to federal subsidies -- not to mention that the United States has vast reserves right here at home. If natural gas ever took off, it could mean the end of American dependence on foreign oil. That said, natural gas suffers from a few drawbacks. For starters, storing natural gas is a pain. In order to store the natural-gas energy equivalent of a tank of gasoline requires bulky, difficult-to-packagecylindrical pressurized tanks. This explains why the Honda Civic GX is currently the only factory full-CNG vehicle only the market. The other issue facing CNG is lack of infrastructure. Though the issue can be mitigated with bivalent engines (engines that run on both gas and CNG, as seen on trucks like the Ram 2500 CNG) or home-refill dispensers, CNG adopters likely won't be taking summer road trips anytime soon. While some automakers, like Ford, are currently working on solving the packaging issue of CNG, it'll take a significant national push to get CNG station infrastructure in place around the country. Hydrogen power is another alternative that is almost always perpetually billed as the fuel of the future. There's a good reason for that. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the known universe, so we'll never run out of it, and the only byproduct of burning it is water. There are two ways to power a car with hydrogen: converting an internal combustion engine to burn hydrogen, like the BMW Hydrogen7 of 2007, or by using it to generate electricity in a hydrogen fuel cell, like the Honda FCX Clarity. The former option was unique in that it used hydrogen in its liquid state, making the experience almost identical to the gas one we're used to, except that the liquid hydrogen required exotic dispensers and had to be stored in a trunk-mounted tank at precisely -423 degrees Fahrenheit. Burning the hydrogen in a traditional V-12 engine actually cleaned the air around it(according to the U.S. Department of Energy), but trace emissions of burned lubricating oil prevented its classification as a zero-emissions vehicle.which produced little emissions and . The other hydrogen option, championed by almost every other automaker, is by using a fuel cell. Dumbing it down a bit, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, like the unit fitted to the aforementioned FCX Clarity, works by sending compressed hydrogen gas from a fuel tank, through a fuel cell stack which converts the gas and oxygen into electricity, which in turn is used to power an electric motor, propelling the car. So why aren't we all driving hydrogen cars right now? Well, infrastructure (again) is a major problem, especially since hydrogen is highly flammable (remember the Hindenburg?). The other major problems are that hydrogen is incredibly difficult to harvest since it's almost always firmly attached to other molecules, so harvesting isolating it is incredibly energy intensive; and elemental H2 is so tiny that it leaks out of practically any vessel you try to contain it in. That means the Hydrogen7 you parked at the airport with a half-full tank, could be nearly empty at the end of your business trip. These issues combined with the tremendous amount of capital needed to develop hydrogen fuel cells are conspiring against the technology, but automakers like BMW, GM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota are continuing to refine and develop the technology in the hopes that it one day catches on. Arguably the wackiest alternative solution is to power cars by air. Yes, air. Peugeot and Citroen (those wacky French) have developed a gas-air hybrid which is capable of operating on nothing by compressed air. The car powers itself on air by sending the compressed air from high-pressure cylindrical tanks into a pneumatic/hydraulic motor, which moves the car. In a pint-sized city car, the only class of vehicles for which this technology is ever likely to be feasible, two 100-liter high-pressure air tanks could in theory provide 60 to 90 miles of range around town, with a refill taking about four hours from a 220-volt compressor at home, or two minutes from a high-pressure compressed air station. While only slightly-less ridiculous than Ford's Atomic Age Nucleon concept car, there are tremendous hurdles stopping air powered cars. Industry experts doubt that an automaker would be able to store enough air in a car to net the range, or performance that drivers in the western world are accustomed to. On top of that, the technology doesn't necessarily lend itself to being scaled up; anything larger than a city car would require a proportionally larger compressed air tank, leading to perpetual weight and packaging issues, so while air-power might be possible, don't count on seeing its wide-spread use anytime soon. All of these fuels and technologies are considered alternatives for a reason: all are currently more difficult to implement than gasoline and diesel. The future of all these fuels depends on cost, infrastructure, government regulations, and ease of use. While technological hurdles abound, the auto industry has been in this position before. Back in the early days of the horseless carriage, a gasoline, diesel, coal, steam, wood, and even electricity duked it out before the market chose gasoline as the winner. It'll only be a matter of time before the public picks the world's next fuel, and everything else will come with it. With a technology breakthrough and/or sufficient government backing, the next conventionally powered car in your driveway just might be your last | 9 | 980 | autos |
Reexamining photos of Chrysler's ENVI program, it's hard not to think about what could've been. It's been about three and a half years since the first news of the alternative propulsion unit's closing. ENVI took with it the most conspicuous evidence that the then-fresh-out-of-Chapter-11 automaker had new products and ideas to help establish a foothold in the AP market. Dark times, those. But now we've had our initial crack at Chrysler's first battery-electric vehicle that's not a neighborhood electric vehicle (GEM) and will be sold to the "general" public. The happy-go-lucky Fiat 500e will henceforth be remembered as the root from which all other Chrysler EVs sprung. Roughly two years after development began, the fully electrified 500 fulfills a number of firsts: Chrysler's first EV, of course; the first 500 with a 7-inch thin-film transistor display serving as the gauge cluster; the first 500 with push-button transmission controls; and Chrysler's first stab at the California Air Resources Board's zero-emissions vehicle requirements. The last point ties to the quote marks around the word "general" above: The 500e will only be sold in EV-friendly California for the time being, but it might be offered in other markets in the future. Driving the 500e isn't very different from driving a run-of-the-mill 500. You open the door; plop into a high, plush seat; twist the "ignition" key; and get ready to go. Next, you press the D button on the center console to put the single-speed gear reduction in Drive, very much like the process with a modern, automatic-transmission Aston Martin. Then, completely unlike an Aston Martin, you whir away from your starting point nearly silently, thanks to the quiet electric motor and extensive NVH-suppression package. Fiat claims the 500e is 20 percent quieter than 500s not named Abarth. The electric motor's torque (147 lb-ft) is plenty for zipping around town, which is what we did with the 500e. Perhaps in an attempt to prove the point that EVs are great city cars, Fiat plotted us a city-oriented driving route that originated in Culver City, California, and ran through a bunch of L.A. roads. Since the drive took place in the daytime, that meant traffic. Naturally, the first five miles took about 45 minutes to cover. The range display showed 103 miles at the start, but dropped to 93 miles when the standard automatic climate control was turned on. Five miles later, the range was hovering in the region of 70 miles. No worries, though, because the energy percentage gauge was still registering around 90 percent. The range number is constantly being adjusted by a complex algorithm that looks at short- and long-term energy consumption trends. We'll spare you the gory details, but after attempting to drive as aggressively as we possibly could over a 50-mile loop that included hilly canyon roads and a little bit of freeway, the 500e's onboard numbers stated we had 46 percent of the battery left and 48 miles of range left -- not bad at all. In its grimmest-looking moment, the car showed 30 miles to go, but credit the regenerative braking system and a few long descents for helping reappropriate energy. There's no Low mode or separate regen setting to use, so the electric motor must make do with the car's greater weight. At an estimated 3000 pounds, the 500e is about 500 pounds heavier than a regular 500. The liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery makes up about 600 of those pounds. The battery uses about 22.8 kW-hrs of the 24-kW-hr stated capacity for tractive purposes. It'll take less than fours to charge from "empty" to full on a Level 2 charger (208-240 volts) and around 23 hours on Level 1 power (110-120V). To break it down by miles added, a trickle charger will add 10 miles every three hours, whereas the hardwired L2 unit will insert the same distance every 30 minutes. The battery packaging infringes mostly on backseat legroom. The 500e loses 4.1 inches from a 500. Other specs related to passenger space are comparable between the gas and electric 500s. Fiat says they were surprised by the EPA's final economy edict -- the 500e carries an official 87-mile rating. But given the small BEV underwent extensive wind tunnel evaluation, we feel it's fitting. Modifications including a sealed front end, smoothed underbody, aerodynamically pleasing 15-inch alloy wheels, redesigned side-mirror caps, and a drag coefficient of 0.311. That's 6.3 percent lower than a 500 Pop, the most aero-efficient gas model. Because the 500e weighs more than the conventional 500 and rolls around on normal-sized 185/55-15 tires, the suspension was stiffened to accommodate the load. Body-motion control and ride quality is acceptable for daily driving, but the car could use more shock damping. Despite the battery's low placement along the floor, the car wallows at freeway speeds, especially when bumps are involved. There's quite a bit of gyrating hip action from the rear haunches. In the canyons, it's probably more enjoyable than it needs to be -- we credit the claimed, more balanced 57/43 percent front/rear weight distribution for this trait. The steering even leans toward the heavy side. And because of the e-motor torque and responsiveness, the car feels quicker than it really is. If ENVI were still around, the 500e would sit next to the Lotus Europa-based Dodge Circuit concept in the family portrait, bookending a lineup that has (had) a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited at the opposing end. The small Italian may be on its own now, but at least its future is wide open. 2013 Fiat 500e BASE PRICE $32,500* VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-motor, FWD, 4-pass, 2-door hatchback MOTOR 111-hp/147-lb-ft permanent-magnet AC electric TRANSMISSION 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT 3000 lb (mfr) WHEELBASE 90.6 in LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 142.4 x 64.1 x 60.1 in 0-60 MPH 9.1 sec (mfr est) EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON 122/108 mpg-e (gas-equivalent) ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 28/31 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS 0.00 lb/mile (at tailpipe) RANGE 87 miles ON SALE IN U.S. Summer 2013 (California only) *Before federal, state, and local tax incentives | 9 | 981 | autos |
There's probably nothing wrong with an SLS Black Series that an additional 118 hp, 270 lb-ft, and all-wheel-drive couldn't cure. Such are the delusional musings that drift into one's head after a giddy hot-lapping session in Mercedes' hottest performing sports car while shuttling to another section of the track to sample... an even more powerful SLS. Meet the SLS AMG Electric Drive, Benz's super EV we had a chance to sample for a short time after our laps in the SLS Black at France's Paul Ricard circuit. At 740-hp and 738-lb-ft, this eco-green monster ranks as the most powerful production electric car on earth. Four separate motors draw energy from a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is the real star of the show. Weighing 1200 pounds and capable of delivering 600 kW, it establishes a benchmark for automotive energy and power density. The motors weigh 99 pounds each, and are mounted near the vehicle centerline. Each motor is precisely monitored and controlled in its torque delivery and energy recuperation, so as to provide precise torque vectoring under all acceleration and braking conditions. This system has three settings, ranging from comfort (tuned for gentle throttle response and understeer at the limits) to sport and sport+, which amp up responsiveness, delivering neutral and oversteering behavior respectively. As in most electric cars, the motors drive the wheels directly through a gear reduction that roughly equates to fifth gear in the standard SLS, so despite all that killer torque and double the traction, the 1000-pound heavier SLS needs about 3.8 seconds to hit 60 mph, on the way to a top speed of 155 mph. It certainly doesn't feel like an SLS welded in fifth gear carrying 1000 pounds of ballast. Acceleration is strong, and cornering behavior is extremely agile, thanks to the torque vectoring. And a synthetic "power" soundtrack played through the 11-speaker stereo helps mask unpleasant noises like pebbles bouncing off the undercarriage and faint motor whine. The noise ranks somewhere between a V-12 and a turbine engine for whirring smoothness, and can it be switched off. We're assured the car will travel about 120 miles on a charge, if driven normally around town, or it can complete two very hot laps of the Nurburgring. The best part: recharging takes just three hours using AMG's 22-kW accessory wall charger (it's more like 20 hours with a standard 240-volt European wall plug). The front and rear suspensions were redesigned. Accommodating the front half-shafts required switching to a pushrod-actuated horizontal coil-over shock units. In back, the anti-roll bar had to be relocated to aft of the motors instead of ahead of the transaxle. A T-shaped carbon-fiber battery box is bonded into the aluminum spaceframe. Aluminum bodyshells assembled in Sindelfingen are shipped to Affalterbach, where the electrical gear is installed in seven stations. The system was developed in cooperation with Formula 1 kinetic-energy recovery system (KERS) experts at AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, England. All of this complexity helps explain why this version costs over twice as much as the Black Series ($544,000 in Europe). Sadly, it will not be available in the U.S. -- at least not at launch. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive BASE PRICE $544,282 (Europe) VEHICLE LAYOUT Front- and rear-motor, AWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe MOTORS 4 x 185-hp/185-lb-ft electric motors; 740 hp/738 lb-ft comb TRANSMISSIONS 1-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT 4650 lb (mfr) WHEELBASE 105.5 in LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 182.6 x 76.3 x 49.7 in 0-60 MPH 3.8 sec (mfr est) EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON Not yet rated ON SALE IN U.S. Maybe someday… | 9 | 982 | autos |
Volvo's long been the go-to brand for cars that are safe for occupants (and increasingly safer for pedestrians), but the brand is also interested in being safer for the environment. To that end, it's developing hybrid and electric vehicle technology that, based on my recent experience, more than keeps up with the Joneses of the auto manufacturing world. Volvo V60 PHEV Launched in Sweden late last year and slowly making its way across Europe, the V60 Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is not the world's first production diesel hybrid, but it is the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid. Unlike the configuration common to American market hybrids, the V60 PHEV features two separate powertrains, not one big lump of combined machinery. A 2.4-liter, five-cylinder turbo diesel drives the front wheels with 215 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Driving the rear wheels independently of the fronts is a 50-kW electric motor that can produce up to 70 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The motor is fed from an 11.2-kW-hr liquid-cooled battery underneath the cargo floor and charged by a belt-driven generator/starter on the diesel motor that can generate power by feeding off the engine and recapturing energy as the engine spins down, as well as regenerative braking. Or, you know, plugging it into a wall, where it'll fully charge in as few as 3.5 hours on a 16-amp circuit and as many as 7.5 hours on a 6-amp circuit. All fairly standard hybrid stuff so far, but this wagon has a few tricks up its sleeve. The first, which you may have figured out, is that it's technically all-wheel drive. The computers manage torque outputs at both ends for maximum stability and traction. In general, the car is functionally AWD every time it blends electric and diesel power, either while transitioning from one power source to the other or while running both to reduce load on the diesel motor, thus saving fuel and reducing emissions. More than just driving all four wheels, though, it can act like a traditional AWD unit in managing power delivery at each wheel to improve traction. It usually only does this in low-grip situations, but there's also a handy AWD button on the center stack that allows you to activate it full-time. There is a trade-off in fuel economy, as the diesel motor will not only be powering the front wheels but also running the generator to power the electric motor and keep the battery charge up. The other neat trick is the Save For Later mode. This mode essentially locks out pure electric driving and uses the diesel engine to drive the car, entirely power the electric motor and charge the battery. By doing so, it can charge the battery to about 40-45 percent, for about 12.5 miles of driving range. The idea is that you would activate this mode while driving on the highway -- when the diesel engine will be doing most of the work anyway -- then flip into Pure EV Mode when you get into town and creep around without using any fuel. This would be especially handy in European cities that charge inefficient vehicles extra to access the city center, but you could also use it to sneak into the driveway late at night without waking your parents, whose sensible Volvo you borrowed to take your girlfriend or boyfriend out. In addition to Pure EV, Hybrid, AWD and Save For Later modes, there's one more we rather like, and that's Power mode. In this mode, you forget about the trees and dump all that sweet electricity into making the car faster, not more efficient. In this mode, Volvo says the V60 PHEV will hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, a tenth of a second quicker than the last S60 T5 we tested (an S60 T6 will do it in as little as 5.3 seconds, for reference). What's impressive about the V60 PHEV is how well it works in all modes. A lot of hybrids claim they'll move the car from a stop to freeway speeds on pure electric power, but not many that can actually do it will get you up to speed in less than three hours without kicking on the internal combustion engine. Not so with the Volvo. You can be surprisingly aggressive with the throttle at just about any legal speed, and it will stay in EV mode given sufficient charge. Not only that, but it will accelerate reasonably quickly, enough that you don't need to go deeper and kick on the diesel. It's easily the most powerful-feeling hybrid I've driven in EV mode. Volvo claims an all-electric range of 30 miles or so, and my estimated range fell fairly slowly despite aggressive driving. The driving experience is also differentiated by its handling. The standard S60 is a fairly sporty sedan if you lean on it, and the V60 PHEV makes for a decently sporty hybrid. It certainly feels heavier than the standard car, but not ponderous or floaty. It rides well and the low center of gravity and rear-shifted weight bias afforded by the electric motor and battery help it corner a little flatter and more confidently than you'd expect. Using AWD Mode didn't seem to affect the handling noticeably. The default powertrain mode is Hybrid, which is perfectly adequate in terms of acceleration for daily driving. It operates in EV mode as much as possible, thanks to the impressive acceleration offered by the electric motor. There's no jolt or shaky handoff when the diesel engine comes in, though the engine itself is louder and vibrates more than you'd expect in a luxury car. Power Mode makes the car obviously quicker, but it frankly feels a little silly to leave the car in Power Mode for an extended period of time when you know the electric motor is more than capable of moving you around, and you're burning unnecessary fuel. Push it, pass, and go back to Hybrid. That's the point of this car, anyway. I have one other quibble, and it may be a matter of perspective. While the Save For Later Mode is an interesting idea, it appeared as though it would take a long time to charge the battery up to 45 percent from near zero using just the diesel engine, which made me wonder if it was really worth the extra fuel burned. Then again, I can't think of any American city that has a substantial congestion charge or similar program in which being able to creep around in Pure EV mode would save me both money and trouble, so maybe it's a European thing. Overall, the V60 PHEV is a very impressive first effort for Volvo. It does everything the competitors do and more. It's better to drive in EV Mode, it charges more quickly, and it gives you all kinds of options to drive the car exactly as you please. The big drawback, of course, is that it's significantly more expensive than a standard V60 T5 diesel (though on the other hand, it was so popular that Volvo doubled the original production run of 5000), and it's not sold in the U.S. Volvo says we'll probably get it somewhere down the line, but not until it develops a gasoline-hybrid model. C30 Electric Gen II As the name indicates, this is an update on the existing C30 Electric. The new car is the fruit of a big partnership with German electronics giant Siemens and features a more powerful motor and a claimed "world's first" fast-charging system, both developed by Volvo's new partner. Powering the car is an 89 kW-hr lithium-ion battery mounted between and under the seats. It powers a 120-horsepower electric motor that produces 184 lb-ft of torque and drives the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox. Volvo is working on a multi-speed gearbox that would up the top speed beyond 78 mph, but it's not ready yet. Volvo claims a 0-to-45 mph time of 5.9 seconds, so figure high sevens to low eights to hit 60 mph. Given that most Europeans, according to Volvo's research, drive only about 25 miles per day, the car's maximum range of 101 miles seems more than adequate. Driven normally, Volvo figures a practical range of 75 to 93 miles, still more than enough. Despite the facts, though, customer research shows that double-digit range makes drivers very anxious. They'd like to see a range of a nice, round 200 km minimum, or about 124 miles. For that, Volvo offers options. In the trunk of the C30 Electric are three different charging cables. The first is fitted with a plug for your basic wall socket, which turns out 6 to 12 amps. Next is a plug for your Level II home charger, which operates between 6 and 16 amps and is supplied by Siemens. Lastly, there's the 22-kW, heavy-duty, three-phase charger, which blasts power into your batter at up to 32 amps and can charge the car from dead in an hour and a half, adding 12 miles of range every 10 minutes. Unfortunately, the commercial fast-charging system needs a bit of work. It charged the car perfectly fine, but only after several people futzed with the charger for 10 minutes. In an effort to be sleek and modern, the charger has a tiny information screen that can only give limited prompts and has no buttons. You wave your RFID charger card in front of the screen and attempt to follow the prompts. Do anything out of order and there's no "back" or "cancel" button. Once you've got juice and hit the road, though, everything works much better. Acceleration is adequate but not especially quick. The car feels a bit heavier than normal, but the weight is down low, so it feels solid and stable. Regenerative braking is moderately aggressive when you lift off the throttle and allows you to drive without using the brake pedal if you maintain a good following distance. It also makes you feel like you're putting a lot of juice back in the battery. This helps counter some concern generated by the estimated range remaining, which seems to drop fairly quickly even in normal driving. Ride quality is good and the cabin is very quiet with no perceivable noise from the motor or gears. If I have a complaint about the car, it's that beyond the quiet cabin and obviously electric smooth acceleration, it doesn't feel very special. In fact, it feels rather old. The cabin is out of date, especially the ancient-looking black-on-green LCD radio display. The only way you'd know you're not driving a well-maintained, run-of-the-mill 2006 C30 is by looking at the little power/regen gauge that swings around as you drive. Little about this car would lead the average buyer to think it's anywhere near as high-tech as it is. 100 copies of the C30 Electric Gen II will be leased to European buyers for three years, with an option for Volvo to extend the program to five years if it wants to collect more driving data. Either way, Volvo will eventually collect the cars to study how they've performed, in hopes of producing valuable date for the next generation of Volvo EVs. | 9 | 983 | autos |
Enthusiasts didn't have much to getexcited about in the early 1980s. Former performance kings were all but neutered V-8 shadows of their old selves, and tightening fuel economy standards made it seem the malaise was here to stay. And then something changed. A new attitude was spurred on by a new style of music. Formed in the underbelly of Los Angeles' Sunset Strip, and fronted by bands like Moetley Cruee and Quiet Riot, this rising movement spurred young enthusiasts to seek out a car that matched the music and the attitude of the era. They found the 1982 Chevrolet Camaro. In the late '70s, there was some controversy at GM over what the next-generation Camaro should look like. Many thought performance was dead, and that the Camaro (and its Pontiac Firebird twin) should follow the lead of the rest of GM and switch to a front-drive setup. Fortunately, Camaro chief engineer Tom Zimmer and his development team leader Fred Schaafsma decided early on that handling should be the third-gen Camaro's top priority, and it demanded rear drive. The mandate also put the new Camaro on a diet and earned it a revised suspension. Though the traditional live rear axle remained, the old leaf springs were replaced with coils. Up front, double control arms were swapped for a pair of struts and springs. Optimization of the F-car's unibody helped the third-gen Camaro lose around 470 pounds. This paid off with 0.83 g on the skidpad and dynamic handling Motor Trend described as among the best available, bar none. Powering the new 1982 Camaro were the infamous 2.5-liter Iron Duke I-4 producing a measly 90 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque; a 2.8-liter, 102-hp and 142 lb-ft V-6; and two 5.0-liter (305-cubic-inch) V-8s: a carbureted version making 145 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque and a Crossfire Injection fuel-injected version with 165 hp and 240 lb-ft. Transmission options were limited to a four-speed manual and a three-speed automatic for 1982, unless you opted for the CFI V-8, in which case you were stuck with the slushbox. The car was offered in hardtop and T-Top body styles. While the third-generation Camaro was initially designed around the all-important high-performance Z28 model, Chevy offered two additional trim levels. The base trim was the Camaro Sport Coupe, which could be had with the Iron Duke, a V-6, or the carbureted 305. Sandwiched between the Sport Coupe and Z28 was the Berlinetta model. Chevy hoped the Berlinetta would be to luxury what the Z28 was to performance, and so it came with a plush interior, toned-down exterior styling, and a soft suspension. Berlinetta buyers chose between the V-6 or the carbureted 305. But not many people bit, and the Berlinetta was axed by 1986. Though by modern standards the '82 Camaro Z28 is far from quick, we were so blown away by its performance that we named it our 1982 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Our CFI and automatic-equipped Camaro accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, finished the quarter mile in 17.10 seconds at 80 mph, and stopped from 60 mph in 149 feet. One of our editors was particularly impressed: "If you're making up your personal shopping list of great road cars and you don't have a Z28 or Trans Am on it, you need a new list." The Camaro would only continue to get better. Just one year later, Chevrolet added an extra cog to each transmission, giving the automatic four speeds and the manual a whopping five. To go with the new transmissions, in 1983 Chevy also introduced the High-Output 5.0-liter V-8 on the Z28. The new engine used a higher lift and longer duration cam, larger exhaust, and new Quadrajet carburetor to produce 190 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. In 1985, the Camaro received a face-lift and added the legendary IROC-Z, named for the International Race of Champions that featured F-cars for 23 of its 30 seasons. Available initially as a performance and appearance package on the Z28 before becoming its own trim level in '88, the IROC-Z would go down as perhaps the most iconic and memorable Camaro of the '80s. It featured a lowered suspension with unique front struts, Delco-Bilstein rear shocks, and additional chassis reinforcements. Goodyear Gatorback tires on 8.0 x 16-inch aluminum wheels and loud and proud IROC-Z decals on the rocker panels completed the look. Backing up these go-fast bits was the choice of a 305 HO V-8 or the new Tuned Port Injection 5.0-liter V-8, which produced 215 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. It would be another two years before the Camaro received any major changes. In 1987, a convertible returned to the lineup for the first time since 1969, for the marque's 20th birthday. Convertibles started life as T-Tops shipped to American Specialty Cars (an aftermarket convertible manufacturer that also built Cavalier and Toyota Celica convertibles) for conversion. All 1007 '87 Camaro convertibles produced that year wore a badge on the dash reading 20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition. The convertible wasn't the only trick Chevrolet had up its sleeve in 1987. It also introduced the Corvette-sourced 5.7-liter (350-cubic-inch) TPI V-8 in an effort to keep the Ford Mustang GT in check. Though the engine was detuned and available only with the four-speed slushbox (because the five-speed couldn't handle the torque), the new engine still produced 225 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque for a 6.4-second 0-60-mph run, and a Mustang-beating 14.43-second quarter mile at 94.6 mph. Chevy wasn't content with just fitting a Corvette engine under the Camaro's hood and calling it a day. A year later, it quietly introduced the Camaro 1LE. Shepherded into production by GM hot-shoe John Heinricy, the 1LE was designed to compete in showroom-stock racing across North America. It was disguised on the Camaro IROC's option sheet as G92 Rear Axle, Performance. Ticking that unassuming $675 box would automatically trigger a host of options that would transform the Camaro from IROC to showroom-stock race car. First, air-conditioning was dropped. Then heavy-duty Corvette front disc brakes, an aluminum driveshaft, aluminum spare wheel, unique shocks, and extra fuel tank baffling were added. All buyers had to choose was the powertrain: either the 5.0-liter TPI V-8 with 230 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque and a five-speed manual, or the 5.7-liter TPI V-8 making 245 ponies and 345 lb-ft of twist mated to a four-speed auto. With sales dwindling, the Camaro didn't get significant changes for the rest of its lifetime as Chevy prepped a sleeker follow-up. Model year 1990 was the last for the legendary Camaro IROC-Z as Chevy let its sponsorship with the series lapse. This article originally appeared in the Fall 2012 issue of Motor Trend Classic. Through The Years 1983 Transmissions are upgraded; the 5.0-liter High Output V-8 is introduced, pushing out 190 hp. 1985 IROC-Z arrives as an appearance and performance package on the Z28. A new 5.0-liter tuned port-injection V-8 with 215 hp becomes available on five-speed-equipped IROCs. 1986 Berlinetta model dropped from the lineup. 1987 The Camaro convertible returns to help celebrate the brand's 20th anniversary. The 5.7-liter 350 V-8 from the Corvette becomes available on the IROC-Z. California also gets its own special edition. Iron Duke I-4 is dropped. 1988 The IROC-Z replaces Z28. Fuel injection replaces the carburetors on 305 V-8s. The 1LE package is also quietly introduced. 1989 Camaro RS's success in California makes it the new base trim level, replacing the Sport Coupe. 1990 V-6 displacement is bumped up from 2.8 to 3.1 liters, and horsepower rises by 5. Camaros also get a driver's-side airbag. 1991 The IROC-Z becomes the Z28 again, after Chevy declines to renew its contract with the International Race of Champions. 1992 To celebrate the Camaro's 25th Anniversary (and the last year of the third-generation Camaro), Chevy creates the Heritage Package. The new package includes hood stripes, a body-color grille, black headlamp surrounds, and special badging. EXPECT TO PAY YEAR MODEL LOW-HIGH 1982 Z28 Indy Edition $7600-$20,700 1985-1986 IROC-Z 305 TPI $8700-$19,400 1988-1992 Sport Coupe/RS 305 TBI $2500-$12,300 1988-1991 IROC-Z/Z28 Convertible $5800-$18,400 1989-1992 IROC-Z-Z28 350 TPI $7200-$19,800 Special Models 1982 Camaro Z28 Indy Edition: Cele-brating the Camaro as Indy 500 pace car, Chevy built 6360 replicas. 1987 Camaro RS: Chevy rolled out the California-only Camaro RS in '87. The RS featured Z28-inspired bodywork, and 15-inch Z28 wheels painted to match the red, white, or black bodywork. 1988 Camaro 1LE: Hidden among the Camaro IROC-Z's option sheet in 1989 was the G92 rear axle performance ratio, which, when checked, added the 1LE option to the Camaro. The Camaro 1LE was designed for SCCA showroom stock racing, ditched air conditioning, and added four-wheel disc brakes, an engine oil cooler, an aluminum driveshaft, unique shock absorbers, and fuel tank. It could be had with either the 5.0-liter 230-hp V-8 and a five-speed manual, or a 5.7-liter 240-hp V-8 with a four-speed slushbox. A total of 1360 1LE Camaros were built between 1988 and 1992, with the earlier IROC-Z-based models produced in much more limited numbers than the 1991-1992 Z28-based models. PARTS AND SERVICE Replacement cloth convertible top $517 Reproduction IROC-Z Decals $204 Replacement T-Top Weather Stripping $225 Z/28/IROC-Z Replacement Hood $423 Reproduction 16x8 IROC-Z wheels (set of 4) $781 | 9 | 984 | autos |
They say, "When you're on a good thing, stick to it." Honda has followed that formula since launching the first Fit back in 2001. And why not? It's worked wonders for the automaker so far, even if Honda of America took three years to wake up to the car's potential and launch it in the US. Now manufactured at 10 plants in eight countries, the Fit has sold more than 4 million units. The second generation, released in 2007, essentially followed the original's design with bolder headlights and grille, and maintained the car's central fuel tank layout and dimensions. But according to the third generation 2015 Fit's chief engineer, Makoto Konishi, "It's time for a big change. That 'good thing' needs to get better." He rallied his R&D team by urging them to create the "Super Cub" of the car world. The Cub was a 50cc motorcycle launched in 1958 that became the biggest seller ever (60 million in 50 years). The new, polarizing look We got a chance to test the all-new Fit at Honda's Takasu Proving Ground in Hokkaido, and the car looks better in the flesh than in photos. The front end is stunningly bolder and adds plenty of street cred. It appears to take design hints from the Clarity fuel-call car, the CR-V, and even the new NSX. Design boss Toshinobu Minami says that in designing the new exterior, he wanted to make a strong connection with a market smitten with smartphones and the Internet, a market fascinated by new gadgets. "We had to give the new model a significantly new face and stronger road presence while maintaining its dimensions," Minami said. The face, especially, had to exude 'new.' That is why Honda opted for a more solid face with an "exciting edge design." said Minami. While the design is certainly fresh and new, it will polarize many potential buyers. We're in the "like it" camp. We drove a pre-production model, but Honda said the new Fit has a slightly longer wheelbase (about 2 inches) but retains almost identical length, height, and width. Honda offered a few laps in the 1.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid with new intelligent dual-clutch drive, the 1.5-liter RS with the six-speed manual transmission, and the 1.3-liter with the new CVT. But before we hit the road, senior handling and ride quality engineer Terumasa Kotada told us Honda benchmarked the Fit on a certain Volkswagen. "In upping our game, we wanted to make a stronger international competitor, so we benchmarked our Fit on the Polo. The moment you get in the Polo, you notice how low you sit in the car. This instills confidence. And then when you drive the Polo, you notice how low its roll center is and its huge stability levels, instilling even more confidence. To get our desired result, I tested the car extensively on the autobahns in Germany," he said. To give the Fit better road feel, feedback, and stability, Kotada says the car's suspension geometry was redesigned by adding a new H-beam torsion rear suspension setup and a revised front strut. Taking hints from the Polo, toe control and caster angle were revised. The electronic power steering was modified to give the car a more natural steering feel. The end result is really impressive. On the road, all of these revisions are more than obvious. Sitting marginally lower in the new Fit, you can feel the car's straight-line stability immediately. And yes, as Kotada says, the car does instil more confidence in the driver. In a strange way, the Honda actually feels bigger and more substantial on the road, and turns in like a charm with almost no understeer and loads of feedback. It rolls less while going into corners, and is more stable at speed, gripping the blacktop while the rear follows neatly and cleanly. Under heavy braking, the Fit resists nosedive as the back end stays absolutely planted. "Rear end stability is just one major result of our Polo-inspired suspension redesign," adds Kotada. Stingy hybrid, speedy RS Another factor that might increase interest among buyers is the all-new engine range: 1.3-liter gas, 1.5-liter gas, and 1.5-liter hybrid, which all offer twin cams, in comparison to the outgoing model's single cam. Europe is expected to get a diesel as well. Fronting that new engine lineup is the new 1.5-liter, Atkinson cycle, four-cylinder IMA hybrid mated to a new one-motor, intelligent dual-clutch drive combination. Generating 135 hp at 6000 rpm and 125 lb-ft or torque at 5000 rpm, the new hybrid delivers plenty of power with a stratospherically high mileage figure of 85 mpg in Japanese spec, according to Honda. One engineer did admit that in real-world driving situations, that mileage would come down by around 15 percent. The U.S.-spec Fit hybrid should reach at least 55 mpg. While the new Fit can travel at speeds up to 25 mph on EV-only mode for short stints, the engine integration is seamless and produces performance that clearly outdoes the outgoing model. Employing a new seven-speed dual clutch transmission, the Fit hybrid accelerates more than adequately, filling the cabin with a sporty exhaust note that has been tuned and silenced -- with sound-absorbing felt -- to delete all human-unfriendly sounds. Honda tells us the new dual-clutch was a direct effort to quell criticism of the car's CVT, which certain quarters said was loud and full of vibration while sapping the car's power. This new transmission is perfectly married to the 1.5-liter and electric motor unit, allowing drivers to grab higher gears instantly and seamlessly through a paddle shift. The 1.3-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder unit generating 98 hp and 88 lb-ft boasts the new twin-cam configuration and a new CVT. "Getting the CVT to interact smoothly and quietly with the engine, generating enough power while keeping fuel consumption down was our biggest challenge," says senior drivetrain engineer Hideki Wakamatsu. The new engine generates extra power between 2000 and 3000 rpm. The 1.5-liter RS sports version mated to a six-speed manual gearbox delivers on Honda's S2000 and NSX heritage. Perfectly matched to the 1.5-liter's high-revving engine, the manual's short throws and tight gate with a pleasing mechanical precision allow for quick, sure gear changes at all speeds. While the Fit's dash design is simple yet functional, it is not in the same class as the Polo when it comes to interior trim, materials, and quality. When you benchmark a car on another, you expect to see significant improvements in all major areas, upgrades that put the new car in the same class. Honda says we can expect to see further refinements inside the car before it goes on sale in Europe early next year. In a strange twist, designer Minami commented that he would have liked Honda's announcement of a return to F1 with McLaren to come a year earlier. That way he could have incorporated some McLaren design hints into the Fit. As it is, he seems happy enough, but does admit that some people may find its looks over the top. But once behind the driver's seat, few potential buyers will find the car wanting, especially in the on-road experience. Honda seems to have found its mojo again. It'll be back in Formula 1; a new NSX is coming out soon; a smaller sports car is on the way; a new Accord hybrid will travel more than 800 miles on a tank of gas; and a new Civic Type R will soon challenge the Megane RS for the fastest lap by a front-drive car at the Nurburgring. If anything, this Fit is a reflection of the company's newfound corporate confidence. | 9 | 985 | autos |
The recent emergence of the modern plug-in electric vehicle has brought more automaker start-ups to the marketplace than we've seen in decades, with Fisker Automotive and Tesla Motors the most prominent examples. While there were numerous parallels and connections between the two California-based start-ups early on, the last 12 months have seen a dramatic divergence in their fates. How did it happen? In hindsight, it seems that Fisker ignored that warning we all heard so many times from our high-school algebra teachers not to skip any steps in the process. If steps are skipped, the chances of messing up are dramatically increased. Adapting Ten years ago Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning launched what would become Tesla Motors. They soon were joined by Elon Musk, who had a big bag of cash from selling his share of PayPal to eBay. The goal was to build a production electric sports car similar on the tzero concept developed by AC Propulsion (ACP). ACP was uninterested in the immense effort required to productionize the wickedly fast and emissions-free roadster, so the trio of tech entrepreneurs took on the challenge. Since they were starting from scratch in the car business, they opted to adapt a lot of existing technology for the Tesla Roadster. Because there were no lithium-ion cell manufacturers producing cells specifically designed for automotive applications, chief technology officer JB Straubel and his team followed ACP's lead and licensed some of their technology. They used the same well-proven, if somewhat volatile, lithium-cobalt-oxide cells found in millions of laptop computers. Despite the batteries' propensity to occasionally self-immolate, manufacturers such as Panasonic knew how to mass-produce these cells, and the Tesla engineers devised a packaging strategy to keep them cool and monitor their condition. Instead of designing a platform from scratch, Tesla teamed up with Lotus to adapt the remarkably lightweight yet strong aluminum chassis from the Elise. Constructed from a mix of riveted and bonded aluminum extrusions, stampings, and castings, the Elise architecture was easily stretched to accommodate different needs. In Tesla's case, the wheelbase was extended to provide a slightly longer cabin and room for the mid-mounted battery pack. While the production Roadster shared only a handful of parts with the Elise, mutating its DNA allowed Tesla to create a relatively robust debut entry into the marketplace, even if the launch was about two years behind schedule and well over budget. Starting from scratch (mostly) Henrik Fisker took a decidedly different approach with the Karma. He launched his company in late 2007 after an unhappy time working with none other than Tesla. Fisker's design firm had been contracted by Tesla to design its second car, which evolved into the Model S. No stranger to the auto industry, Fisker had previously served as a designer at BMW and Aston Martin prior to striking out on his own with Fisker Coachbuild. Fisker and his cohorts decided to dive right in and create an all-new vehicle from the wheels up with a new powertrain architecture using many parts from suppliers that were new to the automotive business. The Karma was designed around a plug-in series hybrid layout similar to what General Motors was developing for the Chevrolet Volt. One of the few major components sourced from a known high-volume supplier was the 2.0-liter turbocharged GM four-cylinder as a range extender. Fisker Automotive investor Quantum Technologies, which had automotive experience mainly as a supplier for low-volume research projects like fuel cell vehicles, supplied the electric motors for the Karma. Of course the single most important element of any plug-in vehicle is the battery pack. Until recently, no company had any experience making large-scale lithium-ion batteries for high-volume automotive applications. After jumping from Advanced Lithium Power to Enerdel, Fisker finally landed with the also-ran on the Volt program, A123 Systems. A123 had some very promising technology, but its lack of experience in the automotive space was one of the reasons cited by GM when it opted to go with LG Chem for the Volt. What could possibly go wrong? So while Tesla used proven battery technology from reliable suppliers in a new application, Fisker went all in with new technology from a new source in a new product from a new company. A lot could and did go wrong. Basic development work had already begun in early 2006, well before GM showed the Volt concept to the world in January 2007. Within a couple of months, GM had awarded battery development contracts to LG Chem and A123. By the end of October of that year, GM already had the first prototype packs in its lab. By the time the Volt went on sale in late 2010, it had accumulated tens of thousands of hours of charge and discharge cycles on hundreds of batteries in the lab and in vehicles. This is the kind of progress that can only be made by testing many batteries around the clock. The scale of Tesla's testing was significantly smaller, but even it had more than three years of experience by the time the Roadster went on sale, and another four years by the time the first Model S was delivered. Fisker showed the first design mockup of the Karma in January, 2008 in Detroit, and a somewhat more complete version a year later. As late as the 2009 Detroit show, Henrik Fisker was still saying that Karma deliveries would begin by the end of that year, even though no fully functional prototype existed. It wasn't until mid-2009 that A123 Systems even came up in the conversation. As every automaker (not to mention Boeing with its recent experience with the 787) that has worked with plug-in vehicles will affirm, those batteries require an awful lot of testing in a lot of conditions to verify durability and understand how they work so that they aren't overcharged or discharged. There is simply no substitute at this point for the time and effort required to conduct that testing. Even Tesla, which has had a remarkably reliable run so far, has seen issues with some Roadster batteries that got bricked when they were completely discharged and left to sit for a time. With the apparent indecision about battery suppliers, it was clear to pretty much everyone not affiliated with Fisker that there was no way customers would be getting Karmas for Christmas in 2009. We don't know what kind of battery was installed when Fisker finally got its first running prototypes in mid-2009, but with the limited resources of a startup, there is no way Fisker was able to do anywhere near the sort of testing with A123 batteries that Tesla almost certainly managed. Competing business models Back in early 2007, when Martin Eberhard was still at Tesla's helm, he explained the strategy he and his partners had devised. Prior to Tesla, most attempts at building electric vehicles had revolved around less expensive commuter cars that would appeal to the hard-core environmental crowd. As any automaker will tell you, it's really hard to make money on inexpensive cars, and without major cash flow, you can't sustain a business as capital-intensive as building cars. From looking at other high-end sports cars, Tesla recognized that customers in that segment were often willing to tolerate some quirks for a great driving experience. Despite a lack of experience in the auto business, the Tesla team was aware it would likely experience some stumbles early on. Since Eberhard and Musk had gotten into this just hoping to build some electric sports cars, this first phase fit together nicely. Once they got to work on the Roadster, which was always meant as a lower-volume plaything, the plan was to use the revenue to finance development of less-expensive, higher-volume, mainstream models, then gradually moving downmarket. While Tesla certainly struggled and very nearly ran out of cash on several occasions, timely infusions from investors as well as Daimler and later Toyota carried it through. Despite a lot of doubts from observers and delays to products, Tesla stuck to the plan. While the follow-up to the Roadster originally code-named "White Star" was supposed to be on sale in 2009, Model S deliveries didn't start until mid-2012. Since then, it has been highly praised and won numerous awards. The Model S isn't perfect, and it came to market lacking some of the features found in comparably priced automobiles. Musk took the helm himself in 2008 and has followed the Apple model of selectively editing the feature list and executing the remaining pieces as well as possible. Better to come to market with a shorter checklist done right than a lot of half-finished items. Just as Tesla released several incremental updates to the Roadster during its four year production life cycle, so is the Model S. Recently, hidden in-car service menus were discovered in the Model S that point to new features such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection that will probably arrive before long. This week, Tesla conducted a public demonstration of quick battery swapping, which was promised back in 2009 when the original design concept was shown. Meanwhile at Fisker, in January 2009 during the height of the great recession, the founder and CEO was claiming the company had 1300 pre-orders for the car and planned to build 15,000 a year by 2010 . As a baseline, in 2012, when the market was already well on its way to recovery, Mercedes-Benz and BMW sold fewer than 12,000 S-Class and 7 Series, and Audi sold half as many A8s, making Fisker's goals sound even more unrealistic. There is nothing wrong with your reach exceeding your grasp. However when you have to invest in development and production of something as complex as a car -- especially one with so much new technology -- it's better to have more realistic expectations. Unlike Tesla, which gradually built up the business by selling low-volume Roadsters as well as California zero-emissions-vehicle credits and electric drive systems to Daimler and Toyota, Fisker jumped right into the deep end. It created an all-new vehicle with all-new technology in a segment filled with excellent products for customers who are far less likely to tolerate major bugs. By the time the first Karmas were put into the hands of paying customers, they proved to be extremely cramped inside, had lower than expected range and fuel efficiency, buggy and slow infotainment systems, and short-circuiting batteries, among other issues. It was a disaster. Fisker's approach was a classic case of skipping a couple steps in the algebra solution, dropping a negative sign for a positive and messing up the order of operations. At the end of the day, it just doesn't add up. How did it happen? It probably comes down to money and control. A few weeks ago, Tesla held a secondary public stock offering and raised more than $1 billion in new cash. Nearly half of that was used to pay off a $465 million Department of Energy loan nine years early. Currently trading at more than $100 per share, Tesla is valued at nearly six times its 2010 IPO price. Make no mistake, it has been a bumpy ride over the past ten years, and many of the people who have worked for Elon Musk have complaints about him on a personal level. In many respects, Musk is very similar to the late Steve Jobs. He is often described as a workaholic control freak. He is CEO of two companies, Tesla and SpaceX and he is very hands-on at Tesla. Ever since he took over the CEO reins there in 2008, there has been no doubt who is in charge. Prior to going public, Tesla raised something over $300 million during five funding rounds, with a substantial portion of that coming from Musk's own pocket. From the very beginning when he joined up with Eberhard and Tarpenning, Musk has had a strong vision of where the company should go and how it should get there. It was a very rational plan and he has stuck to it. When it comes to engineering, additional resources can help sometimes, but not always. There are times when no matter how much money or how many bodies you throw at a task, the task just takes time to complete properly and can't be rushed. Beginning in late 2007, Fisker Automotive raised somewhere around $1.2 billion from its investors, including noted Silicon Valley venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and its managing partner Ray Lane. Lane and Kleiner missed out on the opportunity to get in early on Tesla. Egos It will probably some years before we can find out what really happened behind closed doors at Fisker, but we can certainly do some educated speculation now. In business, when there are large sums of money involved, there are almost inevitably equally large egos. There was certainly some bad blood between Elon Musk and Henrik Fisker. With the amount of money that investors including Ray Lane and actor Leonardo di Caprio had on the line, there was almost certainly tremendous pressure on Fisker to bring the Karma to market as soon as possible to beat Tesla. Given Musk's accusations of sub-standard work against Fisker, Fisker was no doubt anxious to prove the Tesla CEO wrong on that point as well. Given the nature of the problems that occurred in the field once Karma deliveries began, it's almost certain that another year of development and testing and perhaps a slower production ramp-up would have been a huge benefit to customers, and in the long run, to the company. Fisker certainly accomplished a lot going from a design buck to production in three and a half years, but when you're asking customers to pay $100,000 or more for a car, that's just not good enough. In the end, Fisker Automotive proved once again that there are no shortcuts to success in business. If you expect customers to pay big bucks to fund your future, you'd better deliver, and Fisker didn't. Today Tesla has a market value of $11.8 billion while Bob Lutz and China's Wanxiang have reportedly bid a mere $20 million to buy the remains of Fisker Automotive. | 9 | 986 | autos |
So far, I've mostly kept the topic of self-driving cars off this page, largely because it doesn't engage me. The remaining tech challenges of making cars drive themselves just seem trivial compared with the legal ones -- at least here in the United States of Trial Lawyerdom. I'm resigned to the sad reality that our global human and automotive population is exploding onto a road network that can't possibly keep pace, meaning that someday we're going to have to employ car-sharing, platooning, and automation -- concepts that are anathema to car enthusiasm as I know it -- just to get everybody on this crowded planet where they think they need to go. A recent visit to Nokia's Here mapping division headquarters in Chicago introduced me to a new challenge I hadn't considered: teaching cars to drive in a human way. The Chicago mapping and traffic infor- mation enterprise started life as NAVTEQ, acquired by Nokia in 2007. The map databases curated here go into four out of five cars with in-dash navigation, and the company makes 2.7 million map database revisions every day. Here's global traffic-monitoring effort supports nav/traffic routing in 41 countries and processes more than 1 billion data points per day coming in primarily from anonymized cellphone GPS signals and roadside traffic monitors. Twenty-five traffic "editors" cover North America and Australia from Chicago, monitoring police scanners, government Twitter feeds, and 12,000 traffic cameras to provide real-time traffic route guidance. The traffic team is done with this probe data minutes after it arrives, but it doesn't get discarded. The Big Data analysis team at Here teases other useful info out of it, such as mapping drive-through restaurant lanes and confirming POI viability. (No cellphones have stopped at that supposed fuel station in a month; should we strike it from the database?) But the most interesting knowledge they're teasing out of this pile of ones and zeroes is behavioral. By studying the speed traces of millions of vehicles on freeway ramps, dead-man's-curves, and blind-uncontrolled intersections, they can begin to model how real humans behave in these situations and teach this to the would-be autopilots. Better still: Partner organizations such as a taxi company in Eindhoven, Netherlands, are sharing full CAN databus info from their fleets. Now, Here's data-mining folks can study such things as how close to a right-angle bend do normal (Dutch taxi) drivers first hit the brakes, how much speed do they carry through, and at what rate do they accelerate out the other side? And because the CAN knows when the wipers are on, they can study how that behavior changes in the wet. Here's head of research, Jane Macfarlane, even thinks this informa- tion could be employed in an onboard nav or mobile app to assist new human drivers in learning how to gauge distances properly. Cars today can pretty accurately predict how fast they can negotiate most roads in any weather, and they'll know all the posted speed limits. But the buying public probably won't be happy with an autonomous car that blindly adheres to either of those sets of known parameters. If their car drives the same way they do, however, they may award it high J.D. Power rankings. Just promise I'll always be able to drive my '67 Ghibli my way. More from Technologue: 2.8-Second Tesla Killer - Goin' With the Flow Tortoise-Inspired EDAG Genesis: Putting the Mono in Monocoque All Fuels Are Not Created Equal | 9 | 987 | autos |
FRAMED seeks to stretch the boundaries of digital art and take it beyond the confines of computer screen. The full-HD IPS display itself is gorgeous, with a walnut frame, but it's more than just an attractive monitor. It also allows viewers to interact with artwork through motion and sound sensors. Created by Japanese startup FRM, FRAMED has far surpassed its funding goal of $75,000 on Kickstarter (it is currently at almost $262,000, with the campaign set to end on August 20) and is scheduled to ship in March 2015. Money raised will be used to cover tooling and finalize fixtures for FRAMED. FRM was founded in 2011 by Yugo Nakamura and William Lai. Nakamura is a well-known Web designer in Japan, where his clients have included Uniqlo, Muji, and Sony, and Lai is a producer and founder of Tokyo record label TempleATS . FRM worked on FRAMED for three years before launching its Kickstarter campaign and is working with digital art publication Creative Applications to find artists for FRM's open marketplace, which currently represents 32 artists. The marketplace has already been open for three years, offering artwork through a subscription model, but Lai hopes that FRAMED will extend possibilities for digital its artists. "That's why we wanted to get people interested in Framed. With motion sensors and sound recognition, artists have a lot more tools to play with and we think that there will be a lot more visualization than can be done with traditional art," says Lai. Artists currently represented on FRM's marketplace (and whose work can be displayed in FRAMED) include Aaron Koblin , a San Francisco-based artist who uses data visualizations to comment on social and cultural trends, and studio Universal Everything, which created Tai Chi by capturing movements by a tai chi master and then translating them into different materials like wood, water, and concrete. Other potential artwork for FRAMED include a "mirror" which displays an image of the viewer with visualizations gleaned from their fitness data. "We're working on ways to incorporate data, working on different motion sensors, to create a mirror that shows a reflection of yourself but that adds input of your fitness data, such as sleeping habits, and visualizes it into an 'aura'," says Lai. FRAMED supports a wide range of media, including GIFs, video, Flash, and openFrameworks, and you can use it to display your own images. Monitors currently start at $449 for a 24-inch one or $1,500 for a 40-inch display. It's currently a good time on Kickstarter for people interested in digital art. Another startup, Electric Objects, also has a beautiful digital art display that has blown past its fundraising goal . Called EO1, it costs less than FRAMED, but doesn't have motion or sound sensors. For more information about FRAMED, visit its Kickstarter . | 4 | 988 | lifestyle |
A gallery of recent winners on the PGA Tour. Rory McIlroy Rory McIlroy poses with the FedExCup and Tour Championship trophies after his playoff victory over Ryan Moore with a birdie on the fourth extra hole at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta on Sept. 25. Dustin Johnson Dustin Johnson poses with the championship trophies after a three-stroke victory in the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, Ind. on Sept. 11. Rory McIlroy Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy holds the trophy after winning the Deutsche Bank Championship golf tournament at TPC Boston in Norton, Mass., on Sept. 5. Patrick Reed Patrick Reed hits his tee shot on the 13th hole during the final round of The Barclays on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on Aug. 28 in Farmingdale, N.Y. Si Woo Kim Si Woo Kim of South Korea poses with the trophy after winning the final round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club on Aug. 21, in Greensboro, N.C. Ryan Moore Ryan Moore acknowledges the crowd after his winning putt on the 18th green during the final round of the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run on Aug. 14, in Silvis, Ill. Russell Knox Russell Knox kisses the ball after winning the Travelers Championship at TCP River Highlands on Aug. 7, 2016 in Cromwell, Conn. Jimmy Walker Jimmy Walker of the United States celebrates with the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the 2016 PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club on July 31, in Springfield, N.J. Jhonattan Vegas Jhonattan Vegas plays his second shot on the 17th hole during the final round of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club on Sunday in Oakville, Canada. Henrik Stenson Henrik Stenson celebrates as he kisses the Claret Jug on the the 18th green after the final round July 17 at the 145th British Open at Royal Troon in in Troon, Scotland. Stenson finished 20 under, three ahead of Mickelson. Aaron Baddeley Aaron Baddeley poses with the trophy after winning the Barbasol Championship at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National on July 17, in Auburn, Ala. Baddeley defeated Si Woo Kim with a birdie on the fourth playoff hole. Dustin Johnson Dustin Johnson hits a tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the 2016 Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club - South Course on July 3 in Akron Ohio. Greg Chalmers Greg Chalmers plays a shot out of the bunker during the Barracuda Championship in Reno, Nev. The Australian won July 3 in his 386th PGA start after entering the week as the active player with the most events without a victory. Billy Hurley III Billy Hurley III holds the championship trophy of the Quicken Loans National golf tournament at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., on June 26. Dustin Johnson Dustin Johnson kisses the trophy after winning the U.S. Open golf championship at Oakmont Country Club on June 19 in Oakmont. Daniel Berger Daniel Berger celebrates after winning the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind in Memphis on June 12. William McGirt William McGirt poses with the trophy after winning The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, on June 5. Jordan Spieth Jordan Spieth plays his shot from the sixth tee during the Final Round of the Dean & DeLuca Invitational at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 29. Sergio Garcia Sergio Garcia kisses the Byron Nelson trophy after winning the tournament in a playoff in Irving, Texas on May 22. Jason Day Jason Day celebrates with the trophy after winning THE PLAYERS Championship at the Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on May 15 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. James Hahn James Hahn celebrates after winning the Wells Fargo Championship on the first playoff hole at Quail Hollow Club on May 8 in Charlotte, N.C. Brian Stuard Brian Stuard holds up the Zurich Classic trophy after winning in a two-hole playoff during the third round of the 2016 Zurich Classic of New Orleans against Jamie Lovemark and Byeong-Yun at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., on May 2. The tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to weather delays. Charley Hoffman Charley Hoffman reacts to his putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio AT&T Oaks Course on April 24 in San Antonio, Texas. Branden Grace Branden Grace hits a tee shot on the 12th hole during the final round of the 2016 RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links on April 17, 2016, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Danny Willett England's Danny Willett celebrates with the green jacket after winning the 2016 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10 in Augusta, Georgia. Jim Herman Jim Herman celebrates his victory on the 18th green during the final round of the Shell Houston Open at the Golf Club of Houston on April 3 in Humble, Texas. It was Herman's first victory on the PGA Tour. Jason Day Jason Day poses with the trophy after defeating Louis Oosthuizen 5-and-4 in the final round the Dell Match Play Championship at Austin County Club March 27 in Austin, Texas. Tony Finau Tony Finau waves to the crowd after making his par putt on the 17th hole during the final round of the Puerto Rico Open at Coco Beach on March 27 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Finau defeated Steve Marino with a birdie on the third hole of a playoff for his first PGA Tour title. Jason Day Jason Day throws the winning ball to the spectators as he celebrates on the 18th green after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Fla., on March 20, 2016. Charl Schwartzel Charl Schwartzel reacts after a putt on the first playoff hole on the 18th green to win the Valspar Championship on March 13, 2016, at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor, Fla. Adam Scott Adam Scott reacts after putting in to win on the 18th hole during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship on March 6, 2016, in Doral, Fla. Adam Scott Adam Scott hits his tee shot on the fifth hole of the final round en route to winning the Honda Classic on Feb. 28, 2016, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Bubba Watson Bubba Watson holds his trophy after winning the Northern Trust Open golf tournament on Feb. 21, 2016, in Los Angeles. Vaughn Taylor Vaughn Taylor poses with his trophy on the 18th green of the Pebble Beach Golf Links after winning the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament, Feb. 14, 2016, in Pebble Beach, Calif. Hideki Matsuyama Hideki Matsuyama reacts after winning the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on Feb. 7, 2016, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Brandt Snedeker Brandt Snedeker hits a shot on the 18th hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South on Jan. 31, 2016, in San Diego. Jason Dufner Jason Dufner hits off the sixth tee during the final round of the CareerBuilder Challenge golf tournament on the TPC Stadium course at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif., Jan. 24, 2016. Fabian Gomez Fabian Gomez, of Argentina, follows his drive off the 16th tee box during the final round of the Sony Open golf tournament, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Honolulu. Gomez won the Sony Open. Jordan Spieth Jordan Spieth tees off on the third hole of the final round en route to winning the Hyundai Tournament of Champions golf tournament on Jan. 10, 2016, in Maui, Hawaii. Bubba Watson Bubba Watson watches his tee shot on the fourth hole during the final round of the Hero World Challenge on Dec. 6, 2015, in Nassau, Bahamas. Kevin Kisner Kevin Kisner celebrates on the 18th green of the Seaside Course after winning The RSM Classic on Nov. 22, 2015, in St Simons Island, Ga. Graeme McDowell Graeme McDowell, of Northern Ireland, poses with a Mexican sombrero as he holds up his trophy after winning the OHL Classic at the Mayakoba golf tournament on Nov. 16 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. McDowell ended one of his worst years with a spectacular shot to win in a playoff. Peter Malnati Peter Malnati shows off "Reveille," the trophy of the Sanderson Farms Championship after winning for the first time on the PGA Tour, closing with a 5-under 67 to win on Nov. 9 in Jackson, Miss. Russell Knox Russell Knox of Scotland celebrates after winning the WGC-HSBC Champions golf tournament on Nov. 8, 2015, in Shanghai, China. Justin Thomas Justin Thomas poses with his trophy after winning the CIMB Classic golf tournament at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club on Nov. 1 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Smylie Kaufman Smylie Kaufman plays his shot from the 18th tee during the final round of the Shriners Hospitals For Children Open on Oct. 25, 2015 at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas. Kaufman shot a 10-under 61 final round to win the tournament. Emiliano Grillo Emiliano Grillo celebrates after winning in the final round of the Frys.com Open on Oct. 18, 2015 at the North Course of the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California. Jordan Spieth Jordan Spieth holds the tournament trophy for winning the Tour Championship by Coca-Cola (left) and the FedExCup (right), the championship trophy for the PGA Tour, on Sept. 27 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Jason Day Jason Day of Australia celebrates winning the final round of the BMW Championship at Conway Farms Golf Club on Sept. 20 in Lake Forest, Ill. Rickie Fowler Rickie Fowler watches his tee shot on the 15th hole during the final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston on Sept. 7, 2015 in Norton, Mass. | 1 | 989 | sports |
I saw the massive line of interns long before I could see the venue. The young crowd waiting outside Broadway Studios in San Francisco on Tuesday chatted with friends and checked their phones, eagerly awaiting to get inside. Interns line up outside of Internapalooza Approximately 2,000 interns from around the Bay Area signed up to attend Internapalooza, an industry-sponsored event for Silicon Valley's interns to meet each other, chat up potential employers, and hear some of the tech industry's finest give advice and share experiences from their younger, soul-searching years. Mike Krieger, co-founder of Instagram, Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal, and top tech journalist Kara Swisher were among speakers. Overall, the lineup included eight white men, one man of color, and two white women, which spoke volumes about the current state of tech's not-so-diverse demographics. Scanning the Internapalooza audience, I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of gender and ethnicity. Examining Silicon Valley's young generation of interns can tell us a lot about the future of technology and about the new faces of leadership. While there is a lack of diversity among tech's current leaders, the Internapalooza attendees suggest just how multifaceted the future of Silicon Valley may be. The fresh faces of Internapalooza Waiting in line to get into the sold-out event felt worse than waiting in line to get into a club. Interns stood shoulder-to-shoulder inside the steamy venue. A few wore business casual, but many were decked out in the true tech wear of t-shirts, jeans and backpacks. The aroma of free hot dogs didn't help the claustrophobia, nor with the nostalgic feeling of filing into college orientation. Many of the interns in attendance were college students or recent college graduates 50% of attendees were rising seniors at their universities. One hundred attendees were interns at Salesforce, 90 came from Google, 50 interned at Facebook and another 50 at Apple. Close to 200 interns hailed from UC Berkeley, and more than 150 attendees studied either at Harvard, Stanford or MIT. Interns take their seats to hear from more than 10 leaders in tech The Silicon Valley culture of interns is unlike the Devil Wears Prada , fetching-coffee type of industry jobs, or the kinds of cheap labor positions that are pervasive within Manhattan and Los Angeles' media-based internships. Here in San Francisco's tech industry, companies actively seek interns as potential full-time employees, and not just semester-by-semester rotations of unpaid staff. It's a competitive market and the statistics of the attendees at Internapalooza are proof. Over half of the interns in attendence major in computer science, and 80% have studied something related to engineering. Re/code's Kara Swisher telling it like it is Speakers hit the stage around 7 p.m, giving life advice in an almost believable, I was a kid once too! fashion. Quick words were said about the necessity of figuring out the rest of their lives. These pieces of advice must have seemed daunting and unreachable coming from the leaders who have already made achievements in technology. For the many interns looking to break into Silicon Valley, their personal stories were a little more raw. Cori Shearer, Intern at Pandora Hearing about Internapalooza from a Bay Area interns group on Facebook, Cori Shearer attended, wanting to be inspired. "I'm always on the hustle and grind, so sometimes I need events like this to reinvigorate my energy and to remind myself why I'm here in the first place," says Shearer. An intern at Pandora , Shearer works in sales technology and on building ad products. She is also quick to discuss the need for more diversity in tech noting that many startup's lack of gender and racial variety occurs when founders look only towards their friends to build their company. "You need to be in business with people who aren't like you, and take risks to start your own company. As a female minority, I really want to do something innovative and helpful in the future," says Shearer. The Pandora intern hopes to see more people of color on stage at events like Internapalooza. "Not seeing people on stage that looks like you has an effect because you want to be able to look up to someone," says Shearer. "This affects future generations, but I am hopeful for change." Brian Clanton, Intern at Zynga Developer Brian Clanton is a first-time intern at Zynga , and hopes one day to become a development lead. Clanton says he finds it difficult to set himself apart from other interns in Silicon Valley's ultra-competitive race towards tech employment. This feeling is made all too real while standing amongst the hundreds of interns gathered in the venue. "In order to set myself apart I need to do well in school, gain lots of work experience, and just work on different projects," says Clanton. We awkwardly shuffle amongst groups of interns and gawk at the sheer number of people in attendance. I ask him about the fanaticism surrounding Silicon Valley. What makes the tech industry such an appealing place to work? "Kids want to work in Silicon Valley because there's an image projected out there that it's a lot of fun, and that all of these companies have great working environments. They have hammocks! It appeals to a younger generation," says Clanton. Meron Foster, Intern at Captûre Wines Meron Foster says that she wants to pursue technology because that's where the future lies. An intern at Captûre Wines , Foster works in sales and events, but not being a technically-inclined person often leaves her feeling left out of the tech bubble. "It's tough to find jobs in Silicon Valley. It's a tight-knit circle, and if you're not 'a techie', it's intimidating to break into that culture. But I'm good at sales and marketing. It's just hard to portray that to the tech industry without any tech skills," says Foster. Like Shearer, Foster wants to see more people of color working in tech. Although the hundreds of interns at Internapalooza are diverse in gender and ethnicity, the leaders of tech companies often are not. "Events like this have a lot of young people of color here. Tech has lots of folks of Asian descent, but that's still a specific color that tech indulges in. This will change with time. There are so many different people, and tech is not closed off to us," says Foster. Bay Area interns gathered together As I leave the venue, the doorman tells me more than 60 interns who could not initially enter waited throughout the night to get inside. With such overwhelming interest, the tech industry is clearly not hurting for qualified candidates. The draw of Silicon Valley for these interns may be as superficial as hammocks and nap pods, or perhaps it's the in desire for inclusion and for more diverse representation. The students at Internapalooza overall were intelligent, driven, and hopeful for positive change. We are in good hands. | 4 | 990 | lifestyle |
Landing a hit Daniel Geale punches Jarrod Fletcher during the IBF Pan Pacific, WBA Oriental and WBO interim Asia Pacific Middelweight Title bout at Hordern Pavilion on Wednesday in Sydney, Australia. Back in action Tiger Woods hits a shot during the pro-am prior to the start of the Hero World Challenge at the Isleworth Golf & Country Club on Wednesday in Windermere, Fla. Keeping watch In this handout image provided by the Volvo Ocean Race, Jin Hao Chen 'Horace' keeps watch on the bow onboard Dongfeng Race Team during Leg 2 between Cape Town, South Africa and Abu Dhabi, UAE on Wednesday. Biathlon World Cup Athletes compete during the men's 20 km individual race of the Biathlon World Cup in Ostersund on Wednesday. Double vision Aisling Blake of Ireland (black top) competes against Megan Craig of New Zealand during a Group A pool match at the Mark Sachvie Squash Centre at White Oaks Resort during day three of the Women's World Team Squash Championships on Wednesday in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. Funeral for Phillip Hughes Brother Jason and father Greg carry the coffin during the Funeral Service for Phillip Hughes on Wednesday in Macksville, Australia. Floating in thin air Gus Kenworthy competes in the qualifying round of the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup 2015 men's ski halfpipe heat 1 during the USSA Grand Prix on Wedensday in Copper Mountain, Colo. Slicing through Filipe Toledo of Brasil won his VANS World Cup of Surfing Round 3 heat to advance into the next round on Wednesday in Sunset Beach, Calif. Downhill descent Ted Ligety of the United States descends the course during men's downhill training for the Audi FIS World Cup on the Birds of Prey on Wednesday in Beaver Creek, Colo. Strong kick Graziano Pelle of Southampton shoots at goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday in London, England. Surf's up Billy Stairmand of New Zealand advances into Round 3 of the VANS World Cup of Surfing on Tuesday in Sunset Beach, Calif. Serena serves in Singapore Serena Williams of the Singapore Slammers prepares to serve against Kirsten Flipkens of the Manila Mavericks during their match on Tuesday at the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in Singapore. Out of my way Michael Carter-Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball past Aron Baynes of the San Antonio Spurs during a game on Monday in Philadelphia. Carter-Williams led his team with 24 points and 11 rebounds but the Spurs prevailed 109-103. Clearing it out Montreal Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec clears the puck against the Colorado Avalanche on Monday in Denver. The Canadiens won 4-3. Reach for it Low Wee Wern, left, of Malaysia competes against Danielle Letourneau of Canada during a Group C pool match at the Mark Sachvie Squash Centre at White Oaks Resort during day one of the Women's World Team Squash Championships on Monday in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Different type of service Ana Ivanovic of the Indian Aces takes on the role of flight attendant as she serves drinks to Serena Williams and Daniela Hantuchova of the Singapore Slammers on a private jet from Manila to Singapore prior to the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League at the Singapore Sports Hub on Monday in Singapore. Isn't that handball? Napoli's Swiss midfielder Gokhan Inler, center, fights for the ball with Sampdoria's Italian midfielder Roberto Soriano during a Italian Serie A match on Monday at the Luigi-Ferraris stadium in Genoa. The holiday spirit A competitor throws during the UK Christmas Tree Throwing Championships on Sunday in Keele, central England. Participants taking part in the charity event must throw a 6 ft (1.8 m) tree, weighing about 10 kg (22 pounds), as far as possible and get the tree as high over a bar as they can. Galaxy win the west Robbie Keane of the Los Angeles Galaxy hoists the Western Conference trophy after the Galaxy advanced to the MLS cup against the Seattle Sounders FC during the Sunday in Seattle. Amid the mayhem Drew Stanton of the Arizona Cardinals throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Sunday. The legs of Andre Ellington are shown in the foreground. The Falcons won 29-18. Player protest St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey (12) and wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) and tight end Jared Cook (89) and wide receiver Chris Givens (13) and wide receiver Kenny Britt (81) put their hands up to show support for the protests over the death of Michael Brown before the game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday in St. Louis. Celebrating with an elephant Melissa Hauschildt of Australia celebrates winning the Challenge Half Laguna on Sunday in Phuket, Thailand. Catching air Participant Harith Noah jumps over the muddy track at the National Supercross Championship on Sunday in Bangalore, India. First place run Nicole Hosp of Austria skis en route to a first place finish during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Women's Slalom on Sunday in Aspen, Colo. The winning touch Jordan Spieth of the United States plays a bunker shot on the 9th hole en route to winning the 2014 Australian Open at The Australian Golf Course on Sunday in Sydney, Australia. Ruby rolls Ruby Walsh riding Kalkir clears the last obstacle to win The Bar One Racing Juvenile 3-Y-O Hurdle Race at Fairyhouse racecourse on Sunday in Ratoath, Ireland. Moment of silence The Otago Volts and Wellington Firebirds observe a moment of silence in memory of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who passed away as a result of head injuries sustained during the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales at the SCG on Tuesday, noting his selection number 408 for Australia painted on the ground during the Georgie Pie Smash T20 match at University Oval on Sunday in Dunedin, New Zealand. Raise the roof Serena Williams of the Singapore Slammers celebrates a point against Kirsten Flipkens of the Manila Mavericks during the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. 'Bama gets revenge Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper catches a touchdown pass past Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathon Mincy on Saturday. Alabama won the Iron Bowl 55-44. The Revolution moves on Confetti falls as Jermaine Jones of the New England Revolution holds the MLS Eastern Conference Champion's Cup aloft while celebrating with teammates after a 2-2 tie against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday in Foxborough, Mass. Because of the two-game aggregate scoring system, the Revolution advance to the MLS Cup. Race to the altar Brides-to-be participate in the "Running of the Brides" race on Saturday in Bangkok. Seventy-five husbands and wives-to-be wore their wedding dresses and running shoes and competed in an event for a combined prize worth 1 million Thai baht ($30, 460). Seminoles sneak by the Gators Florida State Seminoles tight end Nick O'Leary (35) holds a Gator head in the air after his team defeated the Florida Gators 24-19 on Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Fla. Getting down and dirty for the win Kevin Pauwels of Belgium celebrates winning the Men's Elite UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Campbell Park on Saturday in Milton Keynes, England. How low can you go Mari Vartmann and Aaron Van Cleave of Germany perform during the pairs free skating competition of the NHK Trophy figure skating event on Saturday in Osaka, Japan. Kaiser Sun rises from Down Under Chris Symons riding Kaiser Sun (right) wins Race 7 during Melbourne Racing at Moonee Valley Racecourse on Saturday in Melbourne, Australia. Can I have your autograph? Gael Monfils of the Indian Aces signs autographs after winning his men's single match against Andy Murray of the Manila Mavericks at the International Premier Tennis League on Saturday in Manila, Philippines. Hold on Australia's Rob Horne (center at top) tries to hold onto the ball during their international rugby test match against England on Saturday at Twickenham Stadium in London. Rourke returns to the ring Actor Mickey Rourke celebrates his victory against his opponent Elliot Seymour of the United States, after their professional exhibition boxing match at the Luzhniki Stadium on Friday in Moscow. Back on the court Russell Westbrook of the Thunder drives against the Knicks on Friday in Oklahoma City, Okla. Westbrook scored 32 points in his first game back from a broken hand. Cup winners Arizona offensive lineman Mickey Baucus hoists the territorial cup after beating Arizona State 42-35 Friday in Tucson, Ariz. The games go on Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland wears a black ribbon on his cap in memory of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes at the Australian Open golf tournament in Sydney on Friday. Hughes passed away at age 25 as a result of head injuries sustained during the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales on Tuesday. Mixed superstars Andy Murray and Maria Sharapova of the Manila Mavericks in action against Kristina Mladenovic and Nenad Zimonjic of the UAE Royals during their doubles match at the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday in Manila, Philippines. Honoring Hughes A batsman for Langwarrin U/16 waits to bat in a match against Mount Eliza that was dedicated to Phil Hughes on on Friday in Melbourne, Australia. Distracting dancer Goran Ivanisevic of the UAE Royals checks out a dancer during his men's singles tennis match against Carlos Moya of the Manila Mavericks at the International Premier Tennis League competition in Manila on Friday. Ivanisevic won 6-5. High flyer Daisuke Murakami of Japan competes in the Men's Short Program during Day 1 of ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2014/2015 NHK Trophy at the Namihaya Dome on Friday in Osaka, Japan. Thinking about safety A shop assistant, left, helps a father and son choose a cricket helmet at the Greg Chappell Cricket Centre store on Friday in Melbourne, Australia. Ouch Craig Goodwin of United is tackled and fouled by Kosta Barbarouses of the Victory during the round eight A-League match between Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United at AAMI Park on Friday in Melbourne, Australia. Going to the dogs Texas Gov. Rick Perry has his picture taken with Texas A&M mascot Reveille VIII before an NCAA college football game between LSU and Texas A&M Thursday in College Station, Texas. Ambassador Rodman Retired U.S. basketball star Dennis Rodman talks to journalists outside the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism in Moscow, Friday. Thanksgiving Day football Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) is tackled by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Christian Jones (59) after his 9-yard reception during the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit on Thursday. Sailing the Southern Indian Ocean Ryan Houston of Team Alvimedica drives during a cloud-dominated morning of wind shifts, rain, and six tacks in five hours during Leg 2 between Cape Town, South Africa and Abu Dhabi, on Thursday. Over the hedge A general view as runners clear the water jump at Newbury racecourse on Thursday in Newbury, England. Paying tribute Pakistani cricket fans light candles to pay tribute to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes in Karachi, Pakistan, on Thursday. Test batsman Hughes died in a Sydney hospital on Thursday, two days after being struck on the head by a cricket ball during a domestic first-class match. He was 25. Acrobatics Feyenoord's goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer loses the ball as he jumps with Sevilla's Alejandro Arribas, rear, and Feyenoord's Sven van Beek, right, during the Group G Europa League match between Feyenoord and Sevilla at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Thursday. Strong start for Rory Defending champ Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks at his shot on the 14th green during the first round of the Australian Open in Sydney on Thursday. McIlroy shot an opening round 69. | 5 | 991 | news |
McLaren has confirmed it will reveal the P1 GTR design concept at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The P1 GTR is a track-focused version of the road-going $1.15 million P1 hypercar , available only to original purchasers of the P1. Buyers of the P1 GTR will be purchasing a comprehensive package that includes driving events, training, and vehicle support, similar to the FXX program Ferrari offered to Enzo buyers in 2005. McLaren says the P1 GTR will produce a combined 986 hp (compared to 903 hp in the road-going P1 ), though it doesn't say how it got more power out of the hybrid powertrain, which combines a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 and electric motor. Other modifications include a wider track, racing tires, and revised aerodynamics. The P1 GTR will go into production in June 2015 when the 375th and final P1 is delivered. McLaren hasn't confirmed the P1 GTR's production run, but it has priced the track car at about $3.4 million. The P1 GTR design concept will make its initial debut at an exclusive event at the McLaren Brand Center at the Pebble Beach Lodge on August 15, and general attendees of the Concours can find it unveiled on the Pebble Beach Concept Lawn over the course of the weekend. Source: McLaren Automotive | 9 | 992 | autos |
A look back at Tiger Woods' career. Making a comeback Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the third hole during round one of the Hero World Challenge at Albany, The Bahamas, on Dec. 1, 2016 in Nassau, Bahamas. Celebrating the Cup Vice-captains Jim Furyk and vice-captain Tiger Woods of the United States celebrate during the closing ceremony of the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Oct. 2, 2016 in Chaska, Minn. Rainy day Jason Day of Australia, left, and Tiger Woods walk down the sixth fairway during a practice round for THE PLAYERS Championship at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium course on May 5, 2015, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla, two days after Woods announced a split with former girlfriend, Olympic alpine skier Lindsey Vonn. Return to the Masters Tiger Woods hits out of a bunker on the 16th hole during the fourth round of the Masters golf tournament on April 12, 2015, in Augusta, Ga. Woods finished 17th with a 5-under-par. Family affair Tiger Woods walks with then-girlfriend Lindsey Vonn, son Charlie and daughter Sam during the Par 3 Contest prior to the start of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia. Another withdrawal Tiger Woods plays his tee shot on the 10th hole of the north course during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course on Feb. 5, 2015, in La Jolla, Calif. Woods withdrew from the tournament with a back complaint. Career-worst 82 at Phoenix Open Tiger Woods waits on the ninth green during the second round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale on Jan. 30, 2015, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Woods shot an 11-over par 82, his worst score as a professional golfer. Tiger missing a tooth Tiger Woods walks in the finish area of an alpine ski, women's World Cup super-G event on Jan. 19, 2015, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Woods was at the event in support of his girlfriend, skier Lindsey Vonn, and claimed a cameraman accidentally knocked out his tooth. British Open 2014 Tiger Woods plays on the 18th hole during the second round of The 143rd British Open at Royal Liverpool on July 18, 2014 in Hoylake, England. Woods finished in 69th place. Missing 2014 Masters Tiger Woods looks down during a news conference at the Newseum in Washington on March 24, 2014. Woods will miss the Masters for the first time in his career after having surgery on his back. Back break Tiger Woods stretches his back next to caddie Joe LaCava at the WGC Cadillac Championship at TPC Blue Monster Course in Doral, Fla. on March 9, 2014. Ribbon cutting (L-R) Eric Trump, Donald Trump, Tiger Woods, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. cut a ribbon in front of the Tiger Woods Villa before the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral on March 5, 2014, in Doral, Fla. Tiger withdraws Tiger Woods walks off the 13th green with his daughter Sam after complaining of back problems during the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. on March 2, 2014. Tee off in Dubai Tiger Woods of the U.S.takes a shot on the 8th tee during the third round of the 2014 Omega Dubai Desert Classic in Dubai Feb. 1, 2014. Torrey Pine Tiger Woods waits his turn on the second green of the South Course at Torrey Pines during the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament on Jan. 25, 2014. Something is squirrelly Lindsey Vonn places a baby squirrel on the shoulder of Tiger Woods during the Presidents Cup on Oct. 3, 2013. Presidential pardon Tiger Woods reacts to a missed birdie putt on the second hole during a foursome match at the Presidents Cup golf tournament on Oct. 4. Woods went 4-1 as the U.S. won the event. Tiger and Lindsey Tiger Woods smiles alongside then-girlfriend Lindsey Vonn, ahead of the 142nd Open Championship at Muirfield on July 15, 2013, in Gullane, Scotland. Not even close Tiger Woods tees off during the fourth round of the U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club on June 16, 2013, in Ardmore, Pa. He finished at 13-over par, his worst score in an Open since he was 14 over as an amateur in 1996. Controversial drop Tiger Woods drops his ball after he hit it into the water on the 15th hole during the second round of the Masters on April 12, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. Woods was issued a two-stroke penalty for the illegal drop, but many critics argued that he should have withdrawn or been disqualified. Teeing off Tiger Woods loses his handle while teeing off during the World Challenge golf tournament at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif. on Dec. 1, 2012. Proceeds from the 14th annual tournament go to the Tiger Woods Foundation, along with Woods' earnings from the week, which he donates every year. Making waves Tiger walks to his ball on the 15th green of the Monterey Peninsula Country Club at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am PGA Tour in Pebble Beach, Calif., on Feb. 8, 2012. Woods, paired with Phil Mickelson, looked poised to break through after a 67 in the third round, but Mickelson closed with an 8-under 64 to beat him by 11 shots. Tiger's return Tiger shoots out of a bunker during the final round of the Masters in Augusta, Ga., on April 11, 2010. The tournament marked Woods' return to competitive golf after a five-month absence following his public scandal. He finished 11-under for the tournament and tied for fourth place. Making headlines Tiger Woods approaches the podium during a news conference where he apologized for his extramarital affairs at the headquarters of the PGA Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., on Feb. 19, 2010. Happier times Honorary Cardinal captain Tiger Woods holds his daughter, Sam, and stands next to his then-wife, Elin Nordegren, on the sideline before a Stanford game on November 21, 2009 in Palo Alto, Calif. Epic win Tiger Woods celebrates sinking a birdie putt on the 18th hole to force a playoff against Rocco Mediate during the fourth round of the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines near San Diego on June 15, 2008. Woods hobbled through a 19-hole playoff to beat Mediate and win his 14th major. A tiger for Tiger Tiger Woods (right) leans in to kiss his trophy as his mother, Kultida, looks on, after he won the Target World Challenge on Dec. 17, 2006, in Thousand Oaks, Calif. The tournament benefits The Tiger Woods Foundation. Emotional win Tiger gets emotional as he walks off the 18th green with his caddie, Steve Williams, after winning the British Open at the Royal Liverpool Golf Course in Hoylake, England, on July 23, 2006. It was his 11th major championship, but the first one he couldn't share with his father, who passed away two months prior. Matching icons USA team member Tiger Woods walks down the 18th fairway with team captain Jack Nicklaus during the 2005 Presidents Cup on September 25, 2005, at Robert Trent Jones Golf in Gainesville, Va. The United States team won the competition by a margin of 18½ to 15½. Father and son Tiger Woods smiles as he stands with his father, Earl Woods, during the trophy presentation of the Target World Challenge on December 12, 2004, at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Woods won the event at 16-under par. Battle lost Sergio Garcia (second from right) puts an arm around Tiger Woods after he and Phil Mickelson (right) defeated Woods and Ernie Els in the Battle At The Bridges on July 28, 2003, in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Major statement Tiger Woods celebrates on the 18th green after dominating the field and running away with the 100th U.S. Open at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Calif., on June 18, 2000. Woods won the tournament by a record 15 strokes. Birth of a rivalry Woods holds his trophy after winning the 1999 PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club in Chicago. Tiger outdueled golf's newest phenom, 19-year-old Sergio Garcia, over the final nine holes to win by a stroke. First green jacket Masters champion Tiger Woods receives his green jacket from the previous year's winner, Nick Faldo, at the Augusta National Golf Club on April 13, 1997 in Augusta, Ga. Woods won with a record-low score of 18-under par. Turning pro Tiger Woods kisses the U.S. Amateur trophy after winning an unprecedented third U.S. Amateur championship on Aug. 25, 1996, at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Ore. Woods won the title on the 38th hole. NCAA champion Tiger Woods lines up a putt on June 1, 1996, during the final round of the NCAA Men's Golf Championships at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tenn. The Stanford sophomore shot an 80, his worst score of the four-day tournament, but still won the individual title. First run at Augusta Tiger Woods, 19, blasts out of a bunker on the 11th hole at Augusta National Golf Club during the first round of the Masters on April 6, 1995. This was the first major championship for the Stanford freshman, who got into the event at the U.S. Amateur Championship. Woods made the cut and finished tied for 41st. | 1 | 993 | sports |
Short hair is having a serious moment! While Halle Berry has famously worn her strands short for years, Anne Hathaway made headlines for chopping off her long locks for her role in Les Mis, which ended up as the chic, polished style pictured above. Stars like Miley Cyrus and Rihanna recently made similar snips, so we were inspired to round up some our favorite short styles. From gamine pixies to chin-skimming bobs and every length in between, click through the gallery to see each look, and be sure to save your favorite to your phone or iPad so you can show your hairstylist! Ginnifer Goodwin Although Ginnifer Goodwin's pixie gives us serious short hair envy, the actress confessed that she sometimes has doubts about the style. "Every once in a while, I get a bee in my bonnet about growing it out," she told us, quickly adding. "But as it grows out, I remember I hated having hair, and I cut it off again." She wears it well! Halle Berry The key to an effortless style like Halle Berry's? Maintenance. "I have to get my hair cut a lot because when you have short hair like this, it grows out of the cut in about 10 days," she once told us. "For my everyday style, I don't put much energy into it, so spiking it up and putting product in it isn't something that's hard." Anne Hathaway To give Anne Hathaway's crop extra volume and texture for the 2013 Academy Awards, her hairstylist Adir Abergel spritzed the Frederic Fekkai Coiff Bouffant ($25; fekkai.com) from root to end before combing through with a bristle brush. "I wanted to keep it simple and classic," he told us. As a finishing touch Fekkai's hair wax ($25; fekkai.com) was worked over small sections for extra definition. Miley Cyrus Miley Cyrus has come a long way since her Hannah Montana days! Once known for her lengthy copper strands, Cyrus recently went for an edgier style with her icy blond pixie. Rihanna No stranger to edgy styles, Rihanna surprised everyone at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards by debuting a pixie cut on the red carpet. "We had been talking about going short for a while now, and we actually planned to cut it the following week, but I was just like why wait?" the star's hairstylist told InStyle.com. "Rihanna was ready for her short hair again!" Michelle Williams Michelle Williams' cut allows for more versatility thanks to the longer layers in the front. Just by moving your part or switching up your texture, you can give the otherwise polished look an extra edge. Charlize Theron "I wanted Charlize's hair to look like she just got out of jeans and a t-shirt and put on a gown because the style is so simple and chic," said Theron's hairstylist Enzo Angileri. "She cut her hair three months ago for a movie, and now it has grown out to the length that can be styled into a sophisticated look." Viola Davis We love Viola Davis' short crop, and how her natural curls impart a laid-back feeling. "This is a confident, no-fuss cut. It's like a pixie for curly hair," celebrity hairstylist Morgan Willhite told us. "Your entire face is exposed, so you need to be comfortable with all aspects of it." Ciara Ciara's asymmetrical cut is all about contrast. We love how the shorter sides balance the long layers on top, while the tawny, peek-a-boo highlights add an extra edge. Carey Mulligan To give your strands extra height like Carey Mulligan, direct your hair away from your face as you blow-dry. "This will give the hair extra volume on top," said her hairstylist Jenny Cho. "Use your fingers to work the area to your desired height no need to make it perfect. Keep it a little undone to contrast the tight updo." Emma Watson "Emma's natural beauty and her oval face shape suit this tailored pixie cut perfectly," said hairstylist Rodney Cutler, who has worked with the star. "The cut is done by using a rounded layered technique. We want the hair to hug the shape of the head." Zoe Kravitz Work a tiny amount of texturizer through Zoe Kravitz's choppy bangs, and the style goes from buttoned-up to rocker chic in five seconds flat. Ashlee Simpson If you prefer a low-key hair routine, consider a cut like Ashlee Simpson's a great blow-dry-and-go option for fine hair types. "I like having short hair because I don't blow-dry my hair," the star told us. "There are no flat irons involved. I get out of the shower and I go, so it's like heaven!" | 4 | 994 | lifestyle |
The bob has been a classic hairstyle since the 1920s, but recently, stars like Nicole Richie, Olivia Thirlby, Julianne Hough, and Olivia Munn gave the look a modern edge by incorporating a range of dynamic textures. Since the cut flatters almost every face shape with minimum maintenance, we compiled some of the best styles we've seen lining the red carpet all you have to do is pick a favorite, and bring it to your hairstylist to recreate! Leighton Meester Leighton Meester went for a sleek, runway-inspired 'do. Nicole Richie Nicole Richie wore her strands in an angled bob. Vanessa Williams Vanessa Williams went with a retro vibe, adding defined curls to her shoulder-length crop. Christina Hendricks Hendricks dressed up her red strands with soft, side-parted waves. Olivia Thirlby Heart-shaped faces like Olivia Thirlby's are balanced by longer layers. Olivia Munn Olivia Munn's breezy curls gave off a carefree vibe. Julianne Hough Loosely wind random sections of hair around a curling iron, then give them a quick tousle to recreate Julianne Hough's beachy layers. Julia Stiles Who says curly girls can't go short? Work a leave-in conditioner through damp hair and let it air-dry to bring out your natural texture like Julia Stiles. January Jones Betty, who? January Jones traded her trademark Mad Men flip for a straight bob with choppy layers. Freida Pinto Afraid to commit? Curl your length under and pin it into a faux bob like Freida Pinto's for a temporary style swap. Elisabeth Moss Elisabeth Moss's choppy, grown-out fringe add extra edge to her brunette cut. Zooey Deschanel Zooey Deschanel swept her usually heavy fringe to the side and disguised her voluminous layers in a retro faux bob updo. Anna Faris Blunt bangs were the finishing touch to Anna Faris's sleek, collarbone-skimming cut. Chloe Sevigny As the saying goes, history always repeats itself, and Chloe Sevigny's short, sleek bob is in line with the version popular in the 1920s. Rosamund Pike British actress Rosamund Pike let her hair fall in loose, tousled waves. Cate Blanchett Is it just us, or does Cate Blanchett's bob hold a slightly regal feel? We think the swooping part and slight curl give off a chic, Princess Charlene-esque vibe. Evan Rachel Wood "Keeping Evan's short hairstyle fresh and always changing is important to her," said the star's hairstylist Marcus Francis. The choppy layers vary in length, but only slightly, preventing the awkward, growing-in phase from taking shape. Eve A long bob or "lob" like Eve's is perfect if you want to go for a shorter cut, but aren't ready to lose your length completely. Victoria Beckham It's the haircut that launched a thousand snips! Victoria Beckham's graphic "Posh bob" was one of the most-copied hairstyles after the star debuted the asymmetrical look in 2007, and her current relaxed, grown-out version is just as chic. "Someone told me the cut was one of the most imitated, and I was just shocked," Beckham told InStyle previously. "It's a huge compliment!" Keira Knightley Keira Knightley's bob may be precise, but the star can be a lot more spontaneous when it comes to selecting a style. "She's quite up for doing different things," said her hairstylist Ben Skervin. "Sometimes I'll get a call: 'You weren't around yesterday, so I went and got my hair cut off!'" Katie Holmes Katie Holmes channeled her inner flapper, opting for a sleek, chin-length bob reminiscent of Louise Brooks's signature 'do in 2007. "Katie's great bone structure means she can try a lot of different looks," said her hairstylist Andy LeCompte. The side-swept bangs give the otherwise traditional style a modern twist. Cameron Diaz To create Cameron Diaz's tousled crop, her hairstylist Lona Vigi created a deep side part while her strands were wet, then dried her hair using a round brush. "Pull the bangs forward first with the brush, then overextend them to the other side to create a sexy side sweep," said Vigi. "Then, place clips throughout the rest of your hair to enhance your natural wave." | 4 | 995 | lifestyle |
A look back at Alex Rodriguez's career. Saying goodbye New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez acknowledges the crowd before his final major-league game on Aug. 12. Getting misty New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez reacts after announcing his retirement at a press conference on Aug. 7 at Yankee Stadium. Rite of Spring Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez, entering his 22nd major-league season, talks with teammate Mark Teixeira, left, during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 25. 3,000th hit New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez watches his home run, his 3,000th career hit, during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on June 19 in New York. Warm welcome New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez celebrates with Mark Teixeira after hitting a home run, his 3,000th career hit, during the first inning June 19 against the Detroit Tigers in New York. 2,000 RBIs New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez drops his bat after hitting a two-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the sixth inning June 13, 2015, in Baltimore. With his 666th home run, Rodriguez passed the 2,000 RBI threshold and notched career hit No. 2,995. Passing Mays Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees hits his 661st home run against Chris Tillman of the Baltimore Orioles in the third inning May 7 in New York. Rodriguez passed Willy Mays on the career list for fourth most home runs. No. 660 Alex Rodriguez of the New York rounds the bases after his 660th career home run to tie Willie Mays in the 8th inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park May 1, 2015. First hit on opening day Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees hits a single in the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during opening day April 6, 2015, at Yankee Stadium in New York. Spring training return Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees takes batting practice before the start of a spring training game March 12, 2015, at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla. Cancun visit New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez talks with a disabled child during his visit at the Children's Rehabilitation Center Teleton in Cancun, Mexico, on Jan. 16, 2014. Rodriguez visited the facility and also promoted a private gym he owns in the city. Grievance hearing Alex Rodriguez arrives at Major League Baseball headquarters on Nov. 19, 2013, in New York. Rodriguez's grievance hearing to overturn his 211-game suspension resumed with the first of what could be 10 straight days of sessions. Rodriguez's suspension was later reduced to 162 games. Amid a scandal Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez talks to reporters in the visitors dugout before a game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts on August 16, 2013. Making his return Trenton Thunder third baseman Alex Rodriguez answers questions after facing the Reading Fighting Phils at Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton, N.J. on Aug. 2, 2013. Hands in New York Yankees, from left, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Alex Rodriguez celebrate a solo home run by teammate Raul Ibanez against the Orioles in Game 3 of their ALDS baseball playoff series in New York on October 10, 2012. Arm candy Alex Rodriguez sits courtside with supermodel Cindy Crawford, left, and girlfriend, retired wrestler Torrie Wilson during the NBA game between the Lakers and the Rockets in Los Angeles, California on January 3, 2012. Getting close A fan catches a foul ball in front of third baseman Alex Rodriguez during the second inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 9, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. Making plays Alex Rodriguez throws over to first base to retire Orioles designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Apr 23, 2011. Famous faces New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez speaks to actress Cameron Diaz while they attend a ceremony to commemorate the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame in La Romana on February 12, 2011. All smiles AL All-Star Alex Rodriguez tips his cap to booing fans as he stands with fellow Yankees Nick Swisher, left, Andy Pettitte, second from left, and C.C. Sabathia during introductions for MLB s All-Star Game in Anaheim, California on July 13, 2010. Give it up Alex Rodriguez reacts as he runs up the first base line after he hit his 600th career home run off Toronto starting pitcher Shaun Marcum at Yankee Stadium in New York, August 4, 2010. Showing support Fans support Alex Rodriguez, who hit his 600th home run in the first inning of a game against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 4, 2010 in New York. World Series champ Alex Rodriguez celebrates after the Yankees beat the Phillies 7-3 to win the World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in New York. Failed romance Alex Rodriguez and actress Kate Hudson kiss at Yankees Family Picnic Day on July 25, 2009 in New York City. In demand Alex Rodriguez signs autographs during a spring training workout in Tampa, Fla. On Feb. 19, 2009. Flip of the bat Alex Rodriguez throws his bat after hitting a three run homer during a game against the Orioles on May 8, 2009, in Baltimore. Family love Alex Rodriguez kisses his four-year-old daughter Natasha through the fence during the Dominican Republic baseball team's practice in Jupiter, Florida on March 2, 2009 as they prepare for the World Baseball Classic. No. 500 Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, home plate umpire Jerry Meals and Kansas City Royals catcher Jason LaRue follow the path of a ball hit by Rodriguez as it sails right of the foul pole in a game at Yankee Stadium, for A-Rod's 500th career home run. Rodriguez hit the three-run shot eight days after his 32nd birthday making him the 22nd, and youngest, player in history to reach the mark. Into the dirt Alex Rodriguez slides into home in the Yankees 6-2 victory over Toronto in action at Rogers Centre on August 5, 2005. Wearing the pin stripes New York skipper Joe Torre puts a Yankees cap on the newest member of the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez, as teammate Derek Jeter watches during a baseball news conference at Yankee Stadium in New York on Feb. 17, 2004. Watch it sail Rangers' shortstop Alex Rodriguez is named the American League Most Valuable Player on November 17, 2003. Rodriguez, shown hitting a home run on August 6, 2003, led the league with 47 home runs and 124 runs scored. Rich man Shortstop Alex Rodriguez gives reporters a big smile while answering questions about his $252 million 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers during a news conference in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 12, 2000. The kid Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners hi-five each other during a game against the San Diego Padres at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington 17 Jul 1999. Fans already Alex Rodriguez, the new first draft pick of the Seattle Mariners, stops to sign autographs after taking part in batting practice with the team at the Kingdome in Seattle, Wa., on Sept. 2, 1993. The Call Alex Rodriguez listens on the telephone as the Seattle Mariners ask him to join their team as the No. 1 pick in the baseball draft amid cheers from his mother, Lourdes, left, and friends in Miami on June 3, 1993. | 1 | 996 | sports |
Hurts so good Manny Pacquiao trains at Pedro Antonio Acharon Sports Complex on Oct. 2, 2014 in General Santos, Philippines, in preparation for his fight Nov. 22, 2017 against Chris Algieri. Regaining the belt Manny Pacquiao throws a left hand at Timothy Bradley during their rematch at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 12, 2014, in Las Vegas. Pacquiao won by unanimous decision to regain the belt he lost to Bradley. Back with a vengeance Pacquaio lands a right hand against Brandon Rios during their WBO welterweight title fight on Nov. 24, 2013, in Macau, China. Pacquiao ended his two-fight losing streak with a unanimous decision victory. Down for the count? Juan Manuel Marquez lands a right hand that knocks out Manny Pacquiao during the sixth round of their welterweight fight on Dec. 8, 2012, in Las Vegas. The loss was Pacquiao's second in a row, the first time he'd lost consecutive fights in his career. Star among stars Pacquiao receives a United States flag from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 15, 2011. Man of the people Manny Pacquiao greets supporters in the southern Philippine province of Sarangani during his 2010 congressional campaign. Family guy Manny Pacquiao is seen with his wife, Jinkee (left), and mother, Dionisia, at the KCC Mall in General Santos, Philippines, in 2010. Congressman Pacquiao Philippine congressman Manny Pacquiao works in his office in Quezon City on Nov. 22, 2010. Back and forth Pacquiao (right) trades punches with Juan Manuel Marquez during their second fight on March 15, 2008, in Las Vegas. Pacquiao won by split decision. Swing and a miss Pacquiao ducks a left hand by De La Hoya during their welterweight fight in Las Vegas on Dec. 6, 2008. The view from above Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya trade punches during their welterweight fight in Las Vegas on Dec. 6, 2008. The champion is here Manny Pacquiao celebrates after defeating Oscar De La Hoya via eighth-round TKO in their welterweight fight in on Dec. 6, 2008, in Las Vegas. There will be blood Pacquiao defeated Miguel Cotto by TKO in the 12th round of their WBO welterweight championship fight in Las Vegas on Nov. 14, 2009. Victory parade Manny Pacquiao waves to fans during a parade held in his honor in Manila, Philippines, after he defeated Jorge Solis to retain his WBC super-featherweight title in April 2007. Rubber match, rubber legs Pacquiao knocked out Morales in the third round of their third match, retaining his WBC super-featherweight title on Nov. 18, 2006, in Las Vegas. Pacquiao and Morales had split their previous two fights. All eyes on Manny Fans in Manila, Philippines, watch a live broadcast of Pacquiao's super-featherweight match against Erik Morales on Nov. 18, 2006. Pacquiao retained his WBC super-featherweight title with a third-round knockout. Take a seat Pacquiao knocked out Jorge Elicier Julio in the second round to retain his IBF junior-featherweight title on June 8, 2002, in Memphis, Tenn. | 1 | 997 | sports |
It's not always about the ladies of style. Check out these fashion icons. Michael Jordan, December 1996 Never one just to rest on his basketball laurels, our inaugural Man of Style was staring in the film Space Jam at the time. "I get manicures every 10 days, pedicures once a month," he told us. "Maybe 20 years ago, I would've thought, 'That's feminine.' But men have needs as well." Matt Lauer, April 1997 In 1997, Lauer had taken the reigns as co-anchor of the Today show and admitted his lust for classic clothes. "It doesn't pay to look trendy," he said. He even shared his prom getup: "A white tuxedo with a powder-blue ruffled shirt and white tie. I look at pictures now and say, 'How long is the geek convention in town?'" Mark Wahlberg, October 1997 Once a trouser-dropping hip-hopper and Calvin Klein billboard hottie, in 1997 Wahlberg was getting attention for his acting chops. Asked about trading the baggy Marky Mark look for Armani and Gucci he said, "It just wasn't that comfortable anymore. You've got to dig past your knees to reach in your pocket." Jon Stewart, February 1999 A somewhat anonymous Stewart had just taken over the anchor desk of The Daily Show when we sat down with him. "Somebody once told me, 'Simplicity is the essence of vogue,' and I would have to agree," he said. "I know how to wear a suit, I just don't own 20 of them...and I never wear anything double-breasted takes too long to button." Alec Baldwin, July 2000 For his Man of Style, Baldwin was promoting the TNT TV film Nuremberg and waxing poetic about politics, the environment, World War II history, and hair gel. "You know who makes the best hair gel? Frederic Fekkai," he said. "The second best is KMS. And in London there's a hairstylist who makes a great gel, Charles Worthington. Those are my top three gels." Matthew McConaughey, January 2001 Just off the mega-success of A Time to Kill, McConaughey talked to us about his new romantic comedy The Wedding Planner, opposite Jennifer Lopez. Asked about his Hollywood style influence he said, "The Incredible Hulk. I liked how he turned green a few times each show. He's cool shorts, no shoes, no shirt!" Hugh Jackman, December 2001 Following his American film debut as Wolverine in X-Men, Jackman was just kicking off his leading-man status with Kate & Leopold. "I'm not a big, flashy, I'm-wearing-designer-clothes kind of guy," he said, naming Carey Grant as his style icon. "That's my Australian family upbringing. If I'm getting dressed up I prefer more formality (like) the late-19th-century things I had to wear in Kate & Leopold." Mick Jagger, November 2002 Back in 1965, Mick Jagger was so influential to young people that Britain's key fashion magazine at the time, Tailor and Cutter, begged him to start wearing neckties to "save" the industry. "The trouble with a tie," said the famously open-shirted Jagger, "is that it could dangle in the soup." He spoke with InStyle just before The Rolling Stones' Forty Licks tour. Taye Diggs, December 2002 A song and dance man, Diggs had wowed on TV's Ally McBeal, in the Broadway hit Rent, and was about to wow some more in the film adaptation of Chicago. As smooth as he seemed, he shared a secret with us: "Inside, I am still a nerd who couldn't get girls in junior high school." Usher, December 2003 The Grammy-winning R&B star Usher Raymond IV was releasing his latest album Confessions when he chatted about his lust for fashion (which included a 10,000-pair shoe collection). "I do have my own tailor because I like to design my suits," he said. "Going to a tailor (for the first time) is like finally flying first class or chartering your own plane. You don't want to go back to coach." Jimmy Fallon, October 2004 Funnyman Fallon had just turned 30 and was flying high with an Emmy award (for SNL, a show he just left) a Grammy nod for his comedy album, and a starring role in the movie Taxi. "I've had many fashion disasters," he admitted. "I'm glad I had my sister...someone who'll tell you when you're lame. Like when you're getting ready to go to school, and you're like, 'This bandanna is cool, man!'" Jay Z, December 2004 Jay-Z was already a superstar with 12 albums, three Grammys, a Rocawear and Shawn Carter clothing line, and 20 million record sales when he talked to InStyle. "Hats give you attitude," he said, "You could be the squarest guy in the world, but if you wear your hat to the side, it gives you swagger." Liam Neeson, July 2005 Neeson was promoting Kingdom of Heaven and Batman Begins when we got the goods on his style. "I do love good shoes," he told us. "I'm not good at running around in sneakers. Today I love handmade Italian shoes. I have a pair so beautiful that I'm almost scared to wear them." John Mayer, August 2006 When we spoke with Mayer, he was leaving the pop genre for a more bluesy sound with his album Continuum. "I met Paul McCartney one night in the studio the man was wearing $1.85 worth of clothes. It was one of the most genius things I'd ever seen," said the Grammy-grabbing singer-songwriter. "Because what the hell does he have to prove? He's got to cover himself up so he's not naked. The end Paul Rudd, September 2006 At the time, Rudd was reuniting with his Clueless writer-director Amy Heckerling (who gave him his breakthrough role 11 years earlier) and starring in I Could Never Be Your Woman. "I focus more on accessories," said Rudd. "Jennifer Aniston bought me a pair of beautiful antique gold cuff links when we wrapped Object of My Affection. Actually I'm not so interested in them. I just wanted to name-drop." Bradley Cooper, February 2009 When he talked to InStyle, Cooper was just beginning to land leading man roles in films like He's Just Not That Into You. "When I was a kid, my mom took me shopping a lot. I hung out at the makeup counter asking pretty women for kisses," he said. Ryan Reynolds, July 2009 When we talked to Reynolds, the guy seemed to be everywhere (in The Proposal, Adventureland, Fireflies in the Garden, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, to name a few). "In elementary school, I had the Zellers (Canadian Wal-Mat) version of Michael Jackson's red leather 'Thriller' coat," he told us. "The thing was made of solid plastic and cost 12 bucks. I wore it every day and was mocked relentlessly, but I loved it. I wanted to sleep in it." Zac Efron, August 2010 A 22-year-old Efron had finished his colossal High School Musical run and was about to star in Charlie St. Cloud when he did his Man of Style. "Your clothes are the middle ground between who you are and what you want to show people," he said. "I never like to look sloppy, because as somebody in the public eye, I believe I owe it to fans to be presentable when I go out. It's like, 'What would Frank Sinatra do?'" Channing Tatum, February 2010 We talked to Tatum at a pivotal time in his life. Newly married, the guy who played street-smart types was showing his weepy side in the romantic film Dear John, opposite Amanda Seyfried. Had his new bride pilfered any of his clothes yet? "There are times when something like a pair of sweatpants or a holey T-shirt I've had for 15 years goes missing," he said. "Then all of a sudden she'll walk downstairs wearing it." Bruno Mars, February 2013 Promoting the release of his album Unorthodox Jukebox, the Grammy-winning, platinum-selling singer-songwriter and pompadour king told us about his laidback new style and his childhood attire. "I remember getting picked on in elementary school because it's hot in Hawaii, but I had a thing for these flannels," he said. Everyone would show up in surf shorts and a tank top, and I'd be in plaid." | 4 | 998 | lifestyle |
The best images of celebs on the sports scene. Scottie Pippen From left to right, Mohamed Hadid, Scottie Pippen and Haim Saban attend the game between the Lakers and the Cavaliers on Jan. 13 in Los Angeles. Charlie Sheen Charlie Sheen attends a charity softball game to benefit "California Strong" at Pepperdine University on Jan. 13 in Malibu, California. Khloe Kardashian Khloe Kardashian watches the game between the Lakers and the Cavaliers on Jan. 13 in Los Angeles. Victor Cruz Victor Cruz, Pete Davidson and Chris Redd attend the 76ers vs Knicks game on Jan. 13 in New York City. Kate Beckinsale Kate Beckinsale and Stephen Simbari attend the game between the Lakers and the Cavaliers on Jan. 13 in Los Angeles. Tracy Morgan Tracy Morgan attends the 76ers vs Knicks game on Jan. 13 in New York City. Metta World Peace Metta World Peace and Ron Artest Jr. attend the game between the Lakers and the Cavaliers on Jan. 13 in Los Angeles. LeBron James LeBron James attends the NFC Divisional playoff game between the Rams and the Cowboys on Jan. 12, in Los Angeles. Elizabeth Hurley and Justin Theroux From left to right, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag, Elizabeth Hurley and Justin Theroux attend the ABB FIA Formula E 2019 Marrakesh E-Prix on Jan. 12 in Marrakesh, Morocco. Ty Burrell Ty Burrell poses for photos ahead of the Rams NFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Cowboys on Jan. 12, in Los Angeles. Snoop Dogg Snoop Dogg performs a DJ set as "u201cDJ Snoopadelic"u201d during warm-up before the game between the Penguins and the Kings on on Jan. 12, in Los Angeles. John Daly and Dennis Quaid John Daly, Dennis Quaid and Santa Auzina pose for photos before the Rams NFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Cowboys on Jan. 12, in Los Angeles. Tom Hanks Tom Hanks laughs with his son Truman Hanks, left, while watching the game between the Senators and the Kings on Jan. 12, in Los Angeles. Von Miller Von Miller watches the game between the Nuggets and the Clippers on Jan. 10, in Denver, CO. Todd Frazier Todd Frazier holds up his son Blake as they watch themselves on the video board during a game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Jan. 9 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Charlize Theron Charlize Theron attends a game between the Lakers and the Pistons on Jan. 9, in Los Angeles, California. Kaia Gerber and Cameron Azoff Model Kaia Gerber and Cameron Azoff attend a game between the Lakers and the Pistons on Jan. 9, in Los Angeles, California. Manny Pacquiao Manny Pacquiao, attends the game between the Clippers and the Hornets on Jan. 8, in Los Angeles, California. Abbie Cobb and Aqueela Zoll Abbie Cobb (L) and Aqueela Zoll attend a game between the Lakers and the Pistons on Jan. 09, in Los Angeles, California. Steve Ballmer Steve Ballmer attends a game between the Clippers and the Hornets on Jan. 8, in Los Angeles, California. Ben Schwartz and Billy Crystal Ben Schwartz and Billy Crystal attend a game between the Clippers and the Hornets on Jan. 8, in Los Angeles, California. apl.de.ap and Jessica Reynoso perform apl.de.ap and Jessica Reynoso perform at halftime of a game between the Clippers and the Hornets on Jan. 8, in Los Angeles, California. Floyd Mayweather Floyd Mayweather attends a game between the Clippers and the Hornets on Jan. 8, in Los Angeles, California. Chris Tucker Chris Tucker attends Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena on Jan. 6, in Atlanta, Georgia. Big Tigger and Jesse Eisenberg Big Tigger and Jesse Eisenberg attend the Heat vs the Hawks game on Jan. 6, in Atlanta, Georgia. Ezekiel Elliot The Cowboys' Running Back Ezekiel Elliot, left, watches the Mavericks take on Lakers on Jan. 7 in Dallas, Texas. Adam DeVine and Chloe Bridges Adam DeVine and Chloe Bridges attend the game between the Clippers and the Magic on Jan. 6 in Los Angeles, California. Kenyon Martin Kenyon Martin, center, and wife Shakira Martin attend the Sierra Canyon vs Mayfair game on Jan. 4 in Chatsworth, California. Andy Garcia Andy Garcia attends a basketball game between the Lakers and the Thunder on Jan. 2 in Los Angeles. YG and DJ Mustard Rappers YG and DJ Mustard attend a game between the Clippers and the 76ers on Jan. 1 in Los Angeles. Matthew McConaughey Matthew McConaughey watches as Texas plays Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 in New Orleans. Kendall Jenner Kendall Jenner attends the 76ers-Clippers game on Jan. 1 in Los Angeles. Keith Urban Keith Urban holds a sword as the 12th Titan prior to a game against the Colts on Dec. 30 in Nashville, Tenn. Ray J and Princess Love Ray J and his wife Princess Love attend a game between the Clippers and the Lakers on Dec. 28 in Los Angeles. Josh Duhamel and Everette Deschamp Josh Duhamel and Everette Deschamp attend a game between the Clippers and the Lakers on Dec. 28 in Los Angeles. Adam and Jackie Sandler Adam and Jackie Sandler with their children Sunny and Sadie attend the Bucks vs. Knicks game on Dec. 25 in New York City. Bernard King Bernard King attends the Bucks vs. Knicks game on Dec. 25 in New York City. Earl Monroe and Marita Green Earl Monroe and his wife, Marita Green attend the Bucks and the Knicks game on Dec. 25 in New York City. Ed Sheeran Ed Sheeran attends the Sky Bet Championship match between Ipswich Town and Sheffield United on Dec. 22 in Ipswich, England. Molly Sims and Scott Stuber Molly Sims and Scott Stuber with their kids Brooks Alan Stuber and Scarlett May Stuber attend the game between the Lakers and the Grizzlies on Dec. 23 in Los Angeles. Ron Howard Ron Howard laughs during a game between the Hawks and the Knicks on Dec. 21 in New York City. Behati Prinsloo and Adam Levine Behati Prinsloo and Adam Levine attend the game between the Pelicans and the Lakers on Dec. 21 in Los Angeles. Hugh Jackman Hugh Jackman attends a game between Knicks and Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 21 in New York. Rebel Wilson Rebel Wilson attend a game between New Orleans Pelicans and Lakers on Dec. 21, in Los Angeles. Halsey Halsey attends a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Lakers on Dec. 21 in Los Angeles. Nick Jonas, Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas Nick Jonas, Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas attend the Suns versus Knicks game on Dec. 17 in New York City. Lucas Hedges Lucas Hedges and a guest attend the Suns versus Knicks game on Dec. 17 in New York City. Ansel Elgort Ansel Elgort and guest attend the Suns versus Knicks game on Dec. 17 in New York City. Jimmy Vesey and Kevin Hayes Jimmy Vesey, Kevin Hayes and guest attend the Suns versus Knicks game on Dec. 17 in New York City. Johnny Galecki and Alaina Meyer Johnny Galecki and Alaina Meyer attend the Suns versus Knicks game on Dec. 17 in New York City. Tracy Morgan and Megan Wollover Tracy Morgan and Megan Wollover attend the Suns versus Knicks game on Dec. 17 in New York City. Chris Pratt Chris Pratt attend a game between the Raptors and the Clippers on Dec. 11 in Los Angeles. Floyd Mayweather Jr. Floyd Mayweather Jr. attend a game between the Raptors and the Clippers on Dec. 11 in Los Angeles. Jessica Alba and Gabrielle Union Jessica Alba and Gabrielle Union attend a game between the Lakers and the Heat on Dec. 10 in Los Angeles. Derek Fisher and Denzel Washington Former NBA Player and Coach Derek Fisher of the Sparks greets Denzel Washington during the game between the Lakers and the Heat on Dec. 10 in Los Angeles. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is interviewed after a game between the Lakers and the Heat on Dec. 10 in Los Angeles. Kate Beckinsale Kate Beckinsale attends a game between the Lakers and the Heat on Dec. 10 in Los Angeles. Will Ferrell Will Ferrell attends a game between the Lakers and the Heat on Dec. 10 in Los Angeles. Kevin, Hayes Logan and Cayden Wyatt Costner Kevin Costner, center, Hayes Logan Costner and Cayden Wyatt Costner attend a game between the Lakers and the Heat on Dec. 10 in Los Angeles. Patty Smyth and John McEnroe Patty Smyth and John McEnroe attend the Hornets-Knicks game on Dec. 9 in New York City. Donald Trump President Donald Trump tosses the coin before the Army-Navy NCAA college football game on Dec. 8 in Philadelphia. | 1 | 999 | sports |
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