| Vitruvian Mind |
| The Man will burn! |
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Posted on July 28th, 2008 by Phil.
Categories: Travel & Leisure, Consumer Products, Science & Technology.
In a relatively average looking hangar out in the hot and dusty Mojave Desert, a team of elite Aerospace engineers have been holed up for four years, building a spaceship. Today they showed the word what they have so far. The ship is called ‘White Knight Two’, and is the mothership of the Virgin Galactic space tourism fleet. The company plans to use their white knight to loft rich tourists some 62 miles above Earth, for a glimpse of space.
The last time there was this level of buzz in the high desert north of Los Angeles was in 2004, when throngs of spectators gathered to witness SpaceShipOne capture the $10 million Ansari X Prize by becoming the first private, manned craft to reach space. It was designed by Rutan and bankrolled by Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul Allen. I was there to watch that flight, and I can tell you it was quite something.
SpaceShipOne ushered in a new space age dominated by deep-pocketed entrepreneurs with dreams of making space voyages as mundane as airplane travel. That vision remains unfulfilled, but took a big step today. More than 250 customers have paid $200,000 or put down a deposit for the chance to be one of Virgin Galactic’s first space tourists.
White Knight Two will be the launch pad for SpaceShipTwo, the successor of the original craft. The smaller draft is about the size of a corporate Gulfstream,and capable of carrying six passengers and two pilots. Virgin Galactic declined to set a date for commercial travel, but said the earliest flights to space could be late 2009 or early 2010. The maiden voyage has been reserved for Branson and his family; Virgin Galactic plans to rename the aircraft “Eve” after Branson’s mother, a former glider pilot instructor and flight attendant.
Plans call for White Knight Two to carry SpaceShipTwo 50,000 feet in the air, tucked beneath its single 140-foot wing, before releasing it. SpaceShipTwo will then power its hybrid rocket and climb into space. Before gliding back to Earth, it will use a special “feathering” technique — in which the wings are rotated upward from the fuselage to reduce the heat of re-entry. The 2-1/2-hour trip is expected to include about five minutes of weightlessness.
I’ll tell you, if I had the money, I’d sign up.
Posted on July 21st, 2008 by Myk.
Categories: Travel & Leisure, Consumer Products, Philanthropy & Environment, Business & Finance, Science & Technology, Sports & Health.
From Trendhunter, I give you the fastest boat in the world. Also, the most environmentally friendly. It made me go a big rubbery one as it reminded me of Fight Club, the second best movie of all time after True Romance. TH writes:
The Earth Race boat is a bio-diesel powered boat that runs on human fat and looks like a highly futuristic vessel you’d expect to see on Star Trek.
The inventors of the zero carbon boat intend of breaking the current global speed record, planning to take the boat around the world running purely on fat. It was invented by an enlightened former oil industry engineer from New Zealand who is also an environmentalist. He hopes the project will promote environmental awareness and highlight the fascinating potentials of sustainable resources.
Pete Bethune and two crew members underwent liposuction, gathering a total of 2.5 gallons of excess blubber to power the speed boat. Their fat alone was enough to produce 2 gallons of fuel. He put the lard in motor and says under optimal conditions, the boat could run a successful 9 miles.
This boat is built for speed. While most boats ride over waves in rough seas, the Earth Race boat is built to pierce right through them. He plans on taking a 27,600-mile journey across the world, making the entire journey on 100% biodiesel.
If inventors could find a way to use global muffin tops, saddle bags and beer bellies as energy, these could be revolutionary.
One things for sure—in today’s society, human fat is definitely a renewable resource. So long as the obesity epidemic persists, fueled by pop culture phenomenons like McDonalds, it looks like there will be plenty of fuel to burn.
If we took all the plastic surgeons in LA and Miami and took them to the heartland for a little sucking…we might possible solve all of our energy problems :). Screw $5 gas prices and expensive corn-based ethanol, McDonald’s-generated lipids work too! The update on the boat’s progress is spectacular as well:
Despite being threatened by pirates and having almost been sunk by submerged logs, the Earthrace biodiesel trimaran (powered by recycled human fat) made the fastest trip around the world. This knocks 14 days off the previous record.
Tyler Durden would be more than proud. He would be ecstatic.
Posted on July 8th, 2008 by Myk.
Categories: Travel & Leisure, Business & Finance, Definitions.
Sometimes, I gotta let out my geeky side and throw down some economics. This post draws from this weeks Economist Article called “The domino effect.”
First let me define current-account:
From the article,
Currencies of economies with large current-account deficits should depreciate relative to those of countries with surpluses. This will stimulate their exports and curb imports, thereby helping to slim the trade gaps. America has the world’s biggest current-account deficit and the dollar has dutifully been falling since 2002. Oddly, however, the currencies of many other countries with large deficits had enjoyed big gains until recently. Now, at last, currency markets have started to see sense.
Ergo, when a country consumes more than it produces, it’s currency should lose value. Check the chart below…as you can see that the weakest currencies this year have been in countries with deficits.
Though a current-account deficit is not necessarily bad (because an economy may be borrowing from abroad to finance investment to generate growth) a country with a large current account deficit has greater economic risk. Its economy and its currency may struggle if money flowing in dries up.
So how does this affect us and why is it important of us to know? Well, the dollar is a crap currency right now for everyone travelling abroad. It’s weak as hell you’re gonna get bent over in almost any country you visit. When you wonder WHY this is happening to you (more specifically than we’re in a recession etc. etc.) at least you will understand that the current account is a major driver of your $10 coffee. Hope it tastes really goood…
Posted on June 24th, 2008 by Myk.
Categories: Media & Entertainment, Travel & Leisure, History & Politics, Business & Finance.
I’ve been remiss in writing on VM lately…but fear not friends….we continue to look for random, intellectually stimulating, and fascinating pieces of information to share. Check out THIS link! It’s a section of www.newseum.org ’s site, which is a museum in DC that follows the history and development of journalism. The link takes you to today’s Front Page of 575 newspapers. Think about that…these guys compile the up-to-the-day info on what media outlets around the world are writing about.
For all those who lament the US media’s spin and banal topics, you can check out what the topics du jour are in Le Monde or the Moscow Times. The site also provides analysis of what newspapers are writing about on a given day (what’s interesting in many ways is what they are NOT writing about)…
So read all about it folks!
Posted on June 23rd, 2008 by Phil.
Categories: Travel & Leisure, Humor & Pop Culture, Definitions.
When she sauntered over from the bar with that sultry smile, I know exactly what she was looking to grab. It was right there out front, begging to be handled. She laughed as she carefully wrapped it around her head, my Persian Green Corneliani tie.
The moral of the story? Break out the accessories. If you’re out looking to get your game on, you need to be set to interact. Wear at least one article at all times that gets attention and makes an easy conversation topic. The hat that a girl takes off your head and tries on, the very unique amulet around your neck, a t-scarf. It doesn’t really matter what it is - maybe you’re a fiend for non-prescription eyewear - all that matters is that you have something people can see and use as a conversation starter.
The more interactive, the better, since a big part of the “hook” item is providing people with easy way to initiate physical contact. Borrowing someone’s hat or glasses is a fun and playful way to flirt.
Think about it, make your selections, and get involved.
Posted on June 11th, 2008 by Mayur.
Categories: Travel & Leisure, Consumer Products, Business & Finance.
The recent US-led credit crunch may be hitting middle-class Americans hard. But one section of the population and the industry that serves them seem almost invigorated by the world’s economic woes – the super-wealthy and the businesses that serve them. A recent article in Newsweek indicated that 80% of the richest Americans – those worth $10 million or more – actually planned to increase their luxury spending this year. You add the moneyed Muscovites, and newly minted Indian and Brazilian billionaires to the mix and its magic!
So as the plebians hoard gasoline, cut-back on air travel and make Walmart their new favorite pastime, here’s what the billionaires are up to these days:
- They are buying products from brands that offer timeless-luxury: Bottega Veneta, Prada and Hermes: At Bottega, first quarter sales were up a staggering 31.5% while Hermes posted an impressive 13% rise.
- They are going bespoke: Mass luxury is now banal. Tom Ford’s made-to-measure suits, which range from $2,900 to $8,600, are going faster than Magnolia’s cupcakes. For a mere $90,000, Cartier’s nose will create a bespoke perfume just for you! Finally, it’s time to upgrade Casey and Bentley’s doghouse. “La Petite Maison” offers intricately detailed canine palaces featuring recessed and exterior lighting for $35,000.
- On holidays, they seek deluxe deprivation: Forget facials, mojitos by the pool and a rubdown. The people who have everything in life are now interested in putting themselves through hell. They will pay $500 to spend a chilly night at the ice hotel in Sweden. And for $3000 per day, Moscow-based Kniazev Event Agency gives the ultrarich a chance to be ordered around by former Marines and Special Forces veterans of the war in Chechnya during a 5 day bootcamp. Genius!
So, what are you waiting for? Buy that canine palace on a credit card. Some savvy bank will find a way to securitize and trade the AAA loan (using the doghouse as collateral…obviously).
Posted on June 7th, 2008 by Phil.
Categories: Media & Entertainment, Travel & Leisure, Philosophy & Spirituality, Philanthropy & Environment, Science & Technology, Arts & Literature, Sports & Health, Humor & Pop Culture, Coming Events, Storytelling.
On August 25th, 2008, Burning Man will open its gates. The week that follows will mark the peak of the year for many people, as Black Rock City one again rises like a phoenix from the ashes. For the week that it exists, the Black Rock City (the remote city that is Burning Man) is Nevada’s fourth largest city. Nearly 50,000 inhabitants gather in the middle of a dry lakebed to create something truly unique - a shining jewel on America’s tarnished soul. Once the event is over, the entire city vanishes without a trace, leaving only the memories, friendships, and the promise of things to come.
To some of you reading this, just the mention of the words “Burning Man” is enough to send a happy and mischievous tingle down your spine. To others, he subject is not too clear. If you asked 100 people what they thought Burning Man was all about, I’m sure you’d get a 101 different answers. Some would speak of freedom, personal expression, and universal acceptance. Others would rave about the art, music, and amazing characters they encountered. Many would tell stories of friends made, relationships formed or strengthened, and personal breakthroughs achieved. These are all threads of the same fabric, one that envelopes everyone who sets foot on the playa.
The intention of Burning Man is to generate a society that connects each individual to his or her creative powers, to participation in community, to the larger realm of civic life, and to the even greater world of nature that exists beyond society. BM is radically inclusive, so its meaning is accessible to anyone willing to make the journey. The touchstone of value in its culture will always be immediacy: experience before theory, moral relationships before politics, survival before services, roles before jobs, embodied ritual before symbolism, work before vested interest, participant support before sponsorship.
One way to begin to understand Burning Man is to look at the website: burningman.com, another is to look at its guiding principles:
Radical Inclusion
Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.
Gifting
Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value.
Decommodification
In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. We stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation. We resist the substitution of consumption for participatory experience.
Radical Self-reliance
Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on his or her inner resources.
Radical Self-expression
Radical self-expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content. It is offered as a gift to others. In this spirit, the giver should respect the rights and liberties of the recipient.
Communal Effort
Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art, and methods of communication that support such interaction.
Civic Responsibility
We value civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants. They must also assume responsibility for conducting events in accordance with local, state and federal laws.
Leaving No Trace
Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. We clean up after ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better state than when we found them.
Participation
Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal participation. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart.
Immediacy
Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.
If that sounds like something that interests you, you should learn more - but the clock is ticking. Planning for Burning Man is a year round commitment for many, and jumping into the fray at the last minute is nearly impossible. More so, the preparation and anticipation is a huge part of the experience.
So give it some thought, and if you’re ready to get involved, meet me out in the desert this August, and see for yourself. Dive in, the water is warm and welcoming.
Posted on April 25th, 2008 by Myk.
Categories: Travel & Leisure, Philosophy & Spirituality, Philanthropy & Environment, Science & Technology, Arts & Literature, Sports & Health, Storytelling.
A friend of ours Brian Johnson, the person who started the conscious social network Zaadz and subsequently sold it to Gaiam, has launched a really amazing new project called Philosopher’s Notes. In the time I’ve been acquainted with Brian (5 years ), he’s been questing for knowledge under every rock. He compiled a seriously intense list of quotations that I used to peruse when I had time for hobbies, and his book recommendations have always been just about 100% on.
Well, that’s what Philosopher’s Notes are about. Brian takes books on all aspects of self-development (self-realization really), distills them to their essence with their Big Ideas, and provides the result in both PDF and MP3 formats. The titles range in topics (spirituality, health, nutrition, productivity, environment) but they all have serious wisdom that we can apply to our lives. They are penned by contemporary spiritual leaders such as Deepak Chopra to classic American thinkers like Emerson to ancient philsophers like Rumi.
What’s really important here is that most of you and certainly Phil and I just don’t have the time to research what books to read. We rely on our trusted friends to recommend a book and so we discover knowledge that is both interesting and useful. Brian’s JOB is to uncover this wisdom making him a trusted source of information. Not only that, he’s paring it down for our busy lives. Even if you’ve read most of the books he highlights, it’s STILL useful as a memory aid on the main topics.
This latest project by Brian is completely Vitruvian in nature and I highly recommend that you check the site out because it has the potential to facilitate your personal development. Here is an example note of Wayne Dyer’s The Power of Intention (here). Very cool stuff.
Posted on April 22nd, 2008 by Mayur.
Categories: Travel & Leisure, Consumer Products, Arts & Literature.
Ever had restless nights wondering what the next fashion and luxury trends are? You can now leave those worries behind by simply attending the best runway shows, parties and sample sales listed below.
These events have been posted on Vitruvian World.
April 22, 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
A Cointreauversial Affair cocktail party, Angel Orensanz Foundation, 172 Norfolk St., NYC. Featuring the American debut of Dita von Teese’s new burlesque performance and unveiling of her signature cocktail, the Cointreau Teese
April, 28th - May, 2nd
Rosemount Australian Fashion Week Spring/Summer Collections (Sydney)
April 30, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Vogue Celebration of “Photobook” by Michael Roberts for Carlos Miele, 408 W. 14th St., NYC
May, 2nd - May, 4th
Dolce & Gabbana and D&G Resort and S/S 08 Sample Sale, D&G Showroom, 85 Spring St., NYC
July 18-22
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim, Miami
August 7-12
Copenhagen Fashion Week, Copenhagen
August 13-19
Stockholm Fashion Week, Stockholm
August, 27th - August, 31th
MasterCard Luxury Week, Hong Kong
September, 5th - September, 12th
Benz Fashion Week New York, NYC
September 13-21
London Fashion Week, London
September, 22th - September, 29th
Moda Donna (Milan Fashion Week), Milan
September, 30th - October, 8th
Paris Fashion Week, Paris
October, 24th - October, 30th
Moscow Fashion Week presented by VISA, Moscow
Posted on April 18th, 2008 by Christian.
Categories: Travel & Leisure, Humor & Pop Culture.
All hail the technoviking. He is a god among men and is venerated as such by his people. Watch as he punishes the weak of body, mind and spirit. Watch as he receives offerings of water from his people. Watch as he begins his holy, frenzy induced dance moves. All hail the technoviking… and whatever you do, don’t F$%* with this guy.
