Have a few fresh herbs sitting around that you won't get to using before they turn? Sure, you can freeze them in water or dry them out, but if you know you'll use them relatively quickly, you can add a few weeks to their life without damaging their potency by freezing them in oil instead. We've shown you how to make simply syrups with them, and how to use sea salt to dry them, but if you have some lovely herbs you want to use, but won't get to before they turn brown, consider dropping them in an ice cube tray, filling up the cubes with olive oil (or any other oil of your choice, as long as it freezes nicely), and popping them in the freezer. When you're ready to fry some potatoes, for example, pop out a couple of rosemary oil cubes—you'll need the oil for the pan anyway, and the rosemary will be right at home. Need some oil in a baking dish or crock pot for a few chicken breasts? Grab a frozen sage oil cube. The sky's the limit. The only thing to note is that with some herbs have a shorter shelf life when frozen in oil than in water (like garlic, for example), so this won't beat drying if you're looking to keep your herbs fresh for months and months. It will, however, work for weeks on end, and if you freeze them, pop them out of the ice cube trays and put them into zippered baggies, they'll keep even longer. Then, the next time you need oil for a recipe, you can add a little fresh flavor at the same time. Hit the link below for even more oil-freezing tips, and some tips on which herbs take well to freezing and which don't.
Thursday 5 July 2012
Tuesday 3 July 2012
'MP4-12C spider' by mclaren
mclaren automotive has produced its second 'MP4-12C' model, the '12C spider'. bred through the essence of a race car, the '12C spider' incorporates a
the hard top roof can be operated whilst moving at speeds of up to 30 kph (20mph) taking less than 17 seconds to raise or lower. with the '12C' originally
designed as a convertible, its 75kg carbon fibre monocle frame required no additional strengthening for it to feature in the 'spider'.
closing the hard-top
the raising of the roof frees 52 liters of space for storage. in 2013, vehicle lift will be available as an option, allowing for the '12C spider' to be raised
in the front and rear for improved ground clearance, up to 40mm (1.5") at the front and 25mm (1") at the rear.
the MP4-12C will be launched in 'volcano red', one of 17 exterior paint finishes currently available for the '12C' and '12C spider'.
first deliveries to customers are planned for november 2012.
3/4 rear view
top view
specifications:
0-62 mph (0-100 kph) : 3.1 sec
0-100 mph (0-161 kph) : 6.1 sec
0-124 mph (0-200 kph) : 9.0 sec
¼ mile (400m) : 10.8 sec at 134 mph (216 kph)
engine configuration: V8 twin turbo, 7 speed automatic
GIBRALTAR’S International Jazz Festival – the first of its kind ever on the Rock – was a massive success. And the good news is that saxophonist Dan Moretti and vibraphonist Arturo Serra have already told the Olive Press they would like to return next year. As a jazz novice, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this the three-day music bonanza held at the centrally located Casemates Square on June 28, 29 and 30. But I soon found myself instantly mesmerised and drawn in by the sound and artistic vision of the artists. The skill and sweet harmonising of the instruments, which soared through smooth and energetic rhythm sections, was nothing short of exceptional. A behind-the-scenes chat with Dan Moretti revealed he had never before played with any of the artists on stage – which came as a great surprise, given the harmonious combination of each individual’s sounds and style. It was as though they had played together hundreds of times before. Moretti has played saxophone since he was ‘a wee child’ – or 12 years old to be exact – he jovially explains. The American music professor said he found the people of Gibraltar ‘friendly’, and would like to return to play here next year. Gibraltar-born Elie Massias also wowed the audience when he took to the stage at his birthplace. He played multiple instruments on stage and switched between them with such sophistication that he – as all the greats manage to – made it look easy. He interjected the instrumental jazz with vocals (some scat singing), played guitar, soprano saxophone and the piano. For me, it was his voice and zealous energy that was the highlight of the night. Now based in New York, he doesn’t forget an old face. At one point he called out ‘hello’ to Mr Ceresi, his old school teacher from decades ago, who stood watching the festival at the front of the crowd. On the ‘vibes’ was Arturo Serra born in Valencia, the current professor at Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra. While his favourite place in the world to play is the US, his ideal scenario would be to do yearly tours, dividing his time between the European ‘triangle’ of France, Italy and Spain. Artists under the Blue Note Record label have inspired him most, and the likes of the vibraphonist Gary Burton, he tells the Olive Press. After the concert, the public was invited to attend more jazz sessions in the basement of the Eliott’s Hotel. The Gibraltar Jazz Society meets here every Thursday, with a performance by the ‘George Posso Trio’ and it features fellow musicians and guest artists. Over the past decade many musicians from all over the world have taken part. The society aims to promote jazz, and encourages the attendance of those interested in learning to play.
Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, Marbella, one of the most exclusive five-star hotels in Spain’s Costa del Sol, has named Mainly Spain as the property’s General Sales Agent in North America. As its GSA, Mainly Spain will represent the property to the U.S. travel trade market including establishing new revenue channels among travel agents, consortia, tour operators, meetings and incentive accounts as well as general groups.
“We are very pleased to have Mainly Spain on board as part of our team, sharing their knowledge, experience and insight in the U.S. travel industry to increase recognition of our property among the travel agents, operators, and group planners,” said Martin Schneck, General Manager for Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, Marbella.
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“At Mainly Spain, we are thrilled to be named the new GSA of Villa Padierna Palace Hotel,” said Brunilda De Jesus, President of Mainly Spain. “We look forward to making this spectacular property absolutely accessible and easy to do business with for agents, consortia, wholesalers and group planners throughout the United States. Travel professionals can look for us to visit them in person, run seminars and webinars, conduct contracting on behalf of the property, as well as to keep them aware of Villa Padierna Palace Hotel happenings, special offers and more via social media, PR initiatives, and other marketing channels.”
About Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, Marbella
The luxurious, five-star Villa Padierna Palace Hotel, located in Marbella, Spain offers guests the ultimate in personalized service and amenities in breathtaking surroundings along the Costa del Sol. All of the property’s 129 well-appointed rooms, suites and villas feature exclusive pieces from the ARVI foundation art collection. Situated on the acclaimed Flamingos Golf Resort, the property boasts three impressive courses, making it one of the most prominent golf resorts in the area. On-site, guests can indulge lavish spa services at the property’s Thermal Spa and fitness center, savor gourmet cuisine at La Veranda, and enjoy a tailor-made special event in its Roman Amphitheatre, ideal for weddings and celebrations, product launches, incentives, and corporate functions. For further details, visitHotelVillaPadierna.com.
We’re doing six sports today: skiing, golf, shooting go-kart racing, water skiing, and paddle tennis. My opponents are zillionaire counts, aristocrats and captains of industry who learned to shoot when their nannies were rocking their bassinettes. The Games are hosted by the Marbella Club, a luxury resort boasting lovely, low-slung Andalusian-style bungalows and five-bedroom villas for ¤3,900 a night. Imagine a private pool, lush gardens and tiled patios to sip minty Sau Sau cocktails on and contemplate your fortune at being the 1%. The Games started in the ’70s. The resort’s owner, German prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe, realized Marbella was one of the precious few destinations where you can alpine ski and water ski in one day. So he invented the Games, which he called “Ski golf swim bang.” His drinking buddies — including Sean Connery — loved the idea. They tried doing all six sports. But gave up by dinner after too much Champagne at lunch. It costs 450 euro to compete but it’s not for the great unwashed. It’s an invite-only mini-Olympics for counts and princesses. Sort of like a charming family event for friends who met back in private academies … plus me, the only Canadian-scribe-plebian. Event 1: GO-KARTING Circuito Campillos racetrack is 92.6 km north of Marbella. To get there, you roar past picturesque Andalusian hills and terrified pedestrians. We race in gendered heats, wearing numbered yellow pinneys. Five laps, no kicking or gouging. I’m worried Gianfranco and his buddies will bump me off track. But turns out they’re gentlemen who are quick to give advice. A former F1 driver tells me: “Use the whole track, swing wide before the turn, tap your brakes before each turn, and never take your foot off the gas.” Our karts line up. The lights flash green. Game on! I channel my inner Gianfranco and roar to an early lead. But my competitiveness kills. I drive too fast spin out, and finish ninth out of 16. Balls! The winning male: luxury car dealer Mario Guarnieri. TRAVEL TIP: I’m giraffe-y tall, which isn’t ideal. Go-karting favours short, compact drivers … so lose some weight and height. Event 2: GOLF We play six holes at the lovely Marbella Club Golf Resort. It has a sweeping hilltop view of the Rock of Gibraltar on the northern tip of Africa. A lovely, trap-filled demon. I’m horrible at golf. A Danish exec, Pieter, helps me turn my swing from wretched to acceptably miserable. But Gianfranco, who’s never played in his life, is a natural. Is there nothing these men can’t do? The winner, Rob, is a lanky entrepreneur who, judging by his bio, is superior to me in every way. TRAVEL TIP: On one hole, you have to launch your ball over a valley big enough for the entire Occupy Wall Street protest. God won’t help you, but try a 7-iron. Event 3: POLO I came to Spain expecting to kick ass at slalom skiing. But it’s too warm (Costa del Sol gets 320 days sun a year). So the prince’s nephew, Pablo, replaces it with polo. I think it’s the sport where you ride a horse and swing swords at peasants’ heads. Sounds fun! Pablo’s polo tip: “Stay on the horse.” “No way am I doing this!” Pieter says. “I’ll break my spine. Remember: only the Top 8 get points.” I count the riding boots. Ten pairs, including Gianfranco’s boots made of rich Corinthian leather. He rides his stallion like it’s growing from his body. Magnificent. TRAVEL TIP: William Shatner told me horses are incredibly sensitive. If you don’t mount correctly, the horse won’t respect you. It’ll go rogue and stomp you. Learn to ride, then show the horse you’re boss. Note: this doesn’t mean punching your horse in the nose. Event 4: SHOOTING We race back to drink Champagne on the Marbella Club beach. Someone sticks a laser rifle in my non-drinking hand. Then we fire at flying saucers that go “ping-ping-ping” if you hit them. Young boys try to catch the saucers. I only hit four saucers but both boys. TRAVEL TIP: Monarchs are skilled marksmen. That’s because they’re preparing for the revolution when the peasants storm their castles. To beat princes at their own game, practise playing shoot-’em-up video games with a glass of Veuve Clicquot in one hand. Event 5: WATER SKIING It’s cold and raining. The sea is angrier than a vengeful whale. Nobody wants to water ski. I’d rather jam my hand down a garburator than enter a cold sea without a wetsuit. Half the guys bail out of water skiing, but all eight women brave the choppy surf. Winner: Gregor von Opel, heir to the German auto fortune. TRAVEL TIP: On the Costa del Sol, it’s customary to give a stock tip to your Jet Ski driver. Event 6: PADDLE TENNIS Paddle tennis (a.k.a. “Padel”) is a wild mash-up of tennis and racquetball in a walled-in outdoor court. Spaniards chuckle when I ask how to hold the paddle. Then I DEMOLISH the competition. I’m like the idiot savant of paddle tennis! My partner, Mario, and I win three straight games against increasingly excellent opponents, including one fella in a wheelchair. Woohoo! In the semi-finals, I dive to make a thrilling, game-saving volley. My opponents were stunned but supportive. I’d won at a sport I’d never played before. Everyone wants a rematch. TRAVEL TIP: Mayans invented Padel so it’s popular in Spanish-speaking countries. To win dirty, trash-talk your opponents in Spanish. Just as they return serve, yell “Callate el osico gordota!” which means “Shut your snout, fatty!” The Games’ winners were crowned at an elegant, poolside awards ceremony. The victors: Gregor von Opel for two years running, and prince Alfonso’s niece, Flavia de Hohenlohe-Langenburg. I spoke with Pablo, who relaunched the Games after his uncle passed away. “Pablo,” I said, “next year, I want to win it all. Do I need to drop all my work, break up with my girlfriend, say goodbye to my family, sell my possessions and devote myself to training all year?” “I’m afraid you are 30 years too late for that,” he said with a smile. “Winning the Spring Games is not difficult if you are a very good skier, excellent driver, if your golf handicap is 5 or less, you can slalom at waterski, and [rode] horseback as a kid.” In other words, to quote my personal favourite noble, Lady Gaga, the Spring Games champions are simply born this way.
Spanish actor Antonio Banderas will host for the third straight year the Starlite Gala, an international platform benefiting a series of charitable foundations. The event to be held Aug 4 in the southern Spanish resort city of Marbella is based on appearances by well-known spokespersons that help garner media coverage for different causes, the organization said in a communiqué. This year`s Starlite Gala will feature performances by stars like Jon Secada, while several auctions will be held during the event offering such prizes as an invitation for two to next year`s Oscars. Taking the stage with Antonio Banderas this time will be friends and personalities from the worlds of culture and showbiz. The gala`s sole purpose is to collect funds for the foundation with which the actor is involved - Lagrimas y Favores (Tears and Favors), Ninos en Alegria (Children in Happiness), Cudeca and Best Buddies International. This year`s humanitarian prize will be awarded to Anthony Kennedy for his work as founder of Best Buddies International, dedicated to integrating the mentally challenged into society. The foundation is present in 50 countries.
Pain in Spain? Not in the Marbella property market at any rate. Maurice Boland and his wife Wendy are selling their palace in the hills overlooking Marbella for e1m. And, pardon my Spanish, but it is absolutely nothing to do with his relationship with a 16-year-old teenager in Marbella in the not-too-distant past, which the top Irish DJ described as "a massive error in judgment". "That was two years ago," he told me. "You learn from your mistakes. Wendy and I have just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. We're stronger than ever," he said, adding that they have five lovely grandchildren. Maurice, who last year launched his new radio station iTalk FM in Marbella, told your diarist that the House Casa Eden (with three living rooms, two dining rooms and its own cinema set in more than an acre of land with incredible views) is just too big now for himself and Wendy. "Our sons are all married and have their own homes so Wendy and myself just don't need something as large as this," he said. "It's a magnificent home with amazing sea and mountain views. We are looking at a smaller place closer to Marbella with a view of the sea." Love triumphant, I call that.
Monday 2 July 2012
Next time if you get a missed call starting with +92; #90 or #09, don't show the courtesy of calling back because chances are it would lead to your SIM card being cloned. The telecom service providers are now issuing alerts to subscribers —particularly about the series mentioned above as the moment one press the call button after dialing the above number, someone at the other end will get your phone and SIM card cloned. According to reports, more than one lakh subscribers have fallen prey to this new telecom terror attack as the frequency of such calls continues to grow. Intelligence agencies have reportedly confirmed to the service providers particularly in UP West telecom division that such a racket is not only under way but the menace is growing fast. "We are sure there must be some more similar combinations that the miscreants are using to clone the handsets and all the information stored in them," an intelligence officer told TOI. General Manager (GM) BSNL, RV Verma, said the department had already issued alerts to all the broadband subscribers and now alert SMSes were being issued to other subscribers as well. As per Rakshit Tandon, an IT expert who also teaches at the police academy (UP), the crooks can use other combination of numbers as well while making a call. "It is better not to respond to calls received from unusual calling numbers," says Tandon. "At the same time one should avoid storing specifics of their bank account, ATM/ Credit/Debit card numbers and passwords in their phone memory because if one falls a prey to such crooks then the moment your cell phone or sim are cloned, the data will be available to the crooks who can withdraw amount from your bank accounts as well," warns Punit Misra; an IT expert who also owns a consultancy in Lucknow. The menace that threatens to steal the subscriber's information stored in the phone or external memory (sim, memory & data cards) has a very scary side as well. Once cloned, the culprits can well use the cloned copy to make calls to any number they wish to. This exposes the subscribers to the threat of their connection being used for terror calls. Though it will be established during the course of investigations that the cellphone has been cloned and misused elsewhere, it is sure to land the subscriber under quite some pressure till the time the fact about his or her phone being cloned and misused is established, intelligence sources said. "It usually starts with a miss call from a number starting with + 92. The moment the subscriber calls back on the miss call, his or her cell phone is cloned. In case the subscribers takes the call before it is dropped as a miss call then the caller on the other end poses as a call center executive checking the connectivity and call flow of the particular service provider. The caller then asks the subscriber to press # 09 or # 90 call back on his number to establish that the connectivity to the subscriber was seamless," says a victim who reported the matter to the BSNL office at Moradabad last week. "The moment I redialed the caller number, my account balance lost a sum of money. Thereafter, in the three days that followed every time I got my cell phone recharged, the balance would be reduced to single digits within the next few minutes," she told the BSNL officials.
New motoring laws have come into force in France making it compulsory for drivers to carry breathalyser kits in their vehicles. As of July 1, motorists and motorcyclists will face an on-the-spot fine unless they travel with two single-use devices as part of a government drive to reduce the number of drink-drive related deaths. The new regulations, which excludes mopeds, will be fully enforced and include foreigner drivers from November 1 following a four-month grace period. Anyone failing to produce a breathalyser after that date will receive an 11 euro fine. French police have warned they will be carrying out random checks on drivers crossing into France via ferries and through the Channel Tunnel to enforce the new rules. Retailers in the UK have reported a massive rise in breathalyser sales as British drivers travelling across the Channel ensure they do not fall foul of the new legislation. Car accessory retailer Halfords said it is selling one kit every minute of the day and has rushed extra stock into stores to cope with the unprecedented demand. Six out of 10 Britons travelling to France are not aware they have to carry two NF approved breathalysers at all times, according to the company. The French government hopes to save around 500 lives a year by introducing the new laws, which will encourage drivers who suspect they may be over the limit to test themselves with the kits. The French drink-driving limit is 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood - substantially less than the UK limit of 80mg.
Friday 29 June 2012
The Masterpiece London art and luxury fair opened on Thursday showcasing jewellery, furniture and cars to throngs of the international super-rich seemingly immune to worries over a fragile global economy. The glitterati moved along the stands at an exclusive preview event in Chelsea on Wednesday night, sipping champagne as they admired rare sculptures, porcelain, classic cars, paintings, fine jewels and silverware. “There is a tremendous amount of wealth which needs somewhere to go,” Philip Hewat-Jaboor, chairman of Masterpiece, told Reuters at the fair. International dealers and galleries offered top tier goods to suit all tastes. Standouts at the event, which runs until July 4, included a 1952 Jaguar C-Type racing sports car once owned and raced by American driver Masten Gregory, and an aquamarine and ruby belt with buckle necklace, designed by Fulco, Duke of Verdura, for jeweller Paul Flato, New York, circa 1935, priced at $2.5 million. The Gagosian Gallery unveiled a gold plated silver statue by celebrated British artist Damien Hirst, called “Saint Bartholomew, Exquisite Pain 2008.” Visitors also viewed a 1959 Salford Street scene by British painter L.S. Lowry with a price of 495,000 pounds ($766,918) and works by Francis Bacon and Picasso. Antique tables and clocks, and a risquDe 18th Century German Meissen porcelain figure showing a young couple with a price tag of $320,000 were also on sale, along with a chess set featuring gilded birds created by luxury jeweller Theo Fennell for 95,000 pounds ($147,186), and vintage jewels from Faberge, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. London’s high-end art and luxury market appears to be oblivious to the recession in Britain and the weak global economy, gripped by the euro zone debt crisis and worries over Chinese growth. Organisers reported brisk orders from the start at Masterpiece London, and a number of orange stickers signifying sales quickly dotted the stands. Sycomore Ancient Art’s large wooden statue of a high-ranking Egyptian official dating from 2570-2350 BC sold almost immediately, to a German museum for well over one million pounds ($1.54 million). Referring to the influx of international visitors milling around the fair, Hewat-Jaboor said London had secured its position as a major international hub for luxury goods. “London is the great melting pot,” he said.
Tuesday 26 June 2012
They are accused of cloning credit cards belonging to US citizens, and in less than a week had reportedly spent around €330,000, it is estimated. Items bought on the cards included €1,000 bottles of Champagne, nights in suites at five-star hotels, a €60,000 exclusive party at an establishment in Mijas Costa, as well as large tabs in pubs and shops along the coast. The detainees would clone the credit cards, and use them in shops and hospitality establishments, according to investigators. It is believed that many of the luxury items were bought in order to later sell at a reduced price. Various bank cards and fake documents as well as the various luxury items bought on the cards along the Costa del Sol, mainly in Puerto Banus, were seized. The reason they chose North Americans is that there is a delay before the victims would realize money had been taken from their accounts and cancel their cards. Two of the detainees, who are aged between 19 and 45, were Dutch and a third French; they have all been remanded in prison. The fourth detainee was a Romanian woman, who has been released on charges.
Burglars in Palma de Mallorca were foiled when property owners fought back. An 18-year-old German man was arrested after he was reportedly caught trying to burgle a property in s’Arenal belonging to an 80 and 81-year-old couple. The elderly man managed to keep hold of the burglar until other family members arrived to help and the police arrived. In a separate case, a 40-year-old man was arrested after the owner of the property he was allegedly burgling managed to fend him off after he attacked him with a knife. The man was asleep with his wife and newborn son when he heard a noise. When he rose to find out what the noise was he came across the burglar in his kitchen. His wife called the National Police straight away. When officers arrived the two men were still wrestling. Officers managed to subdue the burglar and arrested him. The 40-year-old man had reportedly accessed the house through a window on the third floor by climbing on scaffolding on the adjacent property. The property owner received medical assistance to the cuts on his arms. A third man was arrested while trying to burgle a house on Calle Alvaro de Bazan. He too was surprised by the people living in the property who subdued him until police arrived.
Are there cameras around? I hadn't noticed! Danni Park-Dempsey strikes a pose on holiday in Marbella
Danni spent four hours soaking up the sunshine at La Sala Club in Marbella where she no doubt caught the attention of the male revellers as she pranced about in her peach bikini.
It is unlikely Park-Dempsey was unaware of the cameras catching her every move as she struck a variety of sexy poses.
However, when it all got too much for her, rather inelegantly dive-bombed into the pool to the amusement of a female friend.
Danni showed off her ample assets as she frolicked in the pool in Marbella
Cooling off! Danni cools down after sunning herself all day and puts on quite the show for onlookers
Following her antics in the water, the half-Irish Essex native changed into a plunging pink bikini, tiny cut-off shorts and skyscraper heels and decided to cool off with an ice-lolly.
In recent weeks, Danni has been romantically linked to TOWIE co-star Lil' Chris Brake.
Danni's friend couldn't help but laugh as the reality TV star jumped into the pool
Centre of attention! Danni made sure all eyes were on her as she struck a variety of poses in the pool
When asked who her favourite TOWIE male was, she replied: 'I have not got a fav but I amgood friends with lil chris @ChrisDrake87 x.'
The pair apparently grew close while filming TOWIE and the recent spin-off The Only Way Is Marbs.
A friend of the pair said: 'They started getting close towards the end of the last series. In Marbella, Chris told Danni he was keen to take things further.
'Danni really likes him - he is a lot of fun. Watch this space.'
Nothing to see here. Just a girl enjoying her ice-lolly completely oblivious to the paparazzi cameras nearby!
Saturday 23 June 2012
Spain is to reduce the entry conditions for all non-European tourists. In tough times Spain cannot allow to miss out on tourists, or to have a foreign country against her. So Madrid has shown it has been receptive to the several complaints received from Brazil and Mexico. Until now any non-European tourist who wants to enter Spain or an unlimited time has to show, a visa if required, a return ticket and a hotel reservation as well enough money to cover the stay, put at 74 € per day. If they were staying in a friend’s house, they had to supply all the details about the person and the house they would be saying going as far as the escritura for the purchase or the rental agreement. The friend needed to supply the DNI residency card and details of his wage and a tax return. Now all those requirements are being removed and now the tourist only has to say who they are visiting and give the address.
The natural territory of the street artist Shepard Fairey would seem to be as all-American as it gets. Emerging from the country's skateboarding scene he achieved global prominence with his much copied, much parodied Hope poster displaying a stylised Barack Obama in shades of blue and red.
He spent much of Friday assembling his latest street mural in a seemingly less likely locale – a suburban street in Turnpike Lane, one of north London's more economically mixed neighbourhoods.
Hoisted aloft by a rented cherry picker, the 42-year-old artist used stencils and paint to create Envision, an image of a giant, stylised eyeball design, set in the frame of a disused Victorian placard site on the wall of a local shop.
The unlikely public commission, carried out with any charge by the artist, was the almost accidental result of a wider community regeneration programme carried out by the local council, Haringey, and the green travel charity Sustrans.
In getting together to decide options for more pedestrian-friendly street layouts, locals pondered what to do with the crumbling and slightly tatty shop wall, and decided the existing frame left by the long-disappeared Victorian placard would be best filled by a mural.
James Straffon, a local who helped organise the project, went to a London art gallery specialising in graffiti artists to seek help.
He said: "The woman from the gallery asked: 'Ideally, who would you like?' I said: 'I know it would never happen, but Shepard Fairy.' She said: 'Shall I get in touch with him, then?' I stuck my neck out and said yes and sent them a diagram with the sizes, thinking nothing would happen. Literally a week later they said, he's interested and he's coming over."
Straffon says he remains unsure why such a celebrated artist would be interested in a relatively out-of-the-way location. He said: "I think what sold it was that it's an old Victorian billboard. I think they like the fact it's the old London thing."
Before Fairey arrived, Straffon and some neighbours spent a day preparing the wall, painting it in a specified shade of red for a background to the stencilled design.
The US artist and his team spent several hours in decidedly mixed weather putting the design in place. Straffon said: "He's come from west coast America to dreary, sodden London. He must be thinking: 'Great, I've got to do this.' It's quite windy, too."
Another oddity is that this is Turnpike Lane's second work by a globally-known street artist in a matter of months. Last month, a mural believed to be by Banksy, a rough UK equivalent to Fairey, appeared on the wall of the area's local Poundland shop, showing a child sweatshop worker sewing jubilee bunting.
George Washington's personal copy of the US constitution and bill of rights sold for $9.8m (£6.3m) at auction on Friday, setting a record for any American book or historic document.
Bidders at Christie's New York salesroom and others on the telephone competed for the first US president's signed, gold-embossed volume dating to 1789, which had a pre-sale estimate of up to $3m.
The non-profit Mount Vernon Ladies Association of the Union, which maintains the historic Mount Vernon estate in Virginia that was Washington's home and is now open to the public, was the successful bidder.
"The unique book had been in the Mount Vernon library until 1876, and will soon be returned to that library," said Chris Coover, senior specialist of books and manuscripts at Christie's.
The bound volume was Washington's personal copy of the Acts of Congress and is noteworthy for his bold signature marking it as his own.
The Acts of Congress include the Constitution, whose preamble promises to "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity," and the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the constitution, which establish such fundamental liberties as the right to free speech, press, assembly and religion.
Christie's described the book as being in near-pristine condition after 223 years. It was specially printed for Washington in 1789, his first year in office as president.
The margins include Washington's handwritten brackets and notations highlighting key passages concerning the president's responsibilities.
The Acts of Congress volume was sold from Washington's library at Mt Vernon in 1876 and eventually bought at auction by collector Richard Dietrich in the 1960s. It was being sold by the family's estate.
Similar volumes created for Thomas Jefferson, the first secretary of state and third US president, and attorney general John Jay, are in Indiana's Lilly Library and a private collection, respectively.
Rare books and manuscripts have achieved impressive prices in recent years.
An autographed manuscript of Lincoln's 1864 election victory speech sold for $3.4m in February 2009, which set a record for an American manuscript at the time. A 1787 letter written from Washington to his nephew on the subject of the ratification of the Constitution fetched $3.2m in December 2009.
performance@holmesandco-london.com
ASTON MARTIN ONE-77
Car No.40 of 77 Made.
The Client is seeking 1.2 Million Sterling for the Car.
The Cars were originally sold by Aston Martin for 1Million, plus costs.
Equivalent cars are available for 2 Million Sterling – 2.7 Million Dollars.
We are Offering the Car at 1.4 Million, but it should be considerably more.
Our Client wishes for the Sale to be Confidential, and approaching clients will need to provide documents
Wednesday 20 June 2012
On Tuesday night WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange applied for political asylum at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London after failing in his bid to avoid extradition to Sweden to face sex crime allegations. The 40-year-old Australian is currently inside the building in Knightsbridge, having gone there on Tuesday afternoon to request asylum under the United Nations Human Rights Declaration. The country's foreign minister Ricardo Patino told a press conference in the South American country that it was considering his request. In a short statement last night, Mr Assange said: "I can confirm that today I arrived at the Ecuadorian Embassy and sought diplomatic sanctuary and political asylum. This application has been passed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the capital Quito. I am grateful to the Ecuadorian ambassador and the government of Ecuador for considering my application." The computer expert, who was on £200,000 bail after failing in several attempts to halt extradition, attracted several high-profile supporters including Ken Loach and socialite and charity fundraiser Jemima Khan, who each offered £20,000 as surety. Other supporters included Bianca Jagger and veteran left-winger Tony Benn. The Swedish authorities want him to answer accusations of raping a woman and sexually molesting and coercing another in Stockholm in August 2010 while on a visit to give a lecture. Assange, whose WikiLeaks website has published a mass of leaked diplomatic cables that embarrassed several governments and international businesses, says the sex was consensual and the allegations against him are politically motivated. The Supreme Court last month ruled in favour of a High Court ruling that his extradition was legal. Last week the Supreme Court refused an attempt by him to reopen his appeal against extradition, saying it was "without merit". He had until June 28 to ask European judges in Strasbourg to consider his case and postpone extradition on the basis that he has not had a fair hearing from the UK courts. A statement issued on behalf of the Ecuadorian Embassy said Mr Assange would remain at the embassy while his request was considered.
Monday 18 June 2012
21-5 Million.
BUILDER Amels LOA 50.00m / 164’
YEAR 2001 BEAM 9.00m / 29’1’’
FLAG Cayman Islands DRAFT 3.10m / 10’
NAVAL ARCH Terence Disdale SPEED 12 knots cruising
HULL Steel ACCOM 12 guests
LYING Genoa ENGINES 2 x 1,200hp Cummins
MALIBU is a 50m motor yacht delivered by the world renowned Amels Shipyard in Holland with an original interior design by Terence Disdale and a complete refit in 2006 including new interiors by Reymond Langton. The yacht was built to Lloyds +100 A1 SSC G6 LMC, MCA.
This yacht has to be seen to experience the exceptional level of quality craftsmanship onboard.
MALIBU’S placement of the tenders on the bow leaves every deck clear for enjoying a lifestyle oriented by the sea. Alfresco dining options abound with cocktail tables on the main deck, and dining for 12 offered on both the bridge and sun decks. The sun deck has a built in sun pad and bar. For serious sun bathing, the forward area of the sun deck furnishes privacy, full sun and a sensational Jacuzzi.
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
Type: Displacement Hull
Builder: Amels Shipyard (Holland)
Hull no.: 437
Naval Architect: Amels Shipyard (Holland)/ Terence Disdale
Interior Designer: Reymond Langton
Construction Year: 2001
Refitted: 2006
Classification: Lloyds +100 A1 55C G6 LMC, MCA
Construction: Welded Steel
Crew: 12
Flag: George Town – Cayman Islands
Engines: 2 x Cummins 1200 hp
Transmission: 2 x Reintjes WAF 541
GRT: 610 tons
DIMENSIONS
LOA 50.00 m / 164’
Beam 9.00 m / 29’7”
Draft 3.10m / 10
SPEED & RANGE UNDER POWER
Maximum Speed (knots) 15 knots
Cruising Speed (knots) 13 knots
Economical Speed (knots) 12 knots
Fuel Consumption 448 litres per hour @ 15 knots 1800 rpm
370 litres per hour @ 13 knots, 1400 rpm
206 litres per hour @ 12 knots, 1400 rpm
Range 2955 nm @ 15 knots
3185 nm @ 13 knots
5016 nm @ 12 knots
CAPACITIES
Accommodation 12 in 1 x Master, 2 x Double, 2 x Twin, 2 x Pullman
Crew 11-12 Crew members in 5 cabins + Captain
Fuel 95,000 litres/25,096 US gallons
Fresh Water 17,400 litres/4,596 US gallons
Lube Oil 2,200 litres/581 US gallons
Dirty Oil 2,000 litres/528 US gallons
Grey/Black Water 5,300 litres/1,400 US gallons
Waste Water 21,400 litres/5,653 US gallons
Jacuzzi 3,200 litres/845 US gallons
ACCOMMODATION
Master Stateroom
On Main Deck the full width owner’s stateroom with en-suite bathroom, private office and salon. It is awash in natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows port and starboard. Enhancing the suite’s contemporary style is the Reymond Langton designed furniture finished in high-gloss macassar ebony.
VIP Cabin
On Lower Deck 2 x VIP double cabins wit en-suite bathrooms accommodate 4 guests. The contemporary theme of the whole interior of the yacht is evident in these staterooms
Guest Staterooms
On Lower Deck 2 x Twin cabins with 2x Pullmans with en-suite shower accommodating up to 6 guests. The contemporary theme of the whole interior of the yacht is evident in these staterooms.
Captain’s Cabin
Captain’s double bedded cabin with shower on the upper deck aft of the wheelhouse.
Crew
The Crew are accommodated in 5 twin cabins with en suite shower rooms on the lower deck forward.
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
Engines 2 x Cummins 1200 hp @ 1,600rpm
Engine hours Port: 8,301hrs; Starboard: 8,301hrs (Apr 2012)
Generators & Electricity 2 x 170 Kw Cummins @ 1500 rpm each
1 x 33kw Cummins @ 1500 rpm
Generator hours Port: 17,993 hours; Starboard: 18,326 hours (Apr 2012)
Electricity 380V volt/3-phase/50Hz
Stabilisers 1 x Vosper / Naiad, Zero Speed
Bowthruster 1 x HRP 200-60 Electric @ 140 hp
Air Conditioning 1 x Heinman/Hopman 3 zones +chiller plant
Water Maker 2 x Idromar reverse osmosis
Fuel Centrifuge/Separator 1 x Alfa Laval MAB 103 B-24
Passerelle 1 x Electric Hydraulic AI 50
INTERIOR / GALLEY / LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT
Galley
1 x Lohberger Oven
1 x Lohberger grill
1 x Lohberger deep fryer
1 x Lohberger stove (4 x induction)
1 x foster Refrigerator
1 x foster freezer
1 x Scotsman AC 45 Icemaker
1 x Metro Dishwasher
1 x miele microwave - oven
1 x Lohberger Grill
1 x Foster Walk-ins on tank deck
Crew Quarters/Mess
1 x Panasonic combination oven Microwave
1 x Liebherr pro line Refrigerator
1 x GEC Domestic Dishwasher
3 x Miele Professional WS5425 Washing Machines
3 x Miele Professional T5205C Clothes Dryers
1 x Miele Rotating HM 21-100 Irons
NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT
Magnetic Compass 1 x Cassens & Plath
Gyro Compass 1 x C Plath Mk1
Automatic Pilot 1 x C Plath Navi Pilot V hsc
Echo Sounder 1 x Furuno FCV 582 L
Radar 1 x Decca
Radar 1 x Furuno RCV 013
Transponder 1 x Furuno
DGPS 2 x Litton Marine
Charts 1 x Transas
Navtex 1 x ICS nav 5
AIS GPS 1 x Saab
Log 1 x Seaplath Naviknot III
Wind Instruments 1 x Walker P310
COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
SATCOM 1 x Sat TV Seatel
1 x Sat C Thrane & Thrane
1 x Sat Fleet 33
1 x Sat Fleet 77
1 x VSAT Seatel
VHF 2 x Sailor RT 4822
MF/HF 1 x Sailor HC 4500
Landline/Intercom 1 x Panasonic System
Miscellaneous 1 x Wi-Fi
DECK EQUIPMENT
1 x Anchor Windless System Steen
2 x Anchors 19-2-50
2 x Aft Capstans
1 x Marquipt Both, Port and Starboard
ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT
Main Saloon
1 x Surround sound plasma television
2 x Denon DVD player
1 x Denon amplifier
1 x Sat decoder
1 x Ipad
Sky lounge
1 x Surround sound plasma TV
1 x DVD Players
1 x Denon amplifier
1 x Sat decoder
1 x Ipad
Sundeck
1 x CD player
1 x Marrantz amplifier
Master Stateroom
1 x Surround sound 50’’Plasma TV
1 x DVD Players
1 x Denon amplifier
1 x Sat decoder
1 x Ipad
VIP Cabin
2 x 23’’HD
2 x DVD Players
2 x Denon amplifier
2 x Sat decoder
Guest Cabins
2 x 23’’HD
2 x DVD Players
2 x Denon amplifier
2 x Sat decoder
Crew & Captain’s Cabin
1 x 27” Plasma TVs
6 x 20” Plasma TVs
7 x DVD Players
2 x Sat decoders
General
1 x Crestron Multi Media System
1 x X-boxes in the guest suites for the kids on board
1 x LINN Audi throughout yacht
IPod docking stations throughout the yacht
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
PC/Printer: 1 x Asus , 1x Canon
Fax/Copier: 1 x Panasonic
Monitors: 1 x Samsung
TENDERS & WATERSPORTS EQUIPMENT
Tenders
1 x Custom 22ft. Tender with FNM HTLP 250 hp
1 x Novurania 22ft. 660XL Equator with 250 hp Yanmar
1 x Rescue tender Canguro 420 gs
Water Sports
1 x Yamaha Waverunner XL700
1 x Yamaha Jet Ski SL 700A
Snorkel gear & fishing gear, water skis, towable toys
Diving Compressor
1 x BAUER
Crane
1 x 2000 kg Yacht Tec JA01001
1 x 2000 kg Yacht Tec JA00379
SECURITY & SAFETY EQUIPMENT
1 x Panasonic closed circuit television (CCTV) system with
4x Cameras and motion detectors (main deck) + 4 cameras in the engine room
3 x CCTV Monitor screens in wheelhouse, crew mess room and engine room
4 x Door alarms: stern /aft escape, engine room escape, fire escape.
44 x Fire / heat / smoke detectors throughout yacht
2 x Fixed C) 2 Systems locates in Engine room and Galley
28 x Fire extinguishers in all places necessary
COMMENTS
MALIBU is a 50m motor yacht delivered by the world renowned Amels Shipyard in Holland with an original interior design by Terence Disdale and a complete refit in 2006 including new interiors by Reymond Langton. The yacht was built to Lloyds +100 A1 SSC G6 LMC, MCA.
This yacht has to be seen to experience the exceptional level of quality craftsmanship onboard.
MALIBU’S placement of the tenders on the bow leaves every deck clear for enjoying a lifestyle oriented by the sea. Alfresco dining options abound with cocktail tables on the main deck, and dining for 12 offered on both the bridge and sun decks. The sun deck has a built in sun pad and bar. For serious sun bathing, the forward area of the sun deck furnishes privacy, full sun and a sensational Jacuzzi.
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