May 24, 2010

Climate Change makes the Whole World a Big Swimming Pool.

global-warming-pool
Back in November, British banking giant HSBC did another amazing thing--this time with a swimming pool: they took a picture of New York City from above and applied it to the bottom to make a point about climate change and rising sea levels. The effect is nothing short of amazing. Granted, sea levels would never rise that much — and the water probably wouldn’t be crystal clear (or toxin-free) — but, it still makes you think.


gw-swimming-pool

May 13, 2010

Celebrity Homes for Rent.

If you ever dreamed of staying in your favorite celebrity’s home, well, dream come true! There are so many place you've dreamed you've gone to, but the only thing that keeps you awake in the middle of the night is that big white house owned by your favorite celebrity. Hey, it's not that bad to dream that dream all over again. In fact we understand you. Who wouldn't be? With the nicest swimming pool, and big entertainment room, everyone's going to sell whatever they have just to stay in one of those big houses in Hollywood.

Celebrities have also been affected by the economic downturn, so some of them have had to find innovative ways of earning more money. With this arrangement, they not only earn extra; they are also helping people live their fantasies.
Here are some celebrity homes which are available for you to stay at:

The Residence in Turks and Caicos—Bruce Willis
Turks and Caicos island’s exclusive resort called Parrot Cay is where the six-acre oceanfront compound is situated at. Here, there are two guest suites, and five bedrooms in the main residence. Guests are treated specially, with two villas for them, each having three bedrooms. From furnishings made of teakwood to whitewashed walls, a seating area that’s glassed-in, four-poster beds with mosquito netting, and a heated swimming pool, this splendid home’s price per night is $20, 783.

Lucky House in Turks and Caicos—Christie Brinkley
Who doesn’t want to stay in a lucky home? Also situated in the same exclusive resort in Turks and Caicos where Bruce Willis’ home is, this landscaped home occupies over an acre of beachfront land. With a private shower off the three bedrooms, plenty of daybeds, chaise lounges and umbrellas plus a heated pool to relax into, renting it for $8, 107 a night makes it worth your money. You also get to have the services of a butler, and fitness buffs are in for a treat with its 13, 000-square foot yoga studio and ayurvedic spa.

Stargroves in Mustique—Mick Jagger
If you are a huge fan of the infamous musician Mick Jagger, now is your chance to explore and live in his elegant home in the island of Mustique. Japanese in style, it has six pavilions connected by elevated walkways which run through lush palm trees. From tennis court to outdoor pool, this beachfront villa is a stunning sight, which offers equally stunning views of the Caribbean. Removing the line between inside and outside, you can play and dine wherever you see fit—be it sitting outside, watching the waves, or sitting comfortably inside, served by your very own personal chef. A gardener as well as a housekeeper is also included.

Rocky Point Villa in Turks and Caicos—Keith Richards
Among the celebrities who have made Turks and Caicos their home, Keith Richards’ spacious beachfront estate occupies nearly two acres, which has three sprawling bedrooms that have stunning views of the ocean. Visitors staying in the living room will be kept occupied by a 60-inch television and a DVD player for those movie marathons. If you and your guests choose to stay outside, a heated swimming pool awaits, as well as a charming tiki hut for you to relax in and get a massage. All these for $8, 107 a night.

Necker Island in British Virgin islands—Sir Richard Branson
Have you ever wanted a whole island to yourself, or perhaps to entertain your special guests? 74-acres surrounded by coral reefs of different colors and white-sand beaches are all yours for $51, 000 a night. With 27 guests you can have this private retreat on top of a hill for a relaxing getaway. This Balinese-style villa has eight rooms with a balcony each, offering guests a view of the Caribbean. If you want to be a little farther away, six more villas are scattered, and choosing one built near the edge of a cliff will surely make for a memorable stay. All your meals are already included in the price, as well as a whole staff of sixty, to cater to all your needs.

Araby Estate in Palm Springs, California—Howard Hughes
If you are a huge fan of Howard Hughes, for only $400 per night, it would be interesting to stay in his three-bedroom home. It is a tri level home with windows that are floor-to-ceiling, as well as a pool with a cabana. What makes this house fun and interesting are the installations done by Howard Hughes himself; lights are switched on by your foot from panels that are floor-mounted, and the bathroom downstairs includes an electric stovetop on the long vanity. An arresting sight of Palm Springs and Palm Canyon Arroyo can be seen from the wide deck.

Christina O—Aristotle Onassis
Think a yacht is better? No problem, as Aristotle Onassis is also renting his Christina O, a mega-yacht that is just 325-foot wide. Having spent around $4 million on this yacht, Onassis put his heart into creating this beautiful yacht with eighteen staterooms, a fantastic pool that has a mosaic floor which transforms into a dance floor, silver and onyx handrail for a sprawling spiral staircase. The Christina O’s charm doesn’t end there; across the years, it has entertained celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Greta Garbo, as well as his wife Jacqueline Onassis, among many others; making this yacht a celebrity itself. For a whopping price of $65, 000 to $94, 000 a night, Christina O will make you feel one with the celebrities.

Casa Grande, Vermejo Park Ranch, Raton, New Mexico—Ted Turner
Want to be one with Mother Nature? Ted Turner offers you his astounding 591, 000-acre ranch, where you can either stay in a lodge or Casa Grande itself; Turner’s eight-bedroom house. You will never find yourself without anything to do, as you can go fishing in any of the twenty one lakes or, for those who want more action, go hunting for deer, elk, mule and bison. After your tiring activities, sit at the veranda watching the wildlife or, while sipping your favorite wine, be treated to a view of the sun setting in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. This place is available for the price of $650 a night.