travel.yourdailyslice.com

Gap Founder Drops Plans For Presidio Museum

Looks like Gap founder Donald Fisher will be taking his art elsewhere. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Fisher and his family have scrapped plans to build a contemporary art museum at the Main Post of San Francisco's Presidio. Earlier Fisher had scaled back the plans for his museum in San Francisco's Presidio to appease those who found the museum's first planned design a bit overwhelming. Fisher originally unveiled his plans for a contemporary art museum at the end of 2007. The Fishers had hoped to convince critics, San Franciscans, and regulatory bodies such as the National Park Service that the museum would be beneficial for the park.

Donald Fisher released a statement that said he and his wife would be taking some time to consider the future of their collection and other possible locations for the museum including some inside the Presidio, just not on the site of the former bowling alley that they had originally planned on. The statement also said that the decision was made "with disappointment and sadness." The Chronicle reports that an outside survey of possible impacts of various Main Post Presidio projects found that the scale of the museum, even with the newer more modest revision, was "inconsistent with the overall historical character of its setting."

In addition to the museum the Fishers had promised a $10 million gift to go toward turning the Main Post's parking lot into landscaped grounds but it's not known if that offer is separate from the museum gift. The comments on the Chronicle article are spirited, some are expressing relief that Fisher's plans won't come to fruition while others are disappointed that a museum which would have displayed a large contemporary art collection to the public may end up elsewhere. Given the hard times facing museums everywhere lately, it seems like it might be a better idea to endow a wing of an existing museum rather than create a new one out of whole cloth.

Filed under: Art, Wealth

Gap Founder Drops Plans For Presidio Museum originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Yankee Stadium Sod Up For Auction

Filed under: Auctions, Sports

Yankees fans can have a piece of the old stadium in their own back yard. Steiner Sports is selling the 20' x 20'; plot of sod from the area behind home plate that was used in the Yankees old stadium. The lot comes with the Yankee stencil, white sod paint, lawn flag, special grass seed and a letter of authenticity. Delea Sod Farms, the official sod farm of the NY Yankees[TM] will provide instructions to properly transplant the living sod into your own yard or local ball field and maintain it for years to come. The auction notes that the actual turf will be coming from northern New Jersey and will be shipped via a freight company which charges a steep $7.50 per mile away. Ten percent of the proceeds benefit Family Services of Westchester which provides social and mental health services for more than 30,000 people a year. The auction has a starting price of $15,000 and ends on July 9th.

[via The New Jersey Star-Ledger]

Yankee Stadium Sod Up For Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Will Christian Audigier Move Into Michael Jackson's Rental?

Christian Audigier, the permatan designer behind the flamboyant Ed Hardy style has made a quite a show of his sadness over Michael Jackson's passing. The Los Angeles Ed Hardy store features a billboard and large posters paying tribute to the star and showing Audigier together. Jackson appeared at Audigier's 50th birthday celebration in 2008 and the pair were spotted as recently as last February. Audigier has also said that he was working on merchandising with the King of Pop and that the two were planning on collaborating on a clothing line.

But the strangest rumor comes from TMZ. Their sources say that Audigier will be leasing the Holmby Hills mansion where Michael Jackson was living from Ed Hardy CEO Hubert Guez, who owns the estate. Jackson was renting the seven-bedroom home for $100,000 a month while he prepared for his London shows. Audigier plans to do business from the home and will move his company in to the estate by the end of the year.

Audigier was in London last night for the launch of his new Champagne, the latest addition to his line of wines. Decanter reports that cases of the Champagne wine were stolen from London's MoVida nightclub jours before they were to set to be poured and so still wines were served instead.

Will Christian Audigier Move Into Michael Jackson's Rental? originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Photo of the Day (7/2/09)

Filed under: Photo of the Day

Styggiti took this HDR shot at Kenwood, California. The tone mapping technique used isn't too unrealistic, and because of the wonderful detail and stunning sky, I think it deserves a spot in Gadling's Photo of the Day.

HDR photography combines three or more images that are shot at different exposures and combined using some sort of HDR software to create a rather stunning shot. Occasionally the pictures can look a bit too science fiction, but Styggiti managed to get just the right amount of detail in this picture of a winery in California.

Are you a Flickr user who'd like to share a travel related picture or two for our consideration? Submit it to Gadling's Flickr group right now! We just might use it for our Photo of the Day!

Photo of the Day (7/2/09) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spending Time With The Berry Butler

Filed under: Dining, Journeys

There's nothing like summer berries. It's no surprise that July is National Berry Month. This is the month of strawberry shortcake, fresh blueberries in your cereal and raspberries that leave your mouth stained a happy red. To celebrate this month of berries the the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, California will host an official Berry Butler courtesy of Driscoll's, the nation's leading provider of fresh berries. The Berry Butler will be on premise every Friday and Saturday, July 3 through August 1 to greet guests with fresh berries. The Berry Butler will also help young guests whip up fresh smoothies and will stage tastings. Tastings and berry treats for guests of the resort will be free of charge, compliments of Driscoll's berries. Other berrylicious events at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort include demonstrations by Executive Chef Marc Ehrler and cocktail and mocktail courses conducted by the Loews Mixology Team using Driscoll's strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.

Driscoll's has an alliance of independent farmers growing their berries and Loews hotels supports farmers as well. Their "Adopt-A-Farmer" program is an initiative supporting area farmers, fishermen and independent purveyors. At Loews Coronado Bay Resort, this includes partnering with 12 local farming communities and utilizing more than 60 seasonal herbs and vegetables from its own organic garden shown above.

Gallery: Berry Butler

Spending Time With The Berry Butler originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Dim Sum Dialogues: HKSAR Establishment Day

Filed under: Asia, China, Dim Sum Dialogues

Growing up in America, I've been accustomed to celebrating the 4th of July with the typical afternoon barbecues, long days at the beach, and nights of firework displays. When I found out that July 1st was Hong Kong's equivalent holiday, I guess I imagined similar celebrations - with seafood replacing the dogs & burgers and maybe a few more firecrackers set off in the streets. I was wrong.

I quickly learned that the laid back barbecues have been overlooked for good old fashioned demonstrations of free speech.

For those out there that might not know, Hong Kong was a territory of the United Kingdom since 1842, chosen for it's prime location as a trading port. In 1898, the UK received a 99-year lease of the New Territories, which is a large area of land that surrounds the existing downtown hub. As the lease was approaching expiration in 1997, British officials realized that it would be impractical to hand back only the New Territories. So, on July 1st, 1997 the entire region of Hong Kong was handed over to the People's Republic of China, under the conditions that China would treat HK as a special democratic region.

Continue reading Dim Sum Dialogues: HKSAR Establishment Day

Dim Sum Dialogues: HKSAR Establishment Day originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Philip Johnson Hamptons House for Sale at $35 Million

Filed under: Estates

A Hamptons beach house designed by Philip Johnson three years before the architect built his famous Glass House in New Canann, Conn. has come on the market for $35 million. Built in 1946 and based on plans drawn up by Mies van der Rohe, the modernist Farney House (above) is nestled in the dunes of Sagaponack supported on raised log piers. The house, which was expanded and updated by local architect Mark Matthews in 1989 - perhaps spoiling the purity of Johnson's work in the eyes of some - features a stunning glass-enclosed living room with spectacular ocean views. The 5,000-sq-.ft., 8-bed, 7-bath wooden residence sits on 3.6 oceanfront acres with 363 ft. of pristine Hamptons shoreline, and is accessed by a private road situated a substantial distance from any public beach access. The property includes a free-form swimming pool, tennis court, play area, putting green and basketball court incorporated into a beautiful landscape design, as well as a long boardwalk running from the house to the beach.

[via JustLuxe]

Philip Johnson Hamptons House for Sale at $35 Million originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Carlos Falchi Oversized Python Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Here's a clutch that's a little different than what I normally pick out -- it's luxe and glamorous but in an edgier, more organic way. It's the Oversized Python Clutch by Carlos Falchi and it has a very tribal vibe with the multi-colored hands showing off their large rings of brightly colored jewel appliques. Thanks to its neutral color palette this bag will go with quite a few outfits, although it's a bold piece that probably shouldn't be paired with too many other patterns or you could end up looking way too 'busy.' $1,510

Carlos Falchi Oversized Python Clutch, Handbag of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Take the kids off the tourist track in NYC

Certainly visitors to New York have their pick of world-class and iconic sites — the Museum of Natural History, the Empire State Building and Central Park — but there is a lot more to New York than the tourist track.

Celebrating the Sounds of Appalachian Strings

For 85 years, strummers, pickers and fiddlers have met in the North Carolina hills on a spring weekend to play homage to old-time music.

Copilot peeing in public cancels JAL flight from Honolulu

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, News

Of all the reasons to have your flight canceled, I'm pretty sure this one is high on the "no frikkin way!" list.

The copilot of JAL flight 75 from Honolulu to Narita was arrested by local police for urinating in a park. The copilot had consumed a bottle of wine and 5 bottles of beer, when the urge "to go" was clearly greater than the urge to find an appropriate place to relive himself.

When a police officer saw him, the copilot was arrested and delivered to the police station. He was then detained for two nights before being released after paying a $25 fine.

JAL issued a statement declaring that they "deeply apologize for causing inconvenience to the passengers".

My main concern is why a copilot is consuming so much alcohol. The only upside is that he was arrested on Tuesday, and his flight was not scheduled to depart till Thursday, leaving him plenty of time to get the alcohol out of his system.

You can see the actual flight status, and its cancellation over at Flightstats.com. The passengers had to be rebooked on other flights. If I were a passenger on this plane, I'd be mighty pissed (pardon the pun). I've heard a lot of reasons for a cancellation or delay, but a urinating copilot is a first.

Copilot peeing in public cancels JAL flight from Honolulu originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sizzling summer deals at Las Vegas hotels

If you want to stay where high-rollers do, now's the time.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Watch Set Safe

Filed under: Timepieces

I recently spoke about how the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grand Sonnerie watch and set (the most complex wrist watch in the world that comes with two other watches) was going to arrive in a safe as the presentation box. Well here is what that safe is going to look like, and there will be only 30 of these made. Each safe will be specially made by the German luxury safe company Doettling. Trust me that this is not even the most impressive watch safe that they have done. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica set safe will be made to look like a travel chest, but don't expect to move the 1,800 pound, six foot tall safe around with you easily.

Inside the safe is a watch lover's dream. Well, if you only own a handful of watches that is, and they are all happy being around Jaeger-LeCoultre branding. The innards of the case don't let you forget who "inspired" this horological refuge. The three watches in the Hybris Mechanica collection are prominently displayed in lit cubby holes, while eight watch winders flank the exhibit. The rest of the safe is reserved for other things, but you'll have to include them in between all the books and observation equipment that Jaeger-LeCoultre throws in the mix. Look at the pictures in the gallery and you'll notice various magnifying glasses as well as tools for your watch, plus other items likely hidden about.

The whole experience is pretty impressive for the select few who not only can afford the this ultimate trio of complex wristwatches, including the Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie (26 complications with a total of 55 complications for all three watches), but who place their orders now and can think of a suitable place in [one of] their homes for heavyweight safe to "live." The Jaeger-LeCoultre Hyrbis Mechanica watch set will cost you between $2.5 - $3 million depending on the exchange rate. The first of the 30 sets will be delivered in the fall of 2010 with the final orders being finished in 2014.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com

Gallery: Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Safe

Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Watch Set Safe originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Q&A: Day Trips From Limerick

"I'll be staying in Limerick and I would like to make short one- or half-day trips when I have free time."

Gadlinks for Thursday, 7.2.09

The weekend is almost here! Huzzah! Now here's a look at the best of the rest from the travel world...

Bootsnall lets you know how to get off the "Banana Pancake Trail" in Thailand.
Wronging Rights is one of the most well-written and funniest(?) blogs out there on injustice in the developing world. Do check it out.
Is this an incentive or a punishment for quitting smoking in Saudi Arabia?
The New York Times' Photojournalism blog features an interesting but depressing look at high-rise office buildings and the workers who occupy them in a series called Life Behind Glass.
Over at Vagablogging, Alison Brick has an interesting discussion with super-traveler Gary Arndt.

More Gadlinks here.

Gadlinks for Thursday, 7.2.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Watergate Hotel Facing Foreclosure

Filed under: Real Estate Developments

Last time we checked out the Watergate hotel back in 2007 the hotel was holding a liquidation sale in advance of a major renovation. Now the Washington Post reports that the infamous Washington D.C. hotel could be the latest hotel to head for foreclosure. Washington developer Monument Realty defaulted on a $70 million loan that came due this week. Monument bought the hotel five years ago and it has been closed ever since. Initially the developer planned to cash in on the real estate craze by turning it into luxury co-op apartments. Last year it decided to keep it as a hotel. Lehman Brothers was also a partner and equity investor in the property.

Michael J. Darby, a company principal and co-founder of Monument told the Washington Post that the company is still committed to the project and thinks the Watergate can be a "great hotel in the future." Monument is working with the lender, New York-based PB Capital, to restructure the loan. The Washington Business Journal reports that PB Capital has its own problems. Back in December PB Capital moved to foreclose on the Dumont Condominium.

The last few months have seen a rash of hotel projects facing foreclosure all around the country. The Watergate is at a distinct disadvantage because it is not open like many of the other hotels so there is no revenue coming in. What it does have is name recognition courtesy of Richard Nixon but it's not clear if that name can become associated with something more than scandal.

Gallery: Hotels In Transition

Watergate Hotel Facing Foreclosure originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Best bar in the world is not where you'd expect it

Filed under: Food and Drink, Europe, Netherlands

Lonely Planet and Singha beer released the results of their "best bar in the world" contest.

The winner is a small corner bar in the heart of Rotterdam called "De Witte Aap" (the white monkey).

I am at a total loss how this bar was able to reach the top spot - I have been there, and while it isn't a bad bar, it's miles away from being the best bar in the world.

In fact, there really isn't anything special about this bar. They do offer regular live entertainment and the same assortment of beer and snacks that you'll find at most decent Dutch bars, but compared to some of the amazing other bars around the world, De Witte Aap is nothing special.

When you check out the list of other bars that made the Lonely Planet lineup, you'll understand why I'm surprised they made a fairly basic bar in Rotterdam their top pick. Oddly enough, De Witte Aap never appears on any other "best bars of Rotterdam" lineup.

Best bar in the world is not where you'd expect it originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Top 5 favorite roadside stores and attractions

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, United States

There are roadside stores and attractions that are worth driving to. In some cases towns wouldn't exist unless it wasn't for the store. With the bounties of kitsch, confections, food, and often an array of items that offer endless possibilities of items to buy--or wonder who in his or her right mind would buy such a thing, some places are hard to resist.

According to the reader survey conducted by USA Today recently, these are the top five favorite roadside stores in the United States. I'm wondering why the term "store" was used because in two cases stores aren't involved at all. Bessie the Cow stands where she used to grace the front of a store called Oasis. Oasis was bulldozed under and a Menards was built on the land. If Oasis was great, why was it bulldozed under?

Still, it's an intriguing collection that offers ideas for places to head, either on their own, or when you're on the way to somewhere else. You'll see Bessie is number 4.

Continue reading Top 5 favorite roadside stores and attractions

Top 5 favorite roadside stores and attractions originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Flexjet Nabs Honors in Robb Report

Filed under: Journeys

Fractional jet firm Flexjet picked up props from the Robb Report in its 21st "Best of the Best" issue last month. A great way to keep the prolies away when you travel, this Bombardier-backed company offers "debit cards" for private jet access, so you can buy what you need rather than take on the hefty burden of maintaining your own bird. Both the Flexjet 25 Jet Card and Bombardier Skyjet program got nods from the magazine beloved by the world's wealthy.

Fred Reid, President of Flexjet and Skyjet, was obviously psyched about the results, saying, "By offering a full range of award-winning aviation solutions - from whole aircraft management through our Flexjet One program to fractional jet ownership, jet cards and charter - we are uniquely positioned to help companies and individuals best meet their changing needs."

A few new programs have been announced to give jetsetters more options. The revamped ""Walk Away Lease" program comes with a lot of the perks of fractional ownership ... but you can ditch it with only 90 days notice. And, roundtrip travel comes with a 15 percent discount.

The Flexjet 25 Jet Card is available in 25-, 30- and 35-hour increments and allows card-owners to choose how many days they want access: 275, 325, 355 or 365.

Flexjet Nabs Honors in Robb Report originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Flight attendant arrested for touchy situation

Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines

The next time you complain about the service from flight attendants, consider the opposite extreme. Jaime Daria Samia, an attendant on United Airlines, was arrested in Chicago after (allegedly) he allegedly rubbed the hand and arm of a 16-year-old passenger ... and kicked in a few inappropriate comments to make the situation worse.

The boy's father reportedly told police that this behavior persisted through the entire four-hour flight, even after the minor told Samia to stop. For not recognizing boundaries - or simply listening to the alleged victim - the 57-year-old FA will have to appear in Cook County Criminal Court on August 11, 2009 on a misdemeanor battery charge. He was released on $100 bond and is being "held out of service" pending the results of the investigation.

Flight attendant arrested for touchy situation originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Indonesian Minister: Tourists should wear masks

Filed under: Asia, Indonesia, News, Travel Health

Indonesian Health Minister, Siti Fadilah Supari has stated that the country will ask all people arriving from swine-flu affected countries to wear face masks for at least three days after arrival.

"Visitors from infected countries should wear masks. It's a precautionary measure we're taking to avoid human-to-human transmission of the virus," Supari told AFP. "We'll give them the masks when they arrive at the airports and tell them to wear them for three days."

So far 8 cases of the A(H1N1) Influenza virus have been confirmed, including three Australians and a Briton living in Australia.

"There'll be no penalty if people don't wear them. You can't expect people to wear masks when they're swimming," Supari said, adding the masks would be handed out to visitors as soon as possible. Supari made the shock announcement after a ministerial meeting to discuss swine flu.

It remains to be seen whether the Indonesian Health Ministry can get people to put the masks on correctly.

Indonesian Minister: Tourists should wear masks originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shaq Slept Here, Estate of the Day

Shaquille O'Neal's name doesn't seem to have done much for selling his own home but maybe his former rental will have better luck. Shaq finally sold his Miami home after it had been on the market for years getting $2 million less than he paid for it and just about half of his original $32 million asking price. A home that he rented in Paradise Valley, Arizona has gone through a deep price cut too. Both Shaquille O'Neal and Emmitt Smith did each rent this large house for a year. Shaquille O'Neal recently moved out with his family.

The five-bedroom home was built in 2002 and has approximately 8981 square feet of space. The grounds include a pool and there is a master bath that features a tub that might even have been large enough for Shaq. The home is on a two-acre lot and is located near golf courses and restaurants. The listing agent reports that the home was originally offered at $6.5 million but it can now be had for $3.6 million.

[Thanks, Mika]

Experience more lush living in luxury homes and mansions or see the stars living large with celebrity homes galleries at AOL Real Estate.

Gallery: Shaq Slept Here

Continue reading Shaq Slept Here, Estate of the Day

Filed under: Estates, Celebrity Shopping

Shaq Slept Here, Estate of the Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Life Nomadic: Visiting Cirque du Soleil's Roots

Filed under: Canada

One great perk of being a nomad is that you get to see great shows all around the world that you otherwise may not have access to. I've seen Les Miserables in London, Paul Potts in Japan, and a number of shows on Broadway in New York.

Trips through Vegas, which seem to happen at least once a year, always mean seeing a Cirque du Soleil show. As you may have guessed from my previous write-up on KA, I've become a huge fan.

Although Cirque has now become a quintessential staple of Las Vegas, the troupe was originally founded in Montreal. So when I heard that a new show, Ovo, was opening in the famous Grand Chapiteau on the waterfront of Old Montreal, I knew I had to go. Luckily I was scheduled to visit my girlfriend, also a Cirque fan, in nearby Toronto, so we made plans to head to Montreal.

After a spectacular cup of tea at nearby Ming Tao Xuan, which nearly warrants its own post, we walked through Montreal's pleasant weather to the tents.

Continue reading Life Nomadic: Visiting Cirque du Soleil's Roots

Life Nomadic: Visiting Cirque du Soleil's Roots originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Art in Pernambuco, Brazil: Vitalino and Brennand

Filed under: South America, Brazil

If you ask about influential artists from Pernambuco, Brazil, you'll likely hear the names Vitalino and Brennand. But despite both hailing from the same region and working with ceramics, they couldn't be more different. I've just had the chance to check out the work (and museums) of both.

Mestre Vitalino was the first to create the figurinhas (figurines) that are synonymous with northeastern Brazil. The colorful, beady-eyed, orange-clayed figures have become the region's modern-day folk art--the kind that would seem to have a much longer history. Vitalino was only 6 years old when he modeled his first figurine--an animal--and his art eventually expanded to include soldiers and musicians, then doctors and lawyers. Vitalino would've been 100 years-old this year on July 10th, although he passed away at the age of 54 in 1963.

I visited his former house in Alto de Moura, Caruaru; a modest four-room house made of--what else--clay. Made by--what else--Vitalino's own hands. It's there that one of his six sons, Severino, welcomed me to what's now the Museu do Mestre Vitalino. Severino is also a clay artisan (it runs in the family); one of the 1,000 in Caruaru. I left the museum wondering what it was like for a man who lived a poor and simple life to eventually have his work featured in the Louvre.

Although Francisco Brennand's gallery is just as antiquated--it's in an old sugar refinery--the artwork inside is not. (He's so with the times, in fact, that he's displaying a huge Obama banner outside.) The son of an artist, Brennand started out as a painter (often depicting himself as the wolf in the Little Red Riding Hood fable with semi-clothed protagonistas). But what he's most known for is his work as a ceramic sculptor.

His art that's displayed at Oficina de Ceramica Francisco Brennand--more than 2,000 ceramic pieces, from sculpture to tiles--is often abstract and erotic, sometimes broken but intentionally left that way. Outside is a sculpture fountain with nods to both the female form and Salvador Dali's work, and a sculpture garden designed by the landscape architect Burle Marx. Not a stranger to controversy, Brennand has been known to buck the system through his art, like figuring statues of soldiers in opposition of the military rule of Brazil's past (from 1964-1985). As an artist who's appreciated in his time, at 82 years-old, he's coming full-circle and beginning to return to his painting roots.

Art in Pernambuco, Brazil: Vitalino and Brennand originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chaumet Dandy Unique Timepiece For Only Watch 2009

More news from the Only Watch 2009 unique watch auction. While there are many unique watches that will be available I make it my mission to mention what I think are the best. Here is a "dandy" watch from French Chaumet. I really believe they need to re-think the title of this watch. No fellow man that I know would want to invest in a watch that is known as the "Dandy." Not even a dandy man. That might have worked 200 years ago. I have a feeling Chaumet does very poorly with this watch in Italy where machismo is the predominant style for watches. Despite the odd nomenclature, the watch is a great looking timepiece. Chaumet has taken the Dandy watch case and created a unique looking jumping hour complication with a subsidiary seconds dial all shaped nicely into the case. There is a "racing stripe" that goes down the middle side of the case and into the case as well. It is an interesting design cue and well played.

The watch is in solid 18k rose gold, as are the hands and hour markers on the dial that has a sunray pattern and is in black lacquer. The case is 40mm wide and has a Bovet style crown placed in the top of the case (there is a black onyx cabochon crystal in the crown as well). The watch has a Chaumet CP-12V-III automatic mechanical movement. Although it is a fashionable and unique watch, I like the design a lot a find it comfortable to ready. Too bad there will only be one of these watch available, ever. If you have your heart set on it, plan on being at Only Watch 2009 in Monaco on September 24th.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Filed under: Timepieces

Chaumet Dandy Unique Timepiece For Only Watch 2009 originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments