Beautiful Chinese Bridges

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Being one of the world’s oldest cultures, Chinese culture is influential in a large geographical region in Eastern Asia with traditions differing between cities, provinces, and towns. Vital elements of Chinese culture include music, literature, cuisine, religion, visual arts, architecture etc. I am in awe whenever I see pictures of beautiful buildings and other structures in China. The Great Wall of China is one testament to how much of a perfectionist Chinese people are and how they will do everything just to protect their territory against intruders.

Having said that, China has been known to have a long history in bridge construction and recently it has been pushing the frontiers of bridge construction with many record breaking bridges. The long list of bridges is structured by province and includes noteworthy bridges such as the Anji Bridge which also happens to be the oldest existing bridge. Then there is the Danyang Kunshan Grand Bridge which is the world’s longest bridge measuring over 164 kilometers. Another is the Sidu River Bridge, the highest bridge in the world and the Xihoumen Bridge in Zhejiang province, the second longest suspension bridge span. The list of magnificent, well constructed bridges goes on.

The book Chinese Bridges: Living Architecture from China’s Past by Ronald G. Knapp takes us on a more detailed look and gives thorough information about over 50 historically, culturally, and architecturally noteworthy bridges across China that represent the advanced engineering and technological achievements of earlier times. Readers are given an intellectual and enlightening tour of both famous Chinese bridges and those that are just being discovered by people in the west. The author shows how beautiful, grand, spectacular, and unique these bridges are apart from being functional. They are a part of Chinese architecture that may not be given a lot of attention but in this book they are given the importance that they deserve.

Chinese Bridges is an English language book that contains more than 400 magnificent colored pictures, historic images, paintings, and line drawings as well as descriptions, history, and essays of these bridges. The book is an amazing work of architectural history and will surely provide inspiration for years to come. It is thoroughly researched and carefully written and displays how historical architecture can bring to life the living experiences and ancient culture of its people. This coffee table style book truly imparts rich historical and cultural setting for China’s bridge building tradition.

A Worthwhile Read: Oriental Rugs: An Illustrated Lexicon of Motifs, Materials, and Origins

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I like browsing through the pages of Good Housekeeping because I get a lot of home decorating ideas and it keeps me abreast on what is happening in the world of interior design. If you do not want to spend too much money then instead of hiring an interior decorator just flip through the pages of magazines to get inspiration and in the process know the latest trends when it comes to what looks good in a home. But more than contemporary design, I have always been fascinated with old fashioned homes decorated with oriental rugs. Their beautiful and intricate designs and colors make a house, no matter how small or big it is, look so elegant.

A lot of people consider them as pieces of art. They are rugs that were made in the Orient or in Asia namely China, Vietnam, Nepal, Pakistan, Turkey, Cyprus, Iran, India, Egypt, and Morocco. They were brought to the West during the Crusades and are organized by origin such as Arabian rugs, Persian rugs, Central Asian rugs, Chinese rugs, Indian rugs etc. They can last for decades because of their high quality. Antique oriental rugs have been in demand for years. Some even display them as wall decors. Since there are so many different designs and sizes, finding one that will complement your home’s motif might be challenging. It is probably a good idea to start your home decor with the oriental rug first then pick the rest of the furnishing to suit the oriental rug.

If you want to know more about oriental rugs, then Peter F. Stone’s book Oriental Rugs: An Illustrated Lexicon of Motifs, Materials, and Origins is a great reference. It contains over 1,000 vivid drawings and pictures of different types, designs, and sizes of oriental rugs. The book gives ample information about rugs being a part of art history and how tribal weavings, particularly oriental rugs, make us more knowledgeable about some traditions that were not given much attention before. Examples of which are the weavings of southwest Persia, Baluchistan and Kurdistan.

This book likewise gives information about oriental rugs that have not been previously written. It provides straightforward and exact definitions for the rug and fabric terms used in each country where it is made. The book also touches on museum-quality rug traditions and the modern ways of manufacturing or producing them as well as on the rich hand-knotting and hand-weaving traditions of the Near East and Central Asia and some examples of Scandinavian and Native American weavings. This brief but comprehensive book is a must-have for beginners, serious collectors, scholars, and dealers. It is easy to read and any rug afficionado can read this to expand their knowledge of textiles.

Vogue Hommes International Fall Winter 2013-14 by Jeff Burton

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Vogue Hommes international is a French popular magazine. In its features collections of Fall-Winter 2013-14, French model clement chebernoud is photographed by Jeff Burton. The fashion editorial which features various high quality collections includes clothes with a mixture of luxury fabric and which are styled by fashion.

In these collections are very high quality vogue branded clothes. They stock very high quality woolen suites made from very smooth woolen fabric. One example is the black one-button hole suit. It comes with a black polo neck sweater to match and high quality black strapped shoes. It comes in many styles and colors and looks very formal, smart and stylish. In their collection is also a long three-button hole jacket long to the knee. It is made of high quality smooth woolen fabric and comes with a red scarf to match. It also matches well with a dark blue trouser and brown shoes.

Another high quality clothing in their collection is a grey woolen two-button hole suit. It is made to measure with a blue shirt and a woolen overcoat to match. The suit is casual but looks elegant. They also have many other high quality clothes such as jackets and woolen sweaters in different styles both rounded and v-shaped neck. They also stock high quality shoes, socks, trousers, belts, shirts, and various Calvin Klein collections.

 

The Best Way To Invest, Coins and Jewelry

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In uncertain economic times, jewelry and coins always retain their value. Coins and jewelry pieces are very liquid as they can be sold at anytime for fair prices. It’s important to understand the various factors involved in determining the market value of jewelry, coins and other forms of currency. First and foremost, the precious metal content of a gold is a very important factor in the final sale price. The purity of gold coins is usually rated in 12K, 14K, 18K, 20K and 22K denominations. Naturally, a high purity rating yields a higher market value for a gold coin. By knowing the purity and weight of a gold coin, the value can be calculated at any instant. The only factor that fluctuates is the market price of gold, which changes slightly on a daily basis. However, the price of gold per ounce has been been reaching record highs during the recent U.S. economic recession.

Another factor that plays an important role in the value of a gold coin is age. The older the coin is, the more rare and valuable it is considered to be. For example, a gold coin from the 16th century is more valuable than a coin of the same purity and weight from the 20th century. Gold coins have been minted since ancient times. Most coins from early civilizations are now on display in museums and private collections as historic relics and not currency. For example, it would be impossible to estimate the market value of a gold coin that was minted during Ancient Roman times. In general, foreign gold coins tend to be more expensive than American gold coins when dealing on the American market. Trying to visit a numismatic dealer is an example of searching for a great purchase or sale deal on gold coins that are minted in the United States.

Paper currency can also be very valuable depending on several factors. For example, the United States has released different dollar denominations for brief periods throughout the country’s history. A 5 dollar bill minted during the Civil War in the United States has tremendous historic value in today’s market. Experienced numismatic dealers usually know the history behind all of the currency circulation of the United States dating back to the earliest federal reserves and mints. Rare American coins that are not made of precious metals can still have high value in today’s market.

Visit of shoemaker Aubercy at Vivienne street in Paris

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Aubercy is one of the best shoe makers in Paris. He started this family business way back in 1935 at 34 rue Vivienne, near Paris stock exchange.

Aubercy designs shoes which blends strongly with the structures of the English shoes mixed with the creativity of Italian shoes with a French elegance. He started manufacturing shoes way back in 1956 from a small family owned company in Italy which has guaranteed people the best hand-sewn “Good year” and hand sewn “Norwegian construction”.

He designs shoes which blends strongly with the structure of the English shoes mixed with the creativity of Italian shoes with a French elegance. He started manufacturing shoes way back in 1956 from a small family-owned company in Italy which has guaranteed people the best hand-sewn “good year”, “Norwegian” and the unique exquisite ready to wear designs. They are available in different colours, shapes, and sizes. The shoes can currently be found at the legendary tailor Douglas Haywards store in London.

Plans are underway to avail them in Japan at Cavalleria. Aubercy maintains the spirit of “true luxury” in creating the best designs. He designs and makes shoes from the most beautiful and high quality materials which lasts much longer.

They also strive to make designs which are magnificently beautiful and at the same time very comfortable. Quality work from him comes as a result of the fact that their artisans spend more time and keenness on every piece and step of the designing process which makes most of their shoes of high quality and long lasting.

Aubercy and his artisans have a very strong passion for their work which breeds quality in their product. The shoes are available in eight  sizes, very many colors to choose from and very many different types of high quality designs such as the oxford, Derby and the loafer.

They have the prestige line which includes shoes of the highest quality and limited edition. For those who have their own preferred choices, Aubercy has a measure line which caters for those who have particular preferences. Here shoes are made according to ones’ specification and taste.

 

Playing piano is fun to do

I am so envious to these people who knows on how to play the piano without reading an key sheets and without getting any sweats on their underarms..haha. Though whether I got an key sheets, I really dunno on how to play it !LOL but I am pleased to do it and learn the musical instrument in the easiest ways I can. I’ve heard that Roland digital pianos at musicians friend can take a big part of it because the instrument has this easy to guide features wherein you dont have to enroll yourself into this music school who offers an intensive piano lesson, the roland piano itself is like an teacher due of the features am talking about…

Okay, I suggest you to check over the link given above for further details. Thank you!

Classic digitech effects

By the way, let me share this new song here by Taeyang, Kpop artist, entitled : Ringa linga

Might someone of your there are quite amused and amazed with these sorts of songs that has its kinda electrifying sounds added to it, sorry I dunno the right term for it, like we’d often heard in these kpop songs which probably often blogged up here too, istarblog.com, because I was pleased with the genre and I simply found myself kinda relating to their music, but not often but mostly times. ahahha

Today, let me tell you about this classic digitech effects which one liable on these great pop sounds in each pop songs releases today. Yeah! using this gadget board you may produce such great sounds ever that will blended well on the main sounds or keys of your musics. I know you might not understand what am talking about here but am pretty sure that mostly music enthusiasts out there are can follow what am discussing to you all here.

Alright, that will be all for now. And I’ll try to update you more about fashion news and collections by my next posts. Have a great day to everyone.

Brioni Spring Summer 2014 with Julien Nielsen by Collier Schorr

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Brioni is a tailoring house with high quality designs of clothes. It unveiled its pictures of the beautiful spring summer collections for 2014. Their designs are marketed by model Julien Nielsen. Their collections are mainly focused on the Roman rare and unexpected Roman artistic heritage, while at the same time celebrating the allure of the Italian cinema of the 80s. Brioni in their collections have designed collar-studs, tie clips and cuff links in yellow gold in collaboration with designers Fredrikson Stallard. They also have a new online store for international customers and an institutional site has been created in line with expanding their brand work.

The store stocks high quality shoes made of high quality leather in different styles, shapes and sizes. The shoes are made from high quality hides and the soles also made of real leather. They are all long lasting shoes and the prices vary according to style, make and the quality of the materials used. They also stock beautifully looking, high quality long lasting belts which come in different colors and designs. Apart from clothes and shoes, Brioni also stocks high quality designer travelling bags, which come in different styles, shapes, colours and sizes. They also stock purses for women, designer sunglasses, high quality ties, woolen blankets and shawls. Among their spring summer collections are beautiful and high quality T-shirts, casual shorts, blazers jackets, casual trousers and shirts.

Quality is the mainstay of Brioni and all their items are reasonably priced.

 

Classy ways to show the world you work hard

“I’ve never had a great reason to show off, but if I did so, I wouldn’t. You realize why? No person likes a showoff. It’s tacky and it can be interpreted as though you believe you can be better than someone else. That’s not a nice thing to remind people, even though chances are that you actually are better. However because exposing can be ill received doesn’t mean that you should hide or be ashamed of your accomplishments or success. You’ve worked difficult to earn your credentials. You’ve studied all night long, you’ve make the time. You’ve paid your dues and you will have every right to be pleased with where you are, and then there are tactful ways to show this to the careful observer. Don’t buy that Bentley if you want to keep a low profile, try something a little more subtle. It’s sexy and it’s classy.

1. The right accessory
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There are few things on God’s green Earth which are as synonymous with success compared to a Rolex. A Rolex is no more a watch than a Harley is a bicycle. A Rolex is a bit of art, it will be the definition of pride and perfection. If you wear a Rolex, you are telling the world you are not a person to settle for anything less. Ever. Rolex watches are renown for hand made precision. These are Rolls Royce of accessories. One of the many truly beautiful reasons for having this gem that sets it in addition to other watches is that the people that design and construct these classy time pieces are simply as happy with their work as you are of yours. If you were to in fact invest in one, you can always contact the certified rolex repair any time you wanted to make sure that yours was working right for you. Equally as their product is second to none, so is their rolex customer service.

2. A tailored suit

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If it’s worth investing in a tailored suit, and they will all say yes, ask literally any classy woman in the world. In addition you look the part, however you feel the part and when you are feeling the part, you act it. You are it. There’s a good reason that once you see a gentleman walk across the road, he turns heads. There’s rich people everywhere, it’s not because we think he’s rich. It’s because he’s put together. Despite whatever problems he’s having with his car that week, or that his boss may have scolded him in front of the investor they have a crush on, we don’t know. Today he placed on that suit and he looks like one million bucks whether or not he feels it,. That’s all we, the gawking public know.

3. That smooth bottle of liquor

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If you have your colleagues to your office late Friday and present them a Jack Daniels, they’ll either expect to hit your local dive bar afterwards, or opt out and go home to their classy husbands and wives. Open your cabinet and pull out that 25 year old single malt. It will turn their heads every time. The proper scotch is as effective since the right suit or the right watch to show the world that your particular life is going just how you planned without shoving it down their throats. Remember, tact is attractive.”

BEAST Yoseob”s Wearin’ the Opening Ceremony Exclusive Varsity Jacket

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Opening Ceremony Exclusive Varsity Jacket – $340.00 to $400

I miss posting some kpop related posts on this site, istarblog.com. Because I’ve been too busy doing my offline stuff these past few days due of holiday season. But now, I think I am freely already on my offline tasks which mum insistently wanted (forced) me to do. LOL Okay, recently, I’ve been stumbled with this one Kpop fan based site where this dope jacket were posted and look, Yoseob of b2st wore it out and rock it to dope. The Jacket is from the brand “Opening Ceremony Exclusive” not sure though if it is the brand’s name of it or just an part of the whole jacket’s name. LOL, Bear with me then because I am not really familiar with this find. ehhe

Anyway, the Jacket ” Opening Ceremony Exclusive Varsity Jacket” is okay with me though I do liked the colors uses to it and still, I wanted it to be more unique by adding some more prints in it. Because as Ive seen the other finds out there from the other brands, I think, they were all working on with these patterns and prints for this 2014’s fashion trends that’s why having it to any finds, it is well to do on my opinion. But overall, the jacket is perfectly to wear especially on this winter season we have.

Jacket Details:

Price: $340.00 to $400
– Jacket is part on OC’s Fall 2013 collection
Where to Buy: @ lyst.com