Showing posts with label Creative. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creative. Show all posts

Monday, December 6, 2010

Famous Royal Weddings

In honor of Prince William's upcoming event, we look at the best regal nuptials ever.
Prince William and Kate Middleton created a media frenzy with their recent engagement announcement. The couple's upcoming nuptials are the latest in a long line of notable royal weddings.

Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer
The future Princess Di wore a dress with a 25-foot train (here's how it was made) for her 1981 wedding at this famous church.

Crown Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit Tjessem Hoiby
Although their engagement caused a bit of a scandal, the Norwegian couple went on to marry in a lavish ceremony (here's a look) in 2001.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson
The couple married at an iconic London church and shared a public kiss on the balcony of a famous royal residence

Princess Anne and Mark Phillips
The Army lieutenant reportedly refused a title when he married the queen of England's daughter in 1973 (he wore his uniform). They divorced nearly 20 years later.

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip
Millions listened to the future queen of England and the Greek-Danish prince's Westminster Abbey ceremony in 1947.

Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling
Their wedding took place at a famous Swedish church, and a concert was held in the couple's honor at a Stockholm landmark.

Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly
Kelly was a Hollywood superstar when she gave it all up to marry the prince of Monaco in a lavish wedding.

Princess Caroline and Philippe Junot
The princess and her much-older groom married in 1978 (what they wore) despite the royal family's concerns over his reputation.

Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako
The Japanese prince and the former diplomat married at a Shinto hall in Tokyo and have struggled with fertility issues ever since.

Prince Albert and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
The bride began a Westminster Abbey tradition at their 1923 wedding, and the couple held their post-wedding breakfast at this palace.

Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones
Their 1960 ceremony was the first royal wedding ever televised (see it) and the groom (a well-known photographer) was given this royal title.

Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles
The longtime couple finally wed at this historic building and held their reception at a nearby royal castle in 2005.

Princess Anne and Tim Laurence
The princess and her second husband, a Navy commander, were married in Scotland because of Church of England rules in place at the time.

Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones
The youngest son of the queen and the public relations agent were married in a (relatively) low-key ceremony at a historic British chapel.

Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly
The queen's oldest grandchild and his Canadian bride tied the knot (here's a look) at St. George's Chapel in 2008.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

The Adidas Symbiosis Provides More Organic Movement

There may be tons of prosthetic designs out there, but the Adidas Symbiosis is the first to come from such a popular sport’s label. That’s not the only first, however, that this prosthetic boasts. Instead of typical motor mechanisms, it features electromagnets so that users can experience smoother movement.

Designed by Randall Puzzitiello, the Adidas Symbiosis moves more organically than any other prosthetic limb on the market. Perfect for athletes, it could change the lives of many who are handicapped.







Thursday, December 2, 2010

America's Best Top 10 of Detroit's

The signs are everywhere: American automakers are on the mend. Free of any bailout stigma, Ford is leading the pack, with compelling cars and trucks delivering massive profits. One step behind, General Motors has emerged from bankruptcy as a leaner, nimbler company, with several new models that are scoring well with critics and consumers. And Chrysler has allied with Italy's Fiat to revamp its aging car lineup. Whether Ford can sustain its momentum, and whether GM and Chrysler can thrive again, remains to be seen. What is clear is that Detroit's Big Three are raising their game. These 10 models are proof.

Buick Regal Turbo
With impressive models such as the Enclave crossover and LaCrosse sedan, Buick is suddenly back on the consumer radar. Its sales are up nearly 60 percent in 2010, more than any other brand in the industry. The jewel in its crown is the new Regal. It glows at the curb, with a modern sophistication that's often lacking in Motown sedans. The good vibes continue with a handsome interior that's reminiscent of German luxury cars. And the 220-horsepower turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine delivers the power and smoothness you expect from a premium sedan.

Cadillac CTS
The sedan that kicked off a renaissance at Cadillac adds a coupe for 2011, a sharp-edged rogue that looks one part show car, one part stealth fighter. The CTS is a red, white and blue reply to anyone who says America can't build a sporty luxury car to compete against Europe or Japan. The cabin is Lexus-quiet, smartly finished and loaded with intuitive technology. Its 3.6-liter 304-horsepower V6 engine is mated to a suspension that expertly balances long-distance comfort and sporty control. The CTS sedan also offers the space of a midsize luxury car at the price of compacts such as the BMW 3-Series.

Chevrolet Corvette
No list of America's best cars would be complete without the iconic Corvette. That's not just nostalgia talking: The Corvette continues to up its game, achieving modern feats of performance that leave many exotic foreign sports cars — and their owners — quaking in their boots. For less than $50,000 to start, the Corvette brings a 430-horsepower V8 engine and a fat roster of performance technology. The Corvette's surprising cargo space and fuel economy, at up to 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the base model, is just the icing on its speedy cake.

Chrysler 300
Those who dismiss any chance of a Chrysler comeback shouldn't forget cars like the 300. The 300 sedan blew people away when it arrived in 2005, reminding them that Chrysler can score big when it decides to swing for the fences. With Mercedes E-Class components covered by a bold, all-American shell, the 300 became a smooth-driving hit with both urban and suburban buyers. The 300 then spawned Hemi-powered offshoots, including the Dodge Charger and Challenger. An all-new 300 will reach showrooms next year, with a more elegant shape, a higher-class interior and Chrysler's solid new Pentastar V6 engine as the base powerplant.

Dodge Ram
Full-size pickup trucks are the one automotive segment still owned by Detroit. And while Ford's F-150 remains the nation's best-selling vehicle, the Dodge Ram is our current champ. Behind its macho truck-stop grille, the Dodge offers a choice of three engines, including a 5.7-liter 390-horsepower Hemi that outmuscles anything in the half-ton class. The Ram's unique coil-spring rear suspension delivers a less jarring ride than Ford or Chevy, and at no expense to hauling or towing ability. The Ram is also plush and roomy, stuffed with clever storage solutions, including lockable, waterproof boxes in the bed.

Ford Fusion
Who says America can't build a hybrid? The gas-electric version of Ford's popular midsize sedan whips the Toyota Camry Hybrid in looks, handling and fuel economy — 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway versus the Camry's 31/35. The standard Fusion is one of the market's slickest-driving family sedans, with a 175-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or with a 240-horsepower V6. A Fusion Sport AWD provides winter security, though its all-wheel drive and 263-horsepower V6 trim fuel economy to just 17/24.

Ford Fiesta
Small cars have been a notorious blind spot for Detroit. Now, with cars such as the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Cruze, that's changing. Straight out of Europe, the Fiesta hatchback is the kind of small car you buy because you want it, not because you can't afford anything else. The Ford is cute as all get out, and surprisingly fun to drive, despite a modest 118 horsepower from its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Fiesta also returns 40 mpg highway, thanks in part to its dual-clutch automatic transmission, a technology typically found in 6-figure sports cars. Its biggest knock: The Fiesta isn't very roomy inside.

Ford Mustang
Loyalty rules in the pony-car war among the Mustang, Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger. But the rare person who tests all three may have to admit: The Mustang is the sharpest-handling and the most fun to drive. The Ford was already updated for 2010 with fresh styling, suspension, brakes and a higher-quality interior. It's a pair of terrific new engines, though, that puts the 'Stang over the top for 2011. Even budget buyers get a 3.7-liter V6 engine that combines a burly 305 horsepower with a stingy 31 mpg highway.

GMC Acadia
Can't see yourself in a minivan? Check out the Acadia — or its siblings, the Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse. With smooth styling, three roomy rows of seats and trusty handling, the Acadia is one of the best large crossovers for Americans with growing families. The GMC accommodates seven or eight passengers, including the ability to comfortably fit 6-foot-tall adults in the third row. The Acadia is roomier than, say, a Honda Pilot, and beats it in the fuel-economy department, at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the front-drive version.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep has seen sales slip away as Americans fled SUVs for crossovers. Now, an all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee looks to lure them back, and it's a dandy. The Grand Cherokee looks terrific, restoring the clean, muscular lines of classic Jeeps but adding newfound elegance. A lavishly redesigned cabin offers proof that Jeep is finally getting serious about interior design. The Jeep is based on the solid Mercedes M-Class, with an independent rear suspension that does wonders for ride and handling. The new Pentastar V6 engine delivers 290 horsepower, with an optional 360 horses from a 5.7-liter V8 Hemi.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Over the Top Thanksgiving Turkeys

Suntanned Turkey
With a little aluminum-foil ingenuity, Thanksgiving can be just another day at the beach. Courtesy of the blogs The Whole Enchilada and Raven's Brain, we found an easy way to surprise your Thanksgiving dinner guests: (1) Cut out aluminum foil in desired swimsuit-inspired shapes. (2) Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan and position the foil carefully. (3) Roast according to your own recipe and serve. (4) Watch your guests' faces ...

Deep-Fried Turkey
This is it — traditional turkey with all the trimmings, except Jive Turkey owner Aricka Westbrooks deep-fries her turkeys in a pressurized fryer. This method yields crispy, golden-brown skin and remarkably tender, juicy meat that's ready in just 18 to 24 minutes. But this technique is not to be attempted by amateurs (it's even illegal in some states), so it's best to order from the professionals, like Jive Turkey, who ship nationwide.

Turducken
What would this list be without the opulent Cajun delicacy known as turducken? Part turkey, part duck, and part chicken, this bird-in-bird-in-bird masterpiece will provoke oohs and ahhs of delight. The Blue Star's version, which they ship nationwide, features deboned turkey stuffed with boneless chicken wrapped around duck breast fillet, layered with sage-butter bread stuffing and Andouille stuffing. Oooo-wee!

Lifelike Vegetarian Turkey
Forget tofurky — that vegan mainstay looks nothing like the real thing. Make way for the Vegetarian Plus brand Vegetarian Whole Turkey! This faux-meat bird is shaped like a real turkey, replete with drumsticks and a golden exterior, and is made from non-GMO soy. The whole turkey kit comes with a 4-pound turkey, a pound of Himalayan Barley Fried Rice as stuffing, and a pound of gravy.

Barbecue Whole Turkey
Described as the "prime beef" of the white-meat world, Joe's barbecue whole turkey comes in regular-, Cajun-, or jalapeƱo-smoked. As long as you live in the continental U.S., you and 10 of your loved ones can enjoy this slow-cooked Texas masterpiece on Thanksgiving. The bird ships cooked but frozen, so order early enough to allow 72 hours to thaw.

Thanksgiving Dinner Cake
Why stop at the main course when you're craving turkey? Delight your guests during dessert with this sweet Thanksgiving Dinner cake! The cake, which can be prepared in any flavor, is frosted with just the right shade of chocolate buttercream. Trimmings are created with colored frosting, whipped cream, cinnamon-dusted challah bread. Delish!

Beer-Can Turkey
We're not sure who invented this moist method of meat cookery, but beer and poultry make great partners. For detailed instructions on how to cook a beer-can turkey on your home grill, we turn to a post from Cooking for Engineers. Blogger Michael Chu explains it all, from the best way to brine to the optimal-size beer can and the tastiest blend of spices.

Roast Turkey with Alligator Stuffing
Unleash some wild Bayou flavor with this Cajun-style delicacy. The chefs at Hebert's stuff a whole boneless turkey with this one-of-a-kind rice stuffing that features onions, bell peppers, and alligator meat smothered in a zesty Cajun-spiced tomato sauce. Hebert's makes and ships a variety of New Orleans-style stuffed turkeys, but the alligator caught our eye.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Actors Who Sing on the Side

A good actor can play anyone, right? Meet 15 thespians who, with varying degrees of success, have attempted to be singers. (And no vocalists-turned-actors like Babs.) From a “Gladiator” hero to a rehabbing starlet, listen up to these actors with pipes.

Gwyneth Paltrow
Urbane beauty taps inner twang
This Oscar winner sang with Huey Lewis on the “Cruisin’” video and on TV’s music-fueled hit. She’s back this fall in the movie “Country Strong” as an actor ... and singer.


Joaquin Phoenix rap
'Man in Black' does rap
“Sing” is a generous word for the hip-hop musings of this offbeat actor in his recent mockumentary. He received an Oscar nomination for playing a country star in “Walk the Line.”


Lindsay Lohan
Rehabbing starlet generated 'Rumors'
Now living at this rehab facility, the star of “Mean Girls” released two teen-targeted albums in the mid-2000s. A former “American Idol” judge wrote some of her songs.


Eddie Murphy
Comic gets funky for 'Party'
This A-lister gets laughs in films like “Beverly Hills Cop,” yet proves his pipes in a Michael Jackson video and, with help from a “Superfreak,” his own 1985 hit single.

Minnie Driver
English Oscar nom sings of heartache
Matt Damon allegedly dumped her on a talk show, so this actor, Oscar-nominated for a Damon-scripted film, has plenty of pain to fuel her singer-songwriter career.


Kevin Bacon
Actor sizzles in brotherly duo
If you’ve seen him dancing in “Footloose,” you know this actor has rhythm, which comes in handy in his fraternal two-man group.

Lynda Carter
Superhero actor sings the standards
Who knew TV’s Wonder Woman could croon? Since her 1970s heyday, this actor has released several albums and, in 2007, she launched a new act in New York.

Russell Crowe
“Gladiator” star fronts "Grunts"
Oscar named this “Gladiator” star best actor, whom audiences Down Under also know as a singer for his ’80s solo tune, his band 30 Odd Foot of Grunts and his new group.


Billy Bob
Angelina’s ex sings bluesy tunes
In this interview turned viral video, the prickly star of “Sling Blade” (and Angelina Jolie’s ex-husband) insulted Canadians while promoting his country-rock band.

Robert Downy Jr.
“Iron Man” actor proves musical mettle
Before “Iron Man,” this actor won an Oscar nom for playing a silent-movie star in a 1992 biopic for which he sang on the soundtrack. He also released this 2004 solo CD.

Juliette Lewis
Rock is no act for edgy film star
Although she famously sucked this body part of Robert De Niro in “Cape Fear,” fans of her band, the New Romantiques, say this actor really rocks as lead singer

Jamie Foxx
“In Living Color” alum hits pop charts
Since his Oscar for playing a music icon, this multitalented actor has released two hit albums. His collaboration with a top rapper that won a Grammy is due in December.


David Hasselhoff
“Baywatch” hunk a music star abroad
In the States, we associate this actor with television shows involving a talking car and him wearing a red swimsuit (pics), but people in at least one European country consider him a singing star. Really.

Jennifer Love Hewit
Know what she did last album?
The star of “Ghost Whisperer” (is that show still on?) has summoned several albums of moderate chart success. She also appears in a Spanish pop singer’s “Hero” video.

Jared Leto
My so-called musical life?
He’ll always be Jordan Catalano to TV fans, but this actor is also a musician. Alongside his drummer brother, he sings and plays guitar for this rock band.

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