Tattoo Deviant Art: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

SCOOP: Mystery Chevrolet Small Crossover / MPV Spotted in Europe, What is it?

We’re not quite sure what to make of this new Chevrolet prototype that was caught by our scoop photographers on European roads. The test vehicle appears to be a small or compact MPV in a taller, SUV-esque design with short overhangs and an upright fascia reminiscent of the latest Chevy models. Our man with the long-lens told us that the camouflaged prototype was clearly smaller than the Orlando people mover that’s offered in Europe.

It could be that Chevrolet is working on a new small crossover model based on an extended version of General Motors’ Gamma II platform. The same architecture underpins the new Chevy Spark and Aveo / Sonic and will also form the base for the future Opel Corsa and its SUV sibling that is currently under development.

I Like To Be Spanked

Rihanna has revealed that she likes to be "submissive in the bedroom" in a candid interview with a US magazine. The Only Girl (In The World) singer, real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty, told Rolling Stone Magazine that she likes to be "spanked" during sex.

"I like to take charge, but I also love to be submissive," she says. "Being submissive in the bedroom is really fun. You get to be a little lady, to have somebody be macho and in charge of your s***. That's sexy to me… I like to be spanked." "Being tied up is fun.

I like to keep it spontaneous," she adds. The 23-year-old R&B queen, who poses in spray-on shorts on the cover of the US music magazine, also revealed that she prefers old-fashioned 'discipline' to new-fangled sex toys. "Sometimes whips and chains can be overly planned — you gotta stop, get the whip from the drawer downstairs… I'd rather have him use his hands," she says.

But the S&M singer rebuffed rumours that she is dating Hollywood actor Colin Farrell and admitted that she hasn't had a date since splitting with pro baseball player Matt Kemp last December. Talking about Farrell, she says: "We don't even have each other's numbers. I wish! He's smoking."...

Rihanna spills the beans on her sex life in shock interview

POP siren Rihanna has confessed that she is “a bit masochistic” in the bedroom and likes to be tied up, spanked and whipped.

The 23-year-old beauty, who had a hit single S&M, revealed: “I love feeling like I’m somebody’s girl.

“I love to be tied up and spanked. I like to be whipped. And it’s funny that I care, but I prefer to be spontaneous.

“Using whips and chains is too planned – you have to stop and look for the whip. I prefer them to use their hands.”

The star, who has been linked to actor Colin Farrell, told Rolling Stone magazine that her sexual preferences could be linked to her difficult upbringing.

“I think I’m a bit masochistic, and I did not realise until recently.

“I think that is common in people who witnessed abuse in their childhood,” said Rihanna, who saw her dad smoking crack when she was just nine years old.

Assault incident gave edge to my music

Singer Rihanna reveals that the infamous 2009 assault by her then boyfriend has made her strong and a better songwriter.

'It actually gave me a lot of liberation. What I mean is, I was able to tap into the personal part of my music. I started to tell stories through my music that were actually my stories,' femalefirst.co.uk. quoted her as saying.

The Umbrella hitmaker was beaten black and blue by then-boyfriend Chris Brown, who is still serving his punishment for the attack. The couple split immediately after the fight.

'(In) my album before that there was still a little bit of protection, there was still an innocence to me. And what that time in my life did was kind of wake people up - it's not all a bed of roses. My life is like yours,' she added.

'It made me look at the world in a much bigger way because my life was suddenly super duper magnified. All eyes were on me. I needed that in my life to know how to say, 'F**k off!' To know how to keep my head high even in the worst of situations. I keep using the word unapologetic, but there's a freedom that has come with all of that. Where you feel like you don't have to make an excuse for being yourself,' she added.

More Screaming Passengers from the 2011 Red Bull Car Drift Event in Lebanon

We don’t know about you, but we certainly enjoyed watching the video of a male passenger freaking out during a ride around a drift course, so we decided to do a little bit of online research to find out what it was all about. We discovered that the joy ride was part of the Red Bull Car Park Drift 2011 event and it took place in Lebanon.

The man behind the steering wheel of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI is 34-year-old Abdo Feghali from Lebanon. He is a professional rally driver who also participates in drift contests and events such as the one organized by Red Bull.

If you liked the first video we showed you, then follow the jump to watch the reactions of the same male passenger, this time sitting at the back between two women (oddly enough no one was wearing seat belts…), as well as some new footage of other people that took a ride including the beautiful lady you see pictured above.

A peek through the European patent office files revealed images of Honda’s freshly launched in North America, 2012 Civic in both four-door sedan and two-door coupe guise. Given that the European market will get its own, bespoke version of the Civic, chances are that Honda simply wanted to cover its back like most of the competition just in case another automaker (we are looking towards you China) got any crazy ideas.

However, it is possible that Honda will offer the four-door saloon model in certain European countries to compete against the Volkswagen Jetta. With the exception of one version of the Civic sedan seen in this set of images and which features slightly modified taillights with additional strips that extend towards the license plate holder, there are no other differences compared to the North American Civic.

So I was just doing some research trying to find Victoria's cardigan from the park the other day and I found both the cardigan and another photo of her wearing the exact same piece last month so this is a combined "Closet" and "Favorites" post.

Victoria wore this Rick Owens long fine-knit cotton cardigan both April 9th and May 28th to soccer practice with her boys. Back in April, she wore it with a black tank, self designed jeans and sunglasses, and her Louboutin boots. She wore it this weekend with leggings, Gucci sunglasses, another black tank, and her Louboutin Ariella Talon boots. Both times she looked comfy and stylish... perfect for a day out with her boys.

This cardigan is currently available on Net-a-Porter here for $845.
source: CP & NAP

Big Brother is Watching, Well, All of us: U.S. DoT Seeks to Make Event Data Recorders Mandatory

Australian inventor and all-round genius Dr David Warren is widely considered to be the father of the “black box” Flight Data Recorder (FDR). His invention helped make flying safer by giving investigators valuable insights into the mechanical goings-on of a crashed aircraft. What may surprise you is that for the last twenty years similar devices have been installed in our cars.

Event Data Recorders (EDRs) are the automotive equivalent of an aircraft’s FDR. These devices record acceleration and deceleration forces, engine RPM, temperature, oil pressure and a host of other things. After a crash, the information can be recovered and studied, aiding investigators.

Developed to celebrate 35 years since the launch of the original Volkswagen Golf GTI in 1976, the GTI Edition 35 will make its premiere at the Worthersee Tour (June 1-4) in Austria. A 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine that develops 235-horsepower and 300 Nm of torque (221 lb-ft), 25HP and 20 Nm more than the standard GTI, powers the limited edition hot-hatch.

However, Volkswagen says the engine is not an upgraded version of the standard GTI's unit but a detuned version of the AWD Golf R's four-pot, adapted for a FWD setup. With 25 more horsepower than the standard GTI and a power-to-weight ratio of 6 kg/hp, the Golf GTI Edition 35 reaches a top speed of 247 km/h (153 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.6 seconds (gains of 7 km/h and 0.3 seconds respectively).

It seems that there is a tune for just about everyone and everything these days, from subtle to extreme, and all points in between. We do not know where exactly this Ferrari 458 Italia from German tuning firm Graf Weckerle fits in that spectrum, but those odd-looking alloy wheels are sure to catch the attention of every passerby. Read more »

Victoria's Pregnancy Style Staples

For each of her four pregnancies, Victoria Beckham has had a distinct style during every one. For example, with Brooklyn she was all about showing off her belly which she did in form fitting dresses and belly baring tops. While pregnant with Romeo, she favored fitted tops masked underneath blazers and sweaters. With Cruz, she was all about the ponchos and capes. With baby girl Beckham, I've noticed the following items have been her pregnancy style staples...

Victoria was rarely spotted outside of her home without one of her two Marc Jacobs quilted leather jackets. She owns two colors - black and a hunter green - which she often paired with jeans and leggings over the first few months. Underneath the coat, she typically wears either a loose fitting tank or T-shirt.

Of course one of her own designs would obviously be a fourth time pregnancy staple. Now Victoria's dress collections are usually very slim fitted and well tailored. For the past few seasons, she has been giving different drapery methods a try and I'm sure she is very glad she did as this loose fitting knot drape dress from her spring 2011 collection has been #1 lately.

Now most people would have a hard time walking in these without a growing baby in their belly but Victoria does not fear the dramatic height of her now favorite Christian Louboutin Daffodile pumps. She has the style in three colors - basic black, custom navy crocodile, and nude. I see a possible new "Shoe of the Year" already... and it's only just about June!

Lastly, while most expectant mothers dress themselves in loose/baggy pants to make room for their growing tummy, Victoria has favored stretchy leggings instead. I think that these are a much more chic alternative to maternity pants, but that is merely my opinion. Victoria seems to really like the comfort of the stretchy material as she's worn them several times paired with her suede Louboutin Ariella Talon boots.

Have you noticed any other 4th time pregnancy staples?

VIctoria Beckham Collection Items on SALE!

For fashionistas and shopaholics in the USA, it's time to get your checkbooks and credit cards ready because it is the one and only Net-a-Porter "End of the Season Sale"! Tons of high end designer pieces are now available at significantly marked down prices... including Victoria Beckham pieces.

For example, you can get denim styles from $150, tops starting at $70, and dresses/handbags up to 50% off! Go, go, go!!!

Click here to shop the VB denim sale and here to shop handbags and dresses.
source: NAP

Audi Design Student Creates the Trimaran Hybrid Yacht

Audi's concept design studio in Munich came up with an interesting proposition for a luxury yacht that would wear the four-ring logo. The Trimaran is the project work of Pforzheim Technical College student Stefanie Behringer, who explains the idea behind the study:

“The Audi Trimaran is a new concept which integrates two jet skis in a motorboat. The hull architecture is based on a trimaran, consisting of a main center hull supported by two smaller outrigger hulls. Two jet skis are stored inside pods in the outriggers. The main boat is powered by two lightweight and efficient Audi TDI diesel engines, whereas the jet skis are electrically-driven,” said Behringer.

Soccer star David Beckham was speeding and driving recklessly before he was involved in a freeway crash that sent another driver to the hospital, according to 911 calls obtained by an entertainment website and statements from the California Highway Patrol.

The L.A. Galaxy star was driving a black Cadillac on the southbound 405 Freeway near Artesia Boulevard on May 6 when he rear-ended a stalled Mitsubishi, the CHP said in a statement.

The Mitsubishi’s owner, a 40-year-old Los Angeles resident, had stopped his vehicle in the carpool lane when his vehicle stalled.

Beckham is described as driving recklessly just before the crash, according to emergency calls obtained by TMZ.com.

One caller told a CHP dispatcher the Cadillac was “speeding really bad … all the way from LAX.”

The Cadillac was tailgating and pulling in and out of the carpool lane before the accident happened, another caller said.

Beckham’s 12-year-old son was in the Cadillac, according to TMZ.com.

Neither Beckham nor his son were hurt, and the soccer star was not cited. The driver of the Mitsubishi was taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries, the CHP said.

Click here to head over to TMZ and here the 911 call.
source: Kurt Streeter of LA Times

Simply Epic: Pro Drifter Brings Out the Female Side of Male Passenger

In life, there are moments you wish you could bottle up and savor forever but there are also moments you wish never happened. A few seconds into the follow video are more than enough to find out which of two statements mentioned above are true for the man sitting in the passenger seat.

The poster of the video claims that the “Middle East man” was all shook up by a “professional drifter after he claimed to be a pro drifter too”. Understandably, there’s no way of being sure about the claim if we don’t understand a word they’re saying, so if you any of you guys or girls speak the language, we would be much obliged if you let us know what’s going on in the comments section below.

Less than a month after Sony’s Playstation Network was compromised by hackers seeking personal information, a similar mishap has struck the Canadian arm of Honda / Acura. In a notice to its customers, the Japanese automaker revealed:

“The incident involved the unauthorized access of information as held in our records in 2009, specifically name, address, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and in a small number of cases, Honda Financial Services account numbers.”

It is believed that as many as 283,321 have been affected by the security breach. Honda Canada Executive VP Jerry Chenkin released a statement saying: “The information was limited and is not typically used for the purposes of identity theft or fraud. We would like to sincerely apologize to our Canadian customers for this incident. Honda and Acura are working diligently to protect our customers' personal information and improve our data security procedures on an ongoing basis.”

The Renault brand’s sales are down 35 percent since May 1 in France and this has forced local dealers to offer hefty discounts to customers on certain models, a French radio station reported. According to the BFM radio station quoted by Reuters, dealers are offering discounts as high as 45 percent on some versions of the Clio supermini. For instance, certain dealers are selling the Clio for €7,990 ($11,400), even though the factory sticker is €14,100 ($20,120). Read more »

Take that Goodwood: Vilner’s Mini Cooper S Inspired by Bentley

The BMW Group’s decision to launch a new posh version of the Mini hatch called “Mini Inspired by Goodwood” motivated Bulgarian design studio Vilner to develop its own luxed-up variant of the British supermini. However, while the Goodwood model received the Rolls Royce touch, Vilner’s proposal tries to emulate a Bentley – at least in the interior.

Even though Vilner has baptized the car “The Italian Job” as homage to the famous movie, for obvious reasons, a more appropriate name would have been “Mini Inspired by Crewe”. The Bulgarian company has dressed the Mini hatchback’s interior with fine materials such as brown Nappa leather and Alcantara, with parts of the seats, door panels, dashboard and roof lining featuring a diamond shape theme. In addition, the doors have gained elements of black leather while the original plastic was re-sprayed in a sparkling gray finish.

The all-new Ford Focus has barely launched in Europe but the German aftermarket specialists at Loder1899 have already created a dedicated tuning package. The company dresses the new compact hatchback with numerous carbon-fiber elements such as the front spoiler lip, matching side skirts installed on the door sills and an RS-style rear apron with an integrated air diffuser. Read more »

Celebrities in VB: Halle Berry in Victoria Beckham Spring 2011

Halle Berry was one of the many guest celebrities to take part in the grand finale of the Oprah Winfrey Show and to the extravaganza she wore a custom blush dress from Victoria's spring 2011 collection. The dress was slim fitted, knee length, and one shouldered with a fluttering sleeve. Of course Halle being just Halle is amazing but add in a VB dress and the end result was incredible!

You might recall Demi Moore wearing the same dress but the floor length version to the PlusCity Charity Gala in Pasching, Austria late last year.
source: Zimbio & JJ

EVO Takes Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 for a Spin Around the Track

Continuing our video finds on the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, here is a film from EVO magazine’s encounter with the brawny Italian supercar at the Vallelunga race track near Rome in Italy. After jumping into the driver’s seat and onto the circuit for a few quick rounds, EVO’s Harry Metcalfe concludes that the Murcielago’s successor is a “real game changer” and possibly the “best super sports car in the world right now”.

Follow the break to see Lamborghini’s V12-powered Aventador LP700-4 on the track, and then weigh in with your own thoughts in comments section below.

Here is a quick photo of Victoria inside one of the family cars. She was out and about in LA.

She is wearing Gucci's leather coated aviator sunglasses which you can purchase here for $495. A bit of a surprise since she's usually wearing her own designs, but I LOVE these on her!
source: www.zigazig-ha.com & NAP

Victoria Tweets: Scarlet Lounges by the Pool

How adorable is this photo of baby Scarlet relaxing in the Beckham family pool celebrating Memorial Day! She is so darn cute!!

Victoria tweeted the above photo with the following message: "Scarlet enjoying memorial weekend!!!x VB"

source: Twitter - @VictoriaBeckham

KBR Motorsport Tricks Out Volkswagen’s Passat CC

It has been a long time since we last saw a tuning firm getting its hands on the Volkswagen Passat CC, but today we received news on a freshly developed styling and performance package for the mid-size sports saloon by German firm KBR Motorsport. Read more »

Video: Fan Birthday Message to David Beckham

Gosh what an awful David Beckham fan I've been! His birthday passed several weeks ago on May 2nd but with everything going on, I didn't even stop to wish him a very happy birthday so I will do so now... Happy Belated Birthday David!!

If you recall, my friends over at GlamBeckhams and ZigaZig-ha! put together a fan collaboration video filled with birthday messages. Many of you may have even been included! I just wanted to thank both Lah & Ahnny for including Victoria Beckham Style in it even though I didn't get a chance to submit anything so thank you both for being so wonderful!! Check out all of their and your hardwork below!

Kia Launches Soul Hamstar Special Edition in the U.S.

The success of the popular Hamster advertising campaign that promoted the Soul in the U.S. in 2010 inspired Kia to launch a new special edition model of its boxy crossover model. Previewed by the Hamstar concept at the 2011 SEMA show, the red and black 2011 Hamstar is the sixth special edition Soul. The car sports unique exterior graphics and interior refinements, including a 315-watt audio system with pulsing speaker lights. Read more »

Audi Prepares Insane 503HP A1 Clubsport Quattro for Worthersee Fest,

Every year, fans of the Volkswagen Group get together at the Wörthersee festival, held in Reifnitz, Austria, to share their passion about cars. The show is so big that the VW Group’s brands spare no money to develop dedicated one-off models for the event. Audi’s star attraction at this year’s Worthersee Tour (June 1 to 4, 2011), which celebrates its 30th anniversary, is the ludicrous A1 clubsport Quattro.

The one-off show car is a rally-inspired A1 hatch that uses a heavily modified version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine found in the TT RS and the RS3 Sportback. The five-pot normally produces 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft), but thanks to the systematic tuning of the turbocharger, intercooler, induction tract and the exhaust, output has been boosted to 503-horsepower and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque.

London Mayor to Whack President Obama’s Motorcade with the Congestion Charge

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past week or so, you’d have seen that hi-larious [sic] video of one of the Barack-mobiles getting stuck on a ramp outside the U.S. Embassy in Ireland. The U.S. President’s eight ton, “Beasts” are monsters of cars, built to withstand bullets, bombs and probably reporters’ shoes (yes, I went there).

In a cute footnote to this story, ~~notorious car-hater~~ environmentally-conscious London Mayor Boris Johnson is considering levying a congestion charge on each car in President Obama’s motorcade, the cost of which would be £10 (US$16) per vehicle. A spokeswoman has stated that they will not be paying the charges if billed.

Lately there have been many celebrities spotted out and about in Victoria Beckham pieces (I'm going to do one huge post with a recap of all of them... I'm putting it together now!) and whilest in the grocery store yesterday, this new InStyle magazine cover featuring Taylor Swift caught my eye because I immediately recognized the dress. Taylor looked lovely in the sculptured Obi dress, #92, in tangerine that was accessorized with stunning Kwiat diamond fan earrings and an Ippolita ring.

source: Zimbio & Style

SCOOP: 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class MPV is Same ol’ Same ol’…

Not too long ago, we brought you official design images of the brand new 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sporting a five-door hatchback body styled after the impressive A-Class concept seen at the New York and Shanghai Auto Shows in April. Now we have some revealing spy shots of the upcoming 2012 B-Class minivan. Being that the next A-Class and its larger B-Class sibling belong to the same family, you would expect a similar design philosophy between the two models.

However, as these latest scoops demonstrate, that is not the case with the new 2012 B-Class. We had a very hard time telling the differences between the current B-Class and its successor, as the overall shape and styling of the small MPV have been kept intact. Nevertheless, the new B-Class is slightly taller and longer than the current model, with the front and rear ends influenced by the latest crop of Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs.

I don't know if it is exaclty possible for someone to look more and more handsome everytime they leave the house but David Beckham seems to do just that.. if not more! Here the soon-to-be dad of four was spotted leaving Lucca Restaurant in a simple T-shirt and jeans... but looking amazing at that!
source: Zimbio

Victoria Dresses Up for a Day at the Field

Here is just one example of why Victoria Beckham has been not only my one and only role model and style icon over the past fifteen years... she's not affraid to look amazing and wear whatever she wants - no matter where that is.

Case in point, she spent time this weekend with her boys at a field/park where the boys practiced their soccer skills. Now "normal" park attire for most people usually consists of jeans, a simple T-shirt, and either flip flops or sneakers.... for Victoria's fabulous self, she insisted on black leggings, a flowing top, and sky high Louboutin boots. Love it!

Victoria... you're just too fabulous - one of the many reasons why we all adore you so much!

source: DailyMail

Study Says Men Seven Times more Stressed than Women in Traffic Jams

A new research by satellite navigation company TomTom reveals that men’s stress levels rise seven times higher than a women's when stuck in heavy traffic. British psychologists reached this conclusion after testing volunteers for the rise in stress chemicals in their saliva when caught up in a traffic jam.

The study found that women's stress levels increased by 8.7 percent, while men's soared to 60 percent in the same traffic jam scenario. According to UK specialists, this could prove unhealthy as it puts pressure on the heart and causes dizziness and breathing problems. However, many of the volunteers had no idea they were experiencing stress. 67 percent of the women and 50 percent of men said they did not feel any stress after 20 minutes in heavy traffic, even though the readings showed otherwise.

Citing inside management sources from Volkswagen, a news report from German weekly business magazine WirtschaftsWoche said the German automaker wants to produce its Tiguan compact SUV in North America in order to reduce costs and protect itself against fluctuation of exchange rates. Officially, Volkswagen declined to comment on the magazine report. Read more »

FAIL: Ferrari 599 GTO in Reverse hits a Pole

Bumping into or even just scraping against an object while pulling you car out of a parking space has probably happened to everyone at least once or twice. However, you would expect an owner of a spanking new Ferrari 599 GTO worth north of €260,000 or close to $400,000 to be far more careful that usual when attempting to reverse out of a parking space. Apparently, being careful was not in the nature of the owner of this blacked out 599 GTO in Cologne, Germany. Video follows after the break. Read more »

New Nissan Leaf Commercial Mocks the Chevy Volt for Using Gasoline

Electric carmakers are trying hard to promote their products, with the environmentally friendly nature of these vehicles being their most exploited feature in advertising. Nissan is going down the same path with a new campaign for the fully-electric Leaf entitled “Gas Powered Everything”, in which the company mocks the internal combustion engine by imagining a strange world where all appliances run on gas.

The result is a funny commercial in which people have to put up with gas-powered alarm-clocks, microwave ovens, computers and many more appliances. Even the Chevrolet Volt becomes a subject of joke for being a gas-electric hybrid. But we can't help but wonder: isn't Nissan's approach a little hypocritical? It's not like their range includes electric cars alone...

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