Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Champagne Was Created By Accident, And We Have Mother Nature To Thank
Champagne is a tongue-tingling symbol of celebration, extravagance and class. Poppin' bottles is an exclusive activity reserved for blinged-out rappers, dripping in diamonds and costly furs, well-paid athletes who've won it big and the general elite. (Marilyn Monroe allegedly bathed in a tub filled with 350 bottles of the bubbly drink.)
But the drink wasn't always the crème de la crème. Just as lobster was once regarded as a poor man's food, Champagne was considered a result of careless winemaking. In the 1400s, capricious temperature changes in Europe infringed on the fermentation process. "The cold temporarily halted fermentation, the process by which wine is made," Marina Koren writes in Smithsonian Magazine. "When spring arrived with warmer temperatures, the budding spirits began to ferment again. This produced an excess of carbon dioxide inside wine bottles, giving the liquid inside a fizzy quality."
The weather-induced effervescence was initially met with disdain. Bottles of the accidental bubbly would continuously explode and the flawed drink was deemed unacceptable by many. But in the same way lobster came to be a divine delicacy, the twice-fermented wine transformed from a spoiled drink into a luxurious libation.
By the end of the 17th century, a monk named Dom Pierre Pérignon (sound familiar?) was asked to fine-tune the drink, and make it even more enriched with bubbles. (These days, champagne contains approximately one million bubbles per glass.) Though Pérignon was not the only one focused on the drink, he is often cited as Champagne's creator. This could explain why Dom Pérignon-branded Champagne starts at upwards of $100. But really, we owe our appreciation to the weather fluke.
Take Champagne's story as an inspiration. This year, as you clink and toast with a glass that hisses and pops, remember that the best things in life can't always be planned, and that some accidents are actually miracles. Cheers to you, Champagne.
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from Travel - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/29/champagne-made-by-accident-you-so-fancy_n_6392212.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
But the drink wasn't always the crème de la crème. Just as lobster was once regarded as a poor man's food, Champagne was considered a result of careless winemaking. In the 1400s, capricious temperature changes in Europe infringed on the fermentation process. "The cold temporarily halted fermentation, the process by which wine is made," Marina Koren writes in Smithsonian Magazine. "When spring arrived with warmer temperatures, the budding spirits began to ferment again. This produced an excess of carbon dioxide inside wine bottles, giving the liquid inside a fizzy quality."
The weather-induced effervescence was initially met with disdain. Bottles of the accidental bubbly would continuously explode and the flawed drink was deemed unacceptable by many. But in the same way lobster came to be a divine delicacy, the twice-fermented wine transformed from a spoiled drink into a luxurious libation.
By the end of the 17th century, a monk named Dom Pierre Pérignon (sound familiar?) was asked to fine-tune the drink, and make it even more enriched with bubbles. (These days, champagne contains approximately one million bubbles per glass.) Though Pérignon was not the only one focused on the drink, he is often cited as Champagne's creator. This could explain why Dom Pérignon-branded Champagne starts at upwards of $100. But really, we owe our appreciation to the weather fluke.
Take Champagne's story as an inspiration. This year, as you clink and toast with a glass that hisses and pops, remember that the best things in life can't always be planned, and that some accidents are actually miracles. Cheers to you, Champagne.
Want to read more from HuffPost Taste? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Tumblr.
from Travel - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/29/champagne-made-by-accident-you-so-fancy_n_6392212.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Google's Greatest Travel Hack Will Make Flights MUCH Easier
We're not sure why we've never heard about this before -- but as they say, it's better late than never.
Unless you're dealing with a late flight, that is.
When you're in a hurry to find your personal flight info, it turns out you can turn to Google. Reddit user jasenlee pointed out the trick: If you're logged into your Gmail account and type the words "Flight Status" into Google, the search engine will pull up your personal flight info including your confirmation number, seat, terminal, every email associated with that flight and more.
Some users report that Google even tells them the weather in their destination, and when to leave for the airport in order to catch their plane. If you've got the Google Now app, you'll even get nearby events and happenings, as well as places that make good photo ops.
We could load up on apps till our phone's memory is full, but no trick will be as simple -- or as much of a lifesaver -- as this one.
Cheers to simpler, smarter travel in 2015.
from Travel - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/29/google-hacks_n_6390782.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Unless you're dealing with a late flight, that is.
When you're in a hurry to find your personal flight info, it turns out you can turn to Google. Reddit user jasenlee pointed out the trick: If you're logged into your Gmail account and type the words "Flight Status" into Google, the search engine will pull up your personal flight info including your confirmation number, seat, terminal, every email associated with that flight and more.
Some users report that Google even tells them the weather in their destination, and when to leave for the airport in order to catch their plane. If you've got the Google Now app, you'll even get nearby events and happenings, as well as places that make good photo ops.
We could load up on apps till our phone's memory is full, but no trick will be as simple -- or as much of a lifesaver -- as this one.
Cheers to simpler, smarter travel in 2015.
from Travel - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/29/google-hacks_n_6390782.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
The 7 Most Impressive Homes Of 2014
This year was a particularly exciting one for homes all over the world. From uniquely designed mansions to teeny-tiny homes, people really showed that whether you decide to live big or small, the possibilities are endless.
We've rounded up seven homes that really impressed us this year -- from a home that looks like it should be in a fantasy movie to an address that leads to a literal dumpster. We only hope 2015 brings us such creative and beautiful dwellings.
1. The "Mushroom House" in upstate New York.
Fun fact: This house was originally supposed to emulate Queen Anne's lace, but something went differently during the building process, and once it was completed, it earned the nickname "The Mushroom House." Located in Pittsford, New York, the house consists of "five separate 80-ton, polyurethane and concrete units" that sit on huge "stems." It's still for sale at an asking price of $925,000
2. An enviable tiny home that only cost $30,000 to build.
31-year-old web designer Alek Lisefski built this teeny home for his girlfriend and him in a 8-by-12 foot flatbed trailer. Serving as a perfect example of comfortable yet budget-friendly living, the Sebastopol, California home only cost $30,000 to build. The trailer sits in the backyard space of another house, and the couple pay for the space by doing yard work for the homeowners.
3. This abandoned French chateau that is getting a major makeover.
Anyone who loves flipping homes needs to start following Karina and Craig Waters' blog, which focuses on their efforts to renovate the 94-room Chateau de Gudanes in Midi-Pyrenees in the South of France. The couple bought the massive chateau in 2013 and found it to be in less than stellar shape. That could be because its history traces back to 13th century. On top of that, the Waters discovered that it was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, one of the leading French architects of the time, responsible for the Place de la Concorde and Hotel de Crillon. The Waters suddenly had the challenging yet amazing project ahead of them of renovating the home while also preserving its important history.
4. Another amazing tiny home built inside of a dumpster in Austin.
One man's trash is another man's home. Seriously. Huston-Tillotson University's environmental science professor Jeff Wilson goes by "Professor Dumpster" and he has been living in a dumpster (he prefers to call it a "magic box") for most of the year. In an effort to teach the world "a new approach to the way single-family homes use their resources," Wilson lives in a 33-foot square home that is one percent of the size of an average American household. Check out "The Dumpster Project" website to learn more and to donate to his cause.
5. This opulent Vancouver home that still makes us want to live in a mansion one day.
We know sometimes you still dream of living in a lavish mansion and this four-level home situated in the South Cambie neighborhood of Vancouver totally fits the bill. Priced at just under five million, the perks you get could be worth it. If you're looking for a home that has walls full of interesting murals, marble floors, a floating staircase, a movie theatre, and an exercise room with a sauna, among many more things, this could be the perfect place for you.
6. A house in Maryland that belongs in a "Lord of the Rings" movie.
This home is truly for someone who doesn't want to live inside a box, but rather, inside of a completely unknown shape. The home is currently for sale for a whopping $1.2 million. The current owners bought the house in 1967 and transformed it into an actual livable place by adding high ceilings, skylights and swooping curves. According to the real estate company who holds the listing, Long & Foster, the home is "literally within a stone's throw from D.C."
7. This apartment that expands with the wave of a hand.
Researchers at MIT Media Lab’s Changing Places have created the ultimate solution for people living in all those small apartments in cities across the world desperate for any inch of extra space. CityHome, a mechanical box that kind of looks like a large closet, instantly opens up to provide an apartment with a hiding bed, table, kitchen, workspace, closet and storage units. And it gets better: The unit is based on low-friction rollers which allows the structure to be moved a few feet in any direction in order to really maximize space wherever it may be needed.
from Travel - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/19/impressive-homes-2014_n_6365708.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
We've rounded up seven homes that really impressed us this year -- from a home that looks like it should be in a fantasy movie to an address that leads to a literal dumpster. We only hope 2015 brings us such creative and beautiful dwellings.
1. The "Mushroom House" in upstate New York.
Fun fact: This house was originally supposed to emulate Queen Anne's lace, but something went differently during the building process, and once it was completed, it earned the nickname "The Mushroom House." Located in Pittsford, New York, the house consists of "five separate 80-ton, polyurethane and concrete units" that sit on huge "stems." It's still for sale at an asking price of $925,000
2. An enviable tiny home that only cost $30,000 to build.
31-year-old web designer Alek Lisefski built this teeny home for his girlfriend and him in a 8-by-12 foot flatbed trailer. Serving as a perfect example of comfortable yet budget-friendly living, the Sebastopol, California home only cost $30,000 to build. The trailer sits in the backyard space of another house, and the couple pay for the space by doing yard work for the homeowners.
3. This abandoned French chateau that is getting a major makeover.
Anyone who loves flipping homes needs to start following Karina and Craig Waters' blog, which focuses on their efforts to renovate the 94-room Chateau de Gudanes in Midi-Pyrenees in the South of France. The couple bought the massive chateau in 2013 and found it to be in less than stellar shape. That could be because its history traces back to 13th century. On top of that, the Waters discovered that it was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, one of the leading French architects of the time, responsible for the Place de la Concorde and Hotel de Crillon. The Waters suddenly had the challenging yet amazing project ahead of them of renovating the home while also preserving its important history.
4. Another amazing tiny home built inside of a dumpster in Austin.
One man's trash is another man's home. Seriously. Huston-Tillotson University's environmental science professor Jeff Wilson goes by "Professor Dumpster" and he has been living in a dumpster (he prefers to call it a "magic box") for most of the year. In an effort to teach the world "a new approach to the way single-family homes use their resources," Wilson lives in a 33-foot square home that is one percent of the size of an average American household. Check out "The Dumpster Project" website to learn more and to donate to his cause.
5. This opulent Vancouver home that still makes us want to live in a mansion one day.
We know sometimes you still dream of living in a lavish mansion and this four-level home situated in the South Cambie neighborhood of Vancouver totally fits the bill. Priced at just under five million, the perks you get could be worth it. If you're looking for a home that has walls full of interesting murals, marble floors, a floating staircase, a movie theatre, and an exercise room with a sauna, among many more things, this could be the perfect place for you.
6. A house in Maryland that belongs in a "Lord of the Rings" movie.
This home is truly for someone who doesn't want to live inside a box, but rather, inside of a completely unknown shape. The home is currently for sale for a whopping $1.2 million. The current owners bought the house in 1967 and transformed it into an actual livable place by adding high ceilings, skylights and swooping curves. According to the real estate company who holds the listing, Long & Foster, the home is "literally within a stone's throw from D.C."
7. This apartment that expands with the wave of a hand.
Researchers at MIT Media Lab’s Changing Places have created the ultimate solution for people living in all those small apartments in cities across the world desperate for any inch of extra space. CityHome, a mechanical box that kind of looks like a large closet, instantly opens up to provide an apartment with a hiding bed, table, kitchen, workspace, closet and storage units. And it gets better: The unit is based on low-friction rollers which allows the structure to be moved a few feet in any direction in order to really maximize space wherever it may be needed.
from Travel - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/19/impressive-homes-2014_n_6365708.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Missing AirAsia Plane: Bad Weather Hobbles Efforts To Recover Victims Of Flight 8501
SURABAYA, Indonesia (AP) — Bad weather hindered efforts to recover victims of AirAsia Flight 8501 Wednesday, and sent wreckage drifting far from the crash site, as grieving relatives "surrounded in darkness" gathered in an airport and prayed for the strength to move forward.
The massive hunt for 162 people who vanished Sunday aboard the Airbus A320 from Surabaya, Indonesia to Singapore, was severely limited due to heavy rain, wind and thick clouds. Seven bodies, including a flight attendant still wearing her red AirAsia uniform, have been recovered, said Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency chief Henry Bambang Soelistyo.
The weather prevented divers from retrieving bodies in the Java Sea on Wednesday, and helicopters were largely grounded, but ships were still scouring the area.
Sonar images identified what appeared to be large parts of the plane, but strong currents were moving the wreckage.
"It seems all the wreckage found has drifted more than 50 kilometers from yesterday's location," said Vice Air Marshal Sunarbowo Sandi, search and rescue coordinator in Pangkalan Bun on Borneo island, the closest town to the site. "We are expecting those bodies will end up on beaches."
The airliner's disappearance halfway through the two-hour flight triggered an international search for the aircraft involving dozens of planes, ships and helicopters from numerous countries. It is still unclear what brought the plane down.
Recovering bodies was expected to remain difficult for the near future. Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency predicted that the conditions would worsen, with more intense rains, through Friday.
The aircraft's cockpit voice and flight data recorders, or black boxes, must be recovered before officials can start determining what caused the crash. Items recovered so far include a life jacket, an emergency window, children's shoes, a blue suitcase and backpacks filled with food.
Simple wooden boxes containing bodies, with signs numbered 001 and 002, were unloaded in Pangkalan Bun, with flowers placed on top.
Nearly all the passengers were Indonesian. The country is predominantly Muslim, but most of those aboard were Christians of Chinese descent.
Just one Surabaya church — Manwar Sharon Church — lost 41 members in the crash. On Wednesday, around 100 relatives gathered for a prayer service in an hall at the Surabaya airport where the Rev. Philip Mantofa urged the crowd to hold onto their faith, despite their pain.
"Some things do not make sense to us, but God is bigger than all this," he said. "Our God is not evil ... help us God to move forward even though we are surrounded by darkness."
Before breaking up, those gathered stood together and sang with their hands reaching upward: "I surrender all. I surrender all. I surrender all to God our savior. I surrender all."
About 125 family members had planned to travel to Pangkalan Bun, 160 kilometers (100 miles) from the area where bodies were first spotted, to start identifying their loved ones. However, Surabaya airport general manager Trikora Hardjo later said the trip was canceled after authorities suggested they stay to avoid slowing down the operation.
Instead, some relatives gave blood for DNA tests in Surabaya, where the bodies will be transported, and submitted photos of their loved ones along with identifying information, such as tattoos or birth marks that could help make the process easier.
Nearly all the passengers from Indonesia were frequent visitors to Singapore, particularly on holidays.
It was 13-year-old Adrian Fernando's first trip to the city-state and was supposed to be a fun vacation with his aunt, uncle and cousin before he went back to school.
"He is my only son," said mother Linca Gonimasela, 39, who could not join them because of work. "At first, he didn't want to go, but later on he was persuaded to join them for the New Year holiday."
Malaysia-based AirAsia's loss comes on top of the still-unsolved disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in March with 239 people aboard, and the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in July over Ukraine, which killed all 298 passengers and crew.
The jet's last communication indicated the pilots were worried about bad weather. They sought permission to climb above threatening clouds but were denied because of heavy air traffic. Four minutes later, the jet disappeared from the radar without issuing a distress signal.
___
Associated Press writers Niniek Karmini, Ali Kotarumalos and Margie Mason in Jakarta and Robin McDowell in Pangkalan Pun, Indonesia, contributed to this report.
from Travel - The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/31/missing-airasia-plane-bad-weather_n_6399376.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Checking In: Mira Moon
One of the most stylish hotel newcomers in Hong Kong, Mira Moon brings cutting-edge design to the shopping and dining mecca at Causeway Bay. Opened in August 2013, it's a sister property to The Mira Hong Kong and a designated member of the Design Hotels group, making it one of only three properties in the city with this distinction. Conceived under the creative direction of famed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders and the all-star design firm YOO, Mira Moon draws its inspiration from the Chinese Moon Festival and the legend of the Moon Goddess of Immortality, but its look is slick 21st century.
Located within an unassuming building not far from the harbor front, Mira Moon is something of a hidden gem. Visitors to Hong Kong tend to gravitate towards Central hotels or Kowloon properties boasting views of Hong Kong Island’s iconic skyline, but for those willing to venture ever so slightly away from these areas, Mira Moon has much to offer with its high-tech, beautifully designed guestrooms. The immediate surrounding area may not be much to look at, and it’s a bit far from an MTR station, but a short walk or taxi ride easily gets you to the shops and restaurants of Causeway Bay, the nightlife of Wan Chai, the hustle-and-bustle of Central, and the must-ride Star Ferry.
Rates: There are five room types and one large penthouse suite, with rates starting at $186/night.
Rooms: Mira Moon’s 90 rooms come in three configurations: New Moon Studio, Half Moon, and Full Moon (on higher floors, the latter two types are designated as “Premier”). Ranging from 220 to 410 square feet, the rooms are compact (not unusual for Hong Kong), but the striking decor helps to distract from that fact. (Though, on the top level, the penthouse Moonshine Suite measures a spacious 1,250 square feet.) Some rooms offer partial views of Victoria Harbour and the towering International Commerce Centre, while others grant vistas of the surrounding city and Victoria Peak. Neither view is bad, but you’ll want to request a higher floor for a good vantage point. All rooms come equipped with large HDTVs, Apple AirPlay connectivity and docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary Wi-Fi, iPad Minis with customized apps, Handy smartphones, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a free minibar (nonalcoholic beverages only).
Featuring intricately carved wood, lacquered white ceramic, tile floors, colorful pops of cherry-red, and traditional Chinese patterns, the guestrooms here are visually striking, to say the least. The bathrooms, in particular, stand out with their digitally composed peony mosaics produced by Bisazza. All bathrooms feature a walk-in rain shower, and many also include a freestanding tub.
Drinks & Dining: On the third floor, Supergiant Tapas & Cocktail Bar offers Spanish small plates and cocktails inspired by Chinese mythology. The restaurant is open daily from breakfast through dinner; the breakfast buffet, with a selection of made-to-order egg dishes, is outstanding. Connected to the restaurant is the Secret Garden, a verdant, open-air terrace that comes alive at night with flickering lanterns. Adjacent to the lobby on the fifth floor, the Crystal Lounge is a small yet popular space for evening drinks; the view looks out onto the harbor, making it a perfect spot to see the nightly "A Symphony of Lights" outdoor light show. In the future, another planned outdoor space, Sky Garden, will open to guests and the public, though the timing is still undetermined.
Health & Fitness: Guests have access to a small but well-appointed fitness center that’s open 24 hours. The hotel has no pool or spa facilities.
Etc.: Though Mira Moon isn’t the only property to offer guests use of a Handy smartphone, this is truly a standout perk. The phone allows free local and international calls, as well as unlimited 3G data during the duration of your stay, no matter where you are in the city.
Pros: Excellent design; boutique experience; hip atmosphere; high-tech offerings; reasonable rates.
Cons: Somewhat far from public transportation; no pool or spa.
from Fodor's Travel Wire http://www.fodors.com/news/checking-in-mira-moon-11119.html
Checking In: Mira Moon
One of the most stylish hotel newcomers in Hong Kong, Mira Moon brings cutting-edge design to the shopping and dining mecca at Causeway Bay. Opened in August 2013, it's a sister property to The Mira Hong Kong and a designated member of the Design Hotels group, making it one of only three properties in the city with this distinction. Conceived under the creative direction of famed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders and the all-star design firm YOO, Mira Moon draws its inspiration from the Chinese Moon Festival and the legend of the Moon Goddess of Immortality, but its look is slick 21st century.
Located within an unassuming building not far from the harbor front, Mira Moon is something of a hidden gem. Visitors to Hong Kong tend to gravitate towards Central hotels or Kowloon properties boasting views of Hong Kong Island’s iconic skyline, but for those willing to venture ever so slightly away from these areas, Mira Moon has much to offer with its high-tech, beautifully designed guestrooms. The immediate surrounding area may not be much to look at, and it’s a bit far from an MTR station, but a short walk or taxi ride easily gets you to the shops and restaurants of Causeway Bay, the nightlife of Wan Chai, the hustle-and-bustle of Central, and the must-ride Star Ferry.
Rates: There are five room types and one large penthouse suite, with rates starting at $186/night.
Rooms: Mira Moon’s 90 rooms come in three configurations: New Moon Studio, Half Moon, and Full Moon (on higher floors, the latter two types are designated as “Premier”). Ranging from 220 to 410 square feet, the rooms are compact (not unusual for Hong Kong), but the striking decor helps to distract from that fact. (Though, on the top level, the penthouse Moonshine Suite measures a spacious 1,250 square feet.) Some rooms offer partial views of Victoria Harbour and the towering International Commerce Centre, while others grant vistas of the surrounding city and Victoria Peak. Neither view is bad, but you’ll want to request a higher floor for a good vantage point. All rooms come equipped with large HDTVs, Apple AirPlay connectivity and docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary Wi-Fi, iPad Minis with customized apps, Handy smartphones, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a free minibar (nonalcoholic beverages only).
Featuring intricately carved wood, lacquered white ceramic, tile floors, colorful pops of cherry-red, and traditional Chinese patterns, the guestrooms here are visually striking, to say the least. The bathrooms, in particular, stand out with their digitally composed peony mosaics produced by Bisazza. All bathrooms feature a walk-in rain shower, and many also include a freestanding tub.
Drinks & Dining: On the third floor, Supergiant Tapas & Cocktail Bar offers Spanish small plates and cocktails inspired by Chinese mythology. The restaurant is open daily from breakfast through dinner; the breakfast buffet, with a selection of made-to-order egg dishes, is outstanding. Connected to the restaurant is the Secret Garden, a verdant, open-air terrace that comes alive at night with flickering lanterns. Adjacent to the lobby on the fifth floor, the Crystal Lounge is a small yet popular space for evening drinks; the view looks out onto the harbor, making it a perfect spot to see the nightly "A Symphony of Lights" outdoor light show. In the future, another planned outdoor space, Sky Garden, will open to guests and the public, though the timing is still undetermined.
Health & Fitness: Guests have access to a small but well-appointed fitness center that’s open 24 hours. The hotel has no pool or spa facilities.
Etc.: Though Mira Moon isn’t the only property to offer guests use of a Handy smartphone, this is truly a standout perk. The phone allows free local and international calls, as well as unlimited 3G data during the duration of your stay, no matter where you are in the city.
Pros: Excellent design; boutique experience; hip atmosphere; high-tech offerings; reasonable rates.
Cons: Somewhat far from public transportation; no pool or spa.
from Fodor's Travel Wire http://www.fodors.com/news/checking-in-mira-moon-11119.html
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