For those looking for a great thrill, add the Big Shot ride on your things to do in Las Vegas at the Stratosphere hotel.

The Stratosphere building itself is a Las Vegas beacon and an engineering marvel. The futuristic looking hotel stands about 1149 feet, and the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and the tallest building west of the Mississippi.

On the roof of the enormous building you will find the exhilarating Big Shot.

The Stratosphere is a little intimidating for anyone with a little fear of heights and absolutely terrifying for those with a big dose.

The ride can accommodate 16 people at a time and they’re strapped in to the ride and shot skyward. This thrill ride will launch you 160 feet straight up in a mere 2.5 seconds with a speed of about 45 mph, which is basically 4Gs of force. You then drop to 0Gs and bungee up and down, then return back to the launch pad. Beware that this ride is not for the faint of heart!

Thrill seekers will love the crzy experience. Where else can you feel the ‘G’s and have your legs dangle in the Las Vegas skyline?

Only in Las Vegas!

The luxurious, Julie Marie Swan yacht made a fitting debut in Monaco this year, gracing the Mediterranean Sea. To guarantee a smooth cruising yacht, Julie Marie has been decked out with all the latest in technology and interior design. The Swan 100S Julie Marie is the seventh yacht in the Swan 100 range to be launched and the third 100 S model. (For those who are not nautical experts, S stands for semi-raised saloon).

When it comes to luxury yachts, most yacht manufacturers only give prices on request and do not publish them. However, Bob Lavoo Area Manager Asia, for Nautor’s Swan, told Emirates Business there is a general price range for Swan 100 yachts.

“As every yacht is build to the client’s needs, each yacht has a different price tag so we do not have fixed prices but it is safe to assume that any of these yachts will be in excess of 10 million euros ($14.7m),” said Lavoo. He said so far, four have been sold to buyers from the United States and Europe.“The Swan 100S has not been displayed in the Middle East, not that we overlook the market, it is simply that we build these boats for specific clients and as soon as the yacht is delivered they take off with it so to speak. They don’t want to share!”

According to Enrico Chieffi, vice-president of marketing and sales for Nautor’s Swan, they couldn’t resist the opportunity to target the luxury yacht market at the Monaco Yacht Show – one of the most prestigious in the world. “With boat building technology developing at a fast pace, Monaco provides a valuable opportunity for us.”

The 30.48 metre yacht features deckhousing with a cherry wood interior and white stained ash veneer. It features Cassino leather detailing throughout the yacht and dark brown Wenge floorboards.

The yacht has been primarily furnished in teak wood, hand-polished to a smooth satin finish. The large main saloon contains a solid teak dining table. It is principally a sailing yacht and the keel has been designed specifically for this.

For Nautor’s design teams the fundamental concept of the Swan 100S remains constant – it is cruising in the utmost luxury and comfort. Safety, speed and easy sailing are paramount to the design, enabling the yacht to cross any ocean smoothly and with minimal effort. The storage and power systems are designed to sail for weeks without the need to replenish supplies.

The man behind the design, German Frers, has 20 years of experience in designing Swan yachts. For the semi-raised saloon, Frers and the technical design team drew on the experience gained from building the previous two versions to ensure the Julie Marie is technologically advanced while incorporating Swan’s core values. Another task was to keep the noise level down.

Designed by Nautor’s architects, the interior of the Swan 100S is built of lightweight material, and also offers yacht owners options to customise. It has plenty of room for crew and guests, with two crew cabins, and two guest cabins, each with twin berths. The galley caters to long trips, with standard supplied equipment of four-burner gas stove, microwave oven, two refrigerators and a freezer. At the rear of the yacht, the owners cabin is spacious with a generously sized double bed, writing desk and sofa. All cabins have a shower with glass door and a head in each of the crew cabins.

The main saloon offers the ultimate in relaxation, with a coffee table with U-shaped sofa, seating eight. It comes with a full entertainment system, which can be tailored for every owner’s needs, with the latest electronic gadgets available on request. Each cabin has its own entertainment system.

Laying around your home in baggie sweat pants and a tracksuit top is becoming a thing of the past for many.  Why not pamper yourself and wear something stylish like  luxury loungewear?

Luxury loungewear, a new, discreet and trendy style that is bridging the gap between structured ready-to-wear and slouchy sleepwear, is quickly turning into the most appropriate sartorial solution in the current economic climate.

Luxury loungewear’s success is partly due to clever re-branding. No longer is the this casual market dominated by slouchy velour tracksuits, luxury loungewear (note the emphasis) is bigger, better and, dare we say it, dynamic.

Times are changing. Luxury loungewear is even now viable in the office. Oversized cardigan coats are steadily rivalling the cumbersome and costly overcoat and are just as smart; cashmere and merino are becoming ever sleeker and more decorous; while accessories such as lined leather boots combine formality with discreet comfort.

“There is no reason why something that you feel comfortable in at home can’t be worn outside, as long as the pieces are made in beautiful fabrics and cut in an interesting style,” says Moise Emquies, founder of the casualwear brand, Splendid.   Source: Financial Times

The new season of American Idol kicked off this week and there’s a new feisty kid on the block. It’s American songwriter, record producer, and singer, Kara DioGuardi.

Kara DioGuardi is responsible for producing songs for such stars as Pink, Christina Aguilera Gwen Stefani, and Ashlee Simpson.  There has been much speculation since the announcement first hit the news wires. Many have wondered if Kara DioGuardi is actually being groomed to replace the often goofy but always nice, Paula Abdul.

American Idol show producers insist that they’ve always intended to have a fourth judge on the show.

American Idol’s executive producer, Simon Fuller stated, “She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.”
Kara DioGuardi’s initial dream of becoming a rock star didn’t happen as planned so she switched gears and became a songwriter. Kara quickly rose to the top to become highly sought after, writing hit songs for many of today’s top superstars ranging from Celine Dion to Pink.

Kara DioGuardi personally believes that her struggles and successes should earn her artistic empathy among the American Idol contestants and critics alike.

Becoming the newest judge on America’s top TV show has to be bring on a lot of pressure.

DioGuardi who is 38 years old will join the popular judging group of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. American Idol enters its eighth season on the FOX network.

Kara DioGuardi appeared on TODAY show and was interviewed by Matt Lauer.

Kara said, “I’m a straight shooter, I’m going to tell it like I see it, but I’m also going to bring some heart to the show.” DioGuardi continued by saying, “I don’t want to make anyone cry. I’m not there to destroy their dreams.

It looks like Kara DioGuardi won’t sit between Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. FOX probably doesn’t want to interfere with the color exchanges, and ongoing battles that bring a freshness to the show.

DioGuardi did admit like anything new she has to get used to her new environment and the lively cast of characters.

“I’m a little nervous, believe me,” Kara told Lauer. “It’s scary, especially with the live shows coming up, and the first day, you’re there with Paula, with Simon, with Randy — they are a common trio, they are so well-known. It’s a little nerve-racking.”

The new iPhone 3G Kings Button is fit for a king, or any common person who has $2.41 million to buy one of these trendy cell phones.

The iPhone 3G Kings Button is the latest blinged iPhone from Austrian jeweler Peter Aloisson. The $2.41 million price tag is whopping to say the least. Looks like the luxury cellphone market hasn’t heard that there’s an economic crisis meltdown out there.

The word “button” in the phone’s name is a huge understatement. That simple word button is actually the iPhone’s home button and it’s encrusted with a huge 6.6 carat diamond, simply defines as a rare beauty.

The iPhone 3G Kings Button’s luxury tag doesn’t end there. Peter Aloisson encrusted this luxury Apple smartphone in 18 carat yellow gold, rose gold, white gold and about 138 small diamonds.

We all hate to travel – the crowded airports, long lines, rude people ….. But there are ways to make our traveling experience a little nicer and also be pampered at the same time.

Check out these luxury airport lounges that are sure to impress even the most seasoned traveler.

1. The Wing – Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong
The Wing is a 43000 sq ft open-air facility that features and 80ft bar (The Long Bar – featured above), four restaurants and a full-service day spa. This luxurious terminal lounge also features private cabins with showers, beds and Jacuzzi tubs. Top it all off with free Wifi, and executive office suites and you’ve got yourself quite the lounge. There’s no doubt why this lounge is always featured near or at the top of every one’s favorite airport lounge.

2. Premium Terminal – Qatar Airways, Doha International Airport, Qatar
First of all, you are greeted by a porter to take your bags and a concierge just to make sure you find all the other enclosed luxuries. If you are in need of secretarial or medical services, you’ll find both in here. Pretty nice. There is also a complete world-class spa where anti-aging facials and deep-tissue massages are administered. You can also take advantage of the Jacuzzis, and If you have kids there are a number of Wii consoles as well as a free nanny service. Definitely a relaxing way to get ready for a flight, or to recover from one.

3. Golden Lounge – Malaysian Airlines, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia
KL’s airport deserves mention to this list if only for the fact that there is a rain forest enclosed within the airport itself. Within the Malaysian Airlines Golden lounge, you will also find a river that literally runs through the terminal. Other notable amenities include: a gym, private rooms, and arcade and a full-service daycare center.

4. Lufthansa Lounge – Lufthansa, Frankfurt International Airport, Germany
Lufthansa’s Frankfurt terminal consists of a 12,000 square loft-like lounge with plenty of seating, a dining area and private office space (if you travel for work). This lounge also features a cigar lounge, and if you are a first class traveler you will have a personal assistant from checkout to departure (where you will be driven out to the tarmac on a Porsche Cayenne).

5. Virgin Atlantic Lounge – Virgin Airlines, London-Heathrow, England
Virgin’s flagship at London-Heathrow features: a lounge, a den as well as a clubhouse all done in typical Virgin style. In the lounge, you can take to the roof where you can grab a drink while you wait for your flight and catch some rays. Leave the kids in the Den where billiards and video games will occupy their short attention spans until just before departure. And if you are hungry, you can take to the clubhouse to grab a drink, where you can get anything from a light snack to a hearty and tasty plate of bangers and mash.

6. Air France Lounge at Terminal #2 – Air France, Charles de Gaulle International Airport, France
The Air France lounge at CDG Terminal 3 features some of the most useful amenities: showers and massages. While all the modern bells and whistles are nice, nothing beats a nice hot shower upon arrival. And, If you weren’t able to sleep that well, or you’re just tired from the overnight flight, treat yourself to a massage. Because hey, you deserve it.

7. Terraces Lounge – British Airways, JFK International Airport, USA
British Airways is always known to up the ante, and the Terraces Lounge at JFK International is no exception. Put trickling water fountains and nature sounds together with hydrotherapy showers, and pre- and post-flight massages and you have a way to truly relax if your coming or going. Special bonus is the faint smell of cut grass in the terminal to give it an outdoorsy feel.

8. Admirals Lounge – American Airlines, John F Kennedy International Airport, USA
American Airlines flagship lounge is a 7,000 sq ft facility that features a complete business center and cyber cafe with complimentary printer and fax services. If you want to take a break from your work there is a renowned commissary complete with world-class wine list and a diverse menu from which you can eat to your heart’s content. A number of plasma TVs (so you can watch what YOU want) and private shower facilities round out some of the most useful amenities offered here.

9. Qantas First Class Lounge – Qantas, Sydney International Airport, Australia
Designed by the world-renowned/ native Australian Marc Newson, this lounge features a 180 degree view of Sydney’s beautiful Botany Bay. The main feature of this lounge is the day spa with a number of complimentary treatments to help you relax. There is also a dozen desktop computers free-of-charge, if you didn’t bring your laptop, and private office suites if you require a bit of privacy. And if you are hungry, there is a 48-seat restaurant that boasts a menu of exotic meals from around the world.

10. The Royal Orchid – Thai Airways, Bangkok Airport, Thailand
The Royal Orchid offers complimentary traditional Thai massage to its visitors, as well as a host of other amenities, most notably world-famous Thai hospitality. Complimentary, gourmet Thai cuisine makes for a nice touch, and private meeting rooms with wifi definitely can come in handy. And just to show you that you are in fact a VIP, you can expect tarmac transport from via the airlines fleet of Mercedes-Benzes.

Source: DepartureSpa (includes additional photos)

Fairmont Kea Lani Resort

The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Wailea Maui, is a great vacation destination for honeymooners and family vacationers. Situated on 22 landscaped acres facing Polo Beach within the Wailea Resort community, The Fairmont Kea Lani is a luxury all-suite and villa resort.

The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort offers a full activities program, several swimming pools, and many dining options on the southwest shores of Maui, and is approximately 16 miles from Kahului Airport. Local attractions include Iao Valley State Park, approximately 17 miles away, and Kihei Town, located three miles from the resort.

The Fairmont Kea Lani is a paradise for those that love to swim. The resort has direct access to Polo Beach, as well as three swimming pools, including an adults-only pool. Also located in the swimming area are a 140-foot water slide, children’s pool, and two whirlpools.

Filling the days at the Fairmont Kea Lani is the onsite activities program, offering snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, canoe paddling, scuba diving, excursions, yoga classes, and water fitness classes.

The fitness center is open 24-hours a day, and personal training sessions may be booked. The spa offers a full menu of massages and beauty treatments.

Other amenities include business services (fee may apply), babysitting services, children’s activity center, elevators, laundry services, laundry facilities, parking, and retail shops.

Dining options include light fare at Caffe Ciao Deli, Italian-Hawaiian cuisine at Caffe Ciao Restaurant, buffets at the Kea Lani Restaurant, Nick’s Fishmarket Maui, Polo Beach Grille and Bar, and romantic twilight dinners in rental cabanas. There is also an open-air lobby bar, featuring local musicians.

Guest rooms feature air-conditioning, alarm clocks, hairdryers, minibars, microwaves, refrigerators, coffeemakers, TVs, DVD players, CD players, VCRs, stereos, movies on-demand, high-speed Internet access (fee may apply), irons and ironing boards, safes, and furnished lanais.  Source: MauiHotels.com

Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images North America)

It’s been a long-lasting love fest between American consumers and Miley Cyrus. She became an over-night sensation and never looked back.

So who is in the center of this media fire storm? Well it’s Miley Cyrus. She now has a hit movie, an incredible “Hannah Montana” tour and oh yes, that hit TV show that seems to now air all the time on the Disney Channel.

Miley Cyrus is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, who is famous himself for his hugely hit single “Achy Breaky Heart.” Cyrus was born in Nashville as Destiny Hope Cyrus, but at an early was nicknamed “Smiley,” which then became Miley by her father.

Americans have spent billions of dollars over the last few years into the Miley Cyrus / Hannah Montana empire. Young girls have been bombarded with an endless array of products every time they enter a retail store. Everything and anything with even a picture of Hannah or Miley has come into our homes, making our childless neighbors or those with a cadre of boys scratch their heads in curiosity as to why this teenager’s face graces so many surfaces.

Cyrus shot to instant stardom in the Disney hit show when she was just 14 years old. The Disney teen TV  ”Hannah Montana” show debuted on March 24, 2006. The Hannah Montana series focuses on a young girl who lives a double life – one as an average teenage school girl named Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) by day and two, a famous pop singer named Hannah Montana by night. The secret is Miley Stewart hides her true identity from the public. Only her close friends and family know the truth.

The cable TV show became the most-watched program for kids ages 6 to 14. The show also produced a hit soundtrack that debuted at number one of the Billboard Top 200. Billboard magazine critic Ray Waddell described Miley’s charm as “charisma and a very winning personality that’s easily conveyed by both television and live performance.”

In 2007, Miley Cyrus released a follow-up album “Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus,” which sold more than a million copies. Cyrus went on a 54-city concert tour. People magazine reported Cyrus was dating fellow teen pop star Nick Jonas of Jonas Brothers’ fame, who guest-starred on “Hannah Montana” and toured with Cyrus. Teen magazine website J-14.com often features news on Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers.

In 2008 Miley Cyrus was again featured on the cover of People magazine and dubbed “the world’s richest kid,” in a cover story about teen superstars. Cyrus signed a seven-figure book deal, raked in an estimated $1 million per week while on tour and is projected to sell $1 billion worth of “Hannah Montana” merchandise.

But like most celebrities, Cyrus has hit hard with negative news that created a media sensation. At the same time Cyrus’s People magazine cover hit stands, Vanity Fair magazine ran racy photos of Cyrus and a controversy erupted. Many critics attacked Miley Cyrus, saying she disappointed her pre-teen fan base and deemed the photos inappropriate because of their provocative and sexy nature. Cyrus quickly issued a public apology just as the Vanity Fair magazine was hitting the stands.

Miley Cyrus released her new music video Let’s Do This. This will serve as the theme song for Hannah Montana: The Movie, which will be open in U.S. theaters on April 10, 2009. The lyrics do show an attempt for Cyrus to break out of her Hannah Montana cookie cutter image.

Hannah Montana is the latest Disney pop star to try her hand at movies. Whether Miley Cyrus follows either the divergent paths of Lindsay Lohan or Hilary Duff will remain to be seen. While to date, she has not made the poor choices of Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) will have to be strong and have a strong supporting cast against the many evil temptations of Hollywood culture.

Diamonds have long been a status symbol of luxury. Is it true that there are diamond jewelry pendants for men? Do men love diamonds as much as women? For women there is a plethora of options.

Diamonds come in drops, hearts, and flower shapes. Then there is birds and geometric shapes as well, and that is just the beginning. But do men have all of these options?

Men should have the same options as women for designer diamond jewelry. Some of the most popular shapes for men are crosses, nuggets, and coins. However, there should definitely be some unique opportunities for men and designer jewelry as well.

Perhaps the best option is custom design. This allows the man to be as simple or as intricate about the design of his diamond pendant as he wants to be. His imagination and his ability to explain his design to the jeweler are the only limitations. Some designs that have been done are bezel settings and infinity symbols.

Trendy symbols can also be taken into consideration and altered to make them more personal and then into a custom piece of jewelry. Geometric shapes are popular as well as using more manly materials like stone. The options are truly endless. The custom jewelry created by men are an excellent way for them to display their style and be involved in the process as well.

There are always going to be some men who think that diamonds are too flashy or that designer jewelry is purely a feminine experience. However, diamonds do not always have to be their usual color. Diamonds are available in black, brown, and many other colors that may suit the more manly man better.

They are still the same as typical diamonds in their strength and durability and therefore remain a more masculine choice. Men can enjoy diamonds too without feeling like they are treading in thin ice with their manhood.

Designer diamond jewelry that is customized for men is an excellent way for men to enjoy diamonds as well. With the colors and shapes that are available, it is a great opportunity for men to display their style and personality as well. Sometimes trends dictate what is appropriate for men, but truth is, men can definitely make their own standards but also settings that are operational.

Men should visit a designer shop in their own cities so that they can start to make their creation today.

Jewelry is a great expression of personality and women should not be the only ones allowed to express themselves in this manner. However, it is important to also look at current trends so that it is not over done. This is of course a rule that women should follow as well.

The Azure T is the latest member to join the Bentley family. This 2009 model is a more powerful and exclusive version of the drop-top Azure.

Bentley’s flagship convertible, the Azure T, offers speed, style, superior craftsmanship and high-end acoustics. Too many awesome featires, so where do we begin?

First, let’s talk about Speed: Boy does this luxury Bentley Azure T have speed. This four-seat convertible has a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 500 hp with a top speed of 179 mph and a 0-60 mph of 5.2 seconds.

Even the roof is fast: Touch-button and hydraulic-powered, the three-layer canvas roof stows beneath the rear parcel shelf in 25 seconds. The roof stows in a separate well area; boot space is designed to hold two sets of golf clubs and hand luggage.

Bentley’s Azure T includes standard features that were previously unavailable or only available as extras.

Inside, the Azure T embodies a range of standard features that were previously unavailable or available as cost options on the standard model such as the diamond-quilted seats and door panels, the aluminum finish on the dashboard that is supposed to remind the 1920s racing Bentleys and the instrument faces which are finished in Black rather than Parchment.

The seats and door panels have Diamond Quilting, the fascia features an “engine-turned” aluminum finish and the instrument faces are finished in black.

All Azure T models come with an iPod interface linked to the Infotainment system. Optional Naim for Bentley premium audio system features 10 speakers, a dual-channel sub-woofer and an 1100 watt amplifier.

Elegant style. Timeless glamour. High rolling excitement. Bally’s Las Vegas has always set the standard.

When you stay at Bally’s, you’ll see why Las Vegas’ best rooms share the same address! You’ll experience world-class amenities and service so you can leave the pampering to the professionals!

For nearly 30 years, Bally’s Las Vegas has been the pulsating soul of Sin City – a neon city that refuses to sleep.

With its unwavering service, comprehensive dining and signature style this jewel of the Strip has attracted high-rollers from around the world.

Bally’s is one of the classic Las Vegas names, with a central location on the monorail and next door to the Paris Las Vegas. In addition, a covered moving walkway transports visitors to the sleek silver towers that look like a futuristic palace.

Recent room renovations have brought the accommodations up to date, featuring beautiful marble bathrooms and sleek modern furniture. Rooms in the South Tower offer a bird’s eye view of the majestic Bellagio fountains, without the high Bellagio price.

Although the hotel probably best known for its massive casino and endless rows of slot machines, Bally’s has a lot more to offer visitors, including a full scale shopping mall and the hit show Jublilee!

When you envision feather-bedecked showgirls, this is the show you’re picturing – beautiful women act out various historically improbable scenarios involving the Titanic, the Temple in Jerusalem, and more.

Visitors also flock to Bally’s Harley-Davidson store for clothing and accessories that capture the free spirit of Harleys and their devoted riders. If it’s leather, rugged, or motorcycle-related, Las Vegas Harley Davidson has it. Get decked out for your next road trip, or outfit your home in Harley-inspired decor.

See for yourself why Bally’s embodies the spirit of Las Vegas.  What are you waiting for?

Bally’s Las Vegas
3645 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Ph: (877) 603-4390