As I write this entry, my fingers are furiously typing away on an ancient keyboard with a multitude of dust bunnies trapped between the keys; there’s even some orange powder (possibly Cheeto dust) between the F and the G.  I suppose it’s time to invest in some Dust-Off.  Maybe I would take more pride in my keyboard if it was an Optimus Maximus.  Every key on this sleek device is an independent display showing its current function.  With the help of “Configurator software” each mini-screen can be easily changed from a traditional layout to any layout that suits your needs.

Art.Lebedev Studio is currently offering the keyboards for pre-order (at just over $1,500 each), with units set to be available in late December/early January.  Apparently, a lot of time and care is needed to craft this delicate keyboard; either that or the Optimus Maximus is busy slaying other gladiator keyboards in the Coliseum.

I love the smell of a fine wine in the morning.  Smells like…victory.  I also like quoting my favorite films, including the epic Apocalypse Now.  I think the Apocalypse Now Redux DVD in a Bottle would be perfect for me.  From Francis Ford Coppola Presents, this unique collectible is a three liter bottle filled with their 2004 FC Reserve Syrah wine.  The exterior is emblazoned with a silk-screened image from the film, and a pull-out tray on the bottom of the bottle stores the DVD. 

Unfortunately, the bottle doesn’t (to my knowledge) play Ride of the Valkyries when it is uncorked, but we can’t have everything, can we?

The glow of a full moon can add an air of elegance to any outdoor evening get-together.  Unfortunately for those planning a nighttime soirée around the pool, the moon isn’t always a reliable mood-setter; it goes through its phases (as well all do, I guess) when it just doesn’t shine.  But who needs the moon when there is Moonlight?  This Germany-based company offers an innovative lighting product that creates the illusion of the moon’s glow.  The handsome globes are available in four different types and multiple sizes.  Made of sturdy UV resistant materials, the lights are shatterproof and waterproof- perfect for setting around, or even in, the pool. 

Check out their gallery for many more…wait for it…illuminating ideas.

As the Cold War began, the United States was concerned about not having enough uranium to sustain its new nuclear weapons program.  The US government offered incentives for prospectors who discovered domestic supplies, and the rush for uranium was on.  One of those prospectors was Charles Steen, who lived in a shack with his wife and four children while hunting for uranium with his second-hand equipment and geologist background.  In July of 1952, Steen realized his American Dream by uncovering a huge uranium deposit southeast of Moab, Utah.  The millions Steen made allowed him to abandon the shack, and eventually led to the construction of Steen Mansion among the Sierra Nevadas, minutes from Lake Tahoe. 

Pretty good history lesson, huh?  Now, let’s talk about how cool this house is.  It looks like the majestic fortress of a Bond villain, but offers a much more peaceful lifestyle for those of us without dastardly aspirations.  An indoor pool, music studio, solarium with sliding glass roof and much more are contained within the unique contemporary masterpiece.  The design takes inspiration from the breathtaking surrounding landscape, with rich earth tones, stone and walls of glass that invite the outside in.  Who could ever dream of contaminating the Unites States gold supply or assassinations with a golden gun while immersed in such beauty?

If it looks like a suitcase, rolls like a suitcase, and stores things like a suitcase, it must be a suitcase…unless it’s a HENK.  The genesis of this innovative suit- er, “personal carrier” came in the dead of winter, after Dutchman Henk van de Meene was forced to drag his luggage through a snowy New York City.  He designed his personal carrier and with the help of frog design, perfected his creation.  The HENK is remarkably strong and has a carbon-fiber exterior similar to the cockpit of a Formula 1 racecar.  It has far too many features to be listed here, but they include wheels and storage spaces that appear at the push of a button, a special briefcase compartment, and an anti-theft cable that you can attach to your person (because who needs the headache of having their $33,000 piece of luggage stolen?).

The limited edition HENK with purple leather interior shown here is available exclusively at 20ltd.com- only five were created.  Finally, something worthy of holding my dirty t-shirts, toiletries and complimentary hotel towels as I return from vacation.  Those towels (and glasses, hangers and ice buckets) are complimentary, right?

That title isn’t hyperbole.  Mendis is providing a unique opportunity for an individual to purchase the very first bottle of its new coconut brandy…for a million dollars.  American dollars.  The ultra-luxury brandy is the first of its kind; a clear premium brandy produced from coconut and matured for at least two years. 

“The Million Dollar Bottle Sweepstakes” was announced a few months back, but so far no one has shelled out the million.  They were also running a contest to win the second bottle (for free), but registration is closed as the winner is going to be selected tomorrow.  Whoever “wins” the million-dollar sweepstakes will receive more than just bottle #1, which will be hand-signed and numbered by the company’s founder and come with a certificate of authenticity.  They will also be whisked away on a luxury trip that includes a tour of the distillery.  After the journey, security personnel will escort the bottle to its final destination.

If you really want the first bottle, you’d better hurry because I’m sending them my contact information right now- think they’ll accept an I.O.U.? 

I have a surround sound setup in my basement that I think is pretty good.  If I sit in the right spot on the couch, the explosions from action movie DVDs or the screeching guitars from the stereo flow smoothly from the booming 6.1 channels of sound into my soon-to-be-damaged ears. If I sit too far too the right or left however, the sound can be a little distorted.  With the Sonic Chair, you’re always in the right spot to get the best sound.  The unique chair lets you be immersed in the middle of an audio system with integrated speakers surrounding you.  The open design creates an “acoustic island” that produces crisp, quality sound inside the chair, while not disturbing those nearby.  Input jacks allow you to plug in various devices, including laptops, stereos, iPods, X-Boxes and even those ancient things called CD players.  Until I update my home with (and can afford) Sonic Chairs, I guess I’ll have to keep assaulting my ears with earbuds and fighting for the best spot on the couch.

Parts of Athens are ancient and in ruins…but of course, when it comes to the capital of Greece, that’s a good thing.  Though Athens has evolved into a modern metropolis, tourists are, and will forever be drawn to the city’s amazing historical landmarks.  The AVA Hotel puts travelers right in the middle of that history.  It is a boutique 24-room luxury hotel in the Plaka area, at the base of the Acropolis hill and steps from the Parthenon, Temple of Zeus and other monuments.  The “rooms” are actually referred to as apartments and suites, and are beautifully appointed, all with balconies and many with fantastic views.  Perfect for an evening bottle of wine while gazing upon the illuminated Acropolis- Dionysus would be proud.

The AVA definitely provides a new and exciting way to experience some old and exciting things.

No, this isn’t an aerial photograph of a pristine secluded country club showing the clubhouse, stable, park, pool and part of the golf course.  This is an aerial photo of an extraordinary private estate of over 42 acres located in North Strabane Township, Pennsylvania, just 20 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. This luxurious retreat boasts incomparable amenities, including world-class indoor and outdoor equestrian facilities, a professional par-3 golf hole, pool complex and stone bath house facility.  The limestone home itself is masterfully crafted with elegant features that include a great room with marble fireplace, massage room, disco with adjacent bar, and custom indoor theater; because, as everyone knows, after a long night of disco dancing in your white suit, one needs a nice massage followed by a movie.

Listed with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, this property redefines the luxurious equestrian estate.

Storms have decided to pay a visit to Chicago the last couple days.  At the most convenient times, too - right around 5 o’clock as everyone is scrambling to get home.  Luckily, I’ve been able to get to my car and travel to my house without too many problems.  If I get stuck in the next deluge, I’d be lucky to have a quality umbrella from Pasotti (actually, I’d be lucky to have an umbrella that didn’t blow inside-out after a strong blast of wind, as my rain protection is usually bought hastily in a time of need).  The finest fabrics and special handles are used to create unique umbrellas that live up to Pasotti’s “Made in Italy” standards.

Oh, and some of their luxury umbrellas are adorned with Swarovski crystals on the exterior cloth.  I guess so the rain will be intimidated by your status and decide to fall somewhere else.