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Automobiles

Official images give us our first full look at the Mercedes-Benz F 700 Concept, which is currently on display at the Frankfurt auto show. Designed to be a low-consumption, low-emissions luxury sedan, the F 700 concept utilizes Mercedes’ DiesOtto and hybrid technologies. DiesOtto is a technology similar to GM’s HCCI.

The result of the combined powertrain — consisting of a 238 horsepower 1.8 liter gasoline four-cylinder and a 20 horsepower electric motor — is a reported 44 mpg with CO2 emissions of just 127g/km, both figures being extremely low for a car of F 700’s size. In comparison, the Lexus GS450h has CO2 emissions of 186 g/km. The F 700 also uses a transparent cover over the rear-wheels to enhance aerodynamics. Mercedes claims the F 700 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds.

An all-new active suspension technology is also featured on the F 700, dubbed PRE-SCAN. The new system uses two laser to scan the road in front of the car and automatically adjusts the suspension to suit conditions. The F 700 also features SERVO-HMI (Human Machine Interface), a virtual operating assistant that the driver can converse with. The concept was designed at Mercedes’ Advanced Design Studio in Irvine, California.

Jewelry

ABOUT CHRIS AIRE, THE ICEMAN

You may recognize his name. You may recognize his face. Or you may recognize the many nicknames he has affectionately been dubbed by his hollywood clients and the press: Emperor of Ice, King of Bling, Mr. Gem. Perhaps you’ve even seen many articles written about him around the world, including the 5 – page article in rolling stone divulging his humble beginnings sleeping in his car with only $500.00 in the bank, and highlighting his success not just among much of hollywood, but also in the fashion world, where chris aire made history being the first jeweler to put on a show during new yorks fashion week showcasing jewelry as fashion. An event that was not only attended by celebrities but also had some of them walking the catwalk in support of his work.

First pigeon holed as an urban-style jewelry designer, Aire actually once designed bridal collections for a host of well-established jewelry manufacturers and distributors. While attending the trade shows, he recognized a void in the marketplace: a lack of product for the urban demographic. Inspired, he made some initial sketches, but was surprised when he was met with widespread resistance that any such styles would ever find a client base. Following his intuition, not only did aire identify a highly neglected market, he created the designs that helped lead the urban jewelry market into a multibillion-dollar industry.

Aire has continually proven the naysayers wrong by thinking outside the box, and by creating cutting-edge, innovative, trend-setting designs that have kept top sport, music, television and films stars ahead of the trend game. Indeed, Aire is the creator of many key jewelry trends. From his diamond dog tags, tri-tag®, eternity tags to the infinity, numerology and the upcoming feng shui and marquis collections, as well as his oversized Aire traveler® timepieces series, stars such as Geena Davis, Halle Berry, Oprah, Terri Hatcher, Angelina Jolie, Lindsay Lohan, Adrien Brody, Jamie Foxx, 50 Cent, Nelly, Clint Eastwood, Will Smith have all shined in Chris Aire designs. In the 17 years aire has been designing jewelry, he has raised the bar on creativity and craftsmanship. He is recognized as an innovator, leader and a true artist in and out of the jewelry industry.

Real Estate

Atlanta’s condo and loft market has exploded over the past few years. From renovated warehouses and factories transformed into lofts, to the ultimate in pampered living, high rise condos with plenty of amenities, Atlanta’s condo and loft market is buzzing with innovation and style.

1. Spire

Spire is a breathtaking ultra-modern condo high-rise from Wood Partners and the Novare Group that has left a dramatic impact on Midtown Atlanta’s skyline. The 29-story glass and steel building contains 388 1- and 2-bedroom condo units, all with the latest amenities, and great views of the city. Spire sold out in just 11 weeks.

2. Gallery Condominiums

This 27-story luxury Buckhead condomimium will feature a private art gallery on the ground level, showcasing works form four highly-esteemed local galleries. The development offers one-, two- and three-bedroom units beginning from the $400’s. All units feature high-end appliances and high-tech wiring.

3. TWELVE Atlantic Station

TWELVE is a unique residential and hotel community located in Atlantic Station, Atlanta’s cutting-edge live-work-play development. 1- and 2-bedroom condo units are offered. The uniquely designed 26-story high-rise will provide great views of the city, hotel amenities and services for all condo residents, and a great location. TWELVE sold out in just 8 weeks.

4. Metropolis

Metropolis is a brand new luxury highrise condo development, nicknamed “city of glass” because of the extensive use of glass in the design of the building. Metropolis is located right in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, with easy access to both the business district and entertainment venues. I’ve toured a few of the condos here and find it to be an acquired taste. If you are into high-tech modern architecture, and a lively social scene, then this may be the place for you.

5. Centennial Park West

Luxury high-rise condos that overlook Centennial Park. This is sure to become one of the most coveted addresses in Downtown Atlanta.

6. Cosmpolitan at Lindbergh

The Lindbergh area has undergone a massive revitalization in the past few years, first with the Bell South expansion, then a retooled MARTA station, and the razing of Lindbergh Plaza for a new, modern shopping center. The Cosmopolitan will feature both condos and brownstones, with convenient access to all of the new retail offerings in the area, and easy access to Atlanta’s major interstates.

7. The Manhattan

Luxury Dunwoody high-rise condo development that is close to many great restaurants and shops. The striking 27-story building features an ultra-modern design and great amenities such as a 24-hour concierge that provides resort-like services.

8. Sovereign (3344 Peachtree)

High-rise luxury condominium located in the heart of Buckhead. Residences begin on the 28th floor, below that is mixed use high-end retail and office space. The building will be home to a new Buckhead Life restaurant concept.

9. Realm

With over 50% sold in its first month, this mammoth condo high-rise at the corners of Peachtree and Piedmont Roads in Buckhead is sure to be a much-coveted address. The units feature floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, and are pre-wired with the latest technology standard.

10. The Plaza Midtown

Striking high-rise condominium in Midtown, with convenient access to MARTA, interstates, Georgia Tech, and Atlantic Station. A Publix anchors the ground-level retail, along with three restaurants, a spa and other shops.

MUSIC

JAY-Z (HALF A BILLIONAIRE)

With a power move that would make Bill Gates blush, rap mogul Jay-Z has returned to the number one spot for 2007 after losing the number one spot to P. Diddy in 2006.

Jay-Z reclaimed his spot with the sale of Roc-A-Wear to the “Iconix Brand Group,” in March of 2007 which netted him $204 million, before taxes. Jay-Z will retain his stake in the company and will continue to oversee the marketing, licensing and product development. Jigga will also receive an additional $35 million dollars in “Iconix” stock if the Roc-A-Wear brand meets certain performance requirements over the next 3-5 years.

Jay-Z also co-owns The 40/40 Club, an upscale sports bar that started in New York City and has since expanded to Atlantic City, NJ. Future plans will see 40/40 Clubs in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Singapore. Roc-A-Fella also distributes Armadale, a Scottish vodka, in the U.S. He is also the president of Def Jam Records in New York.

On October 16, 2006, Jay-Z’s commercial spot with Anheuser-Busch aired, featuring his single “Show Me What You Got.” Jay-Z will serve as co-brand director for Budweiser Select while collaborating with the company on strategic marketing programs and creative ad development. He will be providing direction on brand programs and ads that appear on TV, radio, print, and high-profile events.

Jay-Z is a part-owner of the New Jersey Nets NBA team paying a reported $4.5 Million. Jay-Z is also interested in relocating the team to Brooklyn.

In October 2005, he was reported in English media as considering buying a stake of Arsenal F.C., an English football team. However, at this point, this is still speculation. FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN:

Jay-Z’s wealth for 2007 is based on the following: The Rocawear sale (after corporate lawyer fees and taxes applied) is in the $150-$160 million range, his Def Jam salary ($3 million) his endorsement deals ($9 million) his publishing rights ($10 million annually) his annual income from his 40/40 clubs is ($5 million), his income from Armadelle Vodka nets him $13 million yearly, his royalties from “Kingdom Come,’ netted him $2 million due to a high royalty rate (despite sluggish sales due to downloading ) and his consultant salary with Anheuser-Busch along with his NBA investment nets him a combined total of $5 million-and his $340 million carried over from 2006 brings the grand total to staggering: $547 million dollars. Highest dollar amount (Rocawear) calculated for overall total.

Most Expensive

Tequila, triple sec and fresh lemon or lime juice—these are the components of a standard margarita. The proportions may vary and orange liqueurs other than triple sec may be used, but these are the three main ingredients endorsed by the International Bartenders Association. What, then, are the ingredients in the world’s most expensive margarita?

Johnny Utah’s, a Western-style restaurant located in New York’s Rockefeller Center, features both a mechanical bull capable of rendering you permanently paralyzed and a mixed drink, The Vault, that can do the same to your wallet. Johnny Utah’s uses a $300 bottle of Herradura Suprema tequila to mix The Vault, along with grilled-lime juice and agave syrup. Notably missing from the mix is any sort of orange liqueur, though the syrup may make up for that. The drink costs $51 and was touted as the most expensive margarita in 2007.

Regardless of whether or not you consider The Vault to be a true margarita, the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has flattened that record with the Riverside Grand Margarita. This exclusive drink uses freshly squeezed lime juice; Cuvée Speciale Cent Cinquantenaire, a special triple sec made to commemorate the Grand Marnier company’s 150th anniversary, and Patron Tequila Gran Platinum. Both the tequila and liqueur cost about $200 a bottle. The finished product costs $65, making it the most expensive margarita in the world.

Reataurants

AMY RUTH’S 113W. 116th St., 212-280-8779

Ever since it opened for business in Manhattan, Amy Ruth’s has established itself as one of the city’s most reliable restaurants for traditional southern cooking – it’s not hard to see why. Despite an over-lit dining room closer in mood to a bus station donut shop than a traditional restaurant, Amy Ruth’s manages to convey plenty of familial goodwill – not surprising, given that owner and chef Carl Redding named the place for his grandmother. It’s an approach that’s apparent in everything that arrives at the table. As we’ve come to expect where soul food is concerned, bountiful is the operative word here. So whether you order the fine bourbon-glazed ham (a Sunday night special), the perfect honey-dipped fried chicken, or the two-fisted pork chops smothered in gravy, you can be assured of leaving the table at minimum satisfied and more likely vowing to forego food for days. Of course, there’s also the full roster of classic Southern sides to choose from, desserts including an intensely sweet red velvet cake, and a full waffle menu, which can be had with a variety of fried accompaniments, from chicken to shrimp.