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Archive for December, 2011

Ayada Maldives Resort adds more luxury to the Maldives islands

December 31st, 2011 David No comments
ayada maldives resort adds more luxury to the maldives islands x3c1w Ayada Maldives Resort adds more luxury to the Maldives islands

Ayada Maldives ResortAyada Maldives Resort adds more luxury to the Maldives islands.

Destination

Ayada Maldives Resort is located in the course of a spotless reef within the Southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the southern Maldives. The resort is 268 miles south of the capital Male and is a perfect getaway for this festive season. Owned by Aydeniz Group, it was honored with the Europe’s Leading Tourism Development Company 2010 award. The resort consists of 112 luxury villas that are spread on the impeccable 150,000 square meter island of Maguhdhuvaa, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. Each villa offers uninterrupted views of the breathtaking Maldivian landscape and endless water.

ayada maldives resort adds more luxury to the maldives islands gmgc2 Ayada Maldives Resort adds more luxury to the Maldives islands

Ayada Maldives ResortAyada Maldives Resort adds more luxury to the Maldives islands

Luxurious Accommodation

The resort has 112 opulent villas that encompass 33 Ocean Villas, 14 Sunset Beach Suites, 33 Beach Villas, 16 Sunset Ocean Suites, 11 Sunset Lagoon Suites and a duplex Ayada Royal Ocean suite. Each villa is located amid faultless blue waters, powder white sands and flourishing vegetation. They are equipped with modern facilities but still carry a traditional feel. The beautifully designed exterior and stylish interior offer an excellent ambience to spend some great time. Each villa is equipped with a private pool.

Below are the details of its exotic villas and luxury facilities:

1. Ayada Royal Ocean Suite

ayada maldives resort adds more luxury to the maldives islands ebyy8 Ayada Maldives Resort adds more luxury to the Maldives islands

Ayada Maldives Resort adds more luxury to the Maldives islandsAyada Royal Ocean Suite

The most luxurious suite amongst these 112 villas is the Ayada Royal Ocean Suite that is spread in the area of 108 sqm. The villa is equipped with all the modern facilities in it and has a mesmerizing exterior that is attached with a private pool, 24 hour butler service, glass windows, sun lounger and many other luxurious facilities. This suit is the most expensive ocean suite the resort is offering with the tariff of $3,780 per night.

2. Sunset Beach Suite

ayada maldives resort adds more luxury to the maldives islands wqgmc Ayada Maldives Resort adds more luxury to the Maldives islands

Ayada Maldives Resort adds more luxury to the Maldives islandsSunset Beach Suite

This beach suit is spread in the area of 137 sqm and is located just in front of endless beach. The private verandah offers amazing view and will surely let you spend some amazing time with your loved ones. The villa is equipped with all the luxurious facilities and has access to your personal pool. The tariff of this villa would be $765 per night.

3. Fine Dining and Bar

Apart from the 24 hour butler service available in the villas itself, the resort has seven amazing restaurants and several bars that will surely give u a completely varied taste of fine dining and drinks. Each and every restaurant and bar is located amid the beautiful environment that portrays the elegance of the Island. One of the best pool bars is the wine and Cheese Island that is located above the clear waters and has some of the best wines in the world.

4. Spa and Health Club

The specialty of this resort is the rejuvenating spa that is offered by the AySpa & Health Club managed by ESPA. The spa is spread in the vast area of 3500 sqm and offers a completely different experience. Apart from 8 treatment rooms, the spa villa also offers facilities like Hammam, sauna, stem room and many other facilities just to revitalize the body and the soul.

Other recreational activities

The resort also arrange for the water sports like Scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing etc. and also offers short excursions like yachting, fishing and scenic seaplane tours.

Connectivity

The resort is just 45 minutes from the Malé International Airport that is approximately 268 miles from the destination.

Picture Gallery
ayada maldives resort 46mkq 250x200 Ayada Maldives Resort adds more luxury to the Maldives islands
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the southern Maldives

Via: Atoll Paradise/Ayada Maldives

Categories: Uncategorized Tags: ,

30 of the funniest Siri Responses

December 30th, 2011 David No comments

Siri who let the dogs out 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Apple’s new iPhone 4S wasn’t the iPhone 5 everybody wanted, but it was still packed with loads of cool upgrades and new features. The biggest being Siri, a speech recognition personal assistant that’s not an app, but an actual computer program built into the phone.  It has both speech input and output, meaning you can speak to it, and it can speak back to you. “your wish is its command,” Apple says, marketing it as the new iPhone’s No. 1 new feature. Given her female robotic voice, Siri has become a she and, well, as you can imagine, users are now testing the limits of this voice-activiated personal assistant and asking it the most obscure and craziest questions/commands ever! The results are some of the funniest answers ever! Here are just a few things we’ve dug up on what crazy ass sh*t Siri musters up as replies.

30. Fairest of Them All?

Screen Shot 2011 11 06 at 9.22.17 PM 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Apparently Siri knows her Disney movies and can quote Snow White!

29. Big Surprise

Screen Shot 2011 11 06 at 9.22.28 PM 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Siri has her limits and giving THAT type of surprise isn’t allowed…maybe she’ll get that upgrade when the iPhone 5 comes out.

28. The Virgin

Screen Shot 2011 11 06 at 9.22.07 PM 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Wow, Siri has great comebacks, and she’s not afraid to dish them out!

27. The best

tumblr lt7wficmgq1r4eoiuo1 2501 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Really, you had to ask?

26. Who Let the Dogs Out?!

Siri who let the dogs out 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

She takes responsibility when she needs to and know’s she wasn’t the one that let the dog out…

25. Appearance

want more weird siri answers 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Fashion and style is something Siri definitely knows she has, even though she is just a program!

24. The Meaning of Life Part 1

siri weird verge14 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

It’s the one question we will never get the answer to…but Siri dishes out her version.

23. The Meaning of Life Part 2

siri weird verge13 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Even though she knows she can’t get the right answer, Siri is down to try!

22. The Meaning of Life Part 3

siri weird verge12 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Siri might not know the meaning, but she does know the definition!

21. Knock, Knock

siri weird verge11 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Jokes are not Siri’s specialty.

20. Murder

siri weird verge7 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

If you ever find yourself in a sticky situation, Siri can help you out!

19. Drug Dealer No. 1

siri weird verge6 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

When you have the itch, Siri can help navigate where the closest shop that sells weed for you.

18. Drug Dealer No. 2

siri weird verge5 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Siri cares about you and knows drugs are bad!

17. Aroused

siri weird verge2 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Feeling a bit aroused? Siri can easily take care of that for you.

16. Who’s Your Daddy?

short and to the point 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Oh yeah, Siri knows who’s boss!

15. The Proposal

all that fine print in the end user license agreement 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Sorry, she’s taken.

14. The Meaning of Life…The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy version

a reference to hitchhikers guide to the galaxy 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Siri is cool! She’s down with the book, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy!

13. The G-Spot

Screen Shot 2011 11 06 at 9.35.37 PM 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Usually, it’s a hard spot to find…but Siri had no problems finding the G-Spot!

12. Hiding a Body

a little too helpful 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Siri has your back when you need to get out of a really bad jam!

11. 911

siri weird verge18 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

In case of an emergency, don’t ask Siri for help! She can’t seem to dial 911.

10. Constipation

Screen Shot 2011 11 06 at 9.38.25 PM 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Sorry, Siri won’t help ease constipation…just provide sympathy.

9. The Matrix

tumblr lthmgidwa71r4eoiuo1 25011 207x224 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Siri doesn’t want to let the secret out of the bag.

8. Storyteller

Siri Story 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Once you warm her up, or start nagging, Siri can tell some cool stories!

7. Tootsie Pop

Screen Shot 2011 11 06 at 8.50.08 PM 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Wow, we’ve always wondered this ourselves…great answer, Siri!

6. Favorite color

Screen Shot 2011 11 06 at 8.50.42 PM 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

That does sound like a great color, doesn’t it?

5. Babies

Screen Shot 2011 11 06 at 8.50.27 PM 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Siri isn’t afraid to tell the truth or beat around the bush.

4. Photographer

siri weird verge20 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Siri is a lot of things, but not a photographer.

3. No Jokes

siri weird verge3331 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Siri can be a lot of things, but a comedian is obviously not one. She seems to always forget the punchline…sometimes it happens to the best of us!

2. Favorite Website

siri weird verge21 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Hmmm, Siri must be lying because we all know it’s Apple.com, right?!

1. The Hardest Question of All

siri weird verge22 gallery post 30 of the funniest Siri Responses

Everybody ponders this eternal question. What is love…poets have tried to define it, artists have tried to capture it and everyday, millions of people try to find it in their lives, but when you ask Siri, you get a straight out answer…literally!

Categories: Apple, iPhone Tags: , ,

Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

December 29th, 2011 David No comments

 

top 10 limited edition cars of 2011 pm1io Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

Top 10 limited edition cars of 2011Top 10 limited edition cars of 2011 with special designing and features.

the year 2011 so far, has seen a number of limited edition cars being launched. Catering to different events and themes, these limited edition cars have been the apple of every auto-lovers’ eyes hence garnering significant attention. Following is the list of 10 such cars launched this year:

1. Porsche 911 Turbo S 10th anniversary China Edition

porsche 911 turbo s china eorfm Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

Porsche 911 Turbo S ChinaPorsche 911 Turbo S China launched in 2011

Editions: 10

With the climbing annual sales of 14,000 units, China has now become the 2nd largest market for the carmaker, who has decided to create a limited 10th anniversary China edition of its hit sports car, the Porsche 911 Turbo. Powering the car from 0-100 km/ph of speed in just 3.3 seconds is the 3.8 liter 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine, which will generate a total of 530 HP of engine muscle. The vehicle will have a top speed of 314 km/ph. On the car’s exterior, will be a special gold and bronze paint, carbon fiber roof top, matte black sporting alloy wheels, special sporting chrono package apart from the golden bronze stitching on the black alcantara leather seats and upholstery.

2. Bentley Continental Flying Spur China Edition

bentley limited edition continental flying spur rkatc Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

Bentley Limited Edition Continental Flying SpurBentley Limited Edition Continental Flying Spur launched in 2011

Editions: 10

China was one of the countries which got numerous limited edition models of high-end vehicles this year, owing to various conditions within the nation. Bentley was one of them, who presented the Continental Flying Spur limited edition created in special collaboration with designing firm Linley, who did extensive handiwork on the interiors. Door panels, leather seats and even the front console featured the use of rare handcrafted leather fabrics, along with single pattern oak wood. The seats even had stitch work done in burnt oak wood threads! The extras included the cigar humidor box, hand stitched leather bag, cashmere blanket, and luggage tag – all engraved with the Linley and Bentley logos.

3. Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

lamborghini sesto elemento bquga Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

Lamborghini Sesto ElementoLamborghini Sesto Elemento launched in 2011

Editions: 20

After much speculation about the production and features of the car, Audi AG finally went ahead and produced 20 of these Lamborghini Sesto Elementos for lucky buyers around the world. Armed with a 570 HP V10 engine, the car zoomed from 0-100 km/ph in under 2.5 seconds. One of the significant technological leaps was the use of the CFRP (carbon fiber re-enforced plastics) which meant that the overall bodyweight was just under 1 tonne, that too for a vehicle of this size, which would normally weigh the double of this. This also played a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of the vehicle.

4. 50th Anniversary Shelby Cobra

shelby limited edition cobra ssaxe Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

Shelby limited edition CobraShelby limited edition Cobra launched in 2011

No. of editions: 50

Originally created in 1962, the Shelby Cobra was the highlight of the 1965 FIA World Championship, where it garnered significant coverage, and became a significant threat to some of the auto-world’s biggest names. This particular edition launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the brand, had been given much of the original touches, but adding some extra features like the aluminum or fiber glass body, Rosso leather interior upholstery, Wilton wool carpeting, chrome on steel wire plated special radial tires, and also modern disk brakes. As per research, all the numbered 50 limited editions were sold out within 48 hours of launch!

5. Audi A1 Diamond Edition

a1 diamond edition audi c3hol Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

A1 Diamond Edition AudiA1 Diamond limited edition Audi cars launched in 2011

Editions: 57

Audi seemed to be having a busy time creating limited edition of its cars including the A1 diamond edition, which will have the classy lady buyers clamoring for the car. Embellished with diamond studded gear stick, special sterling silver and platinum diamond logo on the steering wheel, chassis and car keys, this edition of the car will have a specially crafted make up kit and pendant as freebies for its buyers. The credit for the design, including the infinity logo, goes to designer Thomas Heyerdahl, with Guerlain pitching in with the make-up kit.

6. 2011 range Rover Autobiography Limited Edition

range rover autobiography ultimate edition 8any9 Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate EditionRange Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition launched in 2011

Editions: 500

This 2011 edition of the Range Rover truly stood out for the sheer handcraftsmanship that it showed in the car’s interiors. Featuring a unique purple-maroon color for the body exteriors and interior natural leather upholstery, the luxury SUV had built in iPads for the special passengers of the car. With the foldable table located on the back of the front seats, one can easily plug in a keyboard to the iPads above for their usage. The detailing of the interiors also have yacht inspired shiny teak wood detailing alongside matte finished aluminum, which indeed speak volume about the rather regal ambience inside. The engine is a new 4.4 liter TDV8, with 8-speed transmission, which is known to have comparatively higher mileage than normal. Also it powers the SUV to zoom from 0-100 km/ph in just 7.5 seconds.

7. Audi Q7 Halo Edition

audi q7 v 12 tdi f9ntp Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

Audi Q7 V-12 TDIAudi Q7 V-12 TDI limited edition cars launched in 2011

Editions: 555

The Halo edition of the Audi Q7 was launched to add exclusivity to the brand’s already imposing presence in the world of automobiles. Sporting dual-tone velvet black and phantom black body, this car will have the usual interiors with a V-12 TDI engine. The pricing jump is primarily for the reason that it will be a rare case that 2 separate finishing of the same color will be used on an Audi, and is targeted mainly towards buyers in Russia, who are known to have taste for flashy vehicles.

8. 2012 London Olympics Mini Cooper

limited edition mini cooper for 2012 london olympics 89ded Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

Limited edition Mini Cooper for 2012 London OlympicsLimited edition Mini Cooper for 2012 London Olympics launched in 2011

Editions: 2012

With the London Olympics not too far, BMW decided to launch a special edition of its sporty small car, The Mini Cooper in a special avatar, to commemorate the sporting event. Available in 4 models with 3 color options, the car will have white roof tops with the Union Jack stripe running from rear end to the front bonnet, and also have it stitched on the black leather seats and upholstery inside. Also in the additions would be a new air-conditioning system, audio system, and the special 17-inch bespoken alloy wheels. The price range for the car was between $27,842- 32,629, and its delivery by order, is slated to begin in the first half of 2012 just before the Olympics actually begin.

9. Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Edition

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Infiniti Limited Production FX Sebastian Vettel EditionInfiniti Limited Production FX Sebastian Vettel Edition launched in 2011

Editions: n.A

This was also another vehicle that was speculated upon for its limited edition version but very recently got launched by the brand ambassador, Sebastian Vettel. Though the engine largely remains the same in specification, the internal and external components have undergone changes such as pearl white paintjob, rear rocker panels, mirror caps, rear spoilers, grille slats, front fascia in carbon fiber amongst others. The height of the chassis was lowered by 0.8 inches and the bespoken 21-inch wheels added further stability to the SUV. Since this was launched by Sebastian Vettel, it had its initials as a monogram towards the rear part of the vehicle.

10. Maserati Granturismo Convertible Cabrio Fendi Special edition

granturismo convertible 5zizc Top 10 limited edition cars launched in 2011

GranTurismo ConvertibleGran Turismo Convertible limited edition cars launched in 2011

Editions: N.A.

We know how good the Italians are at car-making and fashion designing, and a perfect example is this limited edition Maserati Granturismo Convertible, which was showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year. Made in joint collaboration by Maserati and Cabrio Fendi, this limited edition vehicle has 3-layer grey paint with golden hues, making it a rather unique shade not noticed anywhere. A rather unique brown was featured in the Cuoio leather trimmings inside, such as on the seats, dashboard and side handles. This leather variety is best known for the unique patterns it presents itself in. Also one could see generous use of Pergamena wood in these areas. As for the engine, it was a 4.7 liter V8 with auto-transmission, created especially for this model, giving it power along with the existing style quotients.

Categories: Uncategorized Tags: ,

Curtain Door

December 28th, 2011 David No comments

curtain door1 Curtain Door

Doors are standard fair in any home.  However, an awe inspiring front door can convert any blah home into an architectural wonder.  It can add warmth, pizazz and though it serves as a gateway to your abode, it is also a suggestion to what kind of interior awaits its entrants.

the curtain door is not only sick looking, but an engineering feet.  It measures 5.2m high and 1.7m wide. 60 pulleys, 80 ball bearings, a wire-rope and a counter weight are hidden inside 40 sections of 254mm-thick Burma teak.  So a few trees (understatement) died in the vein of this door, but there is no over looking its functionality and design.

When in the closed position each section stacks on top of itself.  A push on the door’s planks causes it to rotate open.  We can only hope this all happens in an effortless manner.

The curtain door was created by Matharoo Associates.

Read More: http://www.gadgetreview.com/2011/10/curtain-door.html

Categories: Cool Tags: ,

Snowball Crossbow

December 27th, 2011 David No comments

Snow Crossball 650x446 Snowball Crossbow

kids these days.  All of them tote around cell phones, if not smartphones and probably spend their free time tapping a screen if not just watching one. So the chances of getting them outside this winter, you know, when the temperature drops to a bone chilling 20 degrees, is slim at best.  Unless of course you bribe them with one of these: the Crossbow snow Launcher.

This bad boy can propel snow balls up to 60 feet.  However, unlike a smartphone, there is some manual labor involved.  By that we mean kids will have to generate their own ammo by collecting and compacting snow into the included snow ball maker – ya it includes one of those too.  Next, and much like a bow and arrow, it’s as simple as dumping a snowball into the front, drawing back the bands and pulling the trigger.  Before you know it, your kid will be the king of the igloo with children lining up, eager to give up their lunch money with the hopes of avoiding an ice ball to the dome.

Sharper Image is tossing in a vinyl target for those who have a penchant for head shots.  They sell it for $39.99.

Read More

http://www.gadgetreview.com/2011/10/snowball-crossbow.html

 

Categories: Uncategorized Tags: , , , ,

Starwood’s newest private island resort ‘Naka Island’ to open in Phuket

December 26th, 2011 David No comments
starwood hotels resorts private island at puket vvmz4 Starwood’s newest private island resort Naka Island to open in Phuket

Starwood Hotels & Resorts private island at PuketStarwood Hotels & Resorts private island at Puket

Destination

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of a private luxury resort, Naka Island, which is located at the coast of Phuket. This beautiful Island resort will be opened to public in November this year. Situated at Thailand’s southernmost province, the resort will soon be a collection of Resorts & Spas. The island is situated amid breathtaking Andaman Sea, surrounded by lush green landscape, coconut groves and beautiful beaches.

starwood hotels resorts private island at puket x1zo8 Starwood’s newest private island resort Naka Island to open in Phuket

Starwood Hotels & Resorts private island at Puketthe Island is 100 square kilometers in size has exclusive 67 villas spread in exceptionally large 450 square area.

Accommodation

The Island is 100 square kilometers in size and has 67 exclusive villas spread in exceptionally large 450 square area. The huge sized villas have private plunge pools, open air bathrooms, sala pavilion and large outdoor space. Each villa will also feature comprehensive library, indoor sound system and extravagant views over Phang Nga Bay and Phuket Island.

How to reach

Set on Naka Yai Island, the resort is just 25 minutes away from Phuket’s International Airport. One can reach to the Island only through speedboat and the whole Island is easily navigable on foot or a bicycle as it is spread on just 100 square kilometers.

 

starwood hotels resorts private island at puket 39v3f Starwood’s newest private island resort Naka Island to open in Phuket

Starwood Hotels & Resorts private island at PuketEach guest will be provided with ‘Experience Guide’ that includes one person who will act as a concierge, guest relations officer and a personal butler

Other highlights

Each guest will be provided with an ‘Experienced Guide’ who will act as a concierge, guest relations officer and a personal butler who will take care of each and every need of the guests. This Experience Guide will book a dining reservation, will arrange for outing and sightseeing, will take you to the driving trips and will help you to explore the Island and other nearby places.

Outstanding Gourmet

The resort has an exceptional seaside sitting all day running restaurant Tonsai which offers healthy and tempting cuisine of the region. The island also has an open beachside grill house which is a delight for seafood lovers. wine lovers can also enjoy at the extensive wine cellar in the Z Bar along with magnificent sunset views.

Rejuvenating Spa

The Naka Island has the largest spa in the region that offers complete peace of mind, body and soul through their world class spa therapies. The Spa is bespoke for every individual guest at the Island.

Local attraction

Known as the “Pearl of the Andaman,” Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of Southeast Asia’s most highly-regarded destinations. Phuket FantaSea is just 28.0 km away from the Island and also offers exciting jungle experience. Apart from these attractions, Golfers have three wonderful courses to choose from: Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Blue Canyon Country Club, and Mission Hills Golf Course.

Wayne Buckingham, Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ regional vice president of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia commented:

“We are thrilled to introduce The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket to people with a sense of adventure who want to escape from everything and experience something truly unique, private and memorable.The Naka Island is a beautiful hidden treasure of luxury – located away from everything, but far from nothing.”

Via: Naka Island/Thai Travel

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Steadicam Review

December 25th, 2011 David No comments

steadicam smoothee Steadicam Review

star Steadicam Reviewstar Steadicam Reviewstar Steadicam Reviewstar Steadicam Reviewblankstar Steadicam Review

Originally designed and engineered to work with an Apple iPhone 3Gs , the Tiffen Steadicam Smoothee has filled the need for stabilizing video shot with mobile smartphones and pocket cameras. The Smoothee’s design is based on the same Steadicam technology used regularly in Hollywood and with handheld video cameras stabilizers like the Steadicam Merlin.

Selling for about $180, the Smoothee helps smartphone and pocket camcorder users improve their results by smoothing out any camera shake where movement takes place while capturing the moment. The Smoothee can be used with the Apple iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 (and now, iPhone 4S), the iPod Touch, and the Flip Mino pocket video cameras. Tiffen has also hinted at additional model compatibility planned which will make it advantageous for users of such cameras like the GoPro HD and Android users who would like to have a mobile stabilizer to help smooth out their video clips.

But while Tiffen claims that the Smoothee can be used right out of the box with great results , it requires some set up which may cause new users to feel frustrated with the learning curve. Here’s a few thoughts we have on the Smoothee and how well it works

Setup

Tiffen says the Smoothee can easily be used to get perfect results “right out of the box and on the go.” But the Smoothee must be balanced and leveled once an iPhone or Flip camera is installed. Thankfully, that’s what the trim knobs on the side and back are for.  They perform this function well and there isn’t a shifting of weights to accomplish this balancing act. And every time you switch out cameras for a different model, you will have to re-trim the device.

500 a 1Hand Thumb Steadicam Review

Practice Technique

Additionally, the Smoothee does need some practice to refine the technique needed to control it and to prevent the camera from drifting on the gimble.   There are at least 3 different ways that you can control the Smoothee – one handed, one handed with the gimble resting between finger and thumb, and two handed.  your mileage may vary as to which will work best, but once you have your technique down, with practice the drift is sure to be a thing of the past. It’s a very good idea to read the manual completely, watch some of the online videos, and then go out and do plenty of practicing before taking the Smoothee on vacation or for a family gathering.

500 3GS Steadicam Review

Read more

http://www.gadgetreview.com/2011/10/steadicam-smoothee-review-review.html

 

Additional thoughts

A few thoughts on the custom Smoothee cradles …. it’s obvious that iPhones don’t come with a tripod mount natively, requiring some sort of cradle option to mount it on the Smoothee.  And the Smoothee’s cradle works really well. But the custom cradle for the Mino and other compact cameras (which sell for about $25 a piece) strike me as simply an attempt to make users buy more accessories. Cameras that already have a tripod mount could easily benefit from a universal, quick release mount, which is the accepted standard on tripods everywhere. And since today’s point and shoot cameras are rivaling camcorders with quality 1080p video, Tiffen is shortchanging customers by not having a point and shoot option.  That’s too bad.

The Steadicam Smoothee is a great mobile device, but it isn’t foldable, making it a challenge to pack when traveling. The ergonomic gimble handle can be stowed into travel position, but that doesn’t make the Smoothee any smaller in the suitcase.  And users hoping to push the envelope, and opt for a camcorder or DSLR, will need to spend a bit more and invest in the Steadicam Merlin as the Smoothee simply isn’t designed or balanced for anything outside the mobile arena.

Even with its quirks the Steadicam Smoothee can help video fans take better video by removing any camera shake when trying to capture a moment on the go. And with patient practice, it’s likely that even by pulling it out of the case, a user will be able to get a balanced, steady image, with a quick turn of a knob. But if you’re expecting to get instant results out of the box, you may be in for a frustrating beginning.

Pros:

  • robust design
  • balancing trim knobs
  • works as advertised

Cons:

  • Proprietary cradles, no universal camera mount
  • learning curve
  • a bit pricey ($189)

Final rating:  Even though it has some drawbacks, they aren’t deal breakers by any means, so we give the Smoothee a rating of 4/5 stars.

You can buy the Steadicam Smoothee at Amazon for $179.95.

Categories: Menu Tags: , ,

Grill Top Pizza Stone Set

December 24th, 2011 David No comments

grill pizza stone set Grill Top Pizza Stone Set

We absolutely do not accept the end of summer. We plan on cooking BBQ all winter, especially homemade grilled pizza. The grill Top Pizza Stone Set ($28) will help us make kick-A BBQ chicken and margarita pizzas. Two points if you make the crust on your own. That’s one e-spicy pizza!

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Pack This Notepad

December 23rd, 2011 David No comments

Pack this notepad Pack This Notepad

the last time we jumped into our car for a last-minute road trip we forgot to pack our toothbrush, phone charger, and underwear. As much as we love accidentally living like a granola-sista for a week, we would much rather leave the house feeling like we’re not missing some vital travel items. Pack worry free with the Pack This Notepad ($6). They have pretty much everything covered and free spaces for you to add other essential travel items (like gummy bears and diet coke.)

Categories: Uncategorized Tags: ,

‘Ome’ floating island residences

December 22nd, 2011 David No comments

 

ome floating island home yjhgp ‘Ome’ floating island residences

Ome floating island home Ome floating island home created by Plamerstone and Donald Starkey Designs.

Living and vacationing on land isn’t the vogue thing anymore. Seems like the oceans are the new location where the moneyed class want to build their vacation homes and resorts, just like we saw in the Aqua Domi floating houses, and the Peter Thiel Floating Islands.

Now Palmerstone and Donald Starkey Designs have joined hands in venture called Atoll Floating Islands, to create the wonder floating island home, Ome. Matching the quality standards of Nakheel’s The World Project, this floating island home will be meant to travel between the shores of Dubai till the World’s Islands.

The configuration of the islands will be a dual deck format, which will be at least 32 meters in length. The lower deck will have the living spaces, totaling to around 1,400 square meters of living space. It will have facilities like the open air lounge, swimming pool, bar & dining area.

The upper deck will have 5 bedrooms and relaxation area for the owner of the island home. Since the basic concept has just been revealed as of now, the possibilities of change in Design and bringing in new concept is enormous, which was relayed by Graham Henderson, the chief of Palmerstone.

In addition to the amenities we mentioned, there will also be a waste management and energy management system, which competes with world standards. Each Ome island-home will self-treat all its waste, and use renewable sources of energy to meet the requirements. With approximately 32,000 KW of energy production estimates, it would be safe to peg the figure equivalent to 6 large households’ energy needs. Now, that’s something which was never done before.

As a matter of fact, one of their Ome designs was actually awarded at the International Yacht and Aviation Awards in the concept design category. Just for the eco-travel credentials, the Ome has even been nominated by the International Superyacht Society’s Fabien Costeau Blue Award this year.

The cost to the owner is stated to be in excess of $22 million, but that’s only tentative, because the customizations and features will make them differ. But executives at Palmerstone say it will be lesser than building a super-yacht boat.

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