Gucci Belts a waist of money

  

 

 

  

Gucci slept through most of the ‘80s. It wasn’t until the '90s rolled around that a young designer named Tom Ford was brought on board to get things under control -- and he did. The Gucci name has since become one of the most recognisable in the industry and currently reigns as the best-selling Italian fashion brand in the world.

Now, the time has finally come for Gucci to make up for its lost decade. The fashion house has decided to relive the glory days of biker jackets, leopard prints and seriously shrunken pants over 20 years later. It’s just in time for fall fashion's revival of everything ‘80s, and right at the heart of this resurrection are Gucci’s belts.

At 3.5 inches wide, the trapezoid buckle belt is more like a full-on cummerbund. And while the geometry is appropriate for channeling the essence of the decade that inspired it, the belt is more likely to get you a few ugly stares and the occasional, “that’s interesting…”

Gucci belts also made an equally hefty friend out of elastic nylon, which has an uncomfortably close resemblance to a seat belt. At the other extreme is an anorexic-thin patent leather number that weighs in at a super-slim 0.8 inches complete with what Gucci calls a “prism” buckle made from Plexiglas.

But not all hope is lost. There are novelty Gucci belts and sensible basics in the collection that push the envelope without obliterating taste. The classic interlocking G buckle comes on belts in several variations from black and gunmetal to blue and red. More embellished varieties have crests on the buckle that, in the best way possible, seem as though they were ripped off a shoulder-padded men's blazer from 1985. Finally, for the most conservative among us, there are blacks and browns with subtly embossed renditions of the interlocking G design -- a fundamental piece for any man’s wardrobe.

When you invest in quality leather goods like a belt to the tune of $300, it better last. Fortunately, with a discerning eye for your lifestyle, Gucci can infuse luxury and longevity into the infinitely boring assortment of belts you likely already have on hand.

A colour choice like blue or red can add boldness and stand the test of time if worn the right way. The key to success: Let the Gucci belt stand on its own while everything else plays second fiddle. Trousers or dark denim with a crisp white shirt work best.

But for men who want something a little more foundational to upgrade their pile of clearance Kenneth Cole belts, the basic blacks and browns of the collection are simple enough to wear with anything, but adorned with just the right amount of Gucci glitz to let everyone know you make enough Gs to afford the Gs.

2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad Debuts at 2014 Chicago Auto Show

At the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, Dodge introduces the new 2014 Journey Crossroad model to SUV shoppers who are looking for a more rugged-looking crossover vehicle. When the Journey Crossroad goes on sale, it will slot between the existing SXT and Limited trim levels, and will start at $25,990 including the $995 destination charge.

To create the new 2014 Dodge Journey Crossroad, the automaker installs revised front and rear bumpers with simulated skid plates, side-sill cladding, Platinum Chrome exterior trim, and dark-tinted headlights and taillights. The Journey Crossroad rolls on unique Hyper Black 19-inch aluminum wheels in a 5-spoke design.
Inside, the Journey Crossroad features black leather seats with light-gray accent stitching and black mesh inserts, as well as plenty of Liquid Graphite trim. Standard               equipment includes a Uconnect 8.4 color touch-screen infotainment system, power driver's seat, power heated exterior mirrors, illuminated cup holders, and a keyless passive entry system with push-button starting.
Like the existing Dodge Journey, the new Crossroad model provides 7-passenger seating, reclining second-row seats with integrated child booster seats, fold-flat front passenger's seat with a storage bin under the cushion, and removable storage bins in the second-row floor designed to hold wet items or conceal valuables. Maximum cargo space measures 67.6 cu. ft.
The Journey Crossroad is equipped with a standard 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. A 283-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission is optional, and the Journey Crossroad can be fitted with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. When taking corners at speeds above 25 mph, the AWD system automatically sends power to the Journey's rear wheels to improve handling.
Dodge says crossover SUV buyers can expect to see the new 2014 Journey Crossroad in showrooms in the spring of 2014.

See Khloe Kardashian Smashing New Look

 

Sure y'all know by now that the Kardashian ladies are also into fashion items.
So they just launched a new sexy spring 2014 collections for Sears- elastic waist pants, cut out bodycon dresses, and crepe pencil skirts.
They are just showing just this one to wet your appetite
You like?

NEW VIDEO: Snoop Dogg Drops' I'll Be There 4 U'

 NEW VIDEO: Snoop Dogg Drops I'll Be There 4 U
Rapper turned Reggae singer, Snoop Dogg has dropped yet another big song for his teaming Reggae fans.
The song, “Ill Be There 4U” is off the 7 Days of Funk album. Directed by Dah Dah Baker, the video was filmed after the MTV EMA Awards in Amsterdam, where Snoop and Dam performed.
Follow link to watch:
http://snoopdogg.com/tag/7-days-of-funk/

NEW VIDEO- Harrysong Ft. Kcee In, Tele Mi

Harrysong who wants to be known as Mr. Songz now - arguably holds the title for penning the most hits over the period of a year from working with a long list of established and rising artistes including KCee.
The 5 Star Music labelmates collaborate once again on the Del B - produced 'Tele Mi' which is also growing as a hit callertune with MTN subscribers - the telecom network where he had his Mandela callertune tribute downloaded by over 2 million subscribers.
The new monster hit single from the songwriter, singer, performer and producer doesn't just get a new video but a dance. With cameo from Del B, Watch and learn the 'Tele Mi' dance!

Dbanj Set To Release New Single & Video “Bother You”; The Soundtrack To The Movie Half Of A Yellow Sun

To kick off 2014 and his 10th year anniversary in the Music Industry since his first hit “Tongolo” (What is the Koko), Multi-Award Winning artist D’Banj prepares to release brand new single and video “Bother You” which is the  first official soundtrack of the new HOLLYWOOD hit movie HALF OF A YELLOW SUN.
‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ is an adaptation of the best selling novel written by Chimamanda Adichie and is directed Biyi Bandele. The movie tells the story of two sisters, Olanna and Kainene during the Biafran war and the effects of the conflicts on their lives and the lives of everyone around them.

Half of a Yellow Sun which premiered last year in Toronto at the Toronto Film Festival features Oscar nominee and British Independent Film Awards winner Chiwetel Ejiofor, Africa Movie Award winner Genevieve Nnaji, BAFTA Awards winner Thandie Newton, Nigeria’s X Factor judge, Legendary Musician and African Movie Academy Awards winner Onyeka Onwenu, Gemini Awards nominee Hakeem Kae-Kazim, African Movie Academy Awards winner O.C Ukeje and more! The much-anticipated movie is scheduled for release worldwide in March 2014.

“Bother You” is a love song  inspired by the love story in the movie.  The music video was shot in South Africa and produced by God Father Productions and DKM Media. The music video collates footage taken from the movie Half of a Yellow Sun.
The very talented award-winning singer/entertainer is set to release the video on Monday the 20^th of January 2014, 6pm GMT.

Onyeka Onwenu

In other news, D’Banj is also co-executive producing the Soundtrack album for Half of a Yellow Sun alongside Yewande Sadiku working with the legendary Onyeka Onwenu who also played the amazing role of Chiwetel Ejiofor’s mother in the movie ‘Half of a Yellow Sun.’
This move with ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ is a preamble to the greatness that is yet to come from this prolific entrepreneur and pioneer, D’Banj.
Watch out for spanking new video and song, “Bother You”.
 

Simple Nutrition

The Only Thing You Need To Start Eating Better 

I like to keep things simple. Life throws all kinds of crazy stuff our way, so I really don’t see the point in adding to all that complication. When making choices, I usually stand back, take a deep breath and choose the path that makes the most sense. That includes simple, fun exercise and simple, healthy foods. Give me a gym and some weights, followed by a bowl of fresh veggies and a little organic, free-range chicken and I’m a happy camper for the day. In fact, I like simplicity so much that I’m going to make it my next Law of Nutrition.

Every day, a new diet plan comes out pushing a needlessly complex series of caloric equations leading up to the “perfect” percentage of carbs, protein and fats guaranteed to give you results that you’ve previously only dreamed of. To some degree, wading through all that math might be useful if you’re new to eating right. It can help you figure out what calories are and roughly how many you need. It can also help you learn what carbs, protein and fat are, exactly, and how they affect your body personally. But following it to the number probably won’t be the life-changer you’re hoping for, so don’t get lost in the arithmetic! Remember, dietary calculations are nothing more than a starter guide. You can’t rely on math to figure out your unique metabolic needs for one simple reason: you are not a computer. Everyone’s needs are different.
 My arms, my abs, my legs, they don’t care about these things. This body that I’ve put so much work into, it doesn’t care about those things. It’s doesn’t care about exact calorie counts. It doesn’t care about carb/fat/protein ratios. What it does care about is looking and feeling its best — and that just comes from healthy food and exercising every day. No maths to it. No calculations. No flow charts. I know it's not scientific, I know it's not the instant gratification that people want, but that's the reality of the situation. I don't make it complicated. Some people love complicated, but I simply don’t buy into it.

At this point, I bet you’re asking, “How do I do that, Tony? How do I know what to eat?”

Again, the answer is simple. Listen to your body.

Of course, if you’ve spent a lifetime eating junk food, that might be tough. Right now, your body is probably telling you that it needs sticky soda, crisps and ice cream. If that’s the case, this is one of those times when, as I mentioned above, a nutrition plan might be helpful. But don’t stress out about numbers. Use the calories that the calculator gives you as a loose estimate. If you’re supposed to eat a certain amount of carbs, protein and fat, roughly hit those numbers. Instead, put more energy into focusing on the quality of those carbs, proteins and fats. Any nutrition guide worth its salt (so to speak) will provide you with a list of healthy foods. Use that list when you feel lost and you’re tempted by junk food. Eventually, you’ll lose the cravings for high fructose corn syrup and trans fat. When that happens, walk away from the guidebook, take off the training wheels and start eating the Tony Horton way — simply according to your body’s needs.

If your diet is filled with salads, and raw nuts and healthy proteins, your body will tell you if you need more of one or less of another macronutrient. If you’re slouching through your workouts, you probably need more carbs or fat. If your muscles aren’t recovering the way they should, you might need a little more protein. This kind of adaptability is a prime factor in my flexitarian way of eating.

Science is fantastic. I love all the things it’s taught us about food. But there can be too much of a good thing. Don’t get lost in the science of nutrition. Instead, listen to your own body. That’s the simplest — and most effective — way to get the job done.

Skuki's New Video, Silifa Faces Fate Of Being Banned

Duo singer, Skuki has just released a new video titled Silifa. The video is rated 18+ as it is packed full of sexually explicit scenes.

Although judging from the setting and quality of the video, Silifa can be said to be dope but sorry to say, the video may soon be banned by Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation for violating moral standard.

Watching the video, it is glaring that the ladies didn't have pants on as their butts were obviously all over the place. even the lyrics are sex provoking.

And trust naija youths, the internet is already agog with disappointing comments from the video.
Read some below:
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBZntsZdRog

J.Crew Ludlow Suit

 
J.Crew isn’t just for T-shirts and wrinkled chinos anymore. For years, casual lifestyle retailers have been upping the ante in men’s tailored clothing -- and no one does it better than J.Crew. When the current (and compulsively crazy) CEO Millard “Mickey” Drexler came to the helm, he steered J.Crew up-market and expanded offerings to service every aspect of a man’s life. This included a full line of suiting that, in recent years, has become increasingly fashion-conscious, quality-driven and affordable. The newest creation from J.Crew tailored clothing is the slim-cut Ludlow suit. Crafted out of some of the finest Italian fabric from Loro Piana’s mills, the suit is modern and trim for a defined, crisp look that works for everyone.

Beetle Buggy Volkswagen new concept

Volkswagen plans to debut its off-road Dune concept at the upcoming North American International Auto Show.

Although a show car, VW claims that the finished concept will demonstrate how much potential there is to take this theoretical vehicle and make it a rugged reality.

Standing two inches further off the ground than the standard car and with bigger wheels and bigger tires, it should make light work of negotiating snow in the winter and sand in the summer. It will even be on display with skis mounted to its roof. VW is quick to point out that they can be swapped for a sandboard or surfboard in the summer.

The concept car shares its running gear and other components with the R-Line Beetle -- so a 210 horsepower, turbocharged engine mated to a dual-clutch paddle-change gearbox. Meanwhile a special electronic differential takes care of potential traction problems.

Thanks to its rear-mounted air-cooled engine and rear-wheel drive, plus the fact that the car's wings were simply bolted on, the original Beetle was a great car for customization. Many that landed in the US were quickly converted into beach buggies. All that was needed was a spanner and some oversized wheels and the car was good to go.

The look became so popular that companies sprang up selling fiberglass kits. Simply strip the car down to a running chassis, fix the new fiberglass, open-top body to it and then drive towards the sea.

The new concept won't be the first time that VW has attempted to create an in-house dune buggy Beetle. In 2000 at the LA Auto Show it also revealed a Dune concept, but the company promises that its latest take on the idea is much more realistic and possible from a production standpoint.

5 Easy Ways To Be The Boyfriend She Wants

When guys don’t address the basics, women get complicated quickly.
Women are easy to please. I know, it’s not often we think that way but it’s true and, trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. Like most men, I used to view women as beautiful, exotic creatures that are unpredictable and impossible to figure out. I wasn’t doing the maths. When guys don’t address the basics, women get complicated quickly. It’s all about the layers. Here are five simple ways for men to help keep their partners happy and their relationships on course, Guy’s Guy style. Share them, ladies, and you might see a change for the better.
1. Clean Up Your Act
Regardless of how tidy a woman may or may not be, she’s delighted when a man keeps his home, car, clothes and body squeaky clean and smelling good. Special attention is required for the refrigerator, sink, and especially the bathroom. She’ll notice. Keeping clean is a positive way to live and it will help guys score a check plus on the first date and beyond. It may also up his chances at her wanting to see if his sheets are clean, also. Once into a relationship, guys need to set the bar high. That means cleaning up around the house, taking out the garbage and vacuuming etc. It’s got to be done anyway and she’ll notice.
2. Be Proactive
If a woman has to keep drilling a guy about doing every little thing that’s expected, he’ll remain in her doghouse. It’s critical for men to take care of things on their own without having to be asked a million times. No one wants to be a nag, but she’ll seem like one if he doesn’t think ahead. Want to avoid “the talk”? Anticipate a woman’s needs and address them. Surprise her with flowers, reservations at a restaurant she’s mentioned, cook her a tasty meal, order tickets for that play she wanted to see, etc. It all comes down to…
 3. Paying Attention
Yep, I’ve said it again, and I still mess up. Guys have to stop thinking about themselves 24/7 and show more consideration for the one who keeps them happy. When they don’t, things get tricky and guys hear about it at the most inopportune times. I got an earful the other night right after settling in for the second half of the Cowboys-Giants American football game. She made a lot of great points, but maybe she should have been paying attention also. After all, she knows I’m a big Cowboys fan. But, her points were on target, so I maintained eye contact throughout the 'discussion', actively listened and took her suggestions to heart.
4. Tell Her How You Feel
When something’s wrong with a relationship guys often choose one of two courses of action. They do something about it or they leave. I’m not suggesting men are well adjusted in this area, but it’s usually how we roll. We’re not very good at addressing relationship issues. We try to fix things instead of discussing what’s wrong, the way women do. Men can work wonders if they listen with an open mind and express how they feel at the appropriate time. That’s not too much to ask.
5. Sex
I’m not going into details, but women reward men who are creative, romantic and aim to please their partner. It’s that simple. There are lots more ways for men to keep their relationships on course, but mostly it comes down to mutual love and respect. Men and women want the same things. They just have different ways of expressing themselves. But, that’s a good thing, isn’t it? It would be a drag if everyone were the same.

Samsung hints Galaxy S5 with eye scanner will launch in March or April

Samsung will seek to reinvent itself with the flagship Galaxy S5 smartphone this year and it will introduce new features that help the company increase sales of its high-end smartphones, Samsung’s executive vice president for the mobile business Lee Young Hee told Bloomberg in an extensive interview at CES 2014. “We’ve been announcing our first flagship model in the first half of each year, around March and April, and we are still targeting for release around that time,” Lee said, without mentioning an actual launch date for the handset.

The Galaxy S5, which will be released after MWC 2014 according to the executive, may include a new design to meet the needs of buyers who expect completely new things from the company, something the Galaxy S4 failed to achieve. “When we moved to S4 from S3, it’s partly true that consumers couldn’t really feel much difference between the two products from the physical perspective, so the market reaction wasn’t as big,” Lee revealed. “For the S5, we will go back to the basics. Mostly, it’s about the display and the feel of the cover.”

In addition to significant cosmetic changes that will help it differentiate from its predecessors, the Galaxy S5 may also feature an iris scanner, something the company is currently looking into. The exec believes that “many people are fanatical about iris recognition technology,” although she couldn’t confirm whether the Galaxy S5 will get the technology or not. Samsung is also rumored to be considering a fingerprint scanner to its next-generation Galaxy S model.

A recent leak has also suggested that Samsung may be considering software changes for its TouchWiz overlay that goes on top of Android in its smartphones and tablets.

Samsung failed to meet estimates last quarter, recording its first profit decline in nine quarters. The company sold around 13 million Galaxy S4 units in the Christmas quarter, down from 17 million in the previous period. Samsung shares have dropped 11% from its closing price on December 23rd, wiping $22 billion of the company’s market value, as analysts worry about the company’s continued growth in its mobile business, which is responsible for more than 60% of Samsung’s quarterly profits.

Psquare Plan A Double Wedding in Dubai

YES!! Psquare are to participate in the first ever Nigerian celebrity double wedding!
An insider has confirmed that the twins are planning to wed on the same day which will hold sometime in 2014. There is also unofficial news that this event will take place in Dubai, U.A.E.
Meanwhile, Psquare rep Bayo Adetu says even though the twins plan to get married this year, nothing has been confirmed.
In November 2013, Peter Okoye and his baby mama Lola Omotayo held their traditional wedding in Lagos. Paul Okoye is yet to tie the knot with his fiancé Anita Isama.

How To Get Fit: Eat Fat

Eat Fat To Lose Fat  

We can confirm that, yes, you read that correctly. You should eat fat to lose fat.

Of course, we don't mean bad fats — like KFC mega-buckets, chinese takeaways and sickly sweet puds. That would be silly. Instead, in today's tip, we're discussing the benefits of a fatty acid called Omega-3 — which is found within fish oils.
Jon Denoris, celeb personal trainer and the face of the believes it can work wonders in the fight against the lard. Omega-3 basically turns off the genes responsible for storing fat and turns on those responsible for burning it. Wonderful!
Making small changes to your diet can have a big impact on the effectiveness of your training and how your body responds to exercise.

Snoop Dog's Gift To Nick Canon

Mariah Carey's husband, Nick Canon just got a slippers as gift from Snoop Dog.

Both acts are clearly close for Snoop to have presented Nick with such. Wish I got a gift from him too.

Nick who couldn't hide his happiness showed appreciation when he posted the photo and said he loves the slippers and couldn't pull them off .
"Love to my Uncle @SnoopDogg for lacing me with these Fresh Ass House Shoes #GangsterSlippers #SockSwagg #JalapeñoHot#OnlyRealPlayers #CanPullTheseOff

Three-wheel $6,800 car gears for 2015 US launch

Las Vegas (AFP) - The sleek three-wheeled car looks futuristic, but, as its creator acknowledges, it uses no new technology.

What makes the Elio Motors vehicle unique is its ultra-high fuel economy and an ultra-low price tag: $6,800.

The vehicle, which was on display at the Showstoppers startup showcase on the sidelines of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, promises to deliver as much as 84 miles (134 kilometers) per gallon (3.8 liters) of gasoline for highway driving.

It accelerates as quickly as many cars on the road -- to 100 miles per hour in 9.6 seconds, according to the company. Urban fuel economy is estimated at 49 miles per gallon.

Company founder Paul Elio said he came up with the idea because "I got mad about seeing all this wealth leave the country" for imported petroleum.

An engineer by training, Elio began the firm in 2008 and recently took over an abandoned General Motors plant in Louisiana -- one which had been producing the gas-guzzling Hummer.

In order to deliver the best fuel economy, the car has a cockpit wide enough only for the driver, with a passenger seat in the rear. It has two wheels in front and tapers in the rear to a single wheel.

"Front-to-back seating, that's the key to mileage," Elio told AFP.

This makes it principally a one-person car, but Elio said the vehicle is a good solution for the millions who drive along to work or leisure events.

Elio readily admits there is no special technology in the car -- it has a three-cylinder internal combustion gasoline engine, power windows, air conditioning and anti-lock brakes. While it does not have some of the on-board electronic gadgety found in other vehicles, drivers can connect their smartphones for navigation, apps and more.

"This was a design completely based on existing engineering," says company spokesman Jim Andrews.

The car has a top crash-impact rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Board, and is expected to meet all US safety standards.

Elio is targeting the US market but hopes to eventually ship internationally.

He has more than 6,000 orders from customers who have paid a deposit, and hopes to start delivering in the first quarter of 2015.

He also plans to speak with major automakers, including Chrysler, about possible partnerships.

It's not clear how much of an impact the Elio vehicle will have, but it comes after a sizzling debut for another startup carmaker, Tesla, which sells a $70,000 electric car.

Other three-wheelers may be in the words as well: a three-wheel concept car from Toyota was on display at the huge electronics exhibition.

Elio said he is encouraged by the response to the car.

"We didn't design it to be cool," he said. "It was cool by accident."

Collabo Alert! Davido and Dbanj Record Together

Dbanj and Davido has been pretty good buddies over the years and at some point Davido was rumored to have joined Dbanj’s record label, but one thing that’s surprising is that they’ve not done a song together.
Well all that’s about to change as the two recently linked up in the studio to record what could be a huge collabo. Davido is his excitement said “In the studio With the King!! 2014 year of all!!!!! @iambangalee”
We patiently await Davido… We await, but is Sina Rambo also part of the song?

New Music: Kcee Ft.Dbanj- Emma

 Limpopo master is out with another dancehall single titled, Emma.
The new single produced by Don Jazzy features D'banj.

Toyota Debuts Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle, Coming to Market in 2015

Hydrogen-powered cars may seem like a science fiction pipe dream, but Toyota has just made the idea a reality with the debut of its new hydrogen electric-powered FCV. The four-door sedan, which will go on sale in 2015, runs on a hydrogen fuel cell capable of producing up to 100kW of electricity. What's more, the cells can store enough energy to get up to 300 miles on a single fill-up.Toyota says the FCV can even be used to power a home for up to a week in an emergency situation.

Instead of belching out pollutants like standard gasoline-powered vehicles, the FCV produces nothing but simple water vapor. The vehicle's strange front end design isn't just to help make the FCV standout. Its gaping maw of a grille actually houses ducts that pull in the air required to help power and cool the FCV's fuel cells. Unlike its all-electric counterparts, Toyota says charging the FCV will take between three to five minutes as opposed to the hours it can take to recharge an electric vehicle.

      

How To Tie A Scarf

 A scarf tied with aplomb adds style and warmth to your winter wardrobe. A scarf, in its basic sense, works because it surrounds and protects your neck and keeps cold drafts of air from spiralling down your collar, leaving you susceptible to catching a chill.

Parisian Knot

 
The Parisian is the most popular knot. Here’s how to tie a scarf in a Parisian knot: Take the scarf in both hands and fold it over lengthwise; drape it around your neck; insert the loose ends through the loop hanging in front of you and pull them through. You can play with the tautness of the knot and the thickness of the scarf by doubling the scarf lengthwise, if you wish. This knot looks great on a short leather jacket with a notch collar left down. On a very cold day, you can tuck the scarf into the jacket and pull the zipper up.

Once-Around Knot 

 

 The once-around knot is your entry-level knot for all those brisk days when you need a little extra comfort but don’t want to go with complete arctic readiness. Most men will use this knot for a quick commute to work or an evening out with a fitted blazer. The point of this knot is casual warmth. To learn how to tie a scarf in a once-around knot, drape the scarf around your neck allowing one end to be longer than the other. Take the long end and bring it around your neck and let it fall over your chest. If you have a long neck, overlap the scarf in back just a bit so that most of your neck between the jacket and the base of your skull is covered.

Loose Once-Around Knot 

 

 The loose once-around knot is more about fashion and having the scarf with you “just in case.” Pair the scarf with a duffle coat or any hooded snorkel jacket for a rakish look of adventurism. When it comes to knowing how to tie a scarf in a loose once-around knot, the same rules apply as the regular once-around knot: Drape it loosely as though you haven’t the time to finish the job right. 

Twice-Around Knot 

 

The twice-around knot challenges the Parisian as your go-to knot on those cold days. In fact, if you like the Parisian knot, you might change up your look with the twice-around just for fun without sacrificing warmth. Unlike the Parisian, however, you’ll require less of a collar on your jacket because this knot takes up a lot of room. Here’s how to tie a scarf in a twice-around knot: Begin as you would with the once-around with both ends hanging in front of you, but make sure one is significantly longer than the other. Take the much longer end and circle it around your neck twice; do this without making the knot too tight. Getting the lengths of the ends to match up or come out relatively close will take a bit of practice, but a knot like this will make all the difference on a cold day. This one is perfect for crew necks and Mandarin-style collars on a short leather jacket (and is easily tucked into the jacket for extra warmth).

Samsung's 2014 smart TVs will let you control videos by pointing your finger

Samsung's 2014 smart TV lineup may revolve around impressive-looking hardware, but the Korean tech giant has revealed that interface improvements will also play an important role. Its new TVs will support finger gestures that should be more intuitive than the whole-hand commands of this year's models; you can stop a movie with a spinning motion, for instance. Voice control will also be more powerful. It's at last possible to change channels or launch apps with a single step, and search results appear in one place. While the gesture and voice upgrades may not be revolutions, they'll likely be welcome to viewers frustrated with unwieldy TV software.

These Are The Hairstyles That Defined 2013

There's no need for you to scroll back through an entire year's worth of social media alerts. Below is a list of hairstyles that defined 2013.




  

   

  

   


   
 

 
 

Eco-Friendly Stove Is a Perfect Camping Companion

 

Product Name: BioLite KettlePot
Price: $49.95
Who would like this?: Eco-friendly camping enthusiasts who love their gadgets
When you're camping, efficiency is key. Nothing takes you out of the serenity of nature quite like lugging a bulging backpack filled with clanking pots and pans on an uphill hike. Luckily, the lightweight and eco-friendly BioLite KettlePot addresses this problem, while also offering a novel way to charge your gadgets au naturel.

Image: BioLite As its name would suggest, this handy gadget serves a dual purpose as both kettle and pot for campers who like to travel light with their cookware. The pot is made from food-safe, ultra-thin stainless steel, which BioLite boasts is "more durable than anodized aluminum and easier to clean." Silicone handles allow for easy pouring and fold up for portability, while a silicone seal keeps the top securely fastened as you cook. The KettlePot can brew coffee or make a hearty soup for up to four campers at a time.

Image: BioLite The KettlePot should be used alongside BioLite's CampStove ($130), a portable camping stove that burns sticks, twigs, pine cones and other biomass instead of petroleum gas for a more eco-friendly method of cooking in the great outdoors. The stove is designed with efficiency in mind: A fan blows air into the fire while a heat shield protects it from the elements, creating a stronger-burning flame. The stove, which is about the size of a liter of bottled water, collapses to fit neatly inside the KettlePot for simple storage.
Best of all, a USB port on the side of the stove draws power from the heat of the fire, enabling you to charge your laptop or smartphone, even in the middle of nowhere.

Image: BioLite

As a company, BioLite's goal has been to develop and manufacture energy products that “make cooking as clean, safe and easy as modern fuels while also providing electricity to charge cellphones and LED lights-off grid." Their sustainable design aesthetic has also led to the development of the HomeStove, a device geared at helping families in developing nations cook more safely and efficiently. According to the developers, the HomeStove is designed to eliminate "waste heat" generated by smoky open fires, which contribute to climate change and cause more more than 2 million premature deaths each year. Its efficient design uses 50% less fuel than an open stove and generates electricity that can be used to charge phones and LED lights, while also reducing smoke emissions by up to 95% and producing 91% less carbon monoxide.
Would you use a BioLite KettlePot? Tell us in the comments.

VIDEO: Yemi Alade Talks About Her Debut Album, Flavour & More on Avante TV’s

  
Avante TV is proud to debut her new show “The Scene”; the show will feature A-list celebrities like Eva Alordiah, Iyanya, Davido, Yung6ix and more chatting with our seasoned VJs ‘Charity Owoh’ and ‘Lumi D’.
The maiden episode features talented and beautiful songstress Yemi Alade as she opens up and addresses different topics ranging from her crush for Flavour to her new hit single ‘Johnny’ to her new campaign with Peak Milk to her hotly anticipated debut album as she is quizzed by Lumi D.

Ronaldo museum opens with space for another 'Ballon d'Or'

 

FUNCHAL, Madeira (Reuters) - Real Madrid and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo opened a museum in his honor in his birthplace on Sunday, which he said had extra room for the Ballon d'Or and many other trophies to come.

Standing next to his 2008 Ballon d'Or and 125 other individual and team awards dating back to his Madeira childhood, the 28-year-old told reporters the CR7 Museum was a gift to his fans.

"Of course it's a special day, it's the opening of my museum and I am proud," the Portugal forward, who has scored 33 goals this season, said.

"I have room for more trophies. I don't really want to mention specific ones. All I want is to win more awards and if the Ballon d'Or comes, there is extra room here."

Soccer's world governing body named him, Barcelona's Lionel Messi of Argentina and Bayern Munich's French winger Franck Ribery as the three finalists for the 2013 Ballon d'Or award, formerly known as FIFA World Player of the Year.

Ronaldo, this year's World Soccer magazine's player of the year, said he was not desperate to win the most prestigious individual award in the sport.

"The World Soccer magazine's player of the year award was another important trophy but it does not mean I will win the Ballon d'Or. I hope that happens but I am not obsessed about it." The Ballon d'Or results will be announced on January 13.

Despite the frenzy of reporters and fans at the opening, the space is more humble than your average museum.

It occupies the ground floor of a discreet five-storey building, a few hundred meters from the Funchal city centre and with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.

With an idyllic sunny day greeting him back, it is easy to understand why Ronaldo took the chance to remember that leaving this place remains his hardest moment as a footballer.
"You can't win anything without sacrifice. Mine was to leave Madeira when I was 11 and try it out at Sporting. To move out to the mainland was the hardest thing in my career".

Curious neighbors stood on their balconies to witness the ruckus, unusual on the quiet island with 260,000 inhabitants, famous for its luxuriant biodiversity, strong-flavored bananas and fortified wine.

CHIPPED TROPHY

It is not any 28-year-old that has the chance to cut the ribbons to a museum in their name but Ronaldo said his treasure cove deserved it.

"Here is the evidence of what I have won, no one will take it away from here and these were things I wanted to share with my fans, show them what I have already achieved," Ronaldo said.

The first piece on display, probably the smallest, dates back to when Ronaldo was eight and top-scored in a tournament with his first club Andorinha, Portuguese for swallow.

The next youth trophy misspelled his first name, attributing it to 'Christiano', and was half broken, contrasting sharply with the two shiny Golden Boots - won as Europe's top marksman - and a lifesize wax figure of him in a Portugal shirt dominating the main room.

"Does the statue look the same or what?" he asked reporters. "No, I think it looks more handsome (than me)," Ronaldo joked.

Ronaldo paid tribute to Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, who oversaw his rise to stardom over a six-year spell at the English Premier League club, his family and agent Jorge Mendes as some of those who helped him succeed.

All the match balls from games in which Ronaldo scored at least a hat-trick are also on display, the last from a stunning performance in Portugal's 4-2 win over Sweden that earned them a berth at Brazil's World Cup.

The front page of local newspaper Diario de Noticias da Madeira' showed what the museum means to his people back home.

It displayed an eight-year-old Ronaldo wearing an oversized pink shirt while receiving his first trophy with a shy smile under the headline: "Trophies for the world to see".

 

The World's 5 Strongest Economies

The World Bank's latest update to its "World Economic Outlook," survey, released in October of this year, is aptly titled "Transitions and Tensions." The document points out that the catalysts for global growth are in a state of flux, and predicts that developed economies will propel world growth in 2014, just as emerging economies cool off. To use a sports analogy, developing economies are executing a lateral pass to their slower growing, mature-economy teammates (who seem surprised to receive the football).
Given the fluid state of global economic drivers, which are the five strongest world economies going in to 2014? Some of them may surprise you.
Defining a "strong economy"
Healthy economies tend to exhibit several common characteristics, such as high GDP growth, low interest rates, low unemployment, a stable banking system, a young population, a firm current account balance, and burgeoning trade, to name a few.
When we start comparing countries relative to one another, however, there's no avoiding size: ultimately, a primary component of economic strength is the value of goods and services a country can produce. Sizeable economies provide supply to the global economy via their output, but they also propel the world's economic engine via their demand for raw materials, energy, services, and products.
Thus, in discussing which economies can be characterized as the strongest in the world heading into 2014, we will use the world's 15 largest economies as a starting point, each of which has total annual GDP in excess of $1 trillion. These countries are, in alphabetical order: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The results?
No. 1: the United States
The U.S. was the sleeper-hit of the global economy in 2013. Marked by a steady trend of GDP growth rate increases, surging stock markets, deficit reduction, and declining unemployment, the U.S. economy is brimming with short-term potential. When you include an energy boom, an entrepreneurial culture, low interest rates and the resurgence of manufacturing, you've got a recipe for continued expansion in 2014. And that expansion may no longer be so tepid: Third-quarter U.S. GDP was revised upward earlier this month from 2.8% to 3.6%. These factors, combined with the enormous scale of a $15.7 trillion GDP, portend a significant impact on the world economy in 2014.
While 2014 is the United States' oyster, beyond the short term, brooding clouds await. The threat of long-term budget deficits looms over the United States. In addition, continued political dysfunction has not only decreased the country's creditworthiness, but it's also diminished corporate confidence, a key ingredient for sustained economic growth. Finally, quantitative easing by the Federal Reserve is still a wild card: It's anyone's guess how the economy will absorb the absence of the Fed's bond buying in 2014.
No. 2: China
China continues to gleam with a number of superlatives to its name as we approach 2014: Of the 15 largest world economies, it possesses the highest GDP year-over-year growth rate at 7.8%. It also has the third lowest proportion of debt to GDP at 26%. China is trading partner to the world, with 124 countries identifying China as being their largest trading relationship.
But near term, newly installed Chinese President Xi Jinping has much to worry about within the placid administrative garden compound of Zhongnanhai in Beijing. GDP growth, while still torrid compared with that of developing nations, has fallen off recently from the 10% growth rate achieved many times over the past two decades: 7% to 7.5% may be a more sustainable rate for the next few years. The country is at the outset of a multi-year effort to transform from a producer economy to a consumer led economy, where the service sector will provide growth and stability for the working population.
While effecting this transition, Chinese leaders must deal with administrative and private-sector corruption, easing social ills such as pollution in major cities, and addressing income inequality between urban and agrarian populations. There's also the threat of credit bubbles in both the state-sanctioned credit markets and China's infamous "shadow banking" economy. To use the World Bank's terminology, 2014 will be a year of tension and transition for the world's largest country by population.
No. 3: Germany
Germany is one of the anchors of the world economy, and at $3.4 trillion annual GDP, it accounts for nearly 28% of the eurozone economy. Under Angela Merkel's steady leadership, the country has provided stability to the euro area while taking advantage of a weaker euro over the past couple of years to ramp up on exports. The country has the highest current account balance as a percentage of GDP among the world's 15 largest economies. A high current account balance indicates that a country is a competitive exporter with a high domestic savings rate.
Germany has encountered a speed bump this fall, as unrevised numbers suggest that industrial output declined by 1.2% in October. However, given the country's dynamic economy, look for any slowdown to be temporary. Rather, if you belong to a eurozone country, keeps your fingers crossed that the locomotive continues to issue dense steam in 2014.
No. 4: South Korea
Of the 15 largest world economies, South Korea ranks 15th. But at 3.3%, its $1.1 trillion economy is growing at a faster annual rate than all countries in the group except for India (4.8%) and China (7.8%). The South Korean economy is characterized by manufacturing and technological innovation, a trait it shares with the United States. With each passing year, South Korea marks a transition from regional dynamo to global powerhouse. Brands such as Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and Kia are household names and account for billions of the country's output. South Korea just marked its fastest quarter over quarterly growth in two years, as GDP grew 3.3%.
Here's a caveat to consider: South Korea surprisingly has one of the older populations among leading industrial nations, at a median age of 39.7 years. While its population is not as aged as Germany's or Japan's (each near 46.0 median age), it doesn't have the youth of the U.S. or China (37.2 and 36.3 median age, respectively). The aging of the South Korean population represents a medium-term growth risk in an otherwise healthy economy.
No. 5: Japan
With its seemingly permanent state of deflation and flat economic growth, it's easy to forget that the tiny island nation of Japan has an economic output that's almost three quarters that of China's, despite having only 9% of the population, and less than 4% of China's landmass. At nearly $6 trillion of GDP, it's the only country that can be truly said to be in the same output league as the U.S. and China. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's attempts to jumpstart the economy have been effective in 2013, and although the success of "Abenomics" will take time to ascertain, for now it has provided a fiery spark to an economy too large to ignore. Look no further than the previously moribund Japanese stock market, as measured by the Nikkei 225 Index: With just two weeks left in the trading year, it's returned a vertiginous 50% year-to-date.

Even More Premium Stock Picks
Dividend stocks can make you rich. It's as simple as that. While they don't garner the notoriety of high-flying growth stocks, they're also less likely to crash and burn. And over the long term, the compounding effect of the quarterly payouts, as well as their growth, adds up faster than most investors imagine. With this in mind, our analysts sat down to identify the absolute best of the best when it comes to rock-solid dividend stocks, drawing up a list in this free report of nine that fit the bill. To discover the identities of these companies before the rest of the market catches on, you can download this valuable free report by simply clicking here now.

Apple’s iWatch reportedly set to launch in October 2014

 The iWatch rumor mill has grown suspiciously quiet over the past month, but the latest report might be the most exciting and substantial yet. According to C Technology, inside sources say that Apple’s smartwatch will be revealed alongside the next iPhone in October 2014. The report also states that Apple is making solid progress with its wearable prototypes, which currently feature 100 mAh batteries and the ability to charge wirelessly from up to one meter away from the charging station. As C Technology points out, the battery seems oddly small in its current state, especially considering the 315 mAh battery in the Galaxy Gear. Of course, this is only a prototype, and the battery will likely see an increase in size in the final model. That said, despite the larger battery of the Galaxy Gear, plugging the Gear into its charging cradle is a nightmare, so the wireless charging capabilities of the iWatch will be a welcome change.

Chrysler's completely redesigned 200 caught totally uncovered

 Preparing for a big debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 was out for a late-night photo shoot fully undisguised, and our spy shooters were there to capture its all-new design completely uncovered. While there's no camouflage, the cover of darkness proved to be almost as effective, but we still get a good idea of what this former sore spot in the brand's lineup will look like after its clean-sheet redesign.


The first thing we notice is the stylish four-door-coupe roofline doing its best to impersonate something like the Audi A7, or maybe the Volkswagen CC. The front-end styling is a departure from recent Chrysler designs with narrow headlights and an equally short, chrome-trimmed grille. In profile, the bullet-nosed 200 is somewhat reminiscent of the Tesla Model S. This new design language should definitely help the 200 get noticed in a segment filled with hot sellers like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, as well as more stylish offerings like the Ford Fusion and Mazda6.

Our spies also caught up with the 200 testing in daylight and got some good shots of the interior. The instrument panel design looks similar to what is found in the Dodge Dart, including the oversized instrument gauges and possibly even the LED accent lighting. We would have to assume – and hope – this prototype is a test model due to its small touchscreen display, as Chrysler's 8.4-inch screen would look much better in its place. The center stack and console are clean with minimal buttons and knobs, but we do see a rotary gear selector, which may confirm reports from last year that suggested the 200 will use a nine-speed automatic transmission to help hit 38 miles per gallon on the highway.