Bracco Wines

Lorraine Bracco launched her own line of wines at the Hard Rock Hotel in the Seminoles, Florida. Some of the Sopranos cast was there to help her kick off the brand. Branding is such an amazing thing, if I had the funds and the prominent name, I would definitely dip into many products that would make me money in return. That’s how many celebrities maintain their millions, they invest in themselves. Sounds a bit egotistical doesn’t it…

Who let the dogs out ... in Moscow...

(photo disk)

NYC has their rats, crawling in the walls, subways, restaurant basements etc... And Moscow has their stray dogs. These poor cute little creatures are homeless and yet they're not the type you'd want to take home to your kids. In fact, you may not even want to take the subway and avoid certain streets, where they roam. Which can be pretty much anywhere. During the cold winter months, these dogs warm themselves by staying in packs in the shafts of the subway. Commuters and city dwellers pray to God each day, they don't get attacked by a hungry, vicious dog or pack of them, who are very likely to carry diseases. Forget about carrying lunch with you from home, they will smell the food and leave you torn apart, out of desperation. Instead some commuters have been carrying pieces of sausage and pepper spray to distract the animals.

The way the city has been handling this crisis, is by neutering the few dogs they're able to catch. Well that leaves thousands of others, and come spring time, there's litters of hundreds more around the city.

"Shooting stray dogs is no longer an option. That ended in 2002," Elena Vlasneva, responsible for homeless animals within the Moscow Municipality, told ABC News. "Policy has changed. And starting Jan. 1 this year, we are supposed to sterilize the dogs we catch."

Vlasneva adds that the demand for sterilization far outweighs the means. "Our estimate shows that the number of homeless dogs is growing. For the sterilization program to be successful it is necessary to sterilize 80 percent of dogs; that is 4,200 a month. Current facilities allow us to sterilize only 850 per month."

So the vicious problem continues...

(ABC News)

Bubble-Wrapped Pool for Beijing's Olympic Games

Check out the cool newly unveiled swimming hall or "Water Cube" that will be one of the main events at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This blue honeycomb cost almost $150mil, but will likely have a pretty return on investment, because of the droves of tourists in town for the Games.

A cool fact just revealed to me was that it is Pigeon proof because apparently birds don't flock to transparent spaces. What about the car windshields?!…

For the full story, check out my guest post at 2Modern.blog.com.

(Images from Archidose.Blogspot.com, photographer Chris Bosse)

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Enjoy this video...



(no offense to jews and the deaf)

The age of the Terminator...

...Is closer than you might think. As always, the military gets all the new super gadgets. It was the internet at one point, exclusive for their purposes. As controlled as it seems to be now out in the public, there are things and people that just cannot be controlled or trusted with such advanced technology.

Now the army has spent over $50m to developed an Exoskeleton Suit that allows for superhuman qualities once you step into it. Geared to protect and assist the wearer, and turn him into superman.

While American soldiers get in shape stateside-- with a slew of aerobic exercises, a soldier of the future could soon be seen on the battlefield. It's called an exoskeleton and by stepping inside this robotic exterior-- a soldier can easily perform feats that years ago could only be seen in science fiction movies.

(see the video)

It's very exciting that the age of the Terminator is so real and so near. It won't be long before "Arnold" walks onto the street and saves a little girl that's about to be run over, or stops that pocket book thief dead in his tracks.

Imagine when these babies will become available to the public...

World's Smallest Bodybuilder

Today has got to be record day, because these oddities are breaking all sorts of records.

No, it's not an illusion, nor is this image photo-shopped, but this 2-feet 9-inches tall man, Aditya "Romeo" Dev, is "the world's smallest bodybuilder." The 19-year-old lives in Punjab and was recently honored by the Guinness Book of Records in 2006.

As reported by The Telegraph (portion of photo by Barcroft Media):

While most dwarfs have large heads compared to their bodies, Romeo is perfectly proportioned, and despite his diminutive stature has triceps, biceps, calves and thighs that would make many a full-grown man blush...

"I've been training as a bodybuilder for the last two years and by now I think I must be the strongest dwarf in the world," said Romeo.

Romeo is famous in his home country, and his father has spoken of his pride in his son's determination to overcome any difficulties in his path. "He has never been bothered at being so small. He has no inferiority complex. He is the jewel of our family."

Click here for the full story and many more images.

Voted "Worst Food in America"

Men's Health has awarded Outback's Aussie Cheese Fries, officially the "Worst Food in America." Something that consciously you know you shouldn't order, but in a given moment you promise yourself to work out all day, every day, starting next week. Perhaps knowing the facts about these lethal slices of potato, you'll think twice next time. But they're ohhhh so good, and a salad just doesn't cut it.

So the facts that constitute this appetizer as the worst thing to order:

• 2,900 calories
• 182 g fat
  
• 240 g carbs

The problem is not just the cheese fries alone. The problem is that it's only an appetizer, followed by a full course meal and then dessert. Need I say more?

Check out Men's Health for the Top 20 worst food list, and their suggested alternatives.

Operation V-Day: Flowers for Her

Skimming through the usual flower delivery websites, I saw nothing that was interesting, different or most importantly jaw-dropping. By that I mean something that would stand out in the office while getting the "ohhhhs and ahhhhs" from the coworkers. All I could see were just your usual dozen roses in the usual vase, with the usual babies breath.

Well, times have changed, so here are a few options that will get everyone talking and would leave a lasting impression for more than a day....

Remember, bigger doesn't mean better.

(FTD.com)

(teleflora.com)

(redenvelope.com)

(redenvelope.com)

(teleflora.com)

(teleflora.com)

TV over Sex

Reuters UK just released the results from a study that questioned 2,000 men on what they would give up if they could get a 50" plasma TV. The number one answer of more than half British men was that they would go celibate for 6 months to get the TV. Next in the running was a tie to give up chocolate and cigarettes, among a quarter of the men surveyed.

How sad...

(as reported by Reuters)

Al Bundy's Million Mile Dream Come True

A 1991 Chevrolet Silverado truly paid off for Frank Oresnik, when it surpassed the million mile mark. A Midwest meat and fish delivery man, Frank Oresnik bought "the old girl" as he call s it in 1996 with 41K miles on it. 300 oil changes later, she's still kicking and better than ever. CBS and National Public Radio were there to capture the moment "he passed the million-mile mark Friday in southeastern Wisconsin while on his way back home to Catawba."

Doesn't this story just remind you of that Married with Children episode about Al Bundy's dodge. So I place the links below.

To watch part 1 of the "Get Outta Dodge" episode - click here
To watch part 2 of the "Get Outta Dodge" episode - click here

That show is like fine wine, it just gets better with age...

(as reported on yahoo)

TREND.i.e. - Art for a headboard

I never thought my two loves of Art History and Interior Design would be fused in such a way. But I've been noticing a new trend that uses oversized art paintings as headboards in a completely new way. Paramount Hotel in NYC uses Vermeer's rich colored portraits on a completely white canvas of white walls on white sheets on white furniture. Thus, placing all focus on the art, as it should be. Others blend the art to complete the decor of the room.

One + Only offers a collection of modern, classical and even custom art of your own or your kids drawings that can turned into heabboard art, for example.

TORONTO'S SMALLEST HOUSE!

Going for $173K and about 300 sq ft, apparently it's not a joke.

For more images of "Toronto's Smallest House" click here....

UFO landed in CT

Check out this round house on the market for $2.3 mil. Looking like a UFO from near and far, it's got 360 degree views, purposely created by architect Robert T. Foster to take in the serene views of trees, rollings hills and the lakes.

“Totally renovated in 2005, “The Round House” is completely walled in glass and floats 12 ft. off the ground rotating around 360 degrees.” - Real estate broker, Barbara Cleary

(as posted on curbed.com)

Angie's in Iraq

Is she planning on running for president in 2012? I guess we'll see what happens to Hillary first, but I honestly wouldn't be surprised. Pregnant Angelina is in Iraq running through the streets, trying to create order. No, she's there with the U.S. State Department, to learn about the millions of displaced Iraqis.

(as reported by UK's Daily Mail)

Does size matter?

They say size doesn't matter or is it love is blind... Either way, how cute are these couples... Perhaps I'm old fashioned, but I like to lay MY head on my bf's chest, NOT the other way around.Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony
Kimora and the guy from Blood Diamond
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

Is that supposed to be Sexy?

She always exudes such elegance...

Ali Larter - All sorts of wrong...

Hobokenites not interested to live on Manning St.

Hoboken residents are not interested to live on Manning St. There's mixed opinions whether he even deserved the MVP award after he defeated the Patriots in the Super Bowl. However, the Mayor of Hoboken is convinced he's a true hero and wants to go as far as naming a street in his honor.

Mayor David Roberts of Hoboken, N.J., told the New Jersey Star Ledger that the city is kicking around the idea of renaming a city street after New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, a Hoboken resident. But residents are divided on the idea, with some saying Manning’s leading one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history and being named MVP doesn’t justify such an action.

Here's what the people are saying...

“Kudos to him, but it’s not worth renaming the street,” Marcia Pribylovsky said.

Kinga Burke, a resident in the building where Manning lives, was also opposed.

“Just because he lives in town?” she said. “I think it’s too much, it’s ridiculous. He’s not a historical person.”

I'm team Peyton on this one!

Life's a Party @ Google

I've heard second hand about all the wonders of how great it is to work at Google. That you could have your dogs there and get your juices flowing while running around the indoor running track. But I didn't know you could have free meals from a huge menu consisting of sushi, espresso, scrambled Fabergé eggs for breakfast and such. There's also a swimming spa on premises and free doctors onsite. Engineers can even spend 20% of their work time on independent projects.

Yeah yeah, I know, that's my next job too. The only thing is you'd have to compete with the 1,300 resumés that come in a course of day.

Click here for more Inside the Best Company to Work For

Writer's Strike is Over

Finally, the writer's strike is over! The media companies and the Writers Guild of America made a deal and the writers are getting back to work. Walt Disney chief executive Michael Eisner said, "It's over. They made the deal, they shook hands on the deal. It's going on Saturday to the writers in general."

No details were released, but at least that means no more re-runs. Not to mention the Oscars will go on as scheduled.

Voice of Kitt in the new Knight Rider 2008

That's right, Hoff is back. Well I'm not certain of that, but it has been revealed who will be the voice of Kitt. Due to a contract conflict, NBC had to find a replacement for the original voice of Kitt on the Knight Rider. Since Will Arnett, the original Kitt, represents GMC as their voice over for GMC Trucks, and the new car is sponsored by Ford Mustang, GMC forced him to pull out of the movie for misrepresentation.

The new Kitt will be voiced over by Val Kilmer.

Click here for the full story.

Online Radio - Your Way

While at work, I can't always listen to music. There's a lot of phone calls and just running around. But sometimes, when I do get a few minutes alone at my desk or during a quiet afternoon, I like to listen to my kind of music. I have no patience for anything else. The problem is I can't use an Ipod or anything like that, so I have to resort to whatever is available online and free.

The best thing I was able to find was Pandora.com. It allows me to judge whatever song is playing, and if I say I don't like it, it'll never repeat it again. If you say you love it, it'll find artists and songs that are similar.

Their mission is "To play music you'll love - and nothing else."

Check it out, you won't regret it. www.pandora.com

Heath Ledger's loft on the market. Too soon?

Less than 2 weeks ago, we all lost a huge talent and a social chameleon. Now, the west village apartment where Heath Ledger "accidentally overdosed" is up for grabs. With less than 1% vacancy rate in the hottest market, this rental will be swept up at a snap of a finger (if not by the end today) and for just 25K a month. The price doesn't shock me anymore (even if it is half my yearly salary), it's the lack of reverence that gets to me. Perhaps I'm too superstitious, but a fact is a fact. The place will be haunted with Heath's spirit for a long time. Then again, maybe that's a price some people are willing to pay.

(as reported by New York Post)

Jersey City: the 6th Borough of NYC

Being a city girl at heart, I never thought I would leave Manhattan once I got there. Well, overpriced shoe box apartments, carrying the dirt into my apt off those filthy streets, lack of closet space, boyfriend's car vandalized to pieces, among many other things, all really made me look at the big picture. So I started looking across the Hudson River. The harbor side of Jersey started to better and better and according to mapquest was just 1 mile away.

I started to explore something affordable in Hoboken and Edgewater, but being that these are the hottest spots of NJ's coast line, I decided, not yet. Mom and I went browsing one day with our hearts set on something clean in Jersey City. I failed to notice how huge it was, and so we circled the car within a cute 2 block radius, right next to the light rail, just to make the commute bearable. Then finding a rent-control, 1000 sq ft loft with NYC views and a walk in close, truly broke the deal and boyfriend, his vandalized car and myself moved into what's now considered the 6th borough of NYC. So you see, you can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city away from the girl.

Here's the AM article capturing the best of JC.

Would love to hear your story if you battled the same scenario...

Operation V-Day cont'd

New York City can be a very giving place, when you know the ins and outs and whens and wheres. Whether you're single and hating the thought of Valentine's Day, or taken and excited to share it with your honey, enjoy these spots that offer something fun and different...

Tre (173 Ludlow St., between Houston and Stanton streets, 212-353-3353) is offering a free, one-hour, all-you-can-drink Champagne pour for any couple dining there that evening.

BarFry (50 Carmine St. at Bedford Street, 212-929-5050) is giving dining couples goodie bags to take home with them in hopes of inspiring romance. Items in the bag include chocolate-covered strawberries, white chocolate sauce in tiny squeeze bottles, and "red hot" whipped cream, flavored with cinnamon and chili.

The Sunburnt Cow (137 Avenue C, between 8th and 9th streets, 212-529-0005) is throwing an anti-Valentine's Day singles party featuring all-you-can-drink beer and wine —in addition to holiday drink specials — for $25. Enjoy a meal there, including appetizer, main course, and dessert for $16.

Borough Food & Drink (12 E. 22nd St., between Broadway and Park Avenue South , 212-260-0103) has also declared February 14 to be singles night, and guests who buy a drink for a stranger will get a free "courage shot."

Silverleaf Tavern (43 E. 38th St. at Park Avenue, 212-972-2550) is offering special items for singles, including angry lobster, unrequited ribs, and lonely lox.

(as reported by the Sun)

Operation V Day

Regardless of how your significant other rolls their eyes at the sound of Valentine's Day... deep down, everyone wants to be showered with love, affection and most important something wrapped with a bow.

Check out some of these enticing ideas...

Microsoft Zune 80 GB in Red with a personal inscription and a love image of your choice on the back.

Don't forget the old Breakfast in bed trick, this one's simpler than ever.

Mix Tape USB style - and I thought those days were long gone...but they're back.

Sweep her off her feet, with a kiss in Paris, in the privacy of your bubble bath. Of course I don't mean that you should buy her a shower curtain, but create the ambiance which is much more memorable, I assure you.

Stay tuned for more ideas...

UnCommonGoods

I recently received a gift certificate to www.uncommongoods.com and I must say they have some funky crazy things. Everything is creative and quite useful, just with a kink.

Enjoy and explore it if you haven't already...

Welcome!

Welcome to my new page about all things catchy, edgy and trend.i.e...
ciao,
m.s.