Electrolux Rapido

The sleek, stylish and powerful Rapido ZB406WD Cyclonic lightweight handheld cleaner now has almost double the power, is fully rechargeable and cordless and can be used on all surfaces – wet or dry - which makes cleaning up in the car or home a truly effortless operation. It comes with a crevice nozzle and dusting brush to reach every nook and cranny making it the ‘must-have’ handheld cleaner for every home, car or garage.



Price £39.99

Great, Grand & Famous Hotels and Waldorf Hysteria: Hotel Manners, Misbehaviour & Minibars

Great, Grand & Famous Hotels (RRP AU$79.95)

This book contains stories about great, grand and famous hotels sourced from history, legend and the occasional snippet of gossip. Take a peek inside and discover a treasure trove of famous or forgotten anecdotes. See the dramas unfold in lobbies, dining rooms, bars and ballrooms, or behind the closed doors of guest rooms and Presidential Suites. Marvel at those who made these hotels what they are: daring financiers, visionary owners, inventive architects, cutting-edge designers, devoted hoteliers and renowned chefs. Remember the great, grand and famous celebrity guests and meet the new breed of visionaries who are creating the great hotels of the future. Great, Grand & Famous Hotels, presented by Fritz Gubler, is a book for lovers of remarkable hotels.



Waldorf Hysteria: Hotel Manners, Misbehaviour & Minibars (RRP AU$19.95)

Waldorf Hysteria presents the lighter side of hotels. This appealing book looks back to the first golden age of hospitality, with full page photographs from the archives, hotel etiquette advice from long ago, and quirky tales of hotel shenanigans. The book includes plenty of tales from today’s hotels so readers can judge for themselves. These stories cover all aspects of hotel life: room service; pets in hotels; celebrities and scandals; rip-offs and scams; unusual hotels; hotels as movie sets; hotels of future; and the things famous people leave behind.


Great, Grand & Famous Hotels and Waldorf Hysteria: Hotel Manners, Misbehaviour & Minibars

Surgical Course at the Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos

This week I participated in a prestigious course on Incontinence and Robotic Surgery and New Technologies. It took place in the hospital where I studied medicine, so it was nice to come back to the surgical theatres, but this time as the surgeon!

This is also the hospital where one of my partners at the ICUA works, Dr. Ignacio Castillón Vela, who is a wonderful urological laparoscopist. He contributed with his participation in robotic surgical procedures during the congress. In the photo below, with the blue cap, assisting Dr. Motrie with the Da Vinci Surgical System.

I was invited to participate in a live surgical demonstration of a Greenlight laser prostatectomy. The case was very well picked up and it was really nice and smooth. They told me the day after that the patient was fine!

Bontoni Bespoke Shoes

Bontoni is a high-end line of bespoke Italian men's shoes. The third generation Italian shoemaking company was formally launched in 2004. Bontoni ready-made shoes are available in the U.S. at BERGDORF GOODMAN MEN, WILKES BASHFORD, STANLEY KORSHAK, LAWRENCE COVELL and MARIO'S to name a few. In Italy, shoes are sold directly to customers (made-to-measure) rather than through retailers. The ready-made shoes cost between $1,150 and $2,500 a pair depending upon the construction. The bespoke shoes start at $4,500 and can go up to $12,000.

In their five-person bottega in Montegranaro, Marche, Bontoni hand-crafts fewer than 10 pairs a day. Each ready-made pair is hand colored and takes about 13 weeks to complete. The shoes draw a lot of our inspiration from Italy's iconic 1950's jet-set era. They are distinguished both by their timeless Italian elegance, innovative styling and unique hand painted colorings.

Cinémoi Launches French Film Channel in UK

From 23rd February, Cinémoi will be launching on Sky channel 839 bringing a touch of glamour and style to Britain’s TV screens. Cinémoi will show a wealth of classic and contemporary films and documentaries, all shown with subtitles, celebrating over 100 years of French cinema.


Until 6th April, fans of French film will be able to try a taster for free every night. Exclusive interviews with some of the industry’s most influential names including Catherine Deneuve (Belle de Jour)and Isabelle Huppert (The Piano Teacher) will be screened alongside celebrated films such as Bridget Bardot's Le Mepris, Vincent Cassel’s La Haine and Francois Truffaut’s 400 Blows. Vincent Cassel, one of France’s most prominent actors (Oceans 12, La Haine, Eastern Promise) is very excited by the idea of the channel and has agreed to launch CinéMoi in February.



Mint Group (owners of KOKO) and 3DD Group (producers of The Album Chart Show) have teamed up with Ed Pressman, one of Hollywood’s leading independent film producers (Wall Street, American Psycho) to create Cinémoi.


Cine Lumière’s (London’s No.1 French cinema) Julien Plante, who has programmed over 1000 films and documentaries for festivals, cinemas and events, has been bought in to curate the channel. “We are really excited about launching Cinémoi in the UK. The growth of French cinema and the increasing numbers of people with a real passion for it means that this feels like the perfect time to launch the channel. With over 30 new films every month, Cinémoi will be a celebration of all things French, packaged to communicate glamour, style, quality and entertainment.’



Viewers will be able to experience the best French movies on Cinémoi, the first and only channel dedicated to French film in the UK, for free from the 23rd February until 6th April.



Sign-up information and further details are available at www.cinemoi.tv or 0845 880 8008

Dev Patel Wears Jaeger-LeCoultre to Oscars

Slumdog Millionaire actor Dev Patel wore the Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX1 timepiece during the Oscars on Sunday night.

Winds of Change - Zaragoza

Yesterday I participated in the International Course on Urology "winds of change 2009", organised by Hospitals Miguel Servet from Zaragoza (Dr. Rioja) and the University Hospital AMC from Amsterdam (Dr. de La Rossette).


The truth is that the invitation to participate in this international course was a real honour, the panel of invited experts is impressive. As always, the organization was impecable and the number of attendees impressive.


My role was to perform a greenlight HPS laser prostatectomy, which was transmitted live to the congress venue. The operation was a success and the case was very nicely selected. The patient had a big median lobe and I proved that this is no problem at all to perform this operation. Then I participated in a round table with other eminent national professors, which was extremely interesting.

Best European Video Award

Today I received an Email where the European Association of Urology communicates that the video I submitted to the European congress last year has been chosen as the best video published in 2008 in the European Urology Video Journal. I will receive the Award during the European Congress that will be celebrated next month.

Diamond Aura handset

Motorola have unveiled a Diamond Aura handset designed by luxury designer Alexander Amosu. The phone is encrusted with 99 diamonds totaling 1 carat. Only a limited number of the diamond handset range will be available worldwide with a 24hr concierge service at a price tag of £4995. The diamond Aura will be sold in selected high end luxury stores around the world as well as on the Amosu website www.amosu.co.uk

iphone 3G Swarovski & Sapphire edition

Goldstriker has introduced the Iphone 3G Swarovski & Sapphire edition…The bezel in 18ct white gold houses 124 clear Swarovski crystals all individually set , the main navigation button is in 18ct gold with 28 clear Swarovski crystals and a deep blue Sapphire.


Available from www.goldstriker.co.uk from the 17th February 09. priced at £1,395.

Diamond Encrusted Vertu Constellation

Luxury designer and jeweler Knalihs Athem, renowned for designing and creating the most alluring and unique bejeweled mobile phones begins 2009 with yet another stunning creation – The Diamond Vertu Constellation Gold.

This one-of-a-kind exclusive phone is crafted and created with exceptional precision and skilled Swiss craftsmanship in 18 carat gold and encrusted with more that 1500 finest quality colorless brilliant cut diamonds. The phone is hand-finished with utmost care and all the diamonds set precisely to provide lasting beauty and quality. This creation exudes an aura of opulence synonymous with Knalihs Athem creations.

The handset can also be personalized with initials, lucky number, logo and almost about anything of your choice. Each handset is accompanied by appropriate and official diamond grading report from a world recognized gemological lab.

The Vertu Constellation’s exclusive diamond customization by Athem is available is various designs across all Vertu Constellation models including the Core Range, Precious Range, Monogram Range and the Rococo Range.

DIAMOND DOG NEW YORK

DIAMOND DOG NEW YORK is a new Collection of jewelry featuring exquisitely designed charms, rings, earrings and chains set in 18k white gold and matte yellow gold. Encrusted with micro-pave’ White, Brown and Black Diamonds, hand-cut Black Onyx and Sparkling Pink, Blue and Yellow Sapphires, make DIAMOND DOG NEW YORK a fine jewelry line that is exceptionally beautiful and tasteful. Young, hip and fashion forward individuals will appreciate DIAMOND DOG NEW YORK’S vision for fun and opulence. The line was inspired by a dachshund named "Ellie".

Common Projects

Common Projects Spring Summer 2009 on sale at Reborn

52’ Rivale Palm Beach

52’ Rivale Palm Beach (special edition for US)
Of all the members of the Riva family, this is the yacht whose character, as its name suggests, is the most strong and heroic. Indeed, the Rivale’s refined wood and quality textiles give its unique, sharp lines a welcoming feel. The interior design features large cabins, a comfortable dining-area and a cockpit which satisfies all demands for outdoor living, as well as one of the largest garages (which stores a 3.2 meter tender) in its category.
For 2009, Riva has created a version of the boat dedicated specifically to the American market, using special materials and colors elegantly fused into an even more precious example of the Rivale, whose name refers to one of the most exclusive American beach locations: Palm Beach.
The Rivale Palm Beach was created as the ultimate answer to the desires of the American owner: a boat offering plenty of style and elegance without sacrificing comfort. The boat’s deck and hull, in brand-new desert sand, are very special in this version thanks to the Roman bronze details on the dashboard and on the signal mast. This unique design evokes the image of a shark’s flipper. Inside the cabins, the walls and furniture are made of luminous elm, embellished with topstitched natural-color leather, which produces a chromatic opposition of soft and dark against the Roman Bronze lacquering.
This unrivaled yacht is the clear choice for owners who wish to enjoy living an adventurous life at sea in utter comfort and privacy, taking full advantage of the craft’s signature reliability and usability. The Rivale sustains the Riva yacht philosophy: personality, style, elegance and constant innovation. The size of the yacht permits the owner to man and enjoy his craft firsthand, granting also enough space for two more guest cabins equipped with twin beds and a day head in addition to the master cabin, located at the bow with an en suite bathroom.
The Rivale is equipped with two 1100-horsepower Man engines, and gives an exceptionally spirited performance: a top speed of 40 knots and an autonomy of 260 miles at cruising speed (in the 1100 horsepower version).

68’ Ego Super

Presenting herself as the ultimate blend of design, comfort, performance and reliability, 68’ Ego Super is the luxurious evolution of the Riva world.
The new Ego Super has the same gorgeous lines that led to the original 68’ Ego winning three of the most prestigious awards in the nautical world: European Powerboat of the Year; the Millennium Yacht Design Award and Croatian Powerboat of the Year.
Equipped with a new relaxation area in the bow,, in fact, a teak table and another large sofa accommodate up to six people, creating an open-air salon that can also be protected against the sun’s rays with an innovative electric awning, developed exclusively for Riva.
The 68’ Ego Super is also equipped with the PLC technology-based system Gi8, chosen specifically for its compatibility with sportier boat models. Gi8 is applied to the entire set of on-board systems and controls, and monitors all services.
This yacht is furnished with 1 master cabin, 1 VIP room all with en-suite bathrooms in addition to a 1 twin-bedded guest cabin and an independent crew cabin.
The performance, powered by twin MAN 1550 hp Common Rail engines, brings the boat to a cruising speed of 34 knots and top speed of 38 knots, with inimitable comfort and a 260 mile range at cruising speed.

75’ Venere Newport Collection (special edition for US)

The waves of the ocean seem to have been made especially to lap at the sides of the Venere’s hull. This soft and lovely model is a true Venus. This special-edition of 75’ Venere Newport Collection is in a canaletto-walnut hue designed exclusively for the American market, featuring a range of innovative design solutions, from the vast windows in the cabins on the lower deck, to the stern opening out onto a spacious swim platform that is ideal for sunbathing or practicing water sports.
The new Riva flybridge, designed for maximum space and comfort, features a luxurious six-seater sofa as well as an awning that opens using a high-tech electro-hydraulic system. The gracefully curved windscreen, made of grey metal and anthracite-colored fiberglass, shades the sundeck and provides passengers with excellent wind protection. The innovative interior design features a striking tri-color layout, with canaletto walnut walls and furniture, classic Riva cream lacquering, and dark brown leather inserts, creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.
The lower deck’s expansive main cabin, which spans the yacht’s width, has a study area, vanity unit with foldaway pouf, 30” LCD television monitor, and elegant walk-in wardrobe. Each cabin has direct access to an en-suite bathroom.
The utmost care has been taken over these “mini-suites” and the result is a first-class yacht, 23 meters of indisputable style and a masterpiece of modern design and luxury.
Driven by two MTU ten cylinder 1524 Mhp engines, the goddess of the Riva Olympus offers excellent standards and a high performance, reaching a top speed of 32 knots and a range of 300 miles at cruising speed.
More aggressive than that of any other fly, the Riva 75’ Venere features a modern line, thus appealing to a younger clientele, while still confirming the traditional, timeless beauty of all Riva yachts.

Luca Luca to show in The Palm Court in The Plaza!

Luca Luca is going to be the first designer ever to show in The Palm Court in The Plaza! The Luca Luca fashion presentation will take place on Monday, February 16th from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. Renowned for sweet, girly dresses with feminine, flirty accents and colors, Luca Luca creates an intimate, salon-style show evocative of the fashion presentations done in Paris during the 1940's by the houses of Chanel and Dior.

pink diamond blackberry bold and 3G iphone with diamonds

Amosu has announced the pink diamond blackberry bold and 3G iphone with diamonds.
The world first ever Pink Blackberry Bold with white & pink Sapphire diamonds and The Pink 3G iphone 16GB with white Diamonds would be perfect for valentines.

Ureteroscopy and Holmium laser

I have just posted this video in Youtube, it has been edited by Dr. Luis Llanes. He is an expert in endourology and the minimally invasive treatment of ureteral and kidney stones.

Dr. Luis Llanes is the director of our urinary lithiasis unit at the Institute of Advanced Urological Surgery in Madrid, a true endourological artist. Sorry the video is in Spanish. Holmium-YAG lasers allow to fragment urinary stones with safety and allow patients to recover very fast and go back to their normal life.

The new Master Grande Tradition line from Jaeger-LeCoultre

In 2009, the Grande Maison in the Vallée de Joux is unveiling some extraordinary timepieces embodying an original symbiosis between the technological breakthroughs of the 21st century and a tribute paid to the finest watchmaking traditions. The design and creation of such a masterpiece naturally depends on the authentic mastery of the intricacies of fine watchmaking, a mastery that Jaeger-LeCoultre has been cultivating for 176 years. The new line is distinguished by distinctive aesthetics and the joint presence on each model of two complications interpreted in a manner that is at once historical and innovative. The two first watch creations in the Master Grande Tradition collection feature combinations of functions that are new to the Manufacture: on the one hand, the first tourbillon associated with a perpetual calendar; and on the other, the first minute repeater with a two-week power reserve allied with a regulator display. Moreover, this new line will welcome the first ever silicon escapement from the Grande Maison, stemming from the research undertaken in the Jaeger-LeCoultre laboratories and aiming to further enhance the performances of this complicated timepiece. This major innovation will initially enrich the yellow gold limited editions only. The undeniable gain in precision will be certified by a new “1000 Hours Chrono” label developed by Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Master Compressor Diving Navy SEALs

Jaeger-LeCoultre is constantly conferring with experts, such as snorkelling record holder Patrick Musimu, about the relevance of its latest innovations. The Manufacture has signed a partnership with the United States Navy SEALs, the Navy’s elite unit of combat swimmers. To mark this agreement dedicated to challenging achievements, the Master Compressor Diving line is adding three limited series having a shot-peened ceramic bezel and engraved with the Navy SEALs emblem. The eagle brandishing a trident in its talons is a symbol of excellence for these extraordinary timepieces, the Master Compressor Diving Alarm Navy SEALs, the Master Compressor Diving Chronograph GMT Navy SEALs and the iconic Master Compressor Diving Pro Geographic Navy SEALs.

Zanussi says - Never clean your oven again

Oven Cleaning is one of the most hated chores in the home and is a task that is often neglected rather than tackled! But at Zanussi, the company knows that not everyone wants to spend their precious time cleaning the oven. That is why they offer Pyrolytic cleaning on our top of the range multifunction oven Zanussi ZYB594X.

So many people are simply not aware that you can buy ovens that can clean themselves until they look as good as new! Pyrolytic cleaning incinerates all grease, burnt on fat etc at high temperatures, leaving just a pile of ash that can be brushed away leaving the oven clean and gleaming!

Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrates the union of fine

The oldest and most delicate of the decorative arts no longer hold any secrets for the Grande Maison in the Vallée de Joux. Enamelling, engraving and gem-setting are a set of virtuoso crafts that it associates at will in its horological and artistic creations. A splendid embodiment of the love of fine details that has always characterised Jaeger-LeCoultre, the art of miniature enamel painting dedicates its absolute beauty to highlighting the watchmaking feats of the Manufacture – one of the rare brands to enhance its wristwatches with the full range of traditional fine watchmaking embellishments. In 2009, the artists of the Manufacture, who cultivate very special ties with this exquisitely refined ornamental technique, wished to present a full-fledged anthology of their talent by offering two exceptional series illustrating two traditional enamel techniques – grand feu and champlevé enamelling – on two famous timepieces in the Jaeger-LeCoultre collection: the Master Minute Repeater and the Master Grand Tourbillon

Master Compressor Diving GMT Lady Céramique

Right from the time of their introduction in 2007, the Master Compressor Diving Lady watches signalled the end of the dilemma between performance and refinement. Active, sporty ladies can now adorn their wrist with a professional and highly reliable instrument, while not renouncing nothing of their taste for elegance. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ladies’ marineinspired line is now reinforcing the technical side of its nature by appearing clad in a new black ceramic case. Slightly larger and subtly slenderer, it accentuates the unique design of the Master Compressor Diving Lady watches. The designers of the Manufacture have teamed this innovative material with a black dial, the first in the collection, featuring a delicately contrasting effect that enhances the aesthetic equilibrium and the readability of the indications. The dial details are lit up by the presence of 16 diamonds set on the diving bezel. This harmony between form and function affirms the essential values of the diving world according to Jaeger-LeCoultre: the fascination of beauty and the assurance of peerless reliability.

Atmos Birth Date for Jaeger-LeCoultre

The daringly innovative Atmos Birth Date embodies an idea destined for a fine future, since the Atmos clock, an eternally youthful young lady born 80 years ago in the Jaeger-LeCoultre workshops, takes on a tender, mischievous appearance while losing nothing of its seductive appeal. While the horological icon with the almost perpetual mechanism continues to count off the hours and minutes of the world’s most eminent figures, it now turns into a wonderful gift when the time comes to celebrate a happy event and, according to a well-established tradition, comes in pastel pink or blue versions. For the first time within this rich collection, its base is adorned with the name of the newborn child that it will faithfully accompany through all stages of his or her life, because the Atmos movement continues to represent a challenge to mechanical laws and to the ephemeral nature of human accomplishments.

Art in enamel with Jaeger-LeCoultre: World exclusive personalization

In an unprecedented challenge, Jaeger-LeCoultre has made in enamel one of the most exclusive piece of art on the case of a Reverso watch, which can be worn on the owner wrist as part of a watch!! The swivel case of the reverso allowed its owner to decorate it and gives him the absolute assurance of possessing the most complete artistically decorated work one could imagine.

A private British art collector who owns an incredibly valuable Lord Leighton original oil painting called ‘Pavonia’ wanted to personalize his Jaeger-LeCoultre reverso watch. This piece of art, one of his most precious paintings, as part of his private collection, is rarely seen in public. (The last time was at the Royal Academy in celebration of Lord Leighton’s work over a decade ago.) He asked to the Manufacture if it was possible to have a duplicate of the painting recreated on the case of his favorite watch with an Enamel.

This is an incredibly challenging task with only a handful of artisans in the world being able to create such a feat. It took 120 hours for our master enamellers to complete it. In order to celebrate this truly unique item’s arrival the new owner has agreed to let exhibit both the watch and the original Painting in the George Tarratt show room in Leicester for one week in June.

With his enamel’s specialists, Jaeger-LeCoultre is nowadays one of the rare watches
Manufacture to offer one of the oldest techniques applied to watch decoration.

Nokia Royal

The Nokia Royal has brought together the subtle beauty and elegance of platinum, with the magical radiance of diamonds, and created an exquisite work of art. The handset sits quietly in its luxury handmade box made from Granite and the finest leather. There is no finer relationship than platinum & diamonds. They are pure, rare, and eternal. The Nokia Royal is a true celebration of your individuality. The Nokia Royal is going to be launched Saturday 31st January 09, in the prestigious Colette store in Paris. This will be a limited edition with only 50 to be made.

This stunning handset was tailored in Liverpool U.K. by Stuart and Katherine Hughes from Goldstriker , and it will also be available to buy online from their brand new website www.stuarthughes.com which will be launched in February.

Gomattagirls

Gomattagirls.com is a site for girls who love designer clothes, but don't want to pay full price. Here's how it works: Gomatta Girls sells one ridiculous boutique designer deal at a time, at an unbeatable price and for just one day. All our merchandise is discounted around 70%-90%! So check in often to see what's up for grabs and spread the word to your readers.

Be & D's Garbo

Be & D designers Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain have relaunched the Garbo ...with a few new friends :)! The satchel and portfolio have already been ordered by a number of celebrity clients! Retail prices range from $495-1390. The bags are now available on www.beandd.com

Surgeries in Barcelona

This Monday I went to Barcelona, to the Fiatc Clinic, with Dr. Fakiani. He is interested in learning to perform the greenlight HPS laser prostatectomy. We did two cases and then I rushed to return to Madrid...