CIGAR REVIEW : Murcielago Capa Negra Great Go To Cigar

Murcielago Capa Negra Great Go To Cigar
April 2012 - Posted by The Cigar Intelligence Agency

CIGAR REVIEW - This Murcielago is a decent smoke. Capa Negra makes a different flavor to your pallet and offers a deep smoke with strong draw from top to bottom... Another visionary creation from Eddie Ortega & Erik Espinosa, and the gifted hands of Don Pepin Garcia.

We are adding this one to our "Everyday Top Smoke" Category.


TOTAL = 85%
RECOMMENDED = Fair
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CIGAR REVIEW : Casa Fernandez Value & Quality Makes It a Top Smoke!

Casa Fernandez Value & Quality Makes It a Top Smoke!
April 2012 - Posted by The Cigar Intelligence Agency

CIGAR REVIEW - Casa Fernandez where do we start? It's a surprisingly excellent cigar.

It is a Torpedo Block press smoke with a thick taste and provides a lot of flavor and quality for the price (Retails around $7 / $8).


This is a fairly unknown smoke from the public. I have been asking about these around and you can only really find it in and out of Florida.

Regardless this is a little dirty secret and we all agree there is skills behind this smoke. It's not cutting it into our top list but definitely look after this cigar and the brand.

Bring it Casa Fernandez!


TOTAL = 89%
RECOMMENDED = Great!
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CIGAR REVIEW : Alec Bradley "Black Market Test #2

Alec Bradley "Black Market Test #2
April 2012 - Posted by The Cigar Intelligence Agency

CIGAR REVIEW - We have been worried and investigating about this smoke. This is Alec Bradley's Black market. We reviewed this cigar a month ago and I went back to re-explore this cigar.


I regrouped my partners and asked them to have it another try.

We came up with the same conclusions: The smoke is decent but lacks of flavors. It does not assimilates with the overal quality of Alec Bradley. Something is missing here and we can't find what it is.


Insiders told us some technical issues were spotted on the very first smokes that shipped out but it is hard for us to classify this cigar as a top smoke.

One thing is sure it is bolder than most ABs and has a different wrapper quality than most cigars from the Dania, FL based company. 


We love Alec Bradley but CIA passes on this one.


TOTAL = Status Quo
RECOMMENDED = Fair
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CIGAR REVIEW : Alec Bradley Prensado XXL Is BIG!!!

Alec Bradley Prensado XXL Is BIG!!!
April 2012 - Posted by The Cigar Intelligence Agency

CIGAR REVIEW - We are again positive about this smoke it's a winner.

AB came up with this monster size Prensado that we found at our local Florida Cigar Bar.

It is a Prensado but with a lot more to smoke and gets a gigantic kick when you hit midsmoke.

That's where the surprise lays... Absolutely recommended. 


TOTAL = 89%
RECOMMENDED = Great
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CIGAR REVIEW : CAO Maduro Block Press Does The Job

CAO Maduro Block Press Does The Job
April 2012 - Posted by The Cigar Intelligence Agency

CIGAR REVIEW - At CIA we are big fans of CAO's Italia but our feelings changed after trying on Traviata which was a very shocking finding...

But here is this very smooth filtered smoke with a highly pleasurable wooden taste to make us feel slightly better about CAO latest blends. 


We are not as excited as some of other press partners that engaged in the usual grading (always 90 if you advertise with us) and results in unfortunate hype. 


After explaining to so many people that we don't really care and the fact that we do not make any money to say this or that... It became obvious that certain brands are severely overrated.


CAO is a an all time American favorite brand but we are watching and we hope many smokes with more interesting blends will come out. 


We wish all brands were on point but often not the case.

To summarize about this smoke it it solid and its wrapper is neatly perfected. This is a decent Maduro cigar with a very deep smoke and great draw. Well crafted but has a lack of picked up flavors in the blend that makes it fall off from our top list.  


TOTAL = 83%
RECOMMENDED = Fair

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TOP STORES 2012 : WESTIME LA JOLLA SHOWS SPLENDID DESIGN

TOP STORES 2012 : WESTIME LA JOLLA SHOWS SPLENDID DESIGN 
Posted by Swiss Watch Authority / Top Stores 2012 Special - Posted 03.13.2012

Westime La Jolla, CA is now open.

The Los Angeles based retailer now has another flagship store in La Jolla. Showcasing nothing but the best such as Harry Winston, Hublot, MB&F, HD3, Urwek, Alpina, Opus HW Series, Greubel, FP Journe, etc. 


If you are near San Diego stop by their splendid boutique.
To be continued...

The Grille at Morrison House - Restaurant, Bar, Lounge Review - Alexandria, VA

The Grille at Morrison House - Restaurant, Bar, Lounge Review - Alexandria, VA


The Grille at Morrison House
116 S. Alfred St, Alexandria, VA
(703) 838 - 8000
www.thegrillalexandria.com




The Grille at Morrison House, designed with an all-brick exterior and Romanesque courtyard fountain, dining guests can tell that their experience here will be memorable.

Gourmands are faithful to this establishment, as it blends antiquity and charm and provides a rotating menu featuring four delectable main courses (which can be adjusted and cherry picked by patrons). 


Chef McPherson ensures that fresh fish is flown in daily, traditional beef falls off the bone after a stew of four hours, and that the butternut squash bisque eases your soul. They also offer a Chef Tasting Menu, which includes 3-5 course meals (personal favorite: Foie: Foie Gras Torchon, Micro Basil, Duck Prosciutto, Fig Puree, & Fig Chutney)


The myriad of pasta dishes serve as standard bearers par excellence. The Grille also offers vegan, vegetarian, and Gluten-Free options, so no guilt can sneak its way into the experience. There are seemingly year round celebrations, so feel free to clap along with Grandma & Grandpa as they celebrate their 50 year anniversary, or give Little Tommy a pat on the back for getting the lead part in the school play. 


Always friendly, the waitstaff makes it obvious that they truly and deeply enjoy their job, and as a dining guest, you feel at home and comfortable.


After my dining experience here, I can honestly say that I will return. 








YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
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The Palm Restaurant - Restaurant, Bar, Lounge Review - Washington, DC

The Palm Restaurant - Restaurant, Bar, Lounge Review - Washington, DC


The Palm Restaurant
1225 19th St NW Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 775 - 1468
www.thepalm.com


The place to see and be seen in Washington, D.C., The Palm was voted as “The Best Power Lunch” by Washingtonian Magazine in 2010.

For 38 years, this establishment has been serving delicious lunch and dinner options to the elite. Using the best ingredients available, overly elaborate recipes and culinary fads are not a necessity here. Dishes are honest, succulent and satisfying, from Nova Scotia lobsters to Italian classics like Veal Martini and Chicken Parmigiana.


If you have the power of an elastic stomach, guests recommend their “Fred-Flintstone sized” tender Prime Rib. Furthermore, their classic filet and seafood combos off their menu are never disappointing, and some popular dishes include:


Crunchy Panko Fried Shrimp
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Savory Bacon-Wrapped Scallops (Personal favorite!)




Future dining guests are encouraged to rendezvous to Dupont Circle and get a feel for The Palm’s simple yet classy style and treat their tongues to a well deserved meal. The service here strives constantly for perfection and consistently achieves this, as said by locals, and I cannot agree more. This place is a winner in my book.








YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
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Your comments & ratings below!

BASEL 2012 : MB&F RELEASES IMPRESSIVE ROSE GOLD HM4 RT

BASEL 2012 : MB&F RELEASES IMPRESSIVE ROSE GOLD HM4 RT
Posted by Swiss Watch Authority / Basel 2012 Special - Posted 03.08.2012


With its satin-sheen red gold case, MB&F HM4 RT transforms the Thunderbolt into a Jules Verne flying machine.


















The sleek aerodynamic case blends majestic red gold with transparent sapphire crystals offering a stunning view into HM4 RT’s specifically-developed, in-house engine, the complex micro-mechanics of which are the result of three long years of development.


Each of the 300-plus movement components – including the regulator and even the screws – was developed specifically for this anarchistic calibre in which a horizontally configured, dual mainspring barrel drives two vertical gear trains, transferring power to twin pods that indicate hours/minutes (on the right) and power reserve (on the left).

Excellent legibility is ensured by red gold, Super-LumiNova filled hands set in dials arranged perpendicular to the wrist.


Read more here!

BASEL 2012 : RICHARD MILLE RM055 BUBBA WATSON LIMITED IS HOT!

BASEL 2012 : RICHARD MILLE RM055 BUBBA WATSON LIMITED IS HOT!Posted by Swiss Watch Authority / Basel 2012 Special - Posted 03.08.2012

RM 055 BUBBA WATSON: The new RM 055 Bubba Watson is inspired by the RM 038 Bubba Watson tourbillon watch presented in 2011. Its mechanical movement in grade 5 titanium displays extreme skeletonization, with a PVD- and Titalyt® treated baseplate and bridges. 

This combination provides the whole structure with optimum rigidity and excellent surface flatness and finish, essential aspects for the perfect functioning of the gear train. The caliber RMUL2 is thus capable of withstanding accelerations of over 500-G’s.


The movement is equipped with a variable-inertia balance wheel, which ensures reliability in the event of impacts and during assembly and dismantling, thus improving the long-term accuracy of the timepiece.

The regulator index is eliminated, and a more accurate and repeatable inertia adjustment is possible thanks to four small adjustable weights located directly on the balance wheel.

The double barrel mechanism helps to improve and equalize long-term torque stability: This is achieved by dispersing the stored energy within two winding barrels, equalizing torque as well as reducing pressure and friction on the bearings and pivots, resulting in improved long-term performance.

The RM 055 Bubba Watson is assembled using several sizes of spline screws in both the case and the movement. These screws age well and provide better control of the torque applied during assembly, and are therefore unaffected by the physical manipulations involved in assembly and disassembly.

The distinct construction of the RM 055’s case is designed to meet the demanding requirements of sportsmen. Thus the ATZ bezel is made from tubes of aluminum oxide powder injected at a pressure of nearly 2,000 bars. This high-pressure injection increases rigidity by 20 to 30% and reduces the material’s porosity to an absolute minimum.

ATZ is known for its high scratch-resistance (1,400 Vickers) and its unchangeable color. Next to diamond, it is one of the hardest materials in the world.

Long and difficult machining using diamond tools is required to create a perfect example of this complex, curved bezel and satin finish. The case middle and back bezel are in grade 5 titanium with a protective white rubber casing.

This rubber is injected at high pressure around the titanium components, thus insulating the movement from all vibrations. This special surface treatment also makes the watch very comfortable to wear.

A worthy successor to the RM 038 Bubba Watson, the RM 055 is a highly technical creation that is innovative, sporting and hand-finished in the finest watchmaking traditions.

BASEL 2012: GRONEFELD ONE HERTZ PLATINUM RELEASE

BASEL 2012: GRONEFELD ONE HERTZ PLATINUM RELEASEPosted by Swiss Watch Authority / Hot Topics - Posted 03.07.2012

Introducing the “One Hertz Platinum”: The world's first independent dead seconds series wristwatch – now with exclusive platinum case and sophisticated blue dial.  

Watchmakers Tim and Bart Grönefeld present the One Hertz Platinum, a remarkable timepiece which sees the One Hertz – the world's first and only production wristwatch with independent dead seconds – receive an exclusive platinum case and cool blue dial.


While rare, the dead seconds complication – secondes mortes in French – does exist. However, to date dead seconds have been derived from other mechanisms, usually a constant force device or remontoir d'égalité.


The One Hertz Platinum features Grönefeld’s own proprietary movement of which all 285 parts are hand-decorated to the highest standards. The One Hertz indicates hours and minutes on a sub-dial at 2 o'clock; large sub-dial for the dead seconds; power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock; and an innovative setting-winding indicator at 3 o'clock. This ensemble of indicators is all the more striking thanks to the sophisticated blue dial background, which perfectly complements the regal tones of the precious metal platinum case. 


The One Hertz Platinum’s setting and winding is also extremely ergonomic, selected by pushing the crown in, rather than pulling it out.


Dead seconds – where the second hand advances in full steps of one second instead of an apparently smooth sweeping action – was a very respected mechanical complication until the 1980s. However, its popularity then died with the dominance of quartz movements, which also stepped in full seconds. A smooth sweeping second hand came to differentiate mechanical from quartz.


With the One Hertz and its unique secondary gear train, Tim and Bart Grönefeld have resurrected this long-neglected complication and re-positioned it where the complication originated: On the pedestal of high precision.


The quartz-like movement of the large second hand of the One Hertz subtly signals its unique mechanism, invisible to most, but obvious to haute horlogerie connoisseurs, who will appreciate the sublime, flawless fine-finishing of the Grönefelds’ own calibre G-02.


The “One Hertz Platinum” is a limited edition of 12 pieces




History of Dead Seconds: With the introduction of the pendulum in the 17th century, clocks finally became accurate enough to measure seconds. It was then not long before a hand indicating seconds on a long clock's dial signified a precision timepiece. A pendulum with a period – the time to swing forward and back – of two seconds (the most common) resulted in a single tick per second.


The invention of the balance spring, which replaced the pendulum, enabled miniaturization. As portable pocket watches became more accurate, watchmakers naturally thought to copy the one-second steps of the second hand which signified a precision timepiece; however, the rapidly oscillating balance meant that it could not be directly driven as with the pendulum, so it required either a new mechanism if independent, or be driven from another complication e.g. constant force device. 


While pocket watches have featured independent dead seconds in the past, the Grönefeld One Hertz was the first wristwatch featuring independent dead seconds.


The Grönefeld One Hertz is unique among wristwatches in that its dead seconds are powered by a secondary gear train independent of the gear train for the hour and minute indications.




One Hertz: The hertz (symbol: Hz) is the SI unit of frequency defined as the number of cycles per second of a periodic phenomenon. This SI unit is named after Heinrich Hertz. One Hertz simply means "one cycle per second".


The second (SI symbol: s), sometimes abbreviated sec., is the name of a unit of time, and is the international base unit of time. To highlight the SI seconds, the One Hertz displays dead seconds with a large seconds hand in its own dial. Hours and minutes are non-SI units of time because they do not use the decimal system so are displayed separately.


Mechanical wristwatch movements often have balance frequencies of 2.5 to 5 hertz, which results in the seconds hand making tiny steps of 5 to 10 steps each second and looking like a smooth movement. The second hand of the One Hertz is either stationary (dead) or jumping in a full one-second increment each second.


The "One Hertz" independent dead seconds complication: Displaying dead seconds in a wristwatch without a constant force device is no easy task. The friction of the mechanism has to be absolutely minimal so it does not interfere with the escapement.
  
Tim and Bart Grönefeld used an independent dead seconds mechanism that is driven from its own secondary gear train with its own power supply. The seconds are driven from one mainspring barrel and the hours and minutes from another. Friction is with this system guaranteed to an absolute minimum and the complication has no adverse influence on the escapement and free sprung balance.


The two mainspring barrels are wound simultaneously from the crown, which features an innovative "push to set", "push to wind function", with the mode selected indicated on the dial at 3 o'clock. A power reserve indicator at the top of the dead seconds dial keeps track of the 72 hours of autonomy. More images of the One Hertz Platinum are available at www.gronefeld.nl/gallery
  




One Hertz Platinum Technical Specifications: The “One Hertz Platinum” is a limited edition of 12 pieces 


> Indications:  Hours and minutes in subdial at 2 o’clock, large seconds at 7 o’clock, power reserve, setting-winding indicator at 3 o’clock.
> Winding-Setting mechanism: Push function crown for winding or setting.
>Power reserve mechanism: Classic Breguet style by means of a cone moving up and down on the threaded barrel arbour.
> Case and dial: Case crafted in platinum, security screws, polished bezel and centre band with hand-finished straight graining.
> Case dimensions: 43 mm x 12.5 mm
> Sapphire crystals: Top domed with antireflective treatment both sides, display back with antireflective treatment inside.
> Water resistance: 3atm/30m/100 feet.
> Crown: With engraved “G" logo
> Dial: Hour and minutes subdial, raised seconds sapphire subdial (transparent over the hour and minute subdial), power reserve indicator, setting-winding indicator, Grönefeld logo and model name on individual screwed down nameplates
> Hands: Hours and minutes, long thin counter-poised seconds, power-reserve and setting-winding.
> Strap and buckle: Hand-sewn matte black, alligator leather with platinum folding buckle 
>Calibre: G-02, mechanical hand winding, independent dead seconds, power reserve Indicator and setting indicator. 
> Movement dimensions: 35mm x  9.4 mm
> No. of parts: 285 parts
> No. of jewels: 39 jewels set in gold chatons
> Power reserve: 72 hours
> Barrels: 2 barrels, one for the going gear train and one for the independent dead seconds mechanism. Both barrels are wound at the same speed and in the same direction
> Balance wheel: 9.12 mm free sprung variable inertia balance wheel 
> Balance frequency: 21’600 bph/ 3 Hz 
> Balance spring: Phillips terminal overcoil curve, triangle-style stud 
> Main Plate: Spotted rhodium plated nickel silver 
> Bridges: Stainless steel hand bevelled, micro-blasted, circular grain on the top, relief engraved on micro blasted surface
> Gearing: 2 independent gear trains each with their own energy source
> Dead seconds mechanism: Independent mechanism, cam with 30 teeth on the going gear train on the second's wheel, escape wheel on the seconds wheel of the independent gear train, double lever with jewelled pallets.

BASEL 2012 : RICHARD MILLE RM039 AVIATION TRIBUTE

BASEL 2012 : RICHARD MILLE RM039 AVIATION TRIBUTEPosted by Swiss Watch Authority / Basel 2012 Special - Posted 03.08.2012

TOURBILLON RM 039 AVIATION E6-B FLYBACK
Aviation and aeronautics have always been sources of inspiration for Richard Mille. As such, materials including titanium, carbon nano fiber, honeycombed orthorhombic titanium aluminide, ARCAP or even tungsten carbide have all found applications in the collection, stepping out of the aeronautical world and into the realms of watchmaking for the first time. The mechanical and aesthetic properties of these materials are now recognized in Haute Horlogerie in just the same way as precious metals. 


To explore these themes in greater depth, Richard Mille has created a caliber designed for flight navigation. This complete and technically sophisticated instrument is an ultra-modern interpretation of an essential device used by every established pilot. It also reproduces the materials and visual codes used in the aviation industry.


The RM 039 AVIATION E6-B displays much of the same information provided by the famous E6-B flight computer, which was invented in the United States by Naval Lieutenant Philip Dalton during the 1930s.

This round slide rule, incorporated into the bidirectional rotating bezel, can be used to read off and calculate fuel burn, flight times, ground speed, density altitude or wind correction, as well as the fast conversion of units of measurement (Naut/KM/Gallons/Liters/Feet/KG/LBS).

The RM 039 tourbillon caliber is also equipped with a UTC hand, a countdown mode, an oversize date at 12 o’clock and a function selector. The tourbillon movement drives a flyback chronograph featuring an exclusive design.

This complication provides pilots with a fast, practical device for measuring a series of successive elapsed times when navigating through different marker points. The flyback chronograph function combined with the E6-B flight computer brings the possibility of real time measurement to its functionality and applications.


By uniting all these functions in the RM 039, Richard Mille has extended the applications of the E6-B slide rule and turned it into an instrument that is even better suited to a pilot’s needs.

When preparing for a flight, the E6-B slide rule remains the most accurate device for determining the necessary fuel reserve and density altitude (essential for take-off and landing). The fact that the E6-B flight computer needs no power source also makes it an extremely safe flight instrument for pilots, even today.

This new Richard Mille caliber respects all the codes and requirements of Haute Horlogerie, notably in the close attention devoted to every detail of the movement and case, both of which are remarkable for their exceptional finishing and complexity.


The design of this tourbillon flyback chronograph required many years of research and development. This unique complication is the first of its kind at Richard Mille and the first of its kind in the world.

This includes some 740 parts, 58 jewels and a power reserve of circa 70 hours displayed at 2 o'clock. It also incorporates the new patented crown mechanism presented on the RM 037, which protects the movement from shocks and poor manipulation.


This extremely complex, highly technical caliber is the perfect instrument for dealing with the
challenges that pilots face during flights. The RM 039 AVIATION E6-B tourbillon represents the ultimate blend of watchmaking and aeronautics.


The RM 039 AVIATION E6-B is available in a limited edition of 30 titanium timepieces with titanium lugs.

CIGARS : Gurkha Assassin is a Mean Little Thing!

CIGARS : Gurkha Assassin is a Mean Little Thing!
March 2012 - Posted by The Cigar Intelligence Agency

CIGAR REVIEW - This is not a novelty again and again but this smoke is delicious and has a level of manufacturing that is near impeccable. From the paste used in the ring to the layering and craft around these delicious leaves this cigar is a medium to full body smoke that will make anybody have a great time.

Just sit back, relax and enjoy the flavor. Gurkha Assassin is truly a killer smoke and I absolutely recommend it. Not only for the presentation of the box that comes with these cigars but also because this is quality.

Gurkha is one of CIA's favorite brands and overall line. 


TOTAL = 92%
RECOMMENDED = Yes


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THIS MONTH : MB&F & MAD GALLERY TAKE OVER SWISS WATCH AUTHORITY

THIS MONTH : MB&F & MAD GALLERY TAKE OVER SWISS WATCH AUTHORITY
Posted by Swiss Watch Authority / Monthly Special - Posted 03.01.2012



Maximilian Büsser and Friends have revealed a new timepiece for 2011, the MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1 Watch.  For a brand built upon futurism and mechanical extremity, the Legacy Machine No. 1 is a departure in design– a romanesque, rounded model that reaches into the past for its inspiration.  Büsser’s Legacy Machine is a throwback to the turn of the 20th century, where a revolution in watch-making was yielding timepieces just like this one.


The MB&F LM1 may take its visual inspiration from 100 years ago, but the engineering and production are very modern-day.  It includes a three-dimensional horological movement, mechanically wound and sporting a 45 hour power reserve.  The watch comprises 279 components and 23 jewels, including gold detailing and sapphire crystals.  The display is surprisingly straightforward for the Büsser crew– hours are shown on a dial on the left, minutes on the right and the power reserve is shown in a vertical meter in the bottom center.


Is this change of pace welcome from a brand so focused on futurism and evolution?  Absolutely.  One common theme amongst the watches of MB&F is the playful inspiration upon which they are built.  One is inspired by the frog, another by mid-century model airplanes– and this one reaches back into MB&F’s interest in history.  We never thought we’d say the words “Steampunk” and “MB&F” in the same sentence, but we’re saying it now.  Nice work, Mr. Büsser and company.

HYT WATCHES IT'S READY! TIME FOR THE BRAND TO TAKE OFF...

HYT WATCHES IT'S READY! TIME FOR THE BRAND TO TAKE OFF...Posted by Swiss Watch Authority / Watch Pick - Posted 03.02.2012



It's ready. Just a few days before Baselworld, Vincent Perriard and its team releases the third and last video from HYT Watches before the big show.

LUXURY CARS : Mercedes-Benz New CL Class is Proof of Automaking Supremacy

LUXURY CARS : Mercedes-Benz New CL Class is Proof of Automaking Supremacy
By The LUXURY CAR & MOTORSPORT Authority - Posted 03.06.2012


Since the beginning of Luxury Cars, Mercedes-Benz has always kept the bar high and that level of quality is still in place. Mercedes has now released its new CL class models and shows more than ever that their continuity in serving the LUXURY market is bigger and better than ever.

The Mercedes-Benz CL may be one of the grandest cars money can buy, thanks to its abundant horsepower, luxury, and interior space — but that hasn’t stopped Mercedes-Benz from cranking the car’s appointments and appearance to another level. The automaker has released the Grand Edition package for the CL-Class, promising an even grander driving experience.


Grand Editions don’t receive any modifications underhood. As a result, if you order a CL550 (or a CL500 as it’s known abroad), you still make do with the Mercedes-Benz standard 429-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V-8. Likewise, CL600 Grand Edition models remain powered by the 510-hp, twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12.
Outside of the engine compartment is a completely different story. CL550 and CL600 Grand Edition models receive plenty of unique interior and exterior appointments that help dress up the gargantuan coupe. 


Grand Edition models are available in one of three colors, including platinum black metallic, mocha black metallic, and a matte magno cashmere white (the latter, Benz says, is “currently very voguish,” if that’s your sort of thing).


From there, Grand Edition models receive the full AMG sport package touch, which leaves it with a full aerodynamic kit, including front and rear aprons and a set of side sills. The exterior is capped off with 20-inch, 10-spoke aluminum wheels, and Grand Edition badging – lest anyone think your high-class cruiser is merely the banal CL550 or CL600.


Inside, seating surfaces seats are upholstered in specially dyed leather that reportedly enhances the hide’s natural grain and finish. Buyers can pick from one of three colors: Armagnac (the color of brandy), a light porcelain, and a deep black. Interior trim, as usual, can be finished in anything ranging from high-gloss walnut to black ash.


A Mercedes-Benz spokesman says it’s too early to tell if the CL550 and CL600 Grand Editions will ultimately arrive in the American market, but if it does, expect it to cost a pretty penny. In Europe, the Grand Edition model adds roughly $6400 to the base price of a CL – which, in our market, runs between $114,975 and $159,575 for the CL550 and the CL600, respectively. Don’t forget to throw in another $2000 or so for that “voguish” white paint.

SPORT CARS : Acura NSX Spider Car Design Leaked

SPORT CARS : Acura NSX Spider Car Design Leaked
By The LUXURY CAR & MOTORSPORT Authority - Posted 03.06.2012


Ever since production of the first-generation Acura NSX ended in 2005, we’ve anxiously awaited its replacement, and after it finally bowed at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, we couldn’t be more excited — until now. Rumor has it a design sketch for an Acura NSX Spider is patent pending.

According to a Honda and Acura forum, sketches of a topless NSX supercar were leaked on a French automotive blog. Apparently, six drawings of the open-top supercar belonging to Honda were filed with the European Patent Office on February 22. The wireframe sketches show all angles of the car, and below them, 3D renderings of the coupe version of the Acura NSX show styling differences that would take place in the Spider. Both models look to be about the same, except for the chop top, of course.


This may not come as a complete surprise though. We already expected a convertible body style was in the cards after a mystery convertible Acura was spotted on the set of “The Avengers” movie. Although Acura spokesman Gary Robinson said the open-top sports car is a “one-off fictional car that was created just for the film,” we’ve been betting our lucky stars the movie prop would become a reality. And these sketches could be a very good indication of that.


Imagine a topless version of this pretty thing...

TABLETS : ASUS Padfone, The Ultimate Netbook, Phone, Tablet Concept to Invade Earth!

TABLETS : ASUS Padfone, The Ultimate Netbook, Phone, Tablet Concept to Invade Earth!By The ELECTRONIC GEEKS - Posted 02.27.2012

ASUS announced the Padfone quite a while back but it wasn't taken too seriously. 

We love the idea of being able to blend the two together. This is the market ASUS are targeting. However it doesn’t just do phone and tablet, it even does netbook. You can now get a keyboard dock for this ultimate machine. 

The phone itself is the main driver of the whole system. Of course ASUS have chosen ICS as the main OS to run across both phone and tablet. And with ICS having the great intelligence to change from phone to tablet OS by screen resolution, as soon as you stick the phone into the tablet at the top, the tablet will turn into the fully fledged ICS tablet OS.

The tablet has the basic 10.1-inch HD display (1280×720). The Padfone will feature a 1.5Ghz dual-core (should have been quad-core) a whopping 64GB of internal storage and all the rest you would expect. You will also still be able to use the camera while the phone is in the tablet, with the convenient hole in the case.

I got to say this is a very crazy but at the same time amazing device which will match the needs of a lot of hardcore geeks and nerds out there. It’s something which is very different from anything other mobile manufacturers have got to offer.

The only thing ASUS have to get right with this great product is the pricing. Expect this little device to be really expensive and not available to everybody.  This is for sure a LUXURY gadget.

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The ELECTRONIC GEEKS
A great blog about Technology - Updates every week!

HYPE : RICHARD MILLE INVADES THE OSCARS!

HYPE : RICHARD MILLE INVADES THE OSCARS!
Posted by Swiss Watch Authority / Shows - Posted 03.02.2012

*** RICHARD MILLE HONORS MARTIN SCORSESE AND THE FILM FOUNDATION ON EVE OF THE 84th ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS ***
On February 24, 2012, Richard Mille and Vanity Fair hosted an exclusive cocktail reception honoring Academy Award®-winning director Martin Scorsese at Los Angeles’ Hotel Bel-Air in support of The Film Foundation.


The evening also served as a celebration of Mr. Scorsese’s film Hugo, which is nominated for 11 Oscars this year including Best Director and Best Picture. The Academy Awards will be presented on Sunday, February 26.


Leading actors, directors, and film industry executives joined Mr. Richard Mille and CEO of Richard Mille Americas John Simonian for the occasion. Guests at the event included honoree Martin Scorsese and Helen Scorsese, Demian Bichir, Executive Director of the Film Foundation Margaret Bodde, Lorraine Bracco, Vanity Fair Editor-in-Chief Graydon Carter, Jessica Chastain, Patricia Clarkson, Frances Conroy, Sebastian Copeland, Kevin Corrigan, Elizabeth Cotnoir, Danny Huston, Sir Ben Kingsley, Olga Kurylenko, Fran Lebowitz, Ray Liotta, Vanity Fair Publisher Edward Menicheschi, Kathleen Robertson, Rick Rubin, Howard Shore, Maura Tierney, and Pharrell Williams, among others.




ABOUT THE FILM FOUNDATION
The Film Foundation was created in 1990 by Martin Scorsese and a distinguished group of filmmakers to address the need to preserve cinematic heritage. Over the past 22 years, The Film Foundation has raised awareness for film preservation within the industry and the public at large, and has helped to preserve more than 565 films. In addition, through “The Story of Movies” educational program, the foundation reaches more than 9 million students, educating them about film language and history.


ABOUT VANITY FAIR
Muscular long-form journalism, stunning photography, insightful essays, and superb design make each issue of Vanity Fair an indispensable tool for understanding our world. Every month, the magazine commissions the best writers and photographers to explain the pressing issues of the day and take the pulse of the culture. Vanity Fair consistently delivers crucial reporting on business and finance, domestic politics, and world affairs, even as it covers the very best in arts and entertainment.

WATCHES : GOD SAVE THE QUEEN & IWI WATCHES!

WATCHES : GOD SAVE THE QUEEN & IWI WATCHES!
Posted by Swiss Watch Authority / Watch Brand Feature - Posted 03.02.2012


It's from the country who invented Punk Rock, gave us The Beatles, plus Sid Vicious, allowed Science as we know today, gave birth to Winston Churchill, and nurtured THE PUB.

That being said IWI Watches can only be a good thing and a great addition to whatever comes from UK. As you can tell I am a great fan of anything Brit and I am NOT sorry.

Now, IWI Watches are the inspiration of Ian Walsh, a young English watchmaker and are a truly English brand. Situated in the heart of Lancashire, IWI Watches have brought the skills more usually associated with Switzerland to the home of the cotton mill.


IWI Watches are luxury watches made in England to the highest possible standards. Using the latest technology at every step to design and create these modern classics, combined with the finest materials and components.

Every IWI Watch has an individually machined and numbered case which is turned from the finest stainless steel, this is then hand finished.

The finest quality Swiss Automatic movements are used in all the watches.IWI watches have been received by the trade and public alike with incredible enthusiasm and have been cited as being a breath of fresh air.

The watches pay homage to both motorsport and aviation simultaneously, with the oversized crown sat proudly at 12 o’clock for the aviator and the classic dials re-awakening thoughts of Moss and Fangio charging for the line.

Brand to follow!

ROMEO Y JULIETA TUBO LIMITED EDITION IS AN ALTADIS SMOKE AND YOU CAN TELL

ROMEO Y JULIETA TUBO LIMITED EDITION IS AN ALTADIS SMOKE AND YOU CAN TELL
February 2012 - Posted by The Cigar Intelligence Agency

CIGAR REVIEW - It has a name, a look, a feel but not the taste or what was sold as a top of the line cigar (when I ear that from a Cigar Club owner I put my walls up) with astonishing flavors and virtues.  Well I am bored as hell and I am not really into this type of hyped up cigars. 


I thank a dear friend for the gift but I am really not behind this cigar due to its overpriced nature.
It looks great, it looks fancy, etc. But no thank you.  




TOTAL = 81%
RECOMMENDED = Eventually


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