Most Expensive Pool Table

How much do you love the game of pool? Do you love it more than your car? More than your house? Well, thanks to Vincent Facquet, you now have the option to really vote with your wallet by buying the world’s most expensive pool table.

The Luxury Billiard is a 117-by-67-inch table with a 100-by-50-inch playing surface made of Iwan Simonis 860, the same cloth used on tables at any major billiards event. Surprisingly, the sights—a. k. a. “diamonds”—on the most expensive billiards table aren’t made with diamonds. You heard that right—someone actually managed to resist the urge to deck out an ultra-luxury item in precious gems. Instead, they’re inlayed with gold or platinum. Gold or platinum are also used in leaf-form to create the exquisite pattern on the table’s legs.

The Luxury Billiard is just as functional as it is beautiful. It features an automated drawer that can hold a set of pool cues and balls. Additionally, the triangle is built into the table so that you need only push on it—like the CD-ROM drive on a laptop—to eject it from the table.

The most expensive pool table in the world can be had for a mere $177,000. It comes in three models—Noblesse (18k gold), Majesté and Royal (platinum)—but custom configurations are available.

Continue Reading »»

World’s Most Expensive MP3 Player

Portable digital audio players, more commonly referred to as MP3 players, have taken the world by storm since Apple released their original 1.8” 5 GB iPod in 2001. The iPod wasn’t the first MP3 player, though. The first of the modern successors to portable tape and CD players was produced in 1997 by SaeHan Information Systems. Their MPMan, later licensed to Eiger Labs for distribution in North America, held only 32 MB of music.

Since then, MP3 players have become as ubiquitous as cell phones—and they’re status symbols in the same way cell phones are, as well. A variety of expensive MP3 players have been released in the past decade. What follows are the most expensive MP3 players in the world.

Wowing attendees at CeBIT 2006, the TrekStor i.Beat Organix gold MP3 player was one of the first luxury MP3 players. Cast in 18 karat gold and covered with 63 one carat diamonds, TrekStor’s gold MP3 player sold for $20,000 on Amazon. The player’s technical specifications included a gigabyte of memory, a Lithium-polymer battery that allowed an operating time of twenty-five hours, an FM radio, SRS WOW surround sound and even an audio recorder for note-taking.

Over twice as expensive, however, is the Douglas.J Presidential MP3 player by London-based Meng Duo Ltd. When you order your own Presidential, you need to choose not only the gold used in the casing (white or yellow) but also the physical configuration of the diamond buttons set in the front of the player. This expensive digital audio player includes a gigabyte of memory, a 65k color screen for video playback and support for a plethora of audio and video file formats. The Presidential is possibly the most expensive MP3 player in the world at around $45,000. The price includes Class 85 membership to get you exclusive access to a small group of clubs as well as hand delivery of your blinged out MP3 player anywhere in the world.

World’s most expensive iPod - The iDiamond

A contender for the title of world’s most expensive MP3 player has recently surfaced, however, in the iDiamond. This diamond-encrusted version of the iPod Shuffle was offered as part of an auction at the Feast of Albion. The auction also included a chauffeured Jaguar XJ and VIP tickets to see Roger Waters’ final performance of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. The iPod and accompanying headphones are made of 18k white and pink gold. There are 430 diamonds on the iPod and another 118 in the headphones. While its estimated worth is around $40,000, its exact value is up in the air since it is a unique item sold as part of a larger auction prize. That fact means it could easily outclass the Douglas.J Presidential as the most expensive MP3 player in the world.

Continue Reading »»

World’s most expensive coffee

The most expensive coffee in the world does not hail from Jamaica or Hawaii, but instead from Indonesia. Kopi Luwak the most expensive coffee in the world does exist, and those who drink the expensive coffee insist that it is made from coffee beans eaten, partly digested and then excreted by the Common palm civet, a weasel-like animal.

“Kopi” the Indonesian word for coffee along with “luwak” is local name of this animal which eats the raw red coffee beans. The civet digests the soft outer part of the coffee cherry, but does not digest the inner beans and excretes them.

Apparently the internal digestion ends up adds a unique flavor to the beans, removing the bitter flavor, and then beans are then picked up by locals and sold. The most expensive coffee beans can cost up to $600 a pound, and up to $50 per cup, if you can get over the fact that you are drinking such a strange brew.

You would know if you drank the most expensive coffee in the world, because the quantities of it are tiny amounts.

Continue Reading »»

DiamondGeezer

DiamondGeezer.com are manufacturers of Diamond Rings, Diamond Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings, Diamond Earrings, Necklaces, Pendants, and other types of Diamond Jewellery as well as selling all types of Loose Diamonds

Diamonds

The DiamondGeezer.com site is totally unique, we pledge to provide an outstanding shopping experience, service and value that simply can not be matched by standing at the counter of a traditional jeweller. We are award winning jewellery manufacturers and loose diamond brokers. The loose diamonds featured on our site are independently certified by leading gemological labs and listed on the web site by DeBeer's site holders themselves using our very powerful, bespoke and exclusive software which we first started developing in 1994. Our site and service provides you with a conduit directly to the diamond cutter, you can't get closer to the mine. The site holders/cutters set the prices you pay for the loose diamond, we take a fee from them, rather than the traditional retail margin from you....

We arrange shipping, insurance and import and then make and set your loose diamond in an outstanding diamond ring or piece of diamond jewellery which she will be the only person to ever try on.
Diamond Rings

DiamondGeezer.com manufacture one of the largest collections of Diamond Rings available anywhere, including the InterNet. We specialise in certified diamonds and allow you to design your own diamond ring using our 'Design your own Diamond Ring' tool and our very latest CAD-CAM technology. Our powerful and intuitive diamond searches allow you to select your own certified diamond and it will be our pleasure to set it into a hand-made ring of your choice. Our unique systems, order tracking and shopping experience ensure our clients are involved in the entire manufacturing process of their special piece and are kept informed at every step. Have fun and learn by exploring our extensive ranges of Diamond Rings.
Diamond Earrings

We also manufacture a wide range of Diamond Earrings, for him or her, in yellow or white gold, platinum, palladium and even silver. Every girl wants a pair of Diamond Earrings and our Diamond Earrings selection includes the best certified diamonds set in the most precious hallmarked, nickel free metals on earth, and means the most exquisite pair of Diamond Earrings for you. Take a look at our range of Diamond Earrings.
Pendants and Necklaces

Our Diamond Necklaces and Diamond Pendants are carefully handcrafted by our master craftsmen, in our own workshop. We use the best certified diamonds to create beautiful masterpieces. Diamond Necklaces and Diamond Pendants work with almost any outfit, wear them for work, best or play. Every girl wants a Diamond Necklace and Diamond Pendant. View our Diamond Necklaces and Diamond Pendants range.
Diamond Engagement Rings

Engagement marks the beginning of an ever lasting commitment and the joy of this occasion should be expressed with something equally everlasting; a certified Diamond Engagement Ring. So we bring you the best certified Diamond Engagement Rings to express your emotion and dedication to your betrothed and present him/her a token of ever lasting love. A certified Diamond Engagement Ring is the symbol of eternal love and comes in all shapes, forms and sizes, you can even customize your Diamond Engagement Ring to meet your needs, see our range of Diamond Engagement Rings for more information.
Eternity Rings

Eternity rings, sometimes called Anniversary Rings are an elegant and traditional way to commemorate a significant anniversary or other event in a couple's relationship, like the first born child. The endless or eternal loop of the eternity ring is a symbol of eternal love. The half eternity, with all the diamonds on the top is more popular, more practical and of course all of the 'bling' is on show! See our extensive range of Eternity Rings for more information and inspiration.
Diamond Jewellery

Nothing marks a special occasion or sentiment as well as a piece of quality Diamond Jewellery. Our Diamond Jewellery designs are available in all jewellery types and categories. DiamondGeezer.com makes high quality Diamond Jewellery which is exquisitely created by our master craftsmen and contain some of the world's best diamonds. We have a full design service, using the very latest CAD-CAM systems and technology if you wish us to design a bespoke piece of Diamond Jewellery especially for you. Or become a master designer yourself, visit our Diamond Jewellery range.
Wedding Rings

It seems that marriages are made in heaven, so it is fitting that your Wedding Rings be something worthy of that sentiment. We design and make over 6,000 designs of Wedding Rings in nickel free gold, platinum, palladium and titanium. Many of our award winning Wedding Rings designs use techniques and finishes that are unavailable else where. Make that special day even more special, have DiamondGeezer.com make your Wedding Rings.

Continue Reading »»

Luxury Diamond

For Premier Quality Antwerp Diamonds in Tailor-made Designs at Direct from Source Prices

Designs By Indigo in London is a direct supplier of the finest quality certified diamonds and luxury diamond jewellery from source in Antwerp at wholesale diamond prices. 8 out of 10 diamonds sold in UK, Europe and US originates from Antwerp.
1 carat oval diamond ring 7.56 carat emerald cut diamond with tapered baguettes 2 carat pear diamond ring
2 carat diamond earrings 1 carat cushion diamond ring 2 carat round brilliant diamond ring
3 carat princess cut eternity ring 1 carat princess cut diamond ring 2 carat asscher diamond ring

We have a diamond trade office in London where we meet clients by appointment only. Our main diamond office and showroom are in the diamond district of Antwerp where we have membership of the Diamond Bourse. It is important to note that we are not a retail shop but a diamond trade office. Shops sell ready-made jewellery - we sell loose diamonds and custom-made jewellery though we do have a small selection of ready items - these are the items on our Special Offers pages.

We buy directly from diamond cutters in Antwerp and hand-make to order so that we are able to offer:

* Higher quality diamonds (including premier cut and ideal cut diamonds) that meet your Cut, Carat, Colour, and Clarity criteria
* Individual handmade designs tailored to suit your particular tastes
* Competitive prices, typically saving about 50% when compared many fine designer shops such as Cartier, Tiffany, Boodles...etc
* The biggest selection of diamonds from the largest diamond marketplace
* The best quality, premier cut diamonds at direct from Antwerp prices combined with individual, tailored designs.

As we have an in-house team of designers, platinum-smiths and goldsmiths – we can design and create any style of jewellery that you like or supply just the loose diamond, as you prefer.

Bespoke design and making is our standard and incurs no extra cost as we provide the jewelery-making at cost as an added-value service to our diamond clients.

There are now many online diamond vendors selling certified diamonds and there are also fine designers who tailor-make - we combine both services in one place so that you can get the best quality Antwerp diamonds in tailor-made designs for a direct from Antwerp price as well as local accountability and convenience in the UK.

The sad fact is, 75% of all round brilliant cut diamonds and 88% of all other fancy cut diamond shapes on the market are poorly proportioned to retain carat weight rather than to maximise sparkle. In contrast, we handpick our diamonds to maximise cut. All our diamonds have the highest grades for Cut proportions on independent diamond grading certificates - so no concessions here.

All our diamonds (from 0.5 carat upwards) are accompanied by a worldwide accepted diamond certificate (e.g. HRD, GIA or IGI) and are hand-picked to select only well-cut diamonds as it's the diamond Cut proportions which determine how well a diamond will sparkle.

We specialise in classic and bespoke designs that are not readily found in one place in the UK.

We specialise in diamond solitaires including: round brilliant diamonds and other diamond shapes such as: princess cut diamonds, pear shape diamonds, emerald cut diamonds, cushion cut diamonds, asscher diamonds, radiant cut diamonds, oval diamonds, heart shape diamonds, marquise shape diamonds, baguette cut diamonds and more.

Our clients are those who typically want quality, tailor-made pieces at competitive prices.

For people who want all the quality and style of the prestigious designer shops with twice the diamond or half the price combined with personalised service where each piece is individually tailored.

We also offer more independent guarantees for diamonds than many prestigious designer shops.

We also offer a free diamond appraisal and diamond valuation service.

You can meet with us in London or Antwerp to view and select from loose diamonds.

For some inspiration on unique and classic diamond engagement rings, diamond partner rings and eternity rings go to the "Diamond Rings Gallery" and to Men's Diamond Rings.


For classic diamond jewellery suitable for any occasion and as diamond gifts: e.g. diamond earrings, diamond pendants, diamond bracelets, diamond necklaces go to the Diamond Classic Jewellery.

To learn more about what makes a good diamond, see Diamond Education 4Cs. For answers to some Frequently Asked Questions on how to buy from us, see Diamond FAQs.

We also supply rare and exclusive diamonds as well as limited edition exclusive designer watches.

To plan your diamond purchase, see our Antwerp Diamond Calendar.

To find our more or arrange a visit to see us, contact Dr Indira Marchant on +44 208 868 5210 or email info@bestdiamonds.co.uk

Continue Reading »»

Health Service Equipment Supply

Hospitalmart managing director Howard Plews has twenty five years experience of equipment supply in the health service sector. This experience includes involvement with:-
• Intensive care and critical care equipment and disposables.
• Renal care / haemodialysis / plasmapherisis / CAPD /capital and disposables.
• Cross infection control.
• Rehabilitation / wheelchairs and related equipment.

In sales and marketing functions Howard has supplied numerous departments of the NHS and has exported medical equipment to health service providers around the world. (http://www.hospitalmart.org)


Surplus Health Service Equipment

Says Howard
“It is common knowledge that there are serious financial problems in health service provision world wide. Through my activities over a long period within the health care sector I am aware that there is a vast aggregate stock of surplus equipment amounting to many millions of pounds. I see two major implications of this.

Firstly, the resources tied up in unused equipment would be far better employed elsewhere in the health service. This is not just the original cost of the equipment but also all of the costs still being incurred in storing, securing, insuring and accounting for it.

Secondly, health services could be improved considerably both in the UK and especially overseas if unused equipment could be accessed and put to use.”
Liquidation of Surplus Hospital Equipment

Hospitalmart has been established to facilitate the liquidation of surplus equipment and to extend its useful life to improve service provision worldwide.
Recondition / Recycling Hospital Equipment

By reconditioning or recycling your surplus hospital equipment you will generate additional income. Organisations in developing countries have the funds and are prepared to pay for your unwanted, surplus medical equipment. Extending the life of hospital equipment, like any other form of reconditioning or recycling, makes a contribution to the worldwide environmental initiative – in addition to improving health and saving lives in the recipient country.

Continue Reading »»

HUNTRON SCANNERS

Add Scanning Capabilites to Your Huntron Tracker Model 30 System

Tracker Model 30 shown with Scanner II underneath

Adding a Huntron^® Scanner to your Tracker Model 30 system lets you access components using standard DIP clips and cables, custom cables to PCB connectors or interface to a bed-of-nails.
You can compare one component with another in real-time (64 pins max.) or use your PC to automate testing and scan up to 128 pins.

Huntron Scanners can be used with a Huntron Access Prober to provide Common line connections while the Prober is probing a PCB. This method gives you up to 128 selectable Commons to use. For example, you can connect the Scanner to a connector on a PCB mounted in the Prober using a common ribbon style cable. While the Prober is probing, any one of the lines on the connected ribbon cable can be selected as the Common reference. This would provide you true point-to-point testing capabilities.
Note: The ProTrack Scanner will be replaced by the Scanner II and/or the Scanner 31S effective 1/1/2008. This applies to commercial sales only.


Scanner II and Scaner 31S users may want to consider these Optional Accessories to enhance their test capabilities.

Highlights:

• The Scanner II and Scanner 31S accessories add scanning capability to the Tracker Model 30
• All Scanners have a minimum 64 pin capability
• The Scanner II can scan up to 128 pins when the A and B channels are combined
• The Scanner 31S use standard IDC style connectors
• The Scanner II uses the common SCSI-2 (68 pin) style connectors
• Up to 8 Scanner IIs can be “daisy-chained” to increase the available number of test pins

Selecting Accessories for your Scanner II
The Scanner II accessories for interfacing to your printed circuit board come "ala carte". This means that you select the accessories you want included with your Scanner. Choose from SMT or through-hole style DIP clip and cable kits (Scanner Adapter required with Scanner II) or a mutli-pin breakout cable. Details on these accessories are provided on this page

Continue Reading »»

FOREX EDUCATION

Do you have what it takes to become a successful Forex Trader?
Forex trading, or any trading for that matter, is an occupation that requires experience and the accumulation of proficiency not unlike any other highly skilled profession. Whether you are a leading executive at a major publically traded company, a professional golfer or trading from your kitchen table, there are 5 key ingredients that one must possess in order to become successful.

1. You must be Passionate about what you do.

As Forex traders we all face one unique set of circumstances that does not exist in any other profession. We get rewarded for when we succeed and equally punished when we don’t! Could you image a corporate worker one quarter receiving a significant accomplishment bonus and the next quarter actually getting money taken from their paycheck for missing performance targets? Not on your life!

We do as Forex traders and that is why passion for what you do will carry you through the tough times that are part of your trading business. Asked yourself why you trade currencies and would you still do it if Forex were not potentially lucrative? Your answers will be quite revealing. You’ve got to feel your passion for trading!

2. You have to Apply Yourself and work hard at it.

I talk to so many people that enter into Forex trading with the aspiration of getting rich quick. Without putting the time and energy into really getting good at trading I see them jump from strategy to strategy looking for the goose that will lay the golden egg and eventually quitting while blaming everything else, except the true cause.

I got news for you – you are the goose and your Forex education is the golden egg. The magic has always resided with the magician and not some strategy. Work hard at trading and the rewards will eventually come your way. Remember what Tiger Woods said, “Funny, the harder I work the luckier I get.” Apply yourself as a trader and it will be no accident when your account begins to blossom.

3. You must Focus to really get good at what you do.

Now here is the hurdle most Forex traders struggle to get over. You have the passion and you are applying yourself to your trade, now focus and really get good at just at what you are doing. Be the expert to the experts at just that one thing. Become the master of a strategy or risk management methodologies. Really focus on getting good at it.

Stop jumping around or getting pulled from the last “latest and greatest” into the next “latest and greatest” and focus on one aspect of Forex trading and know it inside out. Know it strengths and weakness. Set your sights on becoming expert on just one aspect of trading and watch it spill over in all other aspects for your currency trading. This is the time to fail forward fast, use every setback as a learning opportunity that will propel you 3-steps ahead!

4. You must Push Yourself beyond the point everyone else might have quite.

In Forex Trading this is simple. Assume there is someone on the other side of your trade that is pushing themselves and sharpening their edge. To be successful you must you must do the same thing. Now is the time to examine your mental edge. Do you know the single most critical factor in any currency trade? It is you, the trader! Sharpening you mental edge is the most difficult aspect of trading, but also the most rewarding.

Start with your Forex education and gain the self-awareness necessary to maximize your strengths and suppress your weaknesses. Any expert will tell you that trading is 80% mental. It’s time to sharpen your trading to the razor’s edge and you do this through Forex education. A constant and never ending process that will become the cornerstone of your Forex experience.

5. You must, without wavering, be Determined and Persist to your objective.

You will fail. I can state that emphatically. However, you will not be defeated unless you allow your failures to control your trading. It is the old adage; failure is not falling of your horse, failure is refusing to get back on. Your success depends on your ability to dismiss the criticism, rejection, self-doubt and pressures associated with Forex trading.

Defining what is a winning trade, losing trade and bad trade will go a long way into developing you as a successful trader. Without the determination and persistence in all aspects of your trading life, obstacle will definitely appear closer and larger than they actually are.

Take a moment and assess yourself and your trading. Do you have the key elements to succeed? Which areas are presents development opportunities? When conducting a self-evaluation it is critical to be totally upfront and honest with yourself. After all, you will only be dishonest with yourself. One of the most interesting observations you can make is that all key success factors are interwoven. One factor supports the other. This is why your Forex education is a continuous journey of forex strategy, money management and self-mastery. Set these factors as your Forex education goals and take your currency trading to new heights.

Happy Trading!!

Continue Reading »»

Biomedical Sample Handling

Multi-axis X-Y linear motorized positioning stage

ABTech inc's Mini X-Y Linear Motor stage combines Copley Controls, Thrust Tube "Micro" series linear motors with non-contact linear encoders and precision mechanical guideway bearings to produce a unique lightweight, low mass and low profile, linear motor positioning stage.

This design incorporates the linear motors coil (forcer) as the stages workholding carriage while the linear mechanical guideway bearings provide load support, travel straightness and orthogonality for accurate positioning and repeatability.

The Thrust Tube linear motors are electrically identical to conventional brushless DC motors making them compatible to most third party brushless drives.

These mini X-Y stages are ideally suited for pick-and-place or point-to-point positioning applications such as biomedical sample handling or inspection.

ABTech's modular design approach and full engineering services can respond quickly to provide a solution to your O.E.M. needs for ultra-precision linear motion.
Features

* Thrust Tube "Micro" series brushless DC linear motors
* Precision linear mechanical guideway bearings
* Non-contact linear encoders
* Position accuracy & repeatability: ±0.000080" (±2.0µm)
* Motor drive amplifiers
* Motion controllers
* Custom bases
* Complete turn-key systems
* Modular design

Continue Reading »»

Confessions of a Money Launderer - Part 84

One of the issues that I encountered as a compliance officer that was most troublesome was the 'creativity' of corrupt Politically Exposed Persons, or PEPs, all of whom wanted to place their funds of somewhat dubious origin. The tactics and tricks that they cleverly employ, whilst seeking to hide their illicit wealth, are difficult for most compliance officers to detect, but not impossible when you understand the techniques. What you need to have to uncover the truth is a healthy amount of cynicism when it comes to PEPs and an understanding of the typologies they resort to in their manoeuvres.

To survey the most commonly-used tricks of corrupt PEPs looking to place funds, or make investments, that I have seen:

* The use of relatives: This is not as simple as it seems; Most PEPs know, for their bankers have told them, that the best due diligence databases contain not only their own names and the reasons for their PEP designation, but the names of close relatives, such as spouses, children, and parents. They therefore move further afield. My favourite trick, which is in common use by PEPs seeking to hide beneficial ownership, is to select the adult children of their sisters. These individuals will, of course, have last names which easily pass muster, for they are different to that of the PEP, and they rarely appear in the open-source media linked to the PEP. Alternatively, if it is customary in their culture to use multiple or compound last names (e.g. in Latin America), close relatives may have sufficiently different names to escape detection. Smart compliance officers always search World-Check using both the phonetic and partial search features on all the names of a target, for they may find a PEP (or other high-risk individual) who shares one of their last names, This triggers further enquiry, to determine whether the target is a relative.

* The use of a solicitor/attorney: Remember the lessons of the Pinochet case; he utilised his primary lawyer to open accounts in the US when his accounts were closed, and the lawyer successfully conned New York bankers into believing that the large deposits were the lawyer's own funds. This is generally accomplished through either the successful lawyer ploy, or by claiming that one is wealthy by reason of an inheritance that took place several years ago. That's why I always asked to see the actual Order of Distribution, sent to me directly from probate counsel of record for the estate. Lawyers are often prised as bank clients, for they often open substantial trust or escrow accounts for their clients' transactions, and in many jurisdictions, these accounts are not interest-bearing. They are also very persuasive, and having had years of practice in advocacy, can often sound convincing and credible whilst they con a banker into taking dirty money they claim is clean.

* The use of a banker who is in on the scheme: This does not necessarily mean that the bank itself is a party to the crime, but only one corrupt banker who has been taken in by greed, blackmail, or some other form of persuasion. The problems is that the dirty banker will do his utmost to cover up the laundering. Back to the Pinochet case we go; in that matter, a certain corrupt banker told offshore financial centre law firms that they needed corporations formed for valued clients of the bank, without disclosing the beneficial owner. The law firm formed the companies in multiple jurisdictions, using standard firm nominees. Thus, nobody knew who was behind the accounts.

* The use of government-controlled companies: How many compliance officers actually enquire when opening an account for a foreign company, to rule out government control or ownership? A PEP holding himself or herself out as a senior official of what appears to be a private, commercial company,. who has all the company documents in order, all nicely certified, might just be using a government-controlled company as a front for his illicit movement of money into your bank. Enhanced due diligence, performed upon the company, can often turn up indicia of government control or ownership. Is the company acting in a manner consistent with a commercial business being operated for profit? If not, enquire further, for it may be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Continue Reading »»

The Most Luxurious Swimming Pools On Earth

Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman

Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay: If you've never considered taking a trip to Oman then you probably didn't know that you could stay a place as luxurious as this! Since it has only been open since in 2008, you could be among the first visitors to take advantage of the opportunity. There are seventy nine different pool villas so you can really retreat into relaxation in a private area all your own. Yes, you read that correctly. Seventy nine pools.

Joule Hotel, Dallas

Joule Hotel: There have been rumours about this amazing hotel swimming pool for several years (originally under the name Elan Hotel) but the place hasn't actually opened to the public yet. It is due to open this year and crowds are sure to flock to it for the chance to check out the amazing opportunity to swim in the pool, which is located ten stories up and literally hangs off of the edge of the building. The end of it is made from glass so you can essentially swim off the side of the hotel to get a view of Dallas.

Banyan Tree Hotel, Seychelles

Banyan Tree Hotel: Another astounding infinity pool that stretches its way right to the beach is the one located at this hotel in the stunning island nation of Seychelles. It's not often that you're going to get to relax in the wonderful waters of a beautiful pool that overlooks the Indian Ocean just steps away so don't neglect to take advantage of this opportunity if it ever comes along.

Four Seasons Resort Bali, Jimbaran Bay

Four Seasons Resort Bali: To get to the awe-inspiring infinity pool on the top floor of this resort hotel, you're going to need to cross a wooden bridge. From the pool, you'll be able to absorb the beauty of the surrounding Balinese jungle and over the beautiful Jimbaran Bay area.

Continue Reading »»

Perivolas Hotel, Santorini

Perivolas Hotel, Santorini

Perivolas Hotel: It is difficult to tell where the pool ends and the waters of the Aegean Sea begin since the infinity pool at this Santorini hotel appear to stretch all the way to the horizon. The accommodation here are designed to rejuvenate you completely, aided by what is widely considered to be one of the best hotel pools in the world. What an idyllic place to spend a holiday!

In preserving the original structures no effort has been spared to conserve the aesthetics of the caves, while modern comforts have been added to satisfy guests’ needs. Each private air-conditioned house with it’s own stone terrace overlooking Santorini’s famous Caldera is unique. It is furnished with island antiques and handmade objects that convey simple elegance and a personal touch. All houses feature vaulted ceilings, spacious rooms, domed bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchenettes.

Junior suites have open-plan layouts, integrating bedroom and sitting room into one large space, while superior suites have a bedroom separate from the living room. Studios are smaller versions of the junior suites, with a sitting area. The perivolas suite features spacious living areas in a grotto-like setting, enhanced by a steam bath and a relaxing pool.

In July 2004 the dream that had been the Perivolas Suite became a reality. It was the culmination of many years' planning, the aim having always been to perfect the ideal island hideaway: a personal retreat, exclusive, intimate and informal overlooking one of the most magical sights in the world. Minimalist in design but without compromising luxury it embraces the philosophy of 'less is more' with its simple elegance. The setting is beautiful. The Suite has been fashioned out of the unique environment incorporating the materials and techniques of the original cavern dwellings. It is imbued with peacefulness and reverence for the past. Recessed lighting enhances the ambience, creating shadows and forms as decor. Blue light reflects in shimmering patterns against the white ceiling of the bedroom, which opens on to the private pool, whilst the olive tree in the sitting area, basked in a shaft of sunlight from an opening above, is a reminder to guests of the Greek island they have come to experience.

In its 120 square metres the Suite comprises a spacious, centrally situated sitting area from which all other areas - double bedroom, spa facility containing steam bath and hydrotherapy massage pool, swimming pool - are interconnected and accessible via openings and arched doorways. Clean lines and white, hand-sculpted walls are offset by warm, rich mahogany furniture, and bright-coloured soft furnishings reflect the bougainvillea and geraniums found in the gardens around the property. Every aspect of the Suite is unique. There is no repetition and no symmetry. Quite simply, it is an unequalled Aegean retreat.

Continue Reading »»

Eye-popping 57-story Apartment Tower

(CNN) -- On Malmo's waterfront, once the heart of the city's industrial base, an eye-popping 57-story apartment tower rises spectacularly, dominating the skyline.

The building, the Santiago Calatrava-designed Turning Torso, reflects the reinvention of the city from an industrial center on Sweden's Southern coast to a leader in modern architecture and environmental design.

Heavy industry once characterized Malmo, Sweden's third largest city. At one time, it boasted one of the largest shipyards in the world. But Malmo fell on hard times in the 1980s, when a recession devastated the city's industrial base.

Since then, Malmo has been on a mission to regenerate its urban landscape. The city's willingness to embrace change and look ahead to the future has made it a vibrant hub of the Oresund -- the area of Scandinavia that encompasses southern Sweden and eastern Denmark.

Driving the revitalization in the early part of this decade was the opening of the Oresund Bridge, an engineering feat that connects Malmo to Copenhagen. It takes a little more than half an hour to travel between the two cities by train, and traffic across the bridge has doubled over the past five years.

The bridge has spurred greater economic integration between the two cities and has become a symbol of the vibrancy of the transnational Oresund region. (Malmo belonged to Denmark until the 17th century, when it became part of Sweden. Today, the region still identifies with both Danish and Swedish cultures.)

Amid the regeneration drive, Malmo has positioned itself as a pioneer in eco-friendly living. Even by environmentally-conscious Sweden's standards, the drive to go green has been impressive. Lillgrund, the third largest wind park in the world, is located off Malmo. The city has also supported the development of environmentally friendly urban neighborhoods and was appointed Sweden's first "Fairtrade City" in 2006.

Although Malmo has rushed in the modern age, the city still manages to maintain a traditional feel. In the city's Old Town, you can meander down cobblestone streets and admire architecture from centuries long ago. Large swathes of greenery stretch across Malmo, which is also known as the City of Parks, beckoning residents as well as neighboring Danes.

Locals describe Malmo as a relaxed and open city, the sort of place where you can escape from it all but still find something new to rouse your interest. The city's cultural scene is rooted in a shared passion for music. Every summer, the city pulsates as music-loving throngs descend upon the city for the Malmo Festival -- an eight-day music extravaganza.

But the city's character is best reflected by its people. Immigrants flocked to Malmo after World War II, and the wave has not really waned since. Take a stroll through the Mollevangen neighborhood and you'll find Iranian supermarkets next to falafel stands and Thai restaurants.

Malmo takes pride in its ethnic diversity. The city's tourism office points out that more than 100 languages are spoken on its streets. But like much of the rest of Sweden, the rise in immigration has created social tension in Malmo. Segregation remains a problem, with many immigrant communities marginalized on the periphery of the city.

Nonetheless, there is hope that the redevelopment of the city's open spaces will help foster more cultural integration. There's no better sign of this happening than in the Western Harbor district. On a given day, you'll find the urban rich and recent immigrants on the long stretch of waterfront, drawn together by the seascape.

Continue Reading »»

KYC compliance

KYC compliance

Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance regulation has proved to be one of the biggest operational challenges banks, accountants, lawyers and similar financial service providers worldwide have had to overcome.

World-Check, the industry standard KYC compliance solution, provides an overview of KYC compliance and its origins, and outlines the compliance mandate as applicable to banks, accounting firms, lawyers and other regulated financial service providers – not just in the UK, Europe and the USA, but all around the world. Relied upon by more than 3,000 institutions worldwide, this KYC database solution provides effective legal and reputational risk reduction.

Why “Know Your Customer?”


The 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre revealed that there were sinister forces at work around the world, and that terrorists activities were being funded with laundered money, the proceeds of illicit activities such as narcotics and human trafficking, fraud and organised crime. Overnight, the combating of terrorist financing became a priority on the international agenda.

For the financial services provider of the 21st century, “knowing your customers” was no longer a suggested course of action. Based on the requirements of legislative landmarks such as the USA PATRIOT Act 2002, modern Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance mandates were created to simultaneously combat money laundering and the funding of terrorist activities.

What is Know Your Customer (KYC)?


Know Your Customer, or KYC, refers to the regulatory compliance mandate imposed on financial service providers to implement a Customer Identification Programme and perform due diligence checks before doing business with a person or entity.

KYC fulfils a risk mitigation function, and one its key requirements is checking that a prospective customer is not listed on any government lists for wanted money launders, known fraudsters or terrorists.

If preliminary KYC checks reveal that the person is a Politically Exposed Person (PEP), for example, Advanced Due Diligence must be done in order to ensure that the person’s source of wealth is transparent, and that he or she does not pose a reputational or financial risk in terms of their finances, public positions or associations. Beyond customer identification checks, the ongoing monitoring of transfers and financial transactions against a range of risk variables forms an integral part of the KYC compliance mandate.

But to understand the importance of KYC compliance for financial service providers better, its origins need to be examined.

Origins of Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance


The arrival of the new millennium was marred by a spate of terrorist attacks and corporate scandals that unmasked the darker features of globalisation. These events highlighted the role of money laundering in cross-border crime and terrorism, and underlined the need to clamp down on the exploitation of financial systems worldwide.

Know Your Customer (KYC) legislation was principally not absent prior to 9/11. Regulated financial service providers for a long time have been required to conduct due diligence and customer identification checks in order to mitigate their own operation risks, and to ensure a consistent and acceptable level of service.

In essence, the USA PATRIOT Act was not so much a radical departure from prior legislation as it was a firmer and more extensive articulation of existing laws. The Act would lead to the more rigorous regulation of a greater range of financial services providers, and expanded the authority of American law enforcement agencies in the fighting of terrorism, both in the USA and abroad.

In October 2001, President George W. Bush signed off the USA PATRIOT Act, effectively providing federal regulators with a new range of tools and powers for fighting terror financing and money laundering. During July 2002, the US Treasury proceeded to introduce Section 326 of the PATRIOT Act, a clause that removed some key burdens for regulators and added significant enforcement muscle to the Act.

What 9/11 changed, in essence, was the extent to which existing legislation was being implemented. Using the provisions of the earlier anti-terrorism USA Act as a foundation, it included the Financial Anti-Terrorism Act, which allowed for federal jurisdiction over foreign money launders and money laundered through foreign banks. Significantly, it is this anti-terror law that would make the creation of an Anti Money Laundering (AML) programme compulsory for all financial institutions and service providers.

Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act dealt specifically with the identification of new customers (“CIP regulation”), and made extensive provisions in terms of KYC and the methods employed to verify client identities.

In accordance with this piece of updated KYC legislation, federal regulators would hold financial institutions accountable for the effectiveness of their initial customer identification and ongoing KYC screening. Institutions are required to keep detailed records of the steps that were taken to verify prospective clients’ identities.

Although current KYC legislation does not yet demand the exclusion of specific types of foreign-issued identification, it recommends the usage of machine-verifiable identity documents. The ability to notify financial institutions if concerns regarding specific types of identification were to arise, combined with a risk-based approach to KYC, proved to provide a robust mechanism for addressing security concerns.

Effectively, the risk-based approach to customer due diligence grants regulated institutions a certain degree of flexibility to determine the forms of identification they will accept, and under which conditions.

KYC compliance: Implications for banks, lawyers and accounting firms


The KYC compliance mandate, for all its positive outcomes, has burdened companies and organisations with a substantial administrative obligation. Additionally, KYC compliance increasingly entails the creation of auditable proof of due diligence activities, in addition to the need for customer identification.

Continue Reading »»

Turkey Bank Web Address

ABN AMRO Bank N.V.. http://www.wholesale.abnamro.com
Adabank A.Ş.. http://www.adabank.com
Akbank T.A.Ş.. http://www.akbank.com
Alternatif Bank A.Ş.. http://www.abank.com
Anadolubank A.Ş.. http://www.anadolubank.com
Arap Türk Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.arabturkbank.com
Banca di Roma S.P.A.. http://www.bancaroma.it
Bank Mellat. http://www.mellatbank.com
BankPozitif Kredi ve Kalkınma Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.bankpozitif.com
Birleşik Fon Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.fonbank.com
Calyon Bank Türk A.Ş.. http://www.calyon.com
Citibank A.Ş.. http://www.citibank.com

Çalık Yatırım Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.calikbank.com
Denizbank A.Ş.. http://www.denizbank.com
Deutsche Bank A.Ş.. http://www.deutschebank.com
Diler Yatırım Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.dilerbank.co
Finans Bank A.Ş.. http://www.finansbank.com
Fortis Bank A.Ş.. http://www.fortis.com
GSD Yatırım Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.gsdbank.com
Habib Bank Limited. http://www.habibbank.com
HSBC Bank A.Ş.. http://www.hsbc.com
İller Bankası. http://www.ilbank.gov
İMKB Takas ve Saklama Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.takasbank.com
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.. http://www.jpmorganchase.com
Merrill Lynch Yatırım Bank A.Ş.. http://www.ml.com
Millennium Bank A.Ş.. http://www.millenniumbank.com
Nurol Yatırım Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.nurolbank.com
Oyak Bank A.Ş.. http://www.oyakbank.com
Société Générale (SA). http://www.sgcib.com
Şekerbank T.A.Ş.. http://www.sekerbank.com
Taib Yatırım Bank A.Ş.. http://www.yatirimbank.com
Tekfenbank A.Ş.. http://www.tekfenbank.com
Tekstil Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.tekstilbank.com
Turkish Bank A.Ş.. http://www.turkishbank.com
Turkland Bank A.Ş.. http://www.tbank.com
Türk Ekonomi Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.teb.com
Türk Eximbank. http://www.eximbank.gov
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Ziraat Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.ziraatbank.com
Türkiye Garanti Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.garanti.com
Türkiye Halk Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.halkbank.com
Türkiye İş Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.isbank.com
Türkiye Kalkınma Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.tkb.com
Türkiye Sınai Kalkınma Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.tskb.com
Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası T.A.O.. http://www.vakifbank.com
WestLB AG. http://www.westlb.com
Yapı ve Kredi Bankası A.Ş.. http://www.yapikredi.com

Continue Reading »»

MRCKREDIT.NL

Mister Credit is, als onderdeel van World of Credit BV, een grote onafhankelijke tussenpersoon en specialist op het gebied van consumptief krediet.
Wij hebben geen dure kantoorpanden of sponsorcontracten. Wij zijn een organisatie die lenen zo goedkoop en efficient mogelijk voor u maakt.
Snelheid van handelen, kwaliteit van advies en toegevoegde waarde voor de klant zijn kernwaarden binnen onze organisatie. Met een team ervaren en gediplomeerde specialisten zijn wij u graag van dienst.

Ervaar wat wij voor u kunnen betekenen en vraag een vrijblijvende offerte aan. Een goede offerte kost u niets, het kan u alleen maar opleveren!
Of het nu gaat om de aanschaf van een auto, keuken of caravan voor elk doel is er een passende lening.
Verantwoord lenen in 3 stappen:
vraag een vrijblijvende offerte aan
ontvang een offerte via email
stuur de benodigde stukken terug
Duidelijker kan het niet.
Dus wilt u besparen op uw lening of (extra) geld lenen, vraag een vrijblijvende offerte aan.
World of Credit is ingeschreven bij de Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM), onder meer als bemiddelaar in consumptief krediet onder nummer 12015756. Tevens is World of Credit lid van de Nederlandse Vereniging van Financieringsadviseurs (NVF).

Continue Reading »»

Technology

30 years ago, Bill Gates and a group of friends enjoyed working with computers. Today, Microsoft is a multibillion dollar company and rides the crest of the internet wave.

It is hard to broach the subject of the birth of Microsoft without mentioning the name of Bill Gates, the founder and leader of Microsoft Corporation. Bill Gates was born William Henry Gates III on October 28, 1955. He was born to a family that was successful in business, living a comfortable upper middle class life in Seattle, Washington.

Early in his elementary school days, Bill Gates quickly shot to the head of the class, consistently outscoring his peers in most subjects, but especially math and science. His parents soon enrolled him in Lakeside Prep School, where the atmosphere was intellectual enough to stimulate the young Gates. This move to Lakeside would prove historic, for it was here, in the spring of 1968, that he was introduced to computers.

At that time, computers were still too large and expensive for the school to purchase one of its own. Over the next ten months or so, the school struck agreements with various corporations who allowed the students to use their computers. Bill Gates, his buddy Paul Allen and a handful of others quickly took to computing. In fact, they began to skip classes, opting instead to stay in the computer room and write programs, read computer books and find out exactly how these machines worked. They soon learned to hack the system, and altered and crashed valuable files until they were banned from the computer. Soon, however, Bill and his friends were actually hired by the computer company to find bugs and explore weaknesses in the system, which kept causing the computers to crash. Instead of paying the boys for their time, they were granted something even better--unlimited computer time.

Gates has been quoted as saying that that was the time when he got into computers fulltime. "I mean, then I became hardcore. It was day and night," he said. The boys used their time eating, drinking and breathing computers. They studied manuals, explored the system, and hounded the employees with questions until they had formed a base of knowledge that would eventually lead to the formation of Microsoft.

The computer company that was hiring the group went out of business in 1970, and the boys had to find alternate sources for computer time. They were soon hired by Information Sciences Inc. to write a program for payroll. This time they actually earned money as well as enjoying the unlimited computer time. It was during this time that the group gained notoriety for their skill in computer programming. They were hired or contracted by various organizations to find bugs and fix them. Each job helped Gates and his friends learn their skill and delve ever deeper into the world of programming

In the fall of 1973, Gates left for Harvard University. He enrolled as a prelaw student, but spent most of his time in the campus computer center, programming away. He stayed in touch with Paul Allen and they continued to talk about future projects and the possibility of one day having their very own business. Allen even moved to Boston to be closer to Gates, so they could continue working on projects. Allen continually urged Gates to quit school and work with him full-time, and Gates was unsure of what he wanted to do. This was soon to change.

One year later, Paul Allen saw the first microcomputer on the cover of a magazine. He bought the magazine and went immediately to show it to Gates. They realized the time was right. The home PC business was about to explode and someone would need to provide software for the machines. By stretching the truth somewhat, Gates arranged for a meeting with the Altair manufacturers. He had called them to let them know he had a program written for them. After the appointment was made, Gates and Allen stayed up for nights, feverishly writing the program he had promised. It worked perfectly at the meeting, and everyone was impressed. They sold the program, and saw that this was something they could do for real. Within a year, Gates had dropped out of Harvard and Microsoft was formed.

The company went through some rough first years, but eventually were able to license MS-DOS to IBM. The IBM PC took the public by storm, and its success signaled the success of Microsoft. Microsoft continued writing software, for businesses as well as the consumer market. In 1986, the company went public, and Gates became a 31-year old billionaire. The next year, the first version of Windows was introduced, and by 1993 a million copies per month were being sold.

In 1995, Gates knew that the Internet was the next area of focus, and the course of Microsoft shifted dramatically. The popular Internet Explorer browser soon became a bestseller. Today, Microsoft software is everywhere, and indeed, is almost synonymous with the terms "computer" and "Internet."

Continue Reading »»

Ski

Snowmass is the fantasy mountain where intermediates suddenly ski like French Olympian Jean-Claude Killy and beginners fall in love with the sport. Meanwhile, experts feel they’ve hit the Mother Lode.

The Snowmass Ski School is staffed to offer every level of lesson in an amazing variety of languages and includes a crackerjack crew of snowboard instructors. Ski Snowmass and discover the seven high-speed quads and excellent restaurants sprinkled everywhere you want to take a break, including elegant table service at Gwynn’s High Alpine.

Snowmass welcomes snowboarders and boasts a fantastic terrain garden and snowboard pipeline designed by world champion Jimmy Scott. There are 80 kilometers of wide-open, groomed cross-country trails for the Nordic ski buff connecting Snowmass, Aspen and other parts of the spectacular Roaring Fork Valley. Although only a few miles from Aspen, Snowmass has its own distinct village offering fine restaurants, charming boutiques andexceptional accommodations. More than 90 percent of the resort’s hotels and condominiums are located slopeside, another reason why Snowmass has become one of the most popular resorts in the Rockies for family vacations. Let us show you how to create an unforgettable ski vacation today to a remarkable ski resort.

Come ski Snowmass with Ski.com. Ski.com can provide you with accommodations, air travel, ground transportation, lift tickets, ski or snowboard rentals, activities to events around town and more. Experience a true Snowmass ski vacation with ski.com. We know how to customize a Snowmass ski vacation package just for you that will truly be an unforgettable ski vacation experience. Ski Snowmass this winter!

Continue Reading »»

Luxury Car

A Luxury car is a styled, luxurious automobile intended for comfort and satisfaction of its owner or driver,sacrificing passenger space, cargo capacity and other practical concerns for the sake of style. The luxury cars are very expensive and its price range is above Rs 20 lakhs. Hence these cars are affordable and are preferred by high income group.

Luxury cars have the capacity to carry at the most 6 passengers. The companies like- BMW, Daimler Chrysler, Porsche, Rolls Royce manufacture these cars and companies like -Aston Martin and General Motors are still planning to launch their models in the market under this segment.

Continue Reading »»

PokerStars

Team PokerStars Pro Vicky Coren enjoyed a great run at this month's PokerStars Caribbean Adventure main event, finishing 30th for $40,000. With life tournament winnings of more than $1.2 million, including $941,513 for the EPT London title in 2006, she's an ideal person to write about the importance of changing gears to improve your tournament results.

by Vicky Coren
The art of multi-table tournament poker lies in the pace. There are two big general mistakes that beginners can make: either they play too slowly, waiting so long for good hands that they are blinded away by the relentless clock - or they play too quickly, pushing unnecessary hands and knocking themselves out as if they had a train to catch.

Vicky celebrates her EPT London win
The balance is difficult to find. It's all about a mathematical equation: you are playing according to the size of your stack, the size of your opponents' stacks, the size of the blinds and the speed of the clock. But all these factors are changing all the time. It can be discombobulating. Playing a tournament is like climbing a long staircase, in which the size and shape of the steps is altered every few minutes, and (every so often) a tub of oil is tipped down them. If you stop concentrating, you'll tumble backwards and break a leg.

Generally speaking, the best principle is to let your pace gather speed with the blinds. That is the safest strategy: to play tight at the beginning (not overplaying marginal hands when the blinds and pots are too small to be worth stealing), and gradually broaden the range of hands you raise with, in direct proportion to the blinds going up and the field getting smaller. If people want to push you around at the beginning, let them. But when the blinds get serious, flex your muscles and take a stand.

By "playing tight", I don't mean waiting for aces. In a deep-stack tournament, where you can afford to see a lot of flops in the early levels, you can play pre-flop almost like a cash game: creeping in, or making unexpected raises, with those interesting hands like 8-10 suited or J9 suited, trying to catch a monster. It's more a case of (when you fail to hit) not throwing good money after bad. If you can afford to give up, don't get stubborn.

In a big opening field, such as the PokerStars Sunday Million, there can be a strangely hurried feel. Players want to jostle ahead of the crowd so they play aggressively, pushing marginal hands and even moving all in, from the earliest levels. Some of them want to build a big stack fast, or get out early. If this is the mood at your table, don't get sucked into the panicky betting frenzy: sit patiently and bet only when you want action. Pre-flop raises won't clear opponents away. Bluffs will fail more often than they succeed. But value bets should pay off nicely. Don't bother trapping with sets, straights or flushes: bet them openly. It's worth seeing a few cheap flops in late position with a wide range of hands, but play on only if you hit because you will get paid.

Remember, in a multi-table tournament you have two sets of opponents: those on your table (whose chips you are trying to take directly) and those on other tables who you may meet later. So you should always have an idea of what the average chip stack is for the whole field. On PokerStars, it's easy - the lobby will always tell you. In a live tournament like an EPT, there should be a wall clock with that information.

You are there to play poker and win the tournament, not count your way nervously towards the payout spots. But the chip average should be in your mind as a constant backdrop, to gauge the general health of your stack.

Vicky on her way to $40,000 at the PCA
In the middle stages, you cannot afford to waste chips. At this point, it's all about selective aggression: picking your spots to play, and then playing like you mean it. In the early stages you can make speculative calls, in the middle stages you can't. Beware the mediocre hands like A-9 or small pairs; you're better off playing a 6-7 suited. Why? Because you'll know where you stand. You should be raising or re-raising your way into pots with hands where you know you want action, or know that you don't. The same applies after the flop. With every bet you make, be certain what response you want.

Around the bubble is a great time to increase your aggression. Many players will be loitering, trying to make the money. You must find the bravery not to be one of these people. But pick your targets with care. The small stacks are forced to gamble and the big stacks can afford to. Put pressure on the middle stacks, who may be trying to safeguard their chips for the payout spots.

What about the size of your own stack? You must make sure it never goes below ten big blinds. If you find you have 15-20 big blinds, it's time to start re-raising all-in while you can still make the original raiser pass. If you get to 10 big blinds or fewer, it's all-in or fold. You must not raise and then pass; it's like burning money. And you mustn't flat call, because timidity is tournament death. With ten big blinds or below, if nobody else has raised before the action is on you, you must be ready to move in with any hand at all. Anything. Even if you have 7-2 and somebody wakes up with A-A, you still have a 12% chance to win the pot - whereas, if you let yourself get blinded away, you have 0% chance of winning the tournament. And if you can find the nerve to start moving in with any hand in the late stages (or when you're on ten big blinds) you have a much higher than 12% chance that nobody finds anything to call you with, and you can boost your stack with those valuable blinds and antes.

Two important notes: what applies to you applies to everyone else as well. If you have good chips and someone else moves in with less than ten big blinds, you must widen your calling range to reflect their need to move with anything.

Second note: in any form of poker - cash game or tournament, Holdem or Omaha, multi-table or heads-up - you must always be counter-intuitive. Whatever your basic strategy (and the above, to increase aggression as the tournament goes on, remains the best) you must mix it up at least once per level. Never let your opponents get complacent. Do what's right but, every so often, just do what's unexpected.

Continue Reading »»

L'Empire Paris

L'Empire Paris

Questo magnifico hotel del XVIII secolo si trova tra il museo del Louvre e la famosa Rue St.Honore, in posizione perfetta per i soggiorni di lavoro o di piacere.

Completamente ridisegnato e ristrutturato, questo boutique hotel apre le porte su un ambiente che accosta armonicamente elegante stile Impero e design contemporaneo.

Vicino alla Rue de Rivoli e a breve distanza dai Jardin des Tuileries, l’hotel si trova in ottima posizione per effettuare visite turistiche in città ed è servito ottimamente dalla rete dei mezzi di trasporto.

Generale
Ristorante, Bar, Reception 24 ore su 24, Camere non-fumatori, Camere/strutture per ospiti disabili, Camere familiari, Ascensore, Cassetta di sicurezza, Camere insonorizzate, Riscaldamento, Hotel Design, Deposito bagagli, Gay-friendly, Camere anallergiche.

Attività
Massaggi.

Servizi
Servizio in camera, Sale riunioni/banchetti, Navetta aeroportuale, Servizio lavanderia, Lavaggio a secco, Prima colazione in camera, Servizio stireria, Noleggio biciclette, Autonoleggio, Banco escursioni, Fax/fotocopiatrice.

Internet
La connessione Internet wireless è disponibile in tutta la struttura ed è gratuita.

Parcheggio
Parcheggio privato disponibile in zona e costa 28,00 EUR a giorno

Continue Reading »»

K+K Hotel Cayré

The recently renovated hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the cultural district of Saint Germain des Prés, facing the Rue du Bac Metro station, close to prestigious business centres, a few minutes away from the Latin Quarter. The hotel offers an ideal place to stay for business travellers and leisure travellers in search of a true home-away-from-home with a contemporary design. It features tastefully furnished rooms, a cosy and elegant lobby and a fitness centre, dedicated to you well-being and your relaxation. Thanks to the nearby Metro, you will reach directly and quickly the Exhibition Centre of Porte de Versailles, Concorde, Madeleine and Montmartre.

Moreover, you will enjoy many modern comforts.

Rooms: 125

Hotel Chain: K+K Hotels


HOTEL FACILITIES
General : Parking, Pets Allowed, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Non-Smoking Rooms, Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests, Elevator, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Safety Deposit Box, Soundproofed Rooms, Heating, Luggage Storage, Gay Friendly, Airconditioning
Activities : Sauna, Fitness Centre, Massage
Services : Room Service, Business Centre, Babysitting/Child Services, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Breakfast in the Room, Internet Services, Currency Exchange, Car Rental, Fax/Photocopying, Wi-Fi/Wireless LAN, Free Wi-Fi Internet Access Included
Internet: Wired internet is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge.
Wireless internet is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking: Public parking is possible at a location nearby and costs EUR 32.00 per day.

Food & beverage

A generous buffet breakfast is served in the breakfast room from 06:30 to 11:00 (weekdays), and from 6:30 to 12:00 (weekends).

The Bistro-Bar is open daily between 12:00 and 00:00.

Room Service is available between 12:00 and 22:00 each day.

Area information

Saint Germain des Prés is an area of the 6th arrondissement of Paris, located around the church of the former Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Home to a number of famous cafés, such as Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area was the center of the existentialist movement (associated with Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir).

The Musée d'Orsay, situated on the left bank of the Seine, is housed in the former railway station, the Gare d'Orsay. It holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography, and is probably best known for its extensive collection of Impressionist masterpieces by popular painters such as Monet and Renoir.

The Musée Rodin contains most of Rodin's significant creations, including The Thinker and The Kiss. Many of his sculptures are displayed in the museum's extensive garden. The museum has also a room dedicated to works of Camille Claudel.

Hotel Policies
Check In: 14:00 hours
Check Out: 12:00 hours
Cancellation Policy: If cancelled or modified up to 1 day before the date of arrival, no fee will be charged.
If cancelled or modified later or in case of no-show, the first night will be charged.
Children and Extra Bed Policy: All children are welcome.
One child under 5 years stays free of charge when using existing bedding.
One child under 2 years stays free of charge in a baby cot.
One older child or adult is charged EUR 55.00 per night and person in an extra bed.
Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1.
Deposit Policy: No deposit will be charged.
VAT and city/tourist taxes: VAT is included.
Service charge is included.
City/tourist tax is included.
Meal Plan: Buffet breakfast is not included and costs EUR 25.00 per person.
Pets: Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.
Accepted credit cards: The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.

* American Express
* Visa
* Euro/Mastercard
* Diners Club
* JCB

Continue Reading »»

Professional and Reliable

Caspar Weinberger and Klaus Kobold on the occasion of the TV programm World-Business-Review, April 1999

KOBOLDMessring GmbH, one of the leading international instrumentationengineering enterprises, was founded in 1980 by Dipl.-Ing. Klaus J.Kobold. His excellent engineering knowledge led to the enterprise soonestablishing itself in the market place due it patentable technology,high quality products and superior service. The "KOBOLD" brand namesoon became synonymous with quality and technological advance. In thefollowing years, independent KOBOLD companies were established in numerous countries worldwide.

Theinternational group of companies is led by its president and soleproprietor Klaus J. Kobold. The company's purpose is to develop,manufacture and sell instruments for monitoring, measuring andregulating the physical quantities of flow through, pressure, level and temperature.

Thedevices are used in virtually all sectors of industry. The variety ofmeasurement methods available, and the rapid adaptation to technicaladvances, are what ensure that the high application-specificrequirements set in the various branches of industry are met in full.The strong growth of the company is based on the ongoing widening ofthe range offered and is due to the acceptance of the company and its products in the world market place.

Research and Development

Ourdevelopment team solves even the most difficult measurement problems.Our experienced engineers from the most varied specialist areas usuallyfind an appropriate solution quickly. We often develop products inco-operation with our customers and thus meet the market needsdirectly.

Our technical and engineering groups undertake developments for field applications in KOBOLD laboratories and factory.

The technical knowledge, together with modern design and development methods are available in our laboratories and factory.

Constant contact with users and the requirements that our customers place on our products provide the basis for our success.

KOBOLD engineers develop and test in our own Laboratories and test facilities what is necessary and reliable for practical use.

Nothing is left to chance. Every detail is the logical consequence of achievement and use.

KOBOLD Messring-Patents

Ofthat we are justifiably proud. The years of experience and thespecialist competence of our technicians, engineers and staff cannot be better demonstrated than through our patents.

Through the years we have gathered a respectable collection of patents.

These achievements are further proof to our customers that KOBOLD is an innovative partner.

For us every new job is a new challenge.
Take us at our word and present your requirements to us.

Production and Quality Control

Plant Hofheim am Taunus - Germany

Our production plants in Germany and the United States of America produce quality products you need. Optimised production pursuant to recognised quality principles provides products that are economical, highly reliable and have a long life.

Plant Pittsburgh - USA

Plant Stuttgart-Sindelfingen - Germany

Manufacturing - our Strength

The developments of our technical and engineering groups, as well as the fulfilment of our customers requirements and orders are undertaken in our own words. This leads to three major advantages. The close relationship between our engineering and manufacturing sections ensures the ability to react quickly to customer requirements and to rapidly incorporate product improvements. Secondly, in-house manufacturing is an economic factor which is of ultimate benefit to the customer, and finally, permits reliable control of a high level of Quality Assurance.

Manufacturing Quality - Your Guarantee

Our customers have the right to receive a reliable product. Our professional pride would have it no other way. In-house production allows us to set our own high standards for quality control. Control methods ranging from statistical sampling of instruments on the production line, to individual, 100 %, testing provide you, the customer, with the highest assurance of quality.

Consultancy and Engineering Our highly qualified sales engineers advise you quickly and reliably. An extensive team of field staff will also advise you on site. Many products are available from our stores at short notice.

KOBOLD also offers, within the total product programme, a number of other products to complement it’s own manufactured range. The supply of these products is an additional service to our customers, whereby on the one hand the range is as wide as possible and on the other, KOBOLD undertakes to provide engineering and consultancy services at no cost to it’s customers.

Mass production yields the optimum economics to the benefit of the customer.
http://www.kobold.com/

Continue Reading »»

ASIA VILLAS (CHINA)

DESCRİPTİON
Villa China I is a custom design, private estate that located in Silver Lake Forest Resort. It has beautiful lake in the front, and green and big mountain at the back. Only 21km distance to the center of Chongqing city, you can have the pure quite and private life after daily hard and noise work.

In the estate, 11 suits face the lake, 4 suits have mountain view. Beside the great Chinese food, there are rich collections of French and California wines; South American cigars; Europe style coffees, classic beautiful music CD and USA style library with high speed Internet and computer. There is a 200 square meter size ballroom, private fishing port. Sports activities can be boating, hike, bike, swim, etc. There is also a private garden that has fountain and beautiful flowers.

Continue Reading »»

LADY ANN MAGEE

Length: 49.90 Mtr (164 Feet)
Beam: 9.50 Mtr (31 Feet)
Draft: 3.30 Mtr (11 Feet)
Year Built: 2001
Built by: Codecasa
Flag: UK
Classification: Lloyds
Compliance: MCA
Hull Construction: Steel
Port of Registry: London
Main Engines: 2xCAT 2,200hp
Cruising Range: 5,500 NM @ 14 Knots
Cruising speed: 16 Knots
Max Speed: 18 Knots

* LADY ANN MAGEE
* Layouts

Description
LADY ANN MAGEE is one of the finest yachts ever launched by the preeminent Italian shipyard, Codecasa. Built to the highest custom standards in 2001 she has since been maintained in immaculate condition attaining a reputation as one of the most successful 50m charter yachts over the last 5 years. She has the same owner that commissioned her who is now selling because he has a 65m yacht launching in 2009. She has been seriously priced to sell in the current market. Serious offers will be considered.

Full specification, brochures and a list of equipment are available on request. For further information, please contact Matthew Albert at our Monaco office: (377) 99 99 97 97 or email the broker directly
Price: Selling Price 16,500,000 €
Accommodation and Extras
Total Cabins: 6
Double Cabins: 4, all with ensuite facilities. The Master suite comes with a private sauna
Twin Cabins: 2, both with ensuite facilities
Exterior: Jacuzzi on Deck
Equipment

Disclaimer:
The attached specification has been prepared in good faith on the basis of information provided to us and we are therefore unable to guarantee the accuracy of the contents. Prospective charterers, purchasers or interested parties are strongly advised to employ an independent marine surveyor in the case of a purchase, have a yacht surveyed and sea trailed before completion. In the case of charterers, that they have satisfied themselves that the information supplies is in accordance with their requirements. YPI Ltd act as agents and are not principals in the sales or charter agreements

Continue Reading »»

Mirasierra Suites Hotel

Mirasierra Suites Hotel

C/Alfredo Marquerie 43, 28034 Madrid

Tel:
+34 91 727 79 00
Fax:
+34 91 727 79 08

Reservations:
+34 902 40 00 62 / +34 91 727 79 09

Spa
Believe in your body.
More than 1300m2 distributed over three floors of the most complete facilities and equipment with the latest computer technology on the market. It has two swimming-pools, an outdoor one for summer use only, and another indoor, together with qualified assistance including personal trainers. An unbeatable team and a perfect environment for your physical care, fitness maintenance, relaxation and renovation. You will enjoy, in our exclusive spa, the most innovating beauty and body treatments, massages….

SPA TIMETABLE
From Monday to Friday, from 8am to 10.30pm. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, from 9am to 8.30pm. Children’s access to indoor swimming pool from 1pm to 5pm.

Galley

Continue Reading »»

Pyramid Hotels Group

Pyramid Hotel Group LLC (Pyramid), a Boston-based hotel development, management and ownership firm, today announced that Mr. Davis Sezna has joined the firm as president of La Quinta Resort & Club(R) and PGA WEST (R). In his new role, Sezna is responsible for asset management and community relations for both Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund assets.
consulting firm focused on restaurant, golf course, private club, hotel design, master planning and development. He has spent 35 years developing, owning and operating hotels, golf courses and restaurants. "Mr. Sezna's vast and wide-ranging set of experiences make him uniquely qualified for this critical role." states Richard M. Kelleher, chairman and chief executive officer of Pyramid. "He will be representing Morgan Stanley's and Pyramid's interests in the further development and enhancement of these two remarkable, one-of-a-kind assets. We're proud to have someone of his professional distinction on our team." "I am struck by the sense of place, history and community evident in both La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West. It will be an honor to be associated with these magnificent resorts. I have never before seen facilities with more ingredients, texture and just pure sensory energy.

The chance to be associated with Pyramid and Morgan Stanley was also a significant factor in my decision to take on this responsibility," stated Sezna. La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West are owned by Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund (MSREF) in partnership with Pyramid, as part of a portfolio of luxury resorts, recently acquired from CNL Hotels and Resorts, Inc. Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund is comprised of three major global businesses: Investing, banking and lending. Since 1991, the company has acquired $135.9 billion of real estate assets world-wide and currently manages $68.0 billion in real estate assets on behalf of its clients. A complete range of market-leading investment banking services for real estate clients, include advice on strategy, mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, as well as underwriting public debt, private debt and equity financings. As a global leader in real estate lending, Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund has offered approximately $156.0 billion of CMBS through capital markets since 1997, including $35.5 billion in 2006. For more information about Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund, please visit www.morganstanley.com/realestate. Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firms employees serve clients worldwide. Pyramid Hotel Group LLC, founded in 1999, is a full-service hotel company that owns, manages and asset manages hotels and hotel construction and renovation projects. For more information about the company and its affiliates, visit the company
Pyramid Hotel GroupJohn GreenSenior Vice President, Operations EastMr. Green brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to the Pyramid Hotel Group team. His ten year tenure with Wyndham International included five years as Area Director of Operations Northeast supervising as many as 19 hotels in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and other domestic and international markets including Montreal, Toronto and Bermuda. General Manager assignments included opening the 4-diamond Wyndham Chicago and the Wyndham Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Golf Resort. Prior to Wyndham, Mr. Green was Vice President Operations for Signature Hospitality Resources and a Regional Vice President Operations for John Q. Hammons Hotels. During the 1980’s Mr. Green served with Doubletree Hotels as General Manager in Scottsdale, AZ, Overland Park, KS and Walnut Creek, CA. Larry VitaglianoSenior Vice President, Operations WestMr. Vitagliano spent 20 years with Doubletree, Hilton, and Promus Hotel companies as a general manager for hotels throughout the country. Property experience includes general manager positions at Doubletree Hotels in Seattle, Tysons Corner, Dallas, and Kansas City. He led the Antlers Doubletree Hotel in Colorado Springs from 1989 to 1995, and has now returned to the property under Pyramid's management. In addition to his general manager position at the Antlers Hilton Colorado Springs, Mr. Vitagliano oversees Pyramid's San Antonio, Texas hotel, the Crowne Plaza San Antonio Riverwalk.Alan BednowitzVice President, Sales & MarketingAlan Bednowitz is an accomplished sales and marketing executive with a track record of success at both the property- and corporate-level of hospitality organizations. For more than a decade he was affiliated with Promus Hotel Corporation (and its predecessor companies Doubletree and Guest Quarters), where he rose to the position of senior director, national sales. Prior to joining Pyramid Hotel Group, Mr. Bednowitz was vice president, sales and relationship management for StarCite, Inc., a meeting industry technology company.Edgar NugentVice President, Hotel AccountingMr. Nugent is a senior hospitality executive with more than 25 years of financial management experience. His 20-year tenure with Marriott Corporation took him from Texas to Panama to Saudi Arabia and Germany. Prior to joining Pyramid Hotel Group he was a partner in his own hospitality consulting firm, where he counseled hotel owners and investors seeking development support.Robert DiDucaVice President, Managing DirectorMr. DiDuca has 24 years experience in independent and franchised hotel operations including Marriott, Hilton, Doubletree, and Sheraton. He has also successfully transitioned more than 30 properties to new ownership and management including brand conversions. Renovation responsibilities consisting of over $40 million in project improvement have been executed. Mr. DiDuca, based in Boston, oversees hotels in the Northeast and Michigan and continues with Hotel Transitions.Harry GreenblattVice President, Managing DirectorMr. Greenblatt's nearly 30-year career began as a management trainee with Hyatt Hotel Corporation. Following a decade of food and beverage management experience, he switched to operations and began a lengthy association with Doubletree Hotels. During his 17 years with Doubletree Mr. Greenblatt was GM of the Doubletree Hotel Allen Center and Hotel Post Oak, both in Houston. Today he is general manager of the Houston Marriott Westchase with regional operations responsibility for Pyramid's additional Texas properties.Robert (Tico) Bevier, CHAVice President, Managing Director Mr. Bevier has 25 years of experience in the hospitality field, encompassing food and beverage, rooms, operations, and consulting. His affiliation with Pyramid began in 2003 when he consulted with the company on hotel acquisitions and transitions. His extensive hospitality career started with Hyatt Hotels; moving on to La Mansion Hotels; and then he spent 15 years with Hilton Hotels Corporation, mostly at the Doubletree Hotel New Orleans as General Manager. Immediately prior to joining Pyramid he was President of Expotel Hospitality Services for three years. Mr. Bevier remains in New Orleans with Pyramid, where he is responsible for the Maison Dupuy and the New Orleans Lakeside hotels.George McGannVice President, Managing DirectorGeorge McGann has over 25 years experience in the hotel industry, with over 10 years of this experience as a General Manager. He started his career in the food and beverage discipline, as a trainee for the Hyatt Corporation. Presently, George is General Manager of the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel with regional responsibility for the Pleasanton Crowne Plaza (soon to be Marriott) and the Sonoma County Hilton. He joined Pyramid as the General Manger of the Crowne Plaza San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel. Prior to joining Pyramid Hotels, George was the General Manager/Complex General Manager for Starwood Hotels for over 7 years.Bruce CarltonArea Managing DirectorBruce has over 25 years of hotel experience holding various positions. After receiving his BSBA Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Denver, he completed the Corporate Management Trainee program with Hyatt. Most recently, Bruce was the GM at the Doubletree Hotel San Francisco Airport.Mark FallonArea Managing DirectorMark has over 25 years experience with both upscale independent and branded hotels. He managed the La Mansion Del Rio hotel in San Antonio, TX and then joined the team at Guest Quarters in Boston, MA Following his 11 year association with Guest Quarters, Doubletree, and then Promus, Mark was the opening General Manager at the Mystic Marriott Hotel in Mystic, CT and the Marriott Hartford Downtown at Adriaen's Landing in Hartford, CT. Prior to joining Pyramid, he was VP of Operations for Magna Hospitality Group.

Continue Reading »»