the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

After successful initial testing of the vehicle concept, the decision for a series-production vehicle was quickly made. The BMW i8 Concept is the next step in the evolution of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. The result: The most progressive and innovative sports car of its time. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.

http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=EvJ&sa=N&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=800&bih=461&tbm=isch&tbnid=1aZNKK997dPbIM:&imgrefurl=http://www.worldcarfans.com/112042443733/bmw-i8-concept-spyder-debuts-in-china---announces-edrive&docid=rBhpV3R1auna0M&imgurl=http://cdn3.worldcarfans.co/2012/4/24/big/92878679360626267.jpg&w=660&h=439&ei=uaDLUKvZHa7EiwKMuIHYBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=484&vpy=148&dur=5081&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=217&ty=122&sig=111193758442730049663&page=5&tbnh=147&tbnw=214&start=44&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:51,s:0,i:250

the Urban SUV Concept

Up until a few months ago, Honda was accused by many of being lethargic with the release of their products in terms of its competitors and of course the lack of a diesel option. Now, Honda has already launched their diesel based hatch and sedan; the Honda Brio and Amaze. Now to the question of new products; Honda has recently released a teaser image of their latest offering; the Urban SUV Concept. The image is not very clear on th details of the vehicle but with a little educated guessing we figured this to be the long promised Honda Jazz based SUV. The Urban SUV concept will be first showcased in the upcoming Detroit Motor Show to be held in January.

http://www.cardekho.com/india-car-news/honda-urban-suv-concept-teaser-image-9358.htm

801 TOWER

Chinatrust Bank has agreed to move its U.S. headquarters from Torrance to downtown Los Angeles.

The bank will rent two floors in 801 Tower, a company representative said. The high-rise is in the financial district north of Staples Center.

“We wanted to be in a major financial area,” said Brian Gregson, head of Chinatrust U.S.A.’s retail banking group. “This is the early stage of getting our ducks in a row to start some expansion.”

The bank’s name will be affixed on top of the 25-story tower at 801 S. Figueroa St., he said.

Taiwan-based Chinatrust has 12 branches in the United States, seven of which are in Southern California. The bank will move about 175 employees to the new headquarters by the middle of next year, Gregson said.

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-chinatrust-bank-headquarters-20121130,0,5588987.story

Mary Pickford Rediscovered

Mary Pickford was Hollywood's first superstar and one of the founders of the Academy. In this lavish 256-page tribute, her enormous and wide-ranging body of work is illustrated with fabulous film stills, rare production shots, and personal photographs – most never before published – from the Academy's Margaret Herrick Library.

Today's audiences – even the Hollywood film industry which she helped create – have little knowledge of Pickford's films, let alone of her enormous behind-the-scenes power as one of the art form's pioneering producers and cofounder of United Artists. This first illustrated filmography of Pickford's career accords her achievements the recognition they deserve. Noted film historian Kevin Brownlow (The Parade's Gone By...and Behind the Mask of Innocence) draws on interviews with Pickford and her circle to provide entertaining film-by-film commentaries full of wonderful anecdotes about the silent era.

http://www.oscars.org/academy/posters-books/books/pickford.html

Musee d’Orsay

At Musee d’Orsay, I’ve gained a new perspective of impressionistic paintings. Impressionistic paintings are not exactly impressive, but they are definitely unique and mark the beginning of a new era in art. Unlike conventional artworks, impressionistic paintings do not emphasize on the outlines of the subject matter, the emphasis is placed on colors instead. Most figures do not have defining lines, but stand out from one another due to color contrasts and the techniques of application of paint. Impressionists do not look into details, but they have a play with brushstrokes and paint. Although it seems like much less effort is taken to complete an impressionistic painting, it is remarkable how impressionism successfully achieved what photography could not.

http://designercityline.wordpress.com/2010/09/22/writing-gcp-london-paris-reflection-taken-from-gcp-booklet/

"creating a park-like atmosphere that is communal"

The developers of a proposed $31-million hotel near Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles are ready to seek city approval to construct an indoor-outdoor complex in the brick shell of a condemned apartment building.
Plans call for gutting the empty three-story building at 1130 S. Hope St. that was erected more than a century ago and is no longer structurally sound. The developers would build inside the perimeter of the old exterior walls, creating a landscaped open-air courtyard leading to a new tower with 44 guest rooms.

A separate glassed-in structure for an artist in residence would also be built on the Hope Street side. On top of the ninth floor of the tower would be a swimming pool — and three suites that would hover on stalks above the pool. Like the courtyard, the roof would be landscaped with trees and plants.

“It’s about creating a park-like atmosphere that is communal,” said Sam Marshall, who is designing the plans for the yet-unnamed hotel. Marshall is part of a development partnership, led by former Manhattan Beach insurance salesman Kevin Burke, that bought the property last year for $2.1 million.

Rendering of a proposed boutique hotel at 1130 S. Hope St. in Los Angeles. The tall building at left is an existing condominium tower. (Sam Marshall / November 2, 2012)

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-boutique-hotel-downtown-20121102,0,5291241.story 

The JFK Library

The JFK Library, which opened in 1979 in an I.M. Pei–designed building, is dedicated to the study of the 35th president's life and work, and houses his presidential papers and a museum. Start with a film chronicling JFK's life until the 1960 campaign season, then work your way through exhibits of campaign memorabilia (signs, buttons, and TV ads); video of the Kennedy–Nixon debates; correspondence between family members; and photos of the Kennedys at Hyannisport. It's great for history buffs, but be aware that getting there without a car is a bit of a schlep (on the T's Red Line, then a free shuttle bus); leave about 30 minutes each way. The museum, ringed by a pleasant harborside walking trail, is located adjacent to the University of Massachusetts Boston campus and steps away from the Commonwealth Museum of Massachusetts history, where you'll find original royal charters, John Adams's Massachusetts state constitution, and the copper plates from which Paul Revere engraved his famous etching of the Boston Massacre (220 Morrissey Blvd.; 617-727-9268).—updated by Jon Marcus

Open daily 9 am to 5 pm.

http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=bO8&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=800&bih=461&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnsu&tbnid=1vSIurobv4Ra0M:&imgrefurl=http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/boston/seeanddo/18798&docid=TSi8MAvWInjZtM&imgurl=http://www.concierge.com/images/destinations/destinationguide/usa%252Bcanada/usa/massachusetts/boston/see_and_do/jfk_presidential_library_and_museum/boston_018p.jpg&w=380&h=300&ei=PNSWUNr7J4joiwKQ4YDgAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=373&vpy=29&dur=3615&hovh=199&hovw=253&tx=113&ty=117&sig=108642296518632123778&page=1&tbnh=127&tbnw=187&start=0&ndsp=6&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:74

"All in the Family" explored racism, homosexuality, women's liberation, menopause, impotence, the Vietnam War and the loss of faith.

The series was brilliant, daring, funny and poignant. Over the seasons, "All in the Family" explored racism, homosexuality, women's liberation, menopause, impotence, the Vietnam War and the loss of faith. It was the No. 1 series for five years, won 22 Emmys including four for comedy series, and boasted several spinoffs: "Maude," "The Jeffersons," "Archie Bunker's Place" and "704 Hauser." ("All in the Family" was also the first sitcom for Tandem Productions founded in 1958 by Lear and Bud Yorkin.)

http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=800&bih=461&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnso&tbnid=J9GNU8g6iF7r5M:&imgrefurl=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-all-in-family-box-set20121030,0,5875033.story&docid=BVOKdgbjsho63M&imgurl=http://www.trbimg.com/img-508f6209/turbine/la-dc-0317-b-all-in-the-family-p.jpg-20121029/600&w=600&h=461&ei=hHCQUOqkIcSeiQLz0IEg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=218&vpy=134&dur=13118&hovh=197&hovw=256&tx=120&ty=124&sig=116699645353785004172&page=1&tbnh=122&tbnw=154&start=0&ndsp=8&ved=1t:429,i:75

Lacrosse stars honored

US Lacrosse recently announced its boys’ US Lacrosse High School All-American and All-Academic teams. Mira Costa attacker Dakota Randall was named as an All-American while his teammate, midfielder Christopher O’Brien was selected to the All-Academic team.

According to US Lacrosse, an All-American is a player who exhibits superior skills and techniques and possesses exceptional game sense and knowledge. He is one of the best players in the United States, while also embodying excellent sportsmanship.

http://www.easyreadernews.com/54942/monk-randall-wheelmen-mullahey-rusher/

How about some Beach Tennis ??

Beach Tennis: The world’s top ranked beach tennis players will be competing in the Subaru Hermosa Beach Open International Beach Tennis Championships Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Hermosa Beach Pier. Action begins at 9 a.m. and is followed by an after party at 9:30 p.m. Beach Tennis, an internationally recognized professional sport governed by the International Tennis Federation, has grown faster than any beach sport in the world over the past few years. The sport, which started in Italy over 30 years ago, is now played in over 70 countries. The popularity in newer markets (such as the United States, South America, Russia and Bulgaria) is fueling its momentum for inclusion in the 2020 Olympics.

http://www.easyreadernews.com/58959/beach-tennis-curran-gijoe/

It's the Volleyball Hall of Fame for Mike Dodd

Olympic silver medalist Mike Dodd was among the latest inductees to the Volleyball Hall of Fame. The Manhattan Beach native won 75 titles during his career as a professional beach volleyball player.

http://www.easyreadernews.com/59471/dodd-tasker-morales-andrea-lee/

Enjoying a relaxing day at the beach in China

Not even allowed to mourn

http://www.chgs.umn.edu/histories/victims/romaSinti/images/AnnivAuschwitzm.jpg

World's Smallest Nation

In 1967, Paddy Roy Bates commandeered a World War II-era British defense platform located six miles off the eastern coast of England. Since it was in international waters, he declared it the PRINCIPALITY OF SEALAND, an independent nation. While no other country has recognized this claim, Bates and his family have ruled their platform for over 40 years.  Paddy Roy Bates passed away recently.  He was 91 years old.

http://www.google.com/imgres?start=110&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=qdu&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=787&bih=453&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnso&tbnid=VBvyZllr51sZTM:&imgrefurl=http://www.bookofextremefacts.com/fact/worlds-smallest-nation&docid=OFBASAoEfYcOmM&imgurl=http://bookofextremefacts.com/fact_images/buildings/worlds_smallest_nation.jpg&w=640&h=600&ei=9XmHUI7UKszriQLxp4GwDA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=291&vpy=106&dur=181&hovh=217&hovw=232&tx=101&ty=87&sig=107771941802372096625&page=12&tbnh=147&tbnw=156&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:11,s:100,i:42 

Only time will tell . . .

The differences are subtle. The time in the make-up chair is stated to be about 2 1/2 to 3 hours so this isn’t exactly a Hellboy-like transformation but then it’s not supposed to be. I guess the biggest differences are eye color, nose shape, and lower lip. I suppose the idea is that Joe is supposed to pass as a younger version of Bruce Willis, without distracting from the story. To that end, Gordon-Levitt says that he spent a large amount of time listening to Bruce Willis’ dialogue from his previous works and studying him in film and in person. Only time will tell if his research and the make-up are successful. But, in the meantime, I thought, “why not compare Looper JGL to 30-year-old Bruce Willis?”.   (from: Mr Movie Fiend)

https://mrmoviefiend.wordpress.com/category/genres/sci-fi/

Growing Up with Monsters - Carla Laemmle's Times at Universial Studios

This book, Growing Up With Monsters: My Times at Universal Studios in Rhymes, is a look back through Carla Laemmle’s eyes to over ninety years ago when she was just a little girl roaming, playing, and living in her uncle’s then newly built Universal Studios back lot from 1921 until 1937. She witnessed the birth of the modern horror film by seeing the Hunchback of Notre Dame filmed there in 1923, being the Prima Ballerina in the Phantom of the Opera in 1925, and even ended up speaking the first line of dialogue in Dracula in 1931—considered the first talking horror film. Read this centenarians tale in rhymes and illustrations and enjoy the gallery of first-release classic Universal Horror posters from these films and Carla’s personal photographs from that era and today.

http://www.growingupwithmonsters.com/

Warner Bros. defeats heirs of 'Superman'

Almost 75 years after Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Superman, the battle for ownership of the Last Son of Krypton has become an expensive and much-disputed industry unto itself. Four years ago, Siegel’s heirs won a major victory when a judge granted them half of the Superman copyright, at least regarding how Superman appeared in Action Comics #1. As reported by the LA Times, however, Shuster’s heirs have not been so lucky: Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that the family of the co-creator could not reclaim a similar 50% stake in the copyright.


In court papers obtained by EW, the ultimate decision features an exciting winding road through the last three-quarters of a century — and references similar cases involving John Steinbeck, Winnie the Pooh, and Lassie. But the crucial link in the chain is a 1992 agreement between DC and Shuster’s siblings (the artist had no other heirs), when DC agreed to pay the late Shuster’s debts and pay his sister $25,000 a year. The decision comes at a fortuitous time for Warner, which is preparing to release a new Superman film, Man of Steel, next year.

Unimpressive it's NOT !!!

The Los Angeles Central Library in Los Angeles, California, USA

http://www.flavorwire.com/280318/the-25-most-beautiful-public-libraries-in-the-world?all=1

A Library has IMPACT !!!

Central Library, designed by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus of OMA/LMN, Seattle, Washington, USA.

http://www.flavorwire.com/280318/the-25-most-beautiful-public-libraries-in-the-world?all=1