The Eiffel Tower was built in 1887 as the entrance arch to the Exposition Universelle, the World’s Fair. The engineer, Gustave Eiffel, prepared its unique design to enable it to take the high wind velocity at the height of 324 meters even if it allows for a sway of 2-3 inches in high wind. The ‘eyesore’ for the Parisians at the time of its construction is now a monument linked to many historical events and structure that represents France, and more particularly Paris, all over the world. Read the rest of this entry »
‘American Idol’ semifinals (Top 10 guys): God changed the channel to ‘Lost’
There was a lot of talk of a higher power on tonight’s American Idol telecast. One contestant declared himself a “God-fearing person.” Another vocalist talked about prayer as a pre-performance ritual. Heck, even Simon Cowell got into the (holy) spirit, accepting an invitation to attend church. But after listening to the 10 male semifinalists’ performances, I’m beginning to fear that God has finally decided to forsake the nation’s most popular televised singing competition now that its ninth season is providing direct, ratings-draining competition for the final season of ABC’s Lost. [SPOILERS ahead, west-coasters!] How else to explain the parade of bum notes sent forth by everyone from Jermaine Sellers and John Park (expected) to Andrew Garcia and Casey James (less so)? lviv apartments for rent
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Nicole Kidman in Dior
The haute couture gown Nicole Kidman wore to the 1997 ceremony raised the bar for good. It’s been an annual rite of “Can you top this?” ever since. “I was the new boy at the big House of Dior, and there were people who didn’t think I would cut it,” says John Galliano. “Nicole looked like a goddess and showed the world she believed in me. I had seen all of her work and wanted everyone to see her as a star in her own right, as well as being Mrs. Tom Cruise at the time. I’ve always been seduced by Hollywood, and it was a complete honor to dress her. Nicole trusted us and let us suggest a new direction and the striking chartreuse color, which was controversial at that point because everyone was using primaries or pastels. Dior turned the dress around quickly, as it had only been a month since the gem of the idea had appeared on the catwalk. She looked incredible—and even all this time later, she remains timelessly elegant and yet still directional.” Read the rest of this entry »