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America’s First Book Sells for Record $14 Million


The first book written in what is today the United States of America fetched $14.2 million in New York on Tuesday, becoming the world’s most expensive printed book sold at auction.

The translation of Biblical psalms “The Bay Psalm Book” was printed by Puritan settlers in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1640 and sold at a one-lot auction in just minutes by Sotheby’s.


The book, with its browning pages and gilt edges, was displayed in a glass case behind the auctioneer to a relatively small crowd which attended the less than five-minute auction in person.

The settlers, who came to America to seek religious freedom, had set about making their own preferred translation from the Hebrew original of the Old Testament book after arriving from Europe.


The 2014 Corvette Stingray Premiere Edition Convertible


Announced just in time for Christmas, only 550 examples of the Corvette Stingray Premiere Edition Convertible will be built. To make absolutely certain that onlookers know the car is special, each one will be finished in Lime Rock Green paint with a brownstone suede interior, accented with carbon fiber.

The dashboard will also carry a plaque denoting the car’s limited edition status, and Chevrolet will be issuing the cars with a unique VIN sequence too.

And thanks to a variable tuned performance exhaust system and the Z51 Performance package, helping to make the most of its 6.2-liter V8, this collectable car is more than just a pretty face.

The first examples will be arriving in US showrooms at the start of 2014 and each one will carry a price ticket of $77,450, including destination and delivery fees. So better get your order in fast.

Canada sells London diplomatic mansion for $500M


Canada has sold the John A. Macdonald building, the mansion in London that is home to some of the country’s diplomatic activities in the U.K.

Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Gordon Campbell confirmed the sale Thursday of One Grosvenor Square, which went to an Indian developer, Lodha Group, for $530 million (£305 m).

About 250 diplomatic staff based in the Macdonald building will be consolidated in Canada House, which is about half a kilometre away, in a move to save money.

Sources: CBC - Propgoluxury

Cara Delevingne and Friends for La Perla Lingerie




After the sneak preview via Instagram (first photo below), Cara Delevingne’s spring/summer 2014 La Perla campaign is revealed for the first time in full, photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott with styling by Ludivine Poiblanc. The campaign for the Italian lingerie brand also features fellow models Liu Wen and Malgosia Bela.Undoubtedly the “it girl” of the moment, Cara Delevingne has appeared in campaign after campaign throughout the year. In recent months, she posed for Pepe Jeans, Fendi, DKNY, and Mulberry.







Stunningly Inviting Shenzhen Restaurant Boasting Attention to Details


The GAGA restaurant welcomes guests in an inspiring setting. The brand behind this particular restaurant accentuate their attention to details using shapes, colors and light in decorating the place where individual taste is happily satisfied: “Gaga’s care for quality is also visible in other details; from individually customized tableware to decorative pieces. No two items are alike, and each item is selected with the greatest care.”

Natural colors were braided into a highly contemporary restaurant design imagined by Coordination Asia. The deli and eatery in Shenzhen, China combines rustic wood with hues of brown and green cleverly lit to compose a warm but glamorous atmosphere. Wooden lamellas shaping the ceiling are reminiscent of sun rays. Within this unique space, floor panels draw clients inside only to surprise them when blurring into sophisticated marble floors.



Wooden shelves impose a geometric burst of energy also seen in the seating arrangements that “enable Gaga to handle high capacity while maintaining a homely and cosy atmosphere”. This welcoming environment was designed to suit people who love having coffee with friends or creative professionals on their breaks. Evenings bring a serene lounge atmosphere under dimmed lighting and jazz tunes.














7 things to do in South Beach


South Miami Beach is one of the most vibrant locations in the United States. The locals have an ‘anything’ goes attitude toward life, and it makes for a fun and exciting atmosphere.

Here’s a list of things to do and see while in South Beach area.

Beaches



This is a no brainer. Of course you go to the beach. The beaches are gorgeous. The water is warm and relaxing. The South Beach area around Lummus Park will get particularly crowded – especially on the weekends. If you want a little breathing room, move north up the beach to find a spot. Spend the $20-30 for a couple of chairs and an umbrella, and hang out all day.

Khong River House – There are a multitude of wonderful restaurants in the South Beach area. Experiment and enjoy, we recommend. But one of our favorites on a recent trip to the area was the Khong River House. Located on Meridian Avenue, just off the Lincoln Mall area, the Khong River House serves food based on the cuisine of northern Thailand. The menu is unique and inspiring. Traditional noodle-type dishes were mixed with stews, pork, chicken, prawns and duck entrees. And so much more.



The wait staff was one of the most knowledgable we’ve come across – plus extraordinary friendly.

As a bonus, the Khong River House has one of the best gin selections around (the restaurant specializes in the spirit).

Khong River House was recently named a semi-finalist for best new restaurant by the James Beard Foundation.

Hole-in-the-wall eateries – The food in Miami Beach is a treat. Unfortunately, much of what you see is pretty generic stuff, aimed at satisfying tourists instead of promoting great cuisine. But some of the best food wasn’t the priciest or fanciest. It was the small hole-in-the-wall eateries that abound that offered some of the most satisfying food. Most of these are found a couple of blocks west of the beach. Alma Mexican, on Washington Avenue, had fabulous burritos. And the pizza from Hot Sobe Pizza and Pasta (also on Washington Avenue), was great.

So, venture away from the main touristy areas and try the local food. You’ll be quite satisfied. Plus, it’s much better on your pocket book.

Espanola Way – Located a few streets west of Ocean Drive, right off Washington, Espanola Way is a several blocks of vibrant fun and excitement. The area was originally built in the mold of a Mediterranean village, like those found in France and Spain. It was originally a destination for the high society of Miami Beach, then later gangsters like Al Capone. The area fell in disrepair, but has been revitalized over the last few decades. It now houses numerous restaurants, bars and shops.



Visit Espanola Way – even just for a walk – especially at night when the lights are lit and the people are having a good time. Our favorite thing to do sit outside and enjoy a drink. The infectious atmosphere is wonderful. The food on Espanola Way can be a bit pricey, but the atmosphere is worth it. On our recent trip, we had a great time at Havana 1957. The food was solid, but the rum drinks were great and the service was top notch.

Lincoln Mall – If you’re looking to shop, Lincoln Mall is the place to go. Dozens of shops and restaurants line the wide and ever stretching area. You’ll find just about everything here – high priced galleries, an Apple Store, bookshops, and endless clothing stores and boutiques – from the simple to the big name brand.

The food on Lincoln Mall is hit or miss. And at times, pricey. But lots of outdoor seating makes it attractive.

Boardwalk – A trip to Miami Beach isn’t complete without a stroll down the boardwalk. Stretching for several miles, the boardwalk allows you to check out the ocean view on one side, and the hotels on the other. If you don’t want to walk it, rent a Segway or bike.

If you decide to walk the length of the boardwalk, do so in the morning, when the heat isn’t so intense.

Ocean Drive – Situated just across from Lummus Park, Ocean Drive is a legendary party zone. There are dozens of hotels and bars on the drive (or just off it), many famous for late night parties. But aside from partiers galore, Ocean Drive offers several top-notch things to do.



Art lovers will want to visit the Art Deco Museum located at the southern end of the area.

The party reputation aside, Ocean Drive offers some first class hotels and restaurants. We recommend visiting the historic Betsy Hotel. The boutique hotel is a first class.

Finally, nothing beats Ocean Drive for people watching. We loved to just pick a bar and sit back with a drink and watch the colorful world of South Beach go by.

Modern Building As a Metaphor for Healthy Skin: Obagi Skin Health Institute



Obagi Skin Health Institute in Laguna Beach, California showcases an interesting architecture that comes to show how visual appeal is important whether we’re talking about skin or design. Designed by Horst Architects, this medical boutique, retail and educational facility was built for ZO Skin Health. An authority in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Zein Obagicreated the standards by which skin conditions can be treated regardless of skin color or age, making him an innovator through his teachings of how to maintain a healthy skin.

This skin health institute boasts a modern architecture that mirrors the doctor’s focus on living a fulfilled life in a healthy skin. Shapes displayed by this building, as well as the materials used to build it were used to hint to what goes on inside: “Two principal walls of silver travertine organize the interior and exterior spaces while also reflecting the subtle, corporeal contours of the skin. Natural light enters the interior spaces through continuous fissures where these walls meet the ceiling planes. The wood planks are composed of a sustainable and maintenance free composition of wood-based fibers and thermosetting resins. The soft, warm tactile quality of the wood planks create a sensuous juxtaposition to the stone. Smooth, integrally colored stucco walls are the more neutral, connective tissue between the stone and wood plank walls. A central feature in the entry sequence is a green, living wall wall which morphs into a beguiling face.”