Top Music Trends of 2008

1. DRM IS DEAD. The final labels will drop all DRM within a month.
2. Mega-Stars are soooo 2007. Find the bands you love. Support them. Who cares if MTV doesn’t play their video? YouTube does..
3. The iPod is still cool but so is the Zune and other players.
4. Everything is going wireless:downloads and net radio on your cell, listen to your music collection anywhere.
5. NICHES RULE! Whether you like Scottish Bagpipe Metal or Mexican Punk there will be sites and communities for you.
6. Don’t pay for a subscription to Napster or Rhapsody. imeem and others give you almost the same thing for free.
7. Ringtones are over. Create your own and stick with it.
8. You’ll get more free stuff with your downloads: lyrics, videos, artwork and more.
9. More great music will become available for free thanks to ad supported sites likeWe7 and SprialFrog.
10. More bands will drop their record labels and go direct like Radiohead, The Eagles, Prince and others already have.

information provided by http://www.ourdigitalmusic.com/top-10-trends-in-music-for-2008/

OOZcollections ~ Music, Design, Travel

So many adventures couldn’t happened today,
So many songs that we forgot to play,
So many dreams swimming out in the blue,
Let them come true
Forever young I want to be forever young,
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever, forever

WHERE WILL YOUR WHEELS TAKE YOU?

LET THE FLAMES BURN.

OOZcollections ~~ music, design, and travel

Dubai Luxury Property Price Correction

October 2, 2008

Luxury Property in Dubai expected to see Price Correction

High end luxury property values in Dubai are likely to see the largest fall in prices during the expected correction says mid-range property specialist, Mohammed Nimer

“People buying mid-range apartments are doing so mostly to live in them as homes rather than looking for short-term gains,” says Mohammed Nimer, CEO of MAG Group Property Development

If a correction in the United Arab Emirates real estate market is imminent, it will be high-end property values that suffer most rather than mid-range, according to a leading property developer. Most of the recently introduced laws in Dubai are aimed at curbing the short-term speculators, and much of the price increases over the last several years have been driven by the top end of the market.

With increasing warnings of a downside correction, particularly in Dubai’s overheating real estate market, it has been the luxury properties – which were and still are more attractive to speculators – that will be hardest hit, says Mohammed Nimer, CEO of MAG Group Property Development.

“In comparison, the mid-range market will be more stable if and when the downturn comes, as people buying mid-range apartments are owner-occupiers, doing so in the main to live in them as homes rather than looking for short-term gains,” he added.

Nimer recently predicted the Dubai construction boom would peak in early 2009, with $3 billion worth of real estate either on the drawing board or under construction. From that point, he believes the market will fall back to 2007 levels, subduing rising prices.

A clearer view of the outlook for the real estate market is expected to begin emerging during the Cityscape Dubai property show early next month. “Meanwhile, from our perspective, developing and marketing property in the mid-range sector, we remain confident that demand from owner-occupiers will keep market prices stable,” Nimer added. “Issues of liquidity in the financial sector will have a bearing, but again we see this as limited compared with top end luxury developments.”

Nimer was speaking as MAG Group Property Development, which specialises in competitively priced buildings in the mid-range market, prepares for participation at Cityscape Dubai (6-9 October 2008 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre) at which current residential tower projects will feature.

They include: MAG 218, which is 90% sold and due for completion at the end of 2009; MAG 226, 50% sold and due for completion at the end of 2010; MAG 228B, 40% sold and due for completion in the first quarter of 2010; and Matex, which is 85% sold with a completion date to be announced.

The MAG Group sees itself a regional industry leader in establishing firm business ethics embracing sustainability and communicating transparently. “We also insure that anyone who purchases one of our properties is a safe investment,” Nimer said. “Quite simply, that means that the finance on any of our individual buildings is completely covered before we announce the project and seek buyers.

“Unlike some, we don’t make grandiose claims about being the highest, biggest or the most expensive,” he added. “We recognise that what people are looking for is affordability, quality and a pleasant home to live in and bring up their families.”

source: Luxury Property Blog by Mark Knowles

Free Hugs

The Sydney Morning Herald (smh.com.au)

It’s a Lonely, Stressful World Without a Hug

Everyone needs at least one hug a day to cope with the stress of modern life, psychologists at Manchester Metropolitan University say. London’sSunday Telegraph says their research found that one-third of people in Britain receive no daily hugs, while three-quarters wish they were hugged more than they are.

The team leader, Dr David Holmes, said the hectic pace of modern life had killed off the hug, leaving a nation starved of daily physical contact. “Britain has forgotten how to hug,” he said. “We are out of the habit. A hug is an important part of life. We are basically animals and so need physical contact like animals do.”

The research showed that in families younger members receive the most hugs, with parents often left out. The number of hugs for children decreases between the ages of 11 and 18, when the trend is reversed.

Holmes said “political correctness” was partly to blame because hugging people could be deemed “inappropriate”. Of course, this study has no relevance to Australia, where we hug each other all the time.

 

 

http://www.tangomag.com/20072334/uk-study-more-hugs-please.htmlTango’s Take

Preface: We sort of think that someone holding up a ‘free hugs’ sign is either on something or looking to get punched in the nose. That being said it looks like people need more of these hugs.
What’s the solution? Hugging a stranger borders on assault these days. Hugging a coworker is possibly sexual harassment. Hugging distant relatives sometimes makes them uncomfortable. So, whom do you hug? Do you hug just close friends? Do you get hugs from significant others and close family exclusively? The awkward, one arm, ass-out hug really has ruined hugging. Even the man-hug that involves back pounding was pretty good. Where have those gone? We assumed that the British could keep a stiff upper lip about the hugging scene. If it’s starting to distress them what chance do we have? Speaking of stiff, we wonder if Larry David’s, uh, hug-induced erections have other people laying off of the physical contact.

I saw a video about Amsterdam with people holding up ‘free hugs’ signs. People passing by happily hugged them. They whole city smiled. It’s fun and upbeat.

“Luxury is an attitude. It isn’t 19 pillows.”

Designs on Profitability

What qualities lend themselves to a hotel property that endures through good times and bad?

Quality and attention to detail 
Timeless design is something that we advise our clients on often. The question that inevitably arises is: How does one marry fashionable design with timeless design? The answer is: Quality and attention to detail build the bridge between fashionable and timelessness. Are materials used on your property of the highest quality? Is craftsmanship solid? Has the issue of scale and proportion been properly handled? Has the design taken into account the hotel operations, ensuring a hotel that not only looks good, but functions flawlessly? Craftsmanship and quality speak through the ages.

Concept clarity 
Timeless design starts with a great idea, and then connects all of the dots throughout the space and experience.  In other words, follow through. By having all stakeholders on board with a great concept, then executing the concept in design, service and offerings, one can achieve a transcendent experience for guests. 

Luxury is an attitude. It isn’t 19 pillows.
Contrary to popular belief, the number of superfluous pillows on a guestroom bed and the quality of the artisan water available for purchase in a room do not define luxury. Luxury in design only succeeds when the experience that surrounds the design is luxurious. That means operations must deliver on the promise of a luxury experience, therefore allowing luxury design to support that promise.

Does your hotel create a need or fill a need? 
As Danny Meyer, superstar restaurateur says, location, location, location can always be trumped by context, context, context. Great real estate allows owners to fill a need… whether it be convenient to the airport or a downtown shopping center. And that’s great until the airport loses one of its major airline carriers or the shops become passé. 

The benefits of a particular piece of real estate can change through the decades. Taking our cue from the Arizona Biltmore, create a need by creating a destination (complete with a golf course, eight pools and a life-sized chess board, for example) and find that your business will be far less affected by external influences and far more affected by the quality of the experience that you offer.

Indigenous design – always stylish
These days, everyone’s language is peppered with terms such as “sustainable” and “local.” And while it seems trendy in today’s landscape, indigenous design is anything but. Designing a structure to complement its surroundings by using like materials and colors, as well as culturally linking a building to its environs, gives it a reason to exist as if it is a part of the natural environment itself, and therefore a greater chance that it will still be standing a century later.

At the Biltmore, using indigenous sand and clay to make the concrete “Biltmore Blocks” on the property has helped this design to look as if it naturally arose from its surroundings, and therefore it is always viewed as an asset to the marvelous sightlines as opposed to a distraction.

In conclusion
There will be many wonderful hotel properties that will survive this economic crunch that the United States currently finds itself in, and future downturns as well. By considering these principles of timeless design and realizing that great design has more to do with a great location, solid concept and flawless execution than with picking the right “style,” hotels can transcend the trends and become an icon.

Some of us are working on bringing projects to life right now; others are waiting for life to settle a little bit before pursuing the next big thing. But all of us should be considering qualities of design that endure when we are ready to be back in the game.

source:Hotels That Endure In Every Economic Climate by Roger Hill

The Address – Burj Dubai

First Address Opens At Burj Dubai

source: hotelsmag.com>article>October 1, 2008

The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, developed by Emaar Hospitality Group, opens its doors to guests today.

At an imposing 306 meters in height, the 63-story hotel is the first and flagship property from Emaar Hospitality Group’s home-grown brand, The Address Hotels + Resorts, and is the second-tallest tower in Downtown Burj Dubai, next to only Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building. The striking architecture is reminiscent of the art deco era, and the tower is creatively illuminated at night.

The contemporary hotel has 196 rooms and suites, and a rich array of amenities that appeal to both business and leisure travelers.

Mr. Marc Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group, says: “The defining characteristics of The Address Hotels + Resorts brand are the location advantage we offer, the tangible guest benefits we provide and the service standards we assure at each of our hotels. Our brand offers a new definition of global luxe life and is carefully positioned to meet the demands of leisure and business travelers.”

The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai is implementing innovative services and exceptional guest benefits. Guests opting to stay in suites or executive rooms can enjoy the convenient privilege of a total 24-hour stay. This service will revolutionize the hospitality industry as guests arriving in the afternoon, evening, or even midnight have the option of keeping their room for up to 24 hours without having to follow the traditional check-out time of 12 noon established in the hospitality industry around the world.

The Address Hotels + Resorts brand defines itself on a ‘one size fits one’ approach, where benefits to guests and service excellence are a priority. For the convenience of guests, all check-ins are processed at the airport lounge, in the limousine en route to the hotel or in guestrooms upon arrival.

In addition, complimentary wireless Internet is available throughout the hotel, along with a 24-hour fitness center, select 24-hour food and beverage venues, as well as a full-time dedicated concierge service that can provide valuable information on social hot spots to further add to the lifestyle offerings of the hotel.

As an added commitment to offer that extra special touch to guests, the hotel has partnered with the world’s largest private member’s club and concierge service – Quintessentially, which is renowned for meeting even the most extravagant of requests.
  
All the rooms at The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai vary in design and aesthetics, assuring guests highly individualized choices. Apart from views of Downtown Burj Dubai and the awe-inspiring tower, the contemporary rooms feature lifestyle amenities such as a large flat-screen television and iPod docking station. Bathrooms offer double vanities, marble floors and mosaic finishes, and feature luxurious toiletries from renowned brands.

Dining at The Address offers an array of international cuisine prepared and served by top-class chefs and associates. The hotel pampers guests with eight food and beverage choices, including the upbeat and sophisticated Chinese restaurant, Hukama, and Fazaris, an all-day dining restaurant offering a blend of Japanese, Asian, Indian, Arabian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Those who like to socialize in trendy and stylish ambiances can select one of the hotel’s venues such as the vibrant, Latin-inspired Calabar lounge; the winter time terrace, Bajjah, with direct views of Burj Dubai from its 14th floor; or the panoramic sky lounge, Neos, located on the 63rd floor.

For a relaxing setting, the options include Risala, the inviting lobby lounge, Zeta, the outdoor pool outlet, and Xpresso, a lake-side coffee shop. All the food and beverage outlets within The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai are tailored to maximize views of Burj Dubai. Meanwhile, The Address’ philosophy of ‘Where life happens’ resounds in each and every outlet. 

The Spa at The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai features nine treatment rooms, as well as steam rooms, saunas, a nail studio and even an ice cellar where guests can cool off after a treatment. The Spa offers treatments and a luxurious range of products designed by ESPA, a world renowned name synonymous with quality and outstanding results. Guests also have the option of receiving their special treatments on private outdoor terraces.

The 24-hour fitness center comprises advanced and modern equipment with the option of working out while enjoying scenic vistas of Burj Dubai. Guests also can enjoy more than 1,000 square meters of swimming pool space in five separate, tiered pools, including a dedicated children’s pool and an infinity pool. For kids, Qix Club is a dedicated and supervised games club for children of all ages.

The hotel also places a strong emphasis on banquets, meetings and events. The function rooms, some of them overlooking the Burj Dubai tower, offer a majestic environment for highly professional or social events. The ballroom, which can be divided into three smaller rooms with sound-proof partitions, boasts a seven-meter high ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows, and can accommodate up to 550 people. All meeting venues feature the latest technology for the convenience of users, while the banqueting team pampers guests with a choice of international cuisine.

Mr. Dardenne adds: “The attention to detail paid throughout the hotel also extends to the welfare of the hotel’s associates, the very pillars in assuring the guest experience. Drawn from 45 diverse nationalities, the young and enthusiastic recruits have been extensively trained to uphold our founding and operational philosophy while adding their own personality and charisma to the overall hotel ambiance.

Mediterranean Romance

Most Romantic Beaches of the Med – according to ForbesTraveler.com

 

• Santorini, Greece
• Hvar, Croatia
• Hydra, Greece
• Cleopatra’s Beach, Yurkey
• Thassos, Greece
• Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
• Lopud, Croatia
• Emerald Coast, Sardinia
• Cinque Terre, Italy
• Cassis, France
• Île de Porquerolles, France
• Taormina, Sicily
• Le Lavandou, France
• Knidos, Turkey
• Maratea, Italy

Cassis, France (© iStockphoto.com/Thierry Maffeis)

 

Cinque Terre, Italy (© iStockphoto.com/Bill Grove)

 

Costa Rica

I may or may not be playing Tarzan in the jungles of Costa Rica. Depending on my spontaneity level, I may land there right after the New Year…for a while.