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October 15, 2007
Living smart: 'smart' bolsters market launch in the US with a unique concept in L.A.
Venice Beach/Los Angeles, CA., October 15, 2007 -- An exclusive studio building on Abbot Kinney Boulevard has been transformed into the "smart house", serving as the springboard for the US market launch of the 'smart' car in January 2008.
'smart' has begun preparations in the heart of the hip Venice Beach district, setting up a temporary showroom to demonstrate to customers, journalists and VIPs that the "smart fortwo" is much more than just an "economical, compact, and safe automobile."
"The 'smart' house will present the world and lifestyle of a typical 'smart' driver and convey the intrinsic values of this unique city car, showing visitors that bigger is not always better," says Anders Sundt Jensen, responsible for brand management at 'smart'. "We are putting forward a very personalized brand image, from the interior design to the presentation of the favorite leisure activities of 'smart' drivers and their attitudes to topics like the environment," continues Jensen.
While portraying the vibe of the 'smart' generation, the 'smart house' will also provide product information. Prospective buyers can receive consultation, configure their own 'smart' and take a test drive. Four 'smart fortwos' are on display inside the house. Visitors can reserve their very own 'smart fortwo' on the spot. According to the exhibitors, over 30,000 Americans have already reserved a fortwo on the company's website.
Events relating to the areas of environment and climate protection, music, fashion, fine arts and zeitgeist will fill the 'smart house'. Since 1998, 'smart' has worked in close collaboration with musicians, fashion designers and artists and has been linking itself with innovation, the development of new ideas and unconventional ways of thinking. It is these principles that 'smart' is looking to export to the US before the official sales launch in January 2008.
The 'smart house' on Abbot Kinney Boulevard 1319, Venice Beach, Los Angeles California would remain open from 11 October 2007 to 25 January 2008; Tuesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:19 AM | View the original post
October 14, 2007
Sony Ericsson introduces the K630 - turbo 3G and e-mail on the move.
London, UK - Sony Ericsson has announced the K630, a stylish all-rounder fully packed with all the features needed for managing work life as well as one's favorite pictures, video and music.
Available in two colors - Havana Gold and Quick Black - the new Sony Ericsson K630i keeps you in control, fully informed and entertained at all times. Weighing in at only 97 grams, the K630 delivers a PC-like Web surfing experience in a pocket-sized frame.
K630's 2.0 megapixel camera is always on-hand to shoot still pictures or moving images. These can be instantly shared with friends via MMS, email or postcard; or by uploading them to an online gallery.
The phone features an in-built Media Browser, meaning that there is just one location on the K630's menu to launch the music player, video player or photo gallery, and so access all of your in-phone content. The K630 comes complete with new Media Manager software in-box to let you easily move your favorite music, photos, videos and more between your PC and your phone. Music tracks or video clips are automatically converted into phone-friendly formats. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:21 AM | View the original post
Boeing Delivers Air India's First 777-300ER
SEATTLE, Oct. 14, 2007-- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Mumbai-based Air India celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplane. This is the first 777-300ER from Air India's order of 68 Boeing jetliners placed in December 2005. Air India's 777-300ER has a three-class configuration, including four first-class, 35 executive class and 303 economy seats. In July 2007, Boeing and Air India celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 777, a 777-200LR (Longer Range) Worldliner airplane. To date, Air India has received 14 airplanes from its December 2005 order, including three 777-200LRs (Longer Range) and one 777-300ER, and 10 737-800s for Air India Express. (Photo Credit: The Boeing Company) |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:22 AM | View the original post
October 13, 2007
Automakers Envision the Melding of Robotics and Cars
Southern California Automotive Design Studios Predict How Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Transportation in 50 Years.
LOS ANGELES · Oct. 13, 2007 -- Today's vehicles feature artificial intelligence that allow hands-free parking and electronic stability control, but in 50 years vehicles might be able to move in any direction, drive and navigate robotically and have structures that morph and adapt to passengers' needs.
This is according to auto designers as part of the fourth annual Los Angeles Auto Show's Design Challenge. Eight automotive design studios based in Southern California, including Audi, GM, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen created design concepts that envision the RoboCar of 2057. These futuristic designs adapt to a variety of environmental conditions and consumer needs, from battling LA's traffic vertically to turning pollutants extracted out of the air into fuel and even picking the kids up after soccer practice without the need for a human driver.
The designers entered two dimensional renderings and concept descriptions predicting how the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence will integrate into the automobile to make life safer, more convenient and more attractive to consumers 50 years from now.
Entries will be judged by Tom Matano of San Francisco's Academy of Art University, Imre Molner of Detroit's College for Creative Studies and Stewart Reed of Pasadena's Art Center College of Design. Special guest judge this year is robotics expert Chris Myers.
Entries in this year's RoboCar 2057 Design Challenge include:
• Audi of America Design Center California: The Audi Virtuea Quattro is a hydrogen-powered vehicle that functions as a solid unit at its core, while providing a myriad of possible holographic exteriors.
• General Motors Advanced Design: The GM-Onstar ANT features vehicle-to-vehicle communication to optimize traffic flow along with omni-directional propulsion provided by three independent Nanorb wheel systems.
• Honda Research and Development, North America: The 14 - One to the Power of Four is a solar-hybrid powered robotic commuter that allows carpoolers to use HOV lanes and once near final destinations, transforms from one into four separate vehicles.
• Mazda R&D of North America: The Motonari RX integrates the driver with the vehicle allowing the driver to experience the road psycho-somatically and also has 360 degree movement capability.
• Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America: The Silverflow utilizes micro-metallic particles that can be arranged via magnetic fields in many different forms based on pre-selected models and then be completely dissembled into a pool of ferromagnetic material.
• Nissan Design America: The Nissan OneOne is guided by a real-time GPS network and acts as both transportation and personal assistant with the ability to run errands or take children safely to school. It also adapts from performance car to city car by lying down for speed or standing up for better visibility.
• Toyota's Calty Design Research: The Biomobile Mecha can extract pollutants in the air and utilize it as an energy source. Nanotechnology also enables the structure of the vehicle to expand and contract horizontally and vertically for multiple uses.
• Volkswagen of America Design Center: The Slipstream adapts for city and freeway driving. These two-wheeled, teardrop shaped pods travel in an upright orientation that occupies one-fifth the size of a traditional vehicle and when on the freeway, tilts horizontally to be more aerodynamic.
The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers' conference that has evolved into an integral element of the Los Angeles Auto Show. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:17 AM | View the original post
October 12, 2007
Mercedes-Benz: From Benz Velo and Study A to A-Class : GlobalGiants.com
Fascinating innovation and ingenious disregard for convention: using modern technology to produce such a groundbreaking vehicle has always been the engineer's desire. In the history of Mercedes-Benz this vision has been realized time and again.
The Benz Velo initiated a paradigm change:
Photo: The world's first production car and the first small car: The Benz Velo of 1894.
Carl Benz wanted to develop an inexpensive and preferably lightweight motor car. To do this the design engineer looked beyond current automobile design which was still influenced by coach construction and borrowed from the bicycle. The Velo took its name from the latter as well as its wire spoke wheels. The modern Ackermann steering however came from the luxury-class Benz Victoria car, launched in 1893. The filigree Velo, launched in 1894, weighed barely 280 kilograms and was thus much lighter than the Benz Victoria. In its first version with a 1045 cubic centimeter displacement, its single-cylinder engine developed as much as 1.5 hp (1.1 kW) at 450 rpm and accelerated the car to a top speed of 20 km/h. Three forwards gears and one reverse gear provided distribution of the engine power.
Photo: Small, light and trendsetting: The Benz Velo of 1894 was one of the most popular cars of its day and age.
It worked extremely well, as we now know. Carl Benz (and also independently of him Gottlieb Daimler) managed to have their idea and finally also the Velo accepted - the 1200 units produced thus testified to the paradigm change from the horse-drawn carriage to the automobile. The appearance alone clearly illustrated this: next to horse-drawn carriages the Benz Velo appeared extremely light and agile with its filigree steel construction.
Photo: Modern production and large unit figures: The 8/20 hp Benz, shown here as a taxi with landaulet bodywork (1914).
Photo: Mercedes-Benz 130 sedan, 1933.
In February 1934, at the Berlin Automobile Show, Mercedes-Benz presented the 130 model. This car was a sensation and with various innovative designs it showed the way of the future: the sedan, known in-house as W 23, was the first Mercedes-Benz with a rear-mounted engine as standard and the first Mercedes-Benz of the small-car class. The model stood out with its aerodynamically optimized bodywork and small exterior dimensions.
1993 - Vision A 93 and Study A:
Photo: Motoring pleasure in a compact format: Vision A 93, a forerunner of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (1993)
Mercedes-Benz gave the public a foretaste of the A-Class in September 1993 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Here the Stuttgart-based company presented their Vision A 93, a car with front-wheel drive and a novel bodywork concept, in which the engine, transmission, tank and axles were situated beneath the passenger compartment.
Photo: Christina Aguilera celebrating the glamorous finale of the "Star Tour" for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class in Milan Sep 21, 2007.
In 1994 Mercedes-Benz showed the concept car, modified in details, under the name ' Study A' at the Geneva Motor Show. The American magazine "Motor Week" awarded the Study A the title "Best Concept Car 1994". The concept of intelligent lightweight design was developed later on for the A-Class. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:34 AM | View the original post
October 11, 2007
Special Edition of the New Motorola RAZR2 : GlobalGiants.com
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) today announced a special edition of the new RAZR2, available in limited quantities. The signature RAZR2 form factor has been re-imagined and reconfigured in the luxurious materials -- bathed in gold and clothed in snake-like skin, and includes a full suite of features and accessories for conscious consumers.
Design:
• Elegant 18K gold-plated accents showcase a luminous, black slate,
vacuum metal finish.
• A soft-touch back, embossed with a sensual snake skin texture.
• Ultra-slim design at 12.05 mm.
• Luxurious details such as elegant pin stripes on the CLI lens, an
engraved diamond-cut pattern on the sideband and a linear etching on
the navigation wheel.
RAZR2 V8 Luxury Edition is expected to be available beginning in the fourth quarter of 2007 in select regions. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:11 PM | View the original post
October 10, 2007
Timex Introduces Diamond Collection 2007
Timex will premiere a comprehensive diamond watch collection this October. The Timex(R) Diamond collection has been created to offer everyday luxury to women, and continues Timex's tradition of "making the exclusive accessible to all."
"The diamond collection speaks directly to a woman's desire for everyday luxury," said Timex Group Chief Marketing Officer Kate Shevack. "This collection draws from the heart of the Timex brand, having been inspired by Timex's iconic watch collections of the 1960s."
"We are confident that this stunning collection of Timex timepieces will represent a meaningful new chapter for the brand and provide women with an excuse to wear diamonds on a daily basis," says Shevack.
Founded in 1854, Timex Group is a privately owned company, which has been providing timepieces for over 150 years. With manufacturing plants and company offices in over 80 countries around the world, more than one-billion watches bearing the Timex brand have been sold world-wide. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:03 PM | View the original post
KILLERLOOP ADVERTISING -- FALL/WINTER 2007/2008
The label KILLERLOOP, originally designed for skate freaks, now goes further and the advertisements for the Killerloop of next autumn and winter speak a more universal language.
KILLERLOOP Urban Fusion works with the matte and shiny palette of urban grey: asphalt, smog, underground dimness, the metal of railings and tin cans. For the boys there are the varyingly padded blousons with faux fur edges, contrast linings, ribbing and quilting, comfortable trousers in denim and woven fabric and sweaters in wool and jersey with houndstooth check prints and lattice embroidery, and a well-proportioned and effective edging of screw studs, rings and reflector details. The girls are up to the challenge, adding flashy linings, small Prince of Wales checks with gusset pockets and decorative zips, glittered and laminated tattoo prints and shaped jackets with a waist belt. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:53 AM | View the original post
October 9, 2007
Guerlain Celebrates the Launch of the New Fragrance, My Insolence, With Hilary Swank
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 9 -- In her newest partnership with French beauty house Guerlain, Hilary Swank celebrated the launch of the new fragrance My Insolence by playing host to a small gathering of friends, tastemakers, and industry guests. The Oscar-winning actress, face of the new My Insolence ad campaign, welcomed guests on the Wine Terrace of the Hotel Bel-Air. To present this new Insolence, Hilary Swank posed for famed photographer Javier Valhonrat.
"My Insolence" is available at Macys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:29 AM | View the original post
Carnegie Medals Honors World's Great Philanthropists : GlobalGiants.com
The Tata family of India, Eli Broad, Heinz and Mellon Families to receive the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 9 -- Four of the world's greatest philanthropists will be honored at the Carnegie Medals of Philanthropy celebration at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17 at the Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh.
This year's honorees are the Heinz family, the Mellon family, Eli Broad and the Tata family. The medals, created to honor Andrew Carnegie's career as a philanthropist, are awarded every two years to families and individuals who have dedicated their private wealth to the public good and who have sustained impressive careers as philanthropists.
Photo: Contemplating Philanthropy
The master of ceremonies for the event will be former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw. Other notable presenters include Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former president of India; David Baltimore, a Nobel laureate in medicine and former president of the California Institute of Technology; Earl Powell III, director of the National Gallery of Art; and Agnes Gund, a 2005 Carnegie Medalist and president emerita of The Museum of Modern Art.
"Andrew Carnegie was determined to use his private wealth imaginatively, constructively, and systematically to address the fundamental problems of mankind, rather than simply to assuage symptoms," said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York and chair of the executive selection committee.
Photo: Carnegie Hall in New York City -- one of the Carnegie Institutions. Picture shows David Bernard conducting The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony at Carnegie Hall.
Created with the idea of serving as the "Nobel Prize for Philanthropy," the Carnegie Medals program began in 2001. This year's honorees cover a wide range of philanthropic efforts, both on the national and international stage:
• Eli Broad is a renowned business leader who built two Fortune 500 companies from the ground up over a five-decade career in business. He is the founder of both SunAmerica Inc. and KB Home (formerly Kaufman and Broad Home Corporation). Today, he and his wife, Edythe, are devoted to
philanthropy as founders of The Broad Foundations. With assets of more than $2.25 billion, The Broad Foundations are focused on entrepreneurship for the public good in education, scientific and medical research, and the arts. In an unprecedented partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University and the Whitehead Institute, the Broads gave $200 million to create the Eli and Edythe Broad Institute for biomedical research. In fostering public appreciation for contemporary art, The Broad Art Foundation is a lending library of more than 1,200 artworks that have been loaned to more than 400 museums and university galleries worldwide.
• India's Tata family gives away between eight and 14 percent of the net profits from its controlling company each year to myriad causes: science, medicine, social services, health, civil society and
governance, rural welfare, performing arts, education and the needs of children. The Tata family legacy stretches back to the 19th century, when Jamsetji N. Tata started the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. Tata family's philosophy of "constructive philanthropy" has become embedded in its businesses, and has played a role in changing the traditional concept of charity throughout India. The Tata family is considered one of the few philanthropic forces in India with the potential to facilitate collaborative action on the problems that threaten individual, local and national development.
• The Heinz family's sustained philanthropic giving has supported the environment, education, economic opportunity and the arts as well as efforts to enhance the lives of women and children. In 1995, the family made one of the largest grants ever to benefit the environment $20 million to establish the Washington, D.C.-based H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. The Center brings together representatives of business, government, the scientific community and environmental groups to collaborate on the development of fair, scientifically sound environmental policies. Teresa Heinz will accept the award on behalf of the family.
• The Mellon family's impact on philanthropic giving began with Andrew Mellon's donation in the 1930s of his extensive art collection to provide the beginnings of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. as well as the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. In 1969, Andrew's children Paul and Ailsa established the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, which supports museums and art conservation, as well as higher education and scholarship, information technology research, performing arts and conservation, and the environment. In Pittsburgh, the family helped to create and continues to support Carnegie Mellon University.
This year's event is sponsored by UPMC and United States Steel Corporation. The Carnegie Institutions from around the world are Carnegie Corporation of New York (U.S.), Carnegies Belonningsfound for Heltemond (Denmark), Fondazione Carnegie (Italy), Foundation Carnegie (France), Carnegie Mellon University (U.S.), Carnegie Hall (U.S.), Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh (U.S.), Fondation Carnegie pour les Sauveteurs (Switzerland), Carnegie Hero Fund Commission (U.S.), Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (U.S.), Carnegie United Kingdom Trust (U.K.), Carnegie Institution of Washington (U.S.), Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland (U.K.), Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (U.S.), Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs (U.S.), Carnegie Heltefond for Norge (Norway), Carnegie Dunfermline Trust (U.K.), Carnegie Hero Fund Trust (U.K.), Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (U.S.), Carnegiestiflesen (Sweden), Carnegie Heldenfonds (Netherlands), Fondation Carnegie (Belgium) and Carnegie Stiftung fuer Lebensretter (Germany). |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:37 AM | View the original post
October 8, 2007
Third Edition of the Michelin Guide New York City Released
NEW YORK, Oct. 8 -- Michelin today released the third edition of the Michelin Guide New York City. The Michelin Guide New York City 2008 contains more than 100 new establishments in this year's guide. The new edition features 619 establishments in all, a number that includes 565 restaurants -- representing 46 types of cuisine -- and 54 Manhattan hotels.
Nearly 22 percent of the Michelin Guide New York City selection is comprised of highly affordable restaurants. While the Michelin Guide is known around the world for its famous stars, these restaurants account for just five percent of the selection.
Present in North America since late 2005, the Michelin Guide has two local editions: The Michelin Guide New York City, now in its third edition, and the Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & the Wine Country, of which a second edition will be in bookstores on Oct. 24. Two new North American guides will be published in November: the Michelin Guide Los Angeles 2008 and the Michelin Guide Las Vegas 2008.
In Europe, the collection currently comprises 17 Michelin Guides, including English-language versions of the Michelin Guide France and the Michelin Guide Paris. The Michelin Guide is also making its entry into Asia with the publication of the first edition of the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2008 in November. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:53 PM | View the original post
Closing of Paris Fashion Week - First Row at Louis Vuitton Show Spring Summer 2008
Photo: Louis Vuitton Show Spring Summer 2008 -- Elodie Bouchez, Catherine Deneuve, Yves Carcelle, Kanye West, Alexis Phifer, Dita Von Teese.
Photo: Louis Vuitton Show Spring Summer 2008 -- Zoe Cassavetes, Sofia Coppola, Pharrell Williams, Marc Jacobs, Courtney Love.
Photo: Louis Vuitton Show Spring Summer 2008 -- Marc Jacobs, Victoria Beckham.
Photo: Louis Vuitton Show Spring Summer 2008 -- Zoe Cassavetes, Sofia Coppola, Lee Radziwill.
PARIS, Oct. 8 -- The house of Louis Vuitton, with Marc Jacobs as Artistic Director, closed fashion week in Paris with it's Spring Summer 2008 collection in the historic "Cour Carree" of the Louvre.
Yves Carcelle, President of Louis Vuitton received the international press and personalities such as Victoria Beckham, Elodie Bouchez, Zoe Cassavetes, Sofia Coppola, Jamie Cullum, Sophie Dahl, Catherine Deneuve, Courtney Love, Richard Prince, Lee Radziwill, Ludivine Sagnier, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Dita von Teese. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:29 AM | View the original post
October 7, 2007
Launch Party for the New Chloe Fragrance: Chloe Eau De Parfum
PHOTO: CHLOE EAU DE PARFUM PARTY, PARIS.
PARIS, Oct. 7 -- On Saturday, October 6, 2007, the Coty Prestige fragrance company organized a major event at the Hotel de la Monnaie in Paris to present the new Chloe fragrance to the international press, VIPs and trendsetters from all over the world.
PHOTO: CHLOE EAU DE PARFUM PARTY, PARIS - CLEMENCE POESY, MICHELE SCANNAVINI (PRESIDENT COTY PRESTIGE) ANJA RUBIK, RALPH TOLEDANO (CEO OF CHLOE), CHLOE SEVIGNY.
Michele Scannavini, President of Coty Prestige, and Ralph Toledano, CEO of Chloe, welcomed almost 800 people to the Hotel de la Monnaie, redecorated for the occasion in the style of the new fragrance.
PHOTO: CHLOE EAU DE PARFUM PARTY, PARIS - ENGLISH SUPERMODEL LILY COLE
The three muses from the advertising campaign also attended the party: French actress Clemence Poesy, on the big screen shortly in the new film by Martin McDonagh, In Bruges; American actress Chloe Sevigny, starring in the series Big Love; and finally, Anja Rubik, top model who can also be spotted in the Chloe fashion campaigns.
PHOTO: CHLOE EAU DE PARFUM PARTY, PARIS - LUDIVINE SAGNIER AND JULIE DEPARDIEU.
The highly awaited fragrance was showcased in a room reserved only for women, who were able to discover the fragrance with its powdery rose notes. They were also invited to have their photos taken in a setting that evoked the advertising campaign. The guests included Lily Cole, Mary-Kate Olsen, Aure Atika, Ludivine Sagnier, Ellen von Umverth, Joey Starr, Julie Depardieu.
Chloe Eau de Parfum will be available in February 2008. Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:21 AM | View the original post
New York City Columbus Day Parade: Gondoliers arrive in NYC
Photo: After a six(6)-day, more than 150 mile journey down the Hudson River, an international crew of gondoliers arrive in Manhattan, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007. The gondola and crew will be featured in the New York City Columbus Day parade on Monday, Oct. 8, 2007. (Photographer: Brian Benson) |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:49 AM | View the original post
October 6, 2007
Baldwin Piano Releases Wild Designs and Customized Paints with New Line of Pianos
Photo: Baldwin Piano French Quarter -- Drawing inspiration from the extravagant feathers of the peacock, this high polished mahogany grand features rich pink inlays throughout the music desk, legs and bracket.
Photo: Baldwin Piano Beauty in B Minor -- With its rich tones of gold and burgundy this piano was designed to replicate the painting Beauty in B Minor by abstract artist MichaelEthridge.
Photo: Baldwin Piano The Flame -- Hand painted hot rod flames and intricate pin-striping.
Photo: Baldwin Piano The Zebra -- bold black and white piano, which features a red plate, nickel hardware, and red, white and black keys.
Photo: Baldwin Piano Tropical Sunset -- Purple and pink hibiscus flowers and a tropical sunset cover the lid, rim and music desk of this white high polished grand piano.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 6 -- Baldwin Custom House continues to change the face of the piano industry through its focus on innovative and creative hand-built, limited edition designs. The company has created the "Exotic Collection" with wild designs and customized paints. Each piano boasts its own dramatic, exotic, fun or elegant custom paint job. From a striking striped zebra print to a whimsical abalone white grand, to a tied-dyed design with a happy face and one with a Hawaiian style sunset, Baldwin Custom House has created pianos that can serve as works of art in any finely designed home or as a stylized gift to fit any personality.
According to Baldwin Custom House, its focus is on the finest quality and artistic flavor available to create a fine piece of art. Highly skilled craftsmen and artists have been hired to ensure the highest level of excellence, and an apprenticeship program has been launched to train the artisans of the future.
Baldwin has been "America's Favorite Piano" since 1862, when former music teacher D.H. Baldwin opened his music store in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the turn of the twentieth century, Baldwin pianos won international awards, and by the end of the century, Baldwin was the largest American piano maker. Baldwin joined Gibson Guitar Corp. in 2001. Gibson Guitar Corps' family of piano brands include D.H. Baldwin, Howard, Hamilton, Chickering, Wurlitzer, J&C Fischer, Nordiska, and Sunshine. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:41 AM | View the original post
October 5, 2007
The Future is Electric for Nissan : GlobalGiants.com
TOKYO, October 5 -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today unveiled the Pivo 2, an advanced electric concept car that will debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. Pivo 2 builds on the popularity of the first Pivo, shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and featuring a unique rotating cabin - meaning no reverse gear required - the first Pivo became a cult hit at shows from Beijing to Geneva.
Pivo 2 takes the idea of an environmentally friendly electric urban commuter vehicle and delivers fun, functionality and a unique relationship between the car and driver. Pivo 2 is powered by advanced Compact Lithium-ion Batteries and employs 'by-wire' technologies for braking and steering.
Where the first Pivo, with its fully rotating cabin design, made reversing obsolete, the Pivo 2 takes that easy mobility concept to a new level. Each of the four wheels are powered by Nissan's advanced electric In-wheel 3D Motor and can turn through 90 degrees to allow Pivo 2 to drive sideways as well as forward.
Thanks to the innovative Robotic Agent, you are never alone in the Pivo 2. With conversations possible in Japanese and English, the Robotic Agent has been created to work with Pivo 2 to make every journey less stressful. It provides a unique interface through which to communicate with Pivo 2 on everything from basic vehicle functions through to the nearest available parking.
Pivo 2 will be on display at the Nissan Ginza Gallery in Tokyo, for an exclusive public sneak preview ahead of the Motor Show. Pivo 2 will then be exhibited - together with four other exciting production and concept vehicles at the Tokyo Motor Show, starting October 27. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:40 AM | View the original post
Nike Opens New NIKEiD Studio in New York
Nike today announced the opening of its first NIKEiD Studio at Niketown in New York City, giving consumers a more hands-on design experience and the power to design and create footwear, apparel and equipment for themselves, for their friends, and even to be purchased by others around the world.
The NIKEiD Studio is a consumer destination for designing, personalizing and customizing Nike performance and sport culture footwear, apparel and equipment, and marks the beginning of a design community, both virtual and hands-on, for consumers to share ideas for NIKEiD.
Pilot NIKEiD Studios have opened in Paris, France and Osaka, Japan with New York being the first comprehensive space which will be followed by Niketown London in November.
The Niketown New York location also features a unique touch screen in the front window of the store where consumers will be able to design on the street before an audience. People will be able to email their designs from the touch screen to their friends, to their home computer or even purchase the design inside at Niketown. The screen will display a rotation of shoe designs from around the world that have been made by consumers at http://www.nikeid.com/ within the past hour. Each shoe posted will have the designer's name, the name of the creation, their country of origin, and the time it was designed.
This new permanent installation on the fifth floor of Niketown puts the consumer in control of the design process and extends the NIKEiD experience beyond the computer screen where it has lived at http://www.nikeid.com/ almost exclusively since its inception in 1999.
Consumers are greeted by a personal Design Consultant, their navigator through the world of design, at the beginning of each 45 minute session. The Design Consultant assumes the role of personal advisor, sounding board and confidante all rolled into one. He or she will help the consumer tap into their design potential. Once complete, designs can be purchased at Niketown and delivery scheduled.
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:34 AM | View the original post
Piper Aircraft Unveils the Piper Matrix: A Cabin-Class, Six-Seat Aircraft That Blends Performance and Luxury
HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 4 -- AOPA EXPO 2007 -- Piper Aircraft, Inc. unveiled the Piper Matrix, a cabin-class, six-seat aircraft based on the world-renowned Malibu Mirage and operating with the economy of an unpressurized aircraft, making it a good blend of luxury, performance and value.
In making the announcement here October 4, Piper executives underscored that the Matrix delivers unsurpassed luxury in a niche currently unfilled in general aviation - cabin-class, high performance aircraft, with standard air- conditioning, at a low price, |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:27 AM | View the original post
October 4, 2007
Di MODOLO Announces Catherine Zeta-Jones as the New Face of the Brand
Diamond Jewelry House Premieres the Tempia Timepiece Collection and Di MODOLO Haute Couture.
NEW YORK, Oct. 4 -- The jewelry house Di MODOLO has announced actress Catherine Zeta-Jones as the new face of the company. The Di MODOLO campaign, featuring Mrs. Zeta-Jones, will debut in the November 2007 issues of top fashion and lifestyle publications, including: W, Vogue, In Style, and Town and Country. She will be representing all facets of the brand that has expanded to include the new TEMPIA Timepiece Collection and Di MODOLO Haute Couture. She will celebrate the campaign today at an exclusive reception at the flagship store in New York City.
The Di MODOLO brand has evolved since its launch in 2001. To continue this trend, the brand has created Di MODOLO Haute Couture. Di MODOLO Haute Couture combines chic design with beautiful diamonds. The pieces are typically singular, exclusive, or limited edition. Continuing in their effort to revitalize the high-end jewelry market, Di MODOLO also launches the much anticipated TEMPIA Timepiece Collection. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:50 PM | View the original post
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND: GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE INITIATIVE
Sixteen celebrities have signed World Wildlife Fund "Hotter than I Should Be" t-shirts to be auctioned off on eBay starting today with funds going to support WWF's global climate change and other conservation initiatives. T-shirts have been signed by Kevin Bacon, Candice Bergen, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Gisele Bundchen, Cindy Crawford, Harrison Ford, Scarlett Johansson, Tobey Maguire, Paul Newman, Rachael Ray, Susan Sarandon, Charlie Sheen, Martin Short, Oliver Stone and Betty White.
The WWF "Hotter than I Should Be" t-shirts are made of 100 percent organic cotton and are available for a donation of $50 or more. The t-shirts are part of WWF's campaign to raise awareness about the causes and impacts of climate change. WWF is working to stop climate change by providing cutting-edge science, championing policies to reduce carbon emissions and mobilizing businesses to drive new and innovative solutions. With a team of dedicated experts working in more than 50 countries, WWF is focused on four areas where it can have the most impact: creating responsible global warming policies; working with businesses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions; implementing adaptation plans to help the planet respond to the effects of climate change; and protecting forests that help mitigate climate change.
The largest multinational conservation organization in the world, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:07 AM | View the original post
