Multimillion listings continue to raise the bar in real estate globally. In one such landmark deal, a Florida mansion set the record for the most expensive listing at US $135 million earlier this year. The record was recently broken by a Beverly Hills residential compound at US $195 million. The rare, expansive 25-acre property offers views of the iconic Los Angeles canyons and city lights, and comes with its own vineyard.
Owner: Mukesh Ambani, net worth US $23.9 billion Value: Upward of US $1 billion
Named after a mythical island in the Atlantic, Antilia is a 400,000-square foot skyscraper residence with six underground levels of parking, three helicopter pads and a gym. The construction cost of Mukesh Ambani's home topped US $1 billion.
Villa Leopolda, Villefranche-sur-mer, France
Owner: Lily Safra, net worth US $1.3 billion Purchase Price: US $750 million (€500 million), in 2008
The mansion, reportedly built for one of King Leopold II’s mistresses, was valued at US $750 million in 2008 when Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov tried to purchase it. He eventually pulled out forfeiting his US $75 million deposit.
Fair Field, New York, US
Owner: Ira Rennert, net worth US $6 billion Property value: About US $248.5 million, according to 2014 tentative tax assessment
Ira Rennert's home comprises of 29 bedrooms, 39 baths, three swimming pools, and also houses its own power plant. The estate located in Sagaponack, is one of the poshest localities in New York.
One Hyde Park, London, England
Owner: Unknown Sale Price: US $237 million (May 2014)
Earlier in May, a penthouse at One Hyde Park was reportedly sold for US $237 million (£140 million). The previous record of the world’s most expensive apartment was US $221 million in 2011.
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today defended an under-fire Virat Kohli for his indiscreet shot selection in the lost semi-final clash against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup, here today.
Chasing an imposing 329 for a win, India were bundled out for 233 in 46.5 overs with Dhoni top-scoring with a run-a-ball 65 as the batting was guilty of buckling under pressure, including Kohli (1).
Asked if Kohli's shot selection was reflective of the pressure on him, Dhoni batted strongly for his deputy.
"Pehli baat yeh hai ki til ka taad nahin banate hain (Let's not make a mountain out of a mole hill). Let's accept the fact that he played a shot that didn't pay off. It happens and it happens to a lot of batsmen," Dhoni said in the post-match conference.
"Once the opposition puts over 300 runs on the board and once they have quality bowlers, at some point of time you have to take that risk. If it pays off, if it clicks, all of a sudden everything changes. He played a shot, it didn't pay off and that's it. I would say it happens in cricket," he added.
The skipper did admit that there were a few niggles as far as bowlers were concerned but at the same time said that it wasn't anything alarming.
"About fitness, a few of them (bowlers) had a few niggles, but the whole unit was 100 per cent fit. Fast bowlers had a bit of niggle, but nothing that really stops them from playing, so there were no fitness issues as such."
Asked as to when did he think that the chase was becoming difficult and probably they weren't going to win it, the wicketkeeper-batsman answered, "I think after the fall of third wicket, I somehow sensed that it would be difficult from here on."
With the fast bowlers having done well throughout, Dhoni wasn't harsh on them for their flop show on the day, stating that they could have done "slightly better".
"When we lost the toss, I was a bit worried as I thought maybe the spinners wouldn't get as much purchase. But I feel (Ravindra) Jadeja and (Ravichandran) Ashwin, both bowled well. There was possibility of reverse swing going, so I felt our fast bowlers could have slightly better as there wouldn't be much of a reverse swing. But once we came back into the game and restricted them to 328, I felt it was a good score.
"Yes, there was pressure, but at the same time it needed some good batting and good partnership, so it was a gettable score, but it needed some really hard work to get the runs on the board," the skipper said.
Sitting in her judge chair, Jen's job is to critique the talented performers who grace the Idol stage. But there's a reason she's sitting in that chair in the first place... What a treat to watch our very own Jennifer Lopez take the stage to perform the awesome "Feel the Light" from the upcoming movie
(Reuters)Those on a diet don't want McDonald's.A new report by Morgan Stanley reveals the biggest weaknesses of major restaurant chains.
The bank polled customers on the reasons they would frequent the establishments less often.
People were mostly likely to avoid Starbucks if they were on a budget. Those on a diet said they'd go to McDonald's less.
Customers who fled Chipotle said they did so because the food didn't taste as good.
(Morgan Stanley)
Survey participants indicated that food quality and customer service had gotten worse at Burger King.
The report also highlights some of McDonald's biggest issues, with many customers saying the brand uses too many artificial ingredients and they don't trust the quality of the food.
People in their 20s and 30s told Morgan Stanley that a lack of food quality at McDonald's was a reason they would not recommend the brand to a friend.
McDonald's is attempting to deal with these issues by letting customers see how its burgers and french fries are made.
Dhoni made a shock retirement from Test cricket in December after the third Test of the four-match series against Australia, with the decision being announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) through a media release.
In the immediate aftermath of Thursday's loss, Dhoni had suggested he would continue to play international cricket at least until the 2016 World Twenty20 tournament which is being played in India.
"I'm 33, I'm still running, still fit. Next year, T20 World Cup, will be time to decide about the 2019 World Cup," Dhoni told a TV interviewer.
However, Dhoni was unsure if coach Duncan Fletcher, whose three-year contract is due to end after the World Cup, will remain or leave the job."
"That is between the BCCI and Duncan," he said. "I don't know what will happen.
"Duncan's technical knowledge of the game is excellent. I really enjoy his company. He took over at a time when senior players had left and he had to groom the juniors. It was a tough job."
Meanwhile, Dhoni praised his team for a good World Cup campaign despite being knocked out of the tournament.
Dhoni's team had bounced back from a winless Test and one-day tour of Australia prior to the World Cup to reach the last four with seven straight victories.
But they found Australia too strong at the SCG as the hosts piled up 328 for seven before bowling out the defending champions for 233 despite a run-a-ball 65 from Dhoni.
"Before the World Cup we faced a lot of problems because of the poor form of the players. It seemed nothing was going our way," Dhoni said.
"But the good thing is that the dressing room atmosphere was very pleasant and that made our comeback easier.
"Of course we are disappointed not to be in the final, but then only one team can win. Australia played better cricket today."
Dhoni said the 300-plus target could have been chased if India had wickets in hand, but the Australian fast bowlers seized the initiative with wickets at regular intervals.
"I think the total was chaseable because I expected the wicket to get slightly better for batting in the second half. And our batsmen know how to chase 300.
"But hard work was needed to get those runs. Anyway, once three wickets had fallen, I knew we were not going to get there."
Dhoni said failure to defend the title India won under his captaincy in 2011 was part of the game.
"The Cup did not belong to us," he said. "We took it from someone and someone else will take it from us. If we had played better cricket on this particular day, we would have won."
Dhoni declined to predict the winner of Sunday's final between the two co-hosts Australia and New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
"The shorter format is all about how you play on the day," he said. "The only things New Zealand will need to consider are the bigger outfield and the two-paced pitch at the MCG.
"Both teams have played well and deserve to be in the final. Hopefully I will reach home in time and enjoy the final on TV."
I'm not naturally a morning person. My love of SoulCycle got me out of bed for months, but since I cut back on this workout out of necessity, I've fallen back into old habits. Hitting the snooze button five-plus times leaves me feeling groggy, seriously pisses off my boyfriend, and makes me rush around like a madwoman before running to the bus. In short, it's not the most pleasant way to start my day.
Lately, however, I've found that waking up (and actually getting out of bed) earlier totally transforms my morning. I know that staying in bed can feel like the right decision when you're cozy under the covers, but try waking up 15 minutes earlier, so you'll have ample time for one (or a combination!) of the following healthy rituals.
1. Stretch it out: Get out of bed to roll out your mat. This short and sweet yoga sequence leaves you feeling energized and focused. 2. Make a list: Instead of scrambling to remember what you need to accomplish all day, take the time to write down everything you need to do in the morning. There's nothing more satisfying than crossing things off that list. 3. Sit in silence: A short meditation can change your whole day. Breathing deep and sinking into relaxation is more than a hippie practice - science supports it. 4. Dance it out: Blast your favorite tunes and make crazy moves around your bedroom. You'll burn calories and amp up your endorphins. 5. Enjoy a fresh breakfast: We swear by make-ahead breakfasts over here, but there's something special about cooking and enjoying a breakfast before work. Here are some quick recipes to try. 6. Make a call: Enjoy a quick catch-up session with a good friend or family member. You'll feel relaxed and connected all day long 7. Take tea time: Lounge and linger over a hot cup of tea or debloating hot water with lemon instead of grabbing that travel mug and rushing out the door. 8. Grab your roller: Feeling tight after a tough workout? Give your body a minimassage with a foam-rolling session. Your muscles thank you in advance. 9. DIY spa party: Pretend you took a quick trip to the spa with this soothing clay mask or foot scrub. It's the next best thing! 10. Get lifted: You might not have time for a full workout, but you can work on toning up with a short strength-training workout. Get ready to feel the burn. 11. Prep your lunch: Don't be forced to grab takeout. Put together a balanced lunch in the morning that will keep you energized in the afternoon. 12. Go on a long(er) walk: Always scrambling to take your dog out as quickly as possible? Take the time to go on a long walk. Your pooch thanks you in advance. 13. Just read: When's the last time you had time to read something other than your email in the morning? With 15 extra minutes you can read your favorite site or a chapter in your book before work. 14. Practice affirmations: Kick off an affirmation practice to start your day off on a strong and positive note. This takes way less than 15 minutes and can transform much more than just your morning routine. 15. Clean up: Make your bed, wipe down surfaces, or do a quick kitchen scrub. Keeping your house free of lingering germs will keep you healthy, and there's nothing better than coming home to a clean house.
Your workplace becomes your second home, where you have no time for yourself at all, rushing between meetings, endless work schedules and trying to grab a good meal! These 10 mug dessert ideas will give you every reason to smile and lift your mood! Our list of mouth-watering mug desserts are extremely simple and use healthy ingredients. All you needs is that microwave-safe mug and you're all set! Let the indulgence begin:
One loses at least 50 to 100 strands of hair on a daily basis which is perfectly normal, as per dermatologists. However, when this exceeds, it leads to hair thinning or balding patches, known as alopecia. People in their 30s are prone to suffer from hair loss problems due to hormonal changes, stress and often an unhealthy diet.
This common and major hair problem can be dealt with natural ingredients and remedies. One such ingredient traditionally known for hair loss treatment is onion. Onion is a
rich source of sulphur, which is extremely beneficial for healthy hair growth. It prevents hair breakage and accelerates regrowth of hair. This is so because sulphur increases the production of collagen which helps the hair to grow. Benefits of onion for hair loss problems
Onion helps provide proper nourishment to the hair follicles and pumps in the lost nutrients.
Massaging some raw onions onto the scalp helps increase blood circulation, thereby strengthening the hair follicles.
Due to the presence of sulphur in onions, hair thinning and breakage can be reduced.
Onions also have anti-bacterial properties which are useful in getting rid of scalp infections and parasites.
Premature greying of hair is caused as the the natural antioxidant, catalase reduces. Onion helps control this problem by increasing catalase.
Onion hair packs
Onion juice
Chop an onion into fine pieces and squeeze the juice out. Apply to the scalp and leave on for about 15 minutes; then rinse with a mild shampoo.
Onion and honey paste
Honey is great for hair as it is has nourishing and moisturising properties. Honey and onion are a great combination to keep your hair healthy. Once you have squeezed out at least 1/4th cup of raw onion juice, add a tablespoon of honey to it. You can either drink the juice or choose to apply the mixture to the scalp.
If you have hair loss problems and don’t want to use onion, know about other ingredients that actually help reduce hair loss, effectively
Owner: Mukesh Ambani, net worth US $23.9 billion
