Francis Bacon Exhibit: From Picasso to Velázquez

The Guggenheim Museum located in Bilbao has set up an amazing exhibit, showcasing work by the world renown 20th century modern artist Francis Bacon.  Titled “Francis Bacon: From Picasso to Velázquez” the event is curated by Martin Harrison as the exhibit recalls Bacon’s artistic originality with 80 works that stretch across six decades, and as an added bonus the museum is bringing in some very exclusive, very rarely exhibited paintings.

The exhibition reexamines not only Bacon’s unique imagination that he cleverly conveyed to the canvas, but also what stirred up and bolstered his view of the art world.  Bacon’s earliest influence first began from Analytical and Synthetic Cubism, as well as Picasso’s biomorphic Cubism.  As the timeless significance of Picasso’s oeuvre in the 1920’s-1930’s later turned toward Velázquez, whose portrait of the Pope Innocent X developed into a career wide obsession for Bacon, as he created over 50 works based on that portrait.  The devotion to that painting along with other references, by Sergei Eisenstein’s film “Battleship Potemkin” to “Allusions to Paintings” by Chaïm Soutine.

Francis Bacon’s style of painting was mainly focused on the human physique or figure, drawing them disfigured on the canvas, after all his distorted view of reality is what made his work so interesting and full of creativity.  He wanted to enhance the expressiveness of his painting to an even higher degree through the practice of contorted details and mangled silhouettes.

Francis Bacon said this as for his introspectively exposed concept: “Of course, one does put in such things as ears and eyes.  But then one would like to put them in as irrationally as possible.  And the only reason for this irrationality is that, if it does come about, it brings the force of the image over very much more strongly than if one just sat down and illustrated the appearance.  I always hope to be able to make a great number of figures without a narrative.”

Bacon was the second living artist after Picasso to be given a contemplative at the Grand Palais, Paris in 1971, and was also the first western artist displayed in the former Soviet Union during 1988.  The Exhibition “From Picasso to Velázquez” will be open from September 30th, 2016 to January 8, 2017.

For more information visit:  TheGuggenheimMuseum

This New Airbus Is Not Just Another Pretty Face

This new corporate jet version of the Airbus ACJ350 XWB is the way to travel, with incredibly spacious cabin room (that contains up to 2,910 square feet) and all around flexibility will turn your flight into a very comfortable, very enjoyable experience.  This jet is also a newer version of the majorly popular A350 XMB airliner, in which began commercial service in early 2015.  But of coarse this latest version is not just a newer plane it is a sanctuary that grants passengers the option to simply take a breather, relax, and enjoy the ride.  Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent engines, this hot new corporate jet has a range of up to 12,400 miles, which would allow you to travel non-stop between any two locations on earth.  Usually accommodating 25 passengers, the cabin boasts wide panoramic windows, as it caters unbelievable views of the world as you fly through it, and don’t worry about noise as it is as low as possible thanks to the XWB (the XWB has the quietest cabin in its class).

The cabin is constructed out of carbon fiber and has been pre-prepped with hundreds of attachment points to help cabin outfitters put in custom interior designs, which would advance the speed of delivery when the plane is available for purchase.  With all the newest safety gear & protection including an on board airport navigation system, fly-by-wire controls, and a runway-overrun protection system, will guarantee maximum safety and overall protection.  Expanded use of high-tech materials throughout the jet helps conserve on weight and lowers maintenance.  The new corporate jet version of the Airbus ACJ350 XWB is still yet to be priced, but a related airliner lists for $308 million.  Note: cost for designing the interior is separate.

For more information visit:  A350XWB.com

Bentley’s Swiftest Four Door

With incredible power and efficiency, the luxurious Bentley Flying Spur W12 S has been named the marque’s swiftest four-door so far.  Bearing a 6-liter, twin turbo W-12 engine that has been heightened to 626 hp and supplied with 605 lbs of torque allows this Bentley to not just go fast, it makes the car soar.  The upgraded power train has helped this Bentley go from not to 60 mph in no less than 4.2 seconds before finally topping out at 202 mph.

The Bentley Flying Spur W12 S has an enhanced, more impressive responsive suspension system, revised damper & stability control, an all-wheel-drive differential (that includes a rear-biased torque ratio of 40:60), and the alternative of carbon-ceramic brakes, which are components assimilated to increase control and traction yet still keeping the passengers comfortable.

Exterior features include a glossy black treatment for much of the componentry (two examples are the radiator matrix and window surrounds), as well as hand chosen elements from the marque’s Beluga trim pack, which also include the rear diffusor and door mirrors.  The notable rear hatches are the focus of attention by gloss-black 21-inched, 7-bespoke alloy wheels (or an alternative 21-inched, 5-bespoke version) completes the exterior of the car brilliantly.

The exterior of the Flying Spur is only matched by it’s interior with omnipresent black for the dashboard & paneling (optional in a carbon-fiber finish) and the diamond quilted leather upholstery (in your choice of 17 colors).  Available in standard feature are three-spoke Sport Plus steering wheel, knotted gearshift paddles, and tread-plates & headrests with “W12 S” composed on both.

Although the front of the car is all ways exciting, the backseat area is equally entertaining with a touchscreen infotainment system secured in the rear middle console.  In addition, the touchscreen device implements climate control and Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity on request.  Those who are looking forward for the Flying Spur W12 S shall look no longer, because release for the model begins at the end of this year.

For more information visit:  BentleyMotors.com

Meet Ruba Zarour

Meet Ruba Zarour; the young Lebanese actress, who not only mastered the skills and abilities to act, but also achieved the know how to write and direct. Ruba has experienced each position and what the position entailed, which allowed the young actress to gain a better feel for exactly how the industry worked.  Ruba’s interest in the world of theater began in her mid-teens when she started appearing in multiple plays and commercials.  After graduating high school, Ruba went to “Notre Dame University” to obtain a Bachelor Degree in Mass Communication Arts, learning invaluable skills such as directing, cinematography, and script writing.  But, her love for performing arts did not stop there, after two years of working behind the scenes at MTV Lebanon, Ruba began to focus her energy on her acting career.

Ruba moved to Los Angeles at the age of 22, in order to follow her love of acting, where she registered herself in acting groups and studied under top acting coaches, like Larry Moss and Howard Fine.  Later in 2015, Ruba received a role in the featured film Cash Flow #2, a couple months later she was picked to be the lead in the film “Listen”, by the famed Lebanese Director Philipe Arictingi.  We spoke exclusively with Ruba about her bustling life as a rising star in the city of Los Angeles.

What are you currently inspired by?

“My professional inspiration has no separation from my personal inspiration.  I am fascinated by the psychology of the human mind; how the brain can create neural pathways through neuroplasticity, and the fact that I can incorporate it in my art.  It blows me away how many roles people play in life, and I believe that approaching a character in a scene is as just the same way as approaching life – you have to delve into the experiences, background, and influences of the human being.”

What do you think is the best part about working in the industry today?

“The fact that anyone has the capability to create content and share it on a wide array of platforms makes today’s industry very exciting, and especially for actors. Acting, like producing and directing, is creating. There is no need for an actor to sit and wait for roles, they must create the roles.”

Who are some of your favorite actors & directors?

“Some of my favorite actors are Vincent Cassel, Marion Cotillard, Edward Norton, Eva Green, Mathew Mcconaughey, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Eddie Redmayne…”

“Favorite Directors: Tarantino, Fellini, Godard, Luc Besson, Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Wes Anderson, Tim Burton, Hayao Miyazaki, Steven Spielberg…”

Is there any place your dying to travel to?

“I am naturally a very curious person; anything that I am unfamiliar with would be my next destination.  I do believe that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.  So yea, I am dying to travel the world.”

You write, direct, and act.  What do you enjoy most and why?

“Having the opportunity to spearhead the entire process through these three different roles makes me appreciate what it takes to create a successful production. What I enjoy the most though is working on a character in all its complexities and bringing it to life.”

Talk us through a day in the life of Ruba Zarour.

“As I am not the type to be on a strict time schedule, I usually give each upcoming week a main goal, and work on things as the week progresses with fluidity. However, I do add to the mix Sports, Reading, Yoga and a great deal of laughter.”

“I prefer my days be different from each other; I prioritize the things that interest me, and try to make the most of even the smallest opportunities.”

What do you believe sets Beirut apart, being your hometown?

“Beirut is a city with immense unrealized potential. To me, it’s a symbol of resilience, of individuality, and of tolerance. You can see the scars and glow of the effects of Beirut’s deep history in its identity and culture; a modern and vibrant city with strong ties to its own tradition. I find that this makes people in Beirut very passionate, and I can draw energy and identify with that every time I return.”

What has been your most challenging role?

“Haven’t played it yet.”

How would you describe your ideal role?

“I have always been interested in playing roles that are the furthest from my personality. Playing a psychopath or someone with multi-personality disorder is one, and definitely a highly skilled badass secret agent (with a lot of backflips and gun shooting) I also manage to enroll in as many acting classes as I can, because that’s where I am continuously challenged to explore different emotions and work on interesting characters.”

What is something most people do not know about you?

“Ahh, I have little people who manage my internal thoughts – Just like a piece of theater.  Our brain is a story-telling machine, and the “self” is a story.”

“Something else people don’t know about me is that I remember them through their hands.  I relate personalities with hand gestures and movements.  I’ve stolen various hand gestures that I’ve found interesting from people around me, and have made them my own…  I could write a full article on this if I don’t stop here.”

Where to next?

“Truth is I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m on my way! “

Where can we follow you?

Facebook: Ruba Zarour

Instagram: rubazarour

Snapchat: Rubazarour

Photographer: Carlos Aoun

The Hottest Home Delivered Vegan Meals

Incredibly talented chef Nina Curtis and her culinary team at The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu located in Malibu, California, have created a new delivery service that drops off organic vegan meals straight to your door step.  The meals are delivered in a large refrigerated tote bag with The Ranch Daily logo on it.  Inside the bag you will discover a variety of individually packed vegan meals with easy to heat up instructions and an abundance of healthy snacks to go perfectly with the chef-made dishes.  The delivered meals are made with plant based ingredients, and are free of meat/poultry, dairy, soy, gluten, and GMO.

The organic vegan meals are delivered after dark to the patrons home, so that they can start their day happy and fully energized with heavenly, nutritious dishes.  Available in big Southern Californian cities like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego makes this food service majorly popular.  As the easy to prepare dishes includes, but are not limited to coconut mango yogurt parfaits, spinach & cheese quiche, grilled portobello mushrooms with cauliflower mash and Swiss chard, oyster mushroom lettuce cups, and black bean & rice burrito bowls.  Then there are the snacks which include, zucchini chips, kiwi chews, and granola spotted with cashews & dates that lends some very needed energy throughout your day.

Patrons have the choice between a two and three meal plan for three, five, or 20-day accretions.  There is even a favorable auto-renew choice that lets customers easily personalize their packed meal if they are away from home or if they wish for less meals in a certain week.  Meal plans start at $79 per day, creating a healthier more active lifestyle for the mind and the body.

For more information visit:  TheRanchDaily.com

Davidoff’s New And Incredibly Fierce Cigar

To keep cigars from undulating off the tabaquero’s table and for a simpler packaging process, Cuba invented box-pressed cigars.  And these types of cigars changed not only in shape but in flavor as well, just like how a glass affects the flavor of a fine bottle of cognac, the shape of a four-sided cigar alters the taste and then intensely amplifies it’s flavor.  A perfect example of this is the new Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed cigar, which has been reasonably priced from $15 to $18.  In correlation to the other Nicaraguan puro forms in this series; the dark oily Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro casing and its layers from Condega, Ometepe, and Estelí conveys even greater amounts of zest & flavor, since both the 5 by 48 robusto and the 6 by 52 toro substantiate.  While your relaxing by the beach or sitting at home close to the fireplace, a nice fierce cigar can make all the difference.

For more information visit:  Davidoff.com

Surgeon General Warning: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers of the Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.

Ferrari’s All New GTC4 Lusso T

Auto manufacturers are giving us a little sneak peak into their newest innovations for the rapidly approaching Paris Motor Show.  One such innovation is the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso, which the Italian manufacturer Ferrari even calls the perfect balance of sporty and sleek.

This new model was sparked by the GTC4 Lusso, and is known to the public as the GTC4 Lusso T.  And in contrast to the GTC4 Lusso, this new Ferrari doesn’t just add an extra T to the end of it’s name for fun, it adds a T due to the fact that a turbocharged V8 engine lies underneath the hood (thus explaining the added T).  This was done to give the driver a versatile experience, one that functions for missions as simple as getting groceries.  The older models V12 engine were designed for perceptive or fierce drivers and those that enjoy going on lengthy adventurous trips, where this new engine completes the model T as a fun friendly ride for all.

This new model doesn’t include a four-wheel drive system; alternatively, it leans on a rear wheel drive system that’s operated by a seven speed paddle shift gearbox.  The GTC4 Lusso T does however include a four wheel steering system that assists in high speed stability and low speed maneuverability.  With the V8 engine, the GTC4 Lusso T can go from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and tops out at 320 km/h.

As mentioned before, the four wheel steering was included to improve cornering in an urban area with all four wheels moving simultaneously with one another in the same direction.  Even a wide bodied V12 Ferrari driver has been taken by the sheer tightness of a bend at low acceleration and had to take about two to three shots to leave a junction.  Ferrari states that the V8 engine, even if it sounds good with taps open it should also be appropriately restrained at a lower pace so the drivers can stay alert at all times.

The super sporty Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T will begin it’s official debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and that’s accessible to the public on the 1st of October.

Meet Ilona Huzarevich

Ilona Huzarevich is keeping a full schedule, the Belarus born Fashion Model has graced runway shows around the globe since 16 years old and was just recently announced Fashion TV’s Most Liked Fashion Model of 2016.  Having recently graduated with a Bachelors Degree in International Law from The European Humanities University in Lithuania.  We caught up with Ilona about all things travel & modeling.

Tell us about your career as a model. How did you get started?
When I was fourteen my mother entered me into a contest called Ford’s “Supermodel of Belarus”.  After a successful participation, I graduated from modeling school and signed a contract with an agency (Fashion studio of Sergey Nagorny) in Minsk.

What do you think is the best part about being a model in the industry today?
The best part about being a model in the industry today is the frequent traveling.  You are able to see the most beautiful places and meet incredible people.  Every day it’s something new, you can work with top models and meet celebrities.

What is your favorite thing to do when not working?
Relax on the weekends and visit the Spa.  I love to have body and beauty treatments such as a manicure, pedicure, body and face massage etc.  As well as being relaxed, it really works to keep my skin looking toned.

What’s one of the most interesting shoots that you’ve done?
When I was in Hong Kong I had an extraordinary shoot for Harpers Bazaar Magazine.  My hairstyle was unbelievably complicated, It took my hairdresser about 3 hours and many products and hair extensions to create.  In addition the hairstyle was heavy and I was supposed to work on the stage for many hours.  But my great team and I had so much fun during this shoot, we got some amazing photos and some great memories!

Which five words would your friends use to describe you?
Humanitarian, sweet, intelligent, educated, and serious.

Take us through a typical day in the life of Ilona Huzarevich.
I am not really a morning person, but I always get an early start to my day. I wake up and eat a healthy breakfast: one glass of still mineral water with a lemon, bio yogurt without sugar, oatmeal with some fruits or 1 egg with tomatoes and green tea.  When I’m in Milan I work with an agency, I have a lot of castings and meetings with my clients and which means I’m completely busy during those days. If I’m not tired in the evening I go to the gym and I train for about an hour and a half (I either do yoga, dancing or kickboxing with my trainer). In the evenings right after my dinner I like to watch a light movie or a TV show before going to bed.

What is your favorite healthy snack?
A green apple.

How would you describe your personal style?
Whether I am out shopping, arriving at the airport, or taking a stroll around the city I have a casual style.

If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Versace.

What are some places you’re dying to travel to?
New York City (Visit Manhattan and figure out why it’s called “The City That Never Sleeps”).

The Maldives (The Islands look like a scene right out of a movie or a postcard. The beaches there are absolutely breathtaking and there are not too many tourists)

Tokyo (Tokyo has the world’s highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants and Japanese cuisine is my favorite. The curious can also study tradition & culture such as the Tea Ceremony).

What are three things most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that at age fourteen I participated in Ford’s “Supermodel of Belarus” contest.
If given a chance I would love to play the role of Serena van der Woodsen in “Gossip Girl”.
My favorite color is white (the color of purity, innocence, and perfection).

Where can we follow you?
Instagram – ilonamodel
Facebook – Ilona Huzarevich
Snapchat – ilonamodel

Meet Lake Como’s Newest Hotel

What may be one of the most anxiously awaited hotels of 2016, Il Sereno Lago di Como, has finally opened, as the beautiful hotel features interior design by Patricia Urquiola and is ideally positioned close by the breathtaking sight that is “Lake Como”.  The hotel is brought to you by the same group that owns the Sereno in Saint Barthélemy, and the Milan based designer Patricia Urquiola completes Il Sereno Lago di Como’s interior with goods from brands, such as Louis Vuitton, B&B Italia, Baccarat, Moroso, and BMW.

Urquiola was even assigned to use a mass amount of local artisans, which also includes Como’s well known furniture makers.  Il Sereno’s owners wanted this hotel to feel every bit as unique as their Saint Barthélemy hotel with a very modern like appearance and understated décor.  The outcome? Simply spectacular.  As the hotel showcases the best Italian names in the world like Molteni and Cassina, plus there is custom furnishing, rugs, wall coverings, lamps, and bathroom fixtures.

The hotel has just 30 suites, which may be the reason why they are already booked until mid-October.  Each and every room boasts panoramic views of Lake Como and private terraces in gray, blue, green, and walnut earthy colors.  Hotel amenities feature 24-hour room service, a private bar, Wi-Fi, towels & robes made by D. Porthault, and toiletries by Ex Voto Paris.

Il Sereno Lago di Como’s restaurant is a must visit, as it’s run by Michelin starred chef Andrea Berton.  Who has earned four Michelin stars through three restaurants and serves a menu that is genteel yet appetizing.  The menu is inspired by the region, alongside everything from Lake Como’s fish and herbs to the wines, cheeses, and meat of the mountains of Valtellina.

Giving the guests a more adventurous stay, Il Sereno has three custom Cantiere Ernesto Riva boats.  And these hand built boats were made in the nearby town of Laglio along with two Jetto’s, as the grand Vaporina del Lago was interior designed by Urquiola.  Rates for the night start at $825.

For more information visit:  Il Sereno Lago di Como

Benetti Sells Their Third Jaw-Dropping Delfino 95′ Super Yacht

Even though the Cannes Yachting Festival has concluded, a variety of yacht manufacturers are still leading up a storm of successful events that are showcasing the best of the best.  Even famed Italian Super Yacht builder Benetti is in a good mood, thanks to their recent sale of the third Delfino 95′ super yacht.

The delivery of this 29-meter super yacht will begin in the year of 2018, but Benetti vows to provide buyers with a sumptuous not to mention stylish design.  The yacht comes from Benetti’s Class D range, featuring external lines on the exterior, and design features by Giorgio Cassetta.  Benetti also requested the assistance of designer Achille Salvagni to construct a luxurious and comfortable interior, in which case whoever the yacht’s new owner might be will have the most enjoyable of times.

Through the many years Benetti has been in business, their shipyard has created some of the best, first-rate designs in the world.  One of their latest awards was the World Yacht Trophies Award 2016 for the grand 64-meter Benetti FB264.  And so with the name of Benitti in mind, you can rest assured that they will always deliver the most spectacular of super yachts in the most extraordinary of ways, after all that is just the way Benetti has and will always do things.

For more information visit: www.BenettiYachts.it