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We Ate At The Guy Fieri Restaurant That The NYT Destroyed — Here's The Verdict

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Nachos

Last month, The New York Times utterly destroyed Food Network host Guy Fieri's new Times Square restaurant and caused a huge ruckus in the food world.

The initial Pete Wells NYT review didn't have a single good thing to say about the eating establishment. The New York Observer, New York Post, and TimeOut NY also trashed the place.

Fieri flew into New York to appear on the Today show to give his side of the story. He said that Wells had an "agenda" and just wanted to make a name for himself by bashing him.

Bloomberg's Tom Keene came to the defense of Fieri's food.

"This uproar is nothing but 'an effete corps of impudent snobs who characterize themselves as intellectuals' pounding on the cuisine, the food, the diet of middle-class America," he wrote, accompanied by a mostly positive review he posted on Facebook.

Then, Bloomberg Businessweek dubbed the restaurant an "ironic dining mecca."

Oh, and it has a 2.5-star average rating on Yelp.

This is all in the two months that the gargantuan 500-seat restaurant has been open.

So, today, four of us here at Business Insider headed over to Guy's American Kitchen and Bar for lunch.

SandwichThe verdict:

Stop trashing Guy Fieri.

His restaurant isn't terrible — it's decent. It's, at the very least, on-par with big chain restaurants like T.G.I. Friday's, Applebee's, or Chili's — the sort of fare you'll find in Times Square. That's what's popular.

They're far from the pinnacle of American cuisine, but they do attract millions upon millions of eaters.

And that's what Fieri's restaurant is built to do.

It's a venture that wants to appeal to the mass market — the Times Square tourist market. Nobody should expect a life-changing culinary marvel from it.

The food was okay — definitely not the horrific, inedible trash-heap Wells described.

The experience was good too. During the day, there's a relaxed atmosphere and a few TVs with Food Network and ESPN playing on the lower floor.

Business Insider Wall Street editor Linette Lopez even declared the restaurant a "perfect" place for Wall Streeters to go.

After the endless snarkbombs being lobbed at the restaurant, it was impossible to walk into that place with anything higher than rock bottom expectations.Donkey Sauce

But we were pleasantly surprised.

We were seated immediately — at 1 PM on a Thursday in a venue that's so massive, seating is hardly an issue. We joined the slew of tourists and holiday shoppers on the lowest level of Guy's cavernous three-story establishment, which, despite its healthy afternoon bustle, still felt empty.

The drink menu looked weird and a little gross — why would you put Goldschlager in a Manhattan? C'mon man — so we skipped the cocktails.

Instead, we went straight for the "Guy-talian Nachos" that Wells eviscerated as "deeply unlovable."

Overall the nachos were tasty, flavorful, and quickly devoured. The chips were crunchy even at the bottom and the combination of Italian turkey sausage, ricotta crema, and piquante peppers was pleasantly flavorful. Our only qualm was that the meat was served at room temperature.

Then the entrees arrived. The portions were enormous, and none of us even attempted to clean our plates.

"Out of the six absurdly-named Motley Que Ribs put on my plate, I could only eat three," said Alex Davies, Business Insider's transportation reporter. "They were standard ribs, exactly what I expected, but the sauce was too sweet and tangy."

The Roasted Pork Bahn Mi sandwich was fine, too. The pickled veggies were crunchy and the pork was tender. The french baguette didn't stand a chance against the fatty juices of the pork, though, and left us with a sticky, wet mess that even the oversized napkin couldn't resolve.

The fries, however, were excellent hot, crispy, and golden brown, just like the menu promised.

If only the Donkey Sauce could have followed suit (it was really just glorified mayonnaise with a special name).

Apart from the mediocre food, the decor was fine, the restrooms were clean, and the service was attentive and friendly.

The prices were steep — most of the entrees are between $20-$30, with the sandwiches in the upper teens — but what else could you expect from a restaurant in Times Square? You'll get the same at the Hard Rock or Bubba Gump nearby.

Don't worry, Guy, we agree with Keene when he wrote, "the place is brand new, ambitious and creates 150 to 200 jobs in the tourist nexus of New York City. Get over it Food Philistines."

If, for some reason, we had to eat at a Times Square spot again, we'd be willing to go back to Flavor Town.

SEE ALSO: Inside The Guy Fieri Restaurant That Was Eviscerated By The New York Times >

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When To Use Each Of Instagram's 16 Retro Filters

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nashville instagram simply zesty

With more than 100 million users worldwide on both iOS and Android, Instagram’s success as a mobile platform is clear to see and now with its expanded web presence, there are now more opportunities than ever to show off your photography skills.

However, how many times do you take a photo and use a filter without really thinking about it? For many of us, we just slap on a filter because it just happens to make it look better, but what you mightn’t know is that each filter suits a certain type of image. Knowing which one to use, and what effect it will create, will go a long way towards improving your photos.

Here is our guide showing you what filters are available and when you should be using them. We’ve also provided images to show you exactly what effect they have and the best places to use them.

Amaro

What it does: Adds more light to your image, but focuses it mostly towards the center. The darker the photo, the more you will notice this effect.

Use When: You want to give your photo a somewhat aged appearance.



Rise

What it does: Gives images a nice glow and provides softer lighting on the subject.

Use When: You’re taking close-up shots of people.



Hudson

What it does: Gives your images an icy look. The slight tint and altered lighting gives these images a colder feel.

Use When: You’re outdoors. It’s particularly effective when you’re taking photos of buildings or monuments.



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A Tense Boat Ride Across A Crocodile-Infested Lake In Tanzania

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During a recent press trip to Tanzania, I spent a morning on Lake Tagalala in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve.

The lake is teeming with wildlife, including hippos and dozens of bird species. But it's best known for its massive crocodile population, said to be one of the densest in the world.

As we boated around the lake, I was amazed at the number of crocodiles I saw  one would emerge from the brush and slide into the water every moment or two.

But it wasn't the crocodiles that had me jumping out of my seat. The lake was also filled with flying fish, and every few minutes one would flip into the boat and catch my entire tour group off guard.

Scroll through to see the crocodiles and other wildlife that populate Lake Tagalala and its shores.

lake tagalala tanzania

We toured the lake in this boat, with sides low enough for a fish to jump in.

boat

We started seeing the crocodiles right away.

crocodile


crocodile


crocodile

There were other reptiles around the lake, too.

lizard


crocodile

It's also home to a diverse array of birds.

pelicans birds

And hippos.

hippos birds

Disclosure: Our trip to Tanzania, including travel and lodging expenses, was sponsored by the Tanzania Tourist Board, Africa Adventure Company, Singita Grumeti Group, Coastal Aviation, Qatar Airways, Tanzania National Parks, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority and Wildlife Division.

SEE ALSO: I Saw Wildebeests Escape A Lion, But The Zebra Wasn't So Lucky

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Naomi Campbell Sues Telegraph Over Elephant Polo Story

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naomi campbell elephant

Naomi Campbell is suing the Daily Telegraph for libel over an article claiming she organised an elephant polo tournament in India.

A spokeswoman for Campbell emphatically denied that the model, who campaigns against animal cruelty, had planned an elephant polo tournament in Jodhpur as stated by the article on 3 November.

The article, headed "Elephant polo at Campbell's party criticised", said celebrity guests at a party thrown by Campbell for her partner, the Russian billionaire Vladimir Doronin, would play the controversial sport in three-a-side teams. The online version of the article has been removed from the Telegraph website.

A spokeswoman for Campbell described the claim as "completely untrue" and said lawyers in London had been instructed to take action.

Campbell formally filed her libel claim against Telegraph Media Group, the publisher of the Daily Telegraph, at the high court on London on 5 December. She has instructed the London law firm Michael Simkins over the article.

Gideon Benaim, a partner of Michael Simkins LLP, said: "We have issued legal proceedings on behalf of Ms Campbell against the Telegraph, who were the original publishers of these allegations. We are instructed to pursue this matter until it is satisfactorily resolved. The allegations caused damage to our client, apart from the widespread repetition of the allegations, there were also protests outside the venue, and Indian government departments who wrote to us.

"However, it seems to me that government authorities and animal welfare groups in India were simply reacting to the untrue claims that had been made. The simple truth is that there was no plan for elephant polo. Ms Campbell did not cancel it because it was never going to happen in the first place. We have as yet no idea where the false claims originated from, perhaps the Telegraph will let us know in due course."

Telegraph Media Group declined to comment.

Campbell fought a marathon legal battle with the Daily Mirror stretching back to 2001, when she won a case for invasion of privacy, breach of confidence and breach of the Data Protection Act after the paper published an article and photographs of her leaving a Narcotics Anonymous meeting.

The court of appeal later overturned that ruling. Then, in 2004, the House of Lords found by a majority of three to two that Campbell's privacy was invaded by the Trinity Mirror-owned paper.

After taking the issue of recovery of success fees by lawyers to the European court of human rights, the Mirror won a unanimous ruling in 2011 that this represented a significant violation of freedom of expression in relation to the Campbell case.

The Daily Mirror was faced with a total bill for £850,000, of which £365,000 represented success fees – although the newspaper reached a settlement on costs for a total of £500,000.

The ECHR said the requirement to pay Campbell's success fees was "disproportionate".

However, the ECHR ruled by six votes to one that there was no breach of the Daily Mirror's freedom of expression in the earlier UK court judgment that the paper had invaded Campbell's privacy.

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This article originally appeared on guardian.co.uk

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Adorable New Species Threatened By Illegal Asian Pet Trade

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slow loris cute

A new species of primate, a "big-eyed" and venomous slow loris, has been identified in Borneo by researchers.

But the new loris is already under threat from the Asian pet trade in part because its "teddy-bear face" make it attractive for illegal poaching, the team of UK and US scientists said.

Analysing the facial markings of slow loris in the Indonesia island, the researchers concluded that the nocturnal Nycticebus kayan is new to science, and two others that were previously considered sub-species should be recognised as unique species in their own right.

The lemur-like slow loris is found across south-east Asia, and is notable for having a toxic bite – a rarity among primates. But the species are listed as vulnerable or endangered by the gold-standard IUCN Red List of threatened wildlife.

Rachel Munds, a University of Missouri doctoral student who was one of the team who identified it, said: "Unfortunately, in addition to habitat loss to deforestation, there is a booming black market demand for the animals. They are sold as pets, used as props for tourist photos or dismembered for use in traditional Asian medicines."

She added that technological advances had enabled the team to identify it as a separate species. "Historically many species went unrecognised as they were falsely lumped together as one species. While the number of recognised primate species has doubled in the past 25 years some nocturnal species remain hidden to science."

The findings were published in the American Journal of Primatology.

This article originally appeared on guardian.co.uk

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Southwest Owes 5.8 Million Free Beers To Passengers

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Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has settled a class-action lawsuit filed by a Chicago attorney over the discount carrier's decision to stop honoring vouchers for free alcoholic drinks, which it had given to travelers who bought a premium ticket. The settlement could be worth $29 million or more.

Adam Levitt, an attorney and the original plaintiff, said Southwest had for years awarded customers like him, who bought tickets through its premium-priced "Business Select" program, vouchers for drinks that otherwise cost $5 each. Vouchers did not include expiration dates.

On Aug. 1, 2010, Southwest, the third-largest airline in the Chicago market, changed its policy. It said Business Select passengers may use their vouchers only on the day of travel printed on them, essentially voiding all previously issued vouchers.

Levitt contended the policy change was a breach of contract. He filed suit on Nov. 16, 2011, on behalf of himself and all Southwest customers who earned eligible drink vouchers before Aug. 1, 2010, through their ticket purchase but didn't redeem them. The settlement does not include passengers who earned drink vouchers through Southwest's frequent-flier program, Rapid Rewards.

The settlement, approved this week by a federal-court judge in Chicago, entitles eligible fliers, even if they no longer possess the original paper vouchers, to new drink vouchers for each one they say they earned but didn't redeem. Those vouchers will be good for one year. Eligible consumers will be notified, starting in a couple of weeks. Southwest is required to set up a website about the settlement, publish newspaper advertisements about the settlement and attempt to contact eligible customers via e-mail.

"This settlement is a grand-slam result for the class, as consumers are recovering 100 cents on the dollar," said Chicago attorney Joseph Siprut, who represented the class against Southwest.

Siprut said his firm fought for a claims process in which physical possession of the old drink voucher was not required. "Class members just have to submit a form saying they had a certain number of vouchers that were never redeemed, and they can get replacement vouchers in equal number," he said.

The settlement estimates that 5.8 million eligible vouchers, issued between October 2007 and August 2010, were not redeemed. Valued at $5 each, that makes the settlement worth $29 million. Separately, Southwest is on the hook for attorney fees that could range from $1.75 million to $7 million. The court will decide that later, Siprut said.

Southwest, known for being consumer friendly, did not respond to a request for comment.

"Airline customers are very savvy," Siprut said. "They are sophisticated travelers and they don't take kindly when airlines break their promises to consumers, or pull a bait-and-switch on people."

gkarp@tribune.com ___

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Google Has A Cool New Way To Find Cheap Plane Tickets (GOOG)

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Boeing, Dreamliner

Google apparently took some time off from its self-driving car project to solve another major problem – overpriced airline tickets.

It's a service called Google Flights Explorer, built on top of Google Flights. If you're relatively flexible in your itinerary, it will help you find cheaper flights leaving and arriving around the same time.

For pragmatic fliers who don't care how or when they get there, just how much it costs to get there, this is the perfect solution.

Go to www.google.com/flights to get started



I'd like to be in Austin, TX, for New Year's Eve, so let's enter JFK as our departure...



...and Austin-Bergstrom as our destination



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The 17 Most Innovative Cars Of The Year

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2013 cadillac xts review cue system luxury

A lot changed in the auto industry this year. Cadillac suddenly became a relevant brand again, and now Ford is trying to do the same with Lincoln.

Fuel efficiency continued to be the big theme. Prius sales skyrocketed, and Chevy's Volt became the most loved and hated car of the year.

Even Ferrari and Land Rover looked to boost their cars' mile per gallon figures.

From the Porsche that can drive more than 700 miles on a single tank to the electric Tesla that can compete with any vehicle on the market, these 17 innovative cars may not be the best on the road, but they are the ones that are changing the game.

17. Toyota wooed city dwellers with the Prius c and its terrific city mileage

Even compared to other Prii (the official pluralization of Prius), the Prius c is small and fuel-efficient.

In city driving, it gets 53 mpg. It's good on the highway, too, with 46 mpg.

The result is a car that dealers can't keep in the lot: In April, the average 2012 c spent just eight days at the dealership before being bought. The average for all cars is 53 days.



16. Jaguar returned to the sports car market with a splash

In 1961, Jaguar changed the sports car forever with the iconic E-Type (and we almost died of happiness when we got to drive one).

At this year's Paris Motor Show, Jaguar finally unveiled its successor, the F-Type.

Starting at $69,000, it's not as absurdly sexy as the E-Type, but it is a solid 21st century update.

The most powerful model can hit 186 mph. It's hard not to look good at that speed.



15. Lincoln returned to the spotlight with the new MKZ

Earlier this month, Ford officially relaunched its luxury brand as Lincoln Motor Company, bringing Emmit Smith and the 2013 MKZ to Lincoln Center.

The plan to get Lincoln out of eighth place in the luxury market includes a Super Bowl spot with Jimmy Fallon, but the MKZ will have to do the heavy lifting.

Despite a small but serious flaw in the design, it is a good-looking car packed with features, most notably a retracting panoramic roof that covers 15 square feet.



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4 Great Getaways To French-Speaking Destinations

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St. Martin Island

There’s something — should we say a certain je ne sais quoi— about getting away to a spot that’s completely different. A different culture, different food, different people, a different language — all of these things can make you feel worlds away from home (in a good way, of course).

And when we’re choosing a destination, we often can’t help but be drawn to French-speaking locales. After all, French is the language of love, and we feel pretty glam when we’re casually conversing with locals in Francais.

But Paris is so last year. (Okay, so that’s a lie — Paris is always fabulous. But work with us here.) So why not visit a French-speaking spot that has, say, a beach as well? Or skip away to a European lakeside locale where French is the official language. If you want to immerse yourself in the French culture, France is certainly not your only option.

St. Barts: Hotel La Banane

Nicknamed St. Barts, St. Barthelemy in the French West Indies has been a playground to the rich and famous for several decades.

Nestled among the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, it was a French colony until 2007 when St. Barts officially became a “separate overseas collectivity.” French is spoken by many locals (although almost everyone on the island can speak some English) and much of the cuisine has a French flair. This, paired with the fact that almost all food products are imported from France, means meals can be pricey. Seafood, however, including conch — an island specialty — is caught locally. The well-heeled venture out to St. Barts not only for its gourmet restaurants, but also for its high-end designer shops, secluded beaches, and exclusive location. Celebs such as Jimmy Buffet, David Letterman, and Steve Martin own property on the island and are frequent visitors.

Stay at the retro-chic boutique hotel, Hotel La Banane. It's located just a skip away from Lorient Bay, and makes up for a lack of amenities with a hipper-than-thou scene. It’s a Parisian escape on St. Barts, with rooms inspired by 1950s Paris — white and pastel blues and tile, open bathrooms, art books, wall murals, and vintage minimalist furnishings. The nine freestanding bungalows all have indoor/outdoor showers and private terraces, and two small pools are surrounded by palm trees and white lounge chairs. This place is tres chic — not to mention sexy. It’s a good choice for couples looking for a getaway with ambiance.



Geneva, Switzerland: Hotel Les Amures

Geneva is a picturesque city, divided into two banks by Lake Geneva, and surrounded by mountains.

During the winters, visitors and locals head to the mountains to ski; ski resorts such as Verbier and Crans-Montana are conveniently only about an hour away. And in the summertime, the lake — and nearby beaches — become popular spots for swimming. But all year long, tourists can enjoy the city’s cafe culture (reminiscent of Paris), beautiful gardens, specialty shops (the city is known for its gorgeous jewelry and watches), fabulous restaurants, and many sights. It’s located in Romandy, the western French-speaking portion of Switzerland, and has excellent French-influenced cuisine, gorgeous architecture, and views of Mont Blanc.

Stay at the Hotel Les Amures, a quaint luxury boutique with a fabulous location in Old Town. The 32 rooms in this 17th century mansion are charming and high-end, with details such as wood-beamed ceilings, faux-fur throws, and stone walls that create a French chalet vibe. The style extends into the restaurant, breakfast room, and common spaces — beamed ceilings are present throughout, and there’s even a suit of armor in the lobby. The hotel attracts well-heeled couples and even the occasional celebrity — George Clooney stayed here — but amenities are few: There is no spa, fitness center, or pool. Rates are a bit steep considering the lack of features, but at least breakfast and Wi-Fi are free.



St. Martin: Esmeralda Resort

St. Martin, the French side of the Caribbean island split between the Dutch and the French, takes up the northern two-thirds of the island.

The native language is French, the area is subject to French law, and it has a very European vibe. Less developed than the Dutch side, St. Martin offers plenty of natural attractions, including the beautiful (and clothing-optional) Orient Beach and Loterie Farm’s tree-to-tree zip-line. Visitors seeking a more relaxed pace might want to check out Marigot, the French capital, which offers a European feel and a laid-back vibe with secluded, intimate accommodations.

Stay at the Esmeralda Resort. Located within an upscale community featuring several resorts, restaurants, and one of the island’s best beaches, the Esmeralda Resort offers seclusion and elegance with semi-private pools (shared among four units), stylish tropical rooms, and a well-respected restaurant — all within a two-minute walk of the beach. The rooms stand out for quality furnishings — you won’t find the tacky wicker furnishings so common in St. Maarten/St. Martin here. Rather, dark wood chairs and tables with a French Colonial style accent terracotta floor tiles and dramatic whitewashed vaulted ceilings. Plus, the hotel’s L’Astrolabe bistro is an island highlight thanks to its acclaimed classic French-Caribbean cuisine with a modern twist. Additional features are few, but for self-sufficient couples and families looking for a lush retreat with a great location, Esmeralda delivers the goods.



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'To Have And Have Another' Is The Perfect Hemingway-Inspired Cocktail Companion

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This is "To Have and Have Another: The Hemingway Cocktail Companion" by Philip Greene.

Why We Love It: Ernest Hemingway was a war hero, big-game hunter, Nobel Prize winner in literature, and one of the most dynamic American authors in history. He also really liked his liquor, whether it was champagne, absinthe, or just straight Irish whiskey.

So writer, cocktail connoisseur and Hemingway-enthusiast Philip Greene decided to write a book devoted to Hem and the drinks he loved so much. The book features recipes for drinks that were inspired by Hemingway and his novels. It also included mini-histories, folklore, and a suggested reading list to accompany each drink, which makes this book so much more than just any old cocktail recipe book.

To Have and Have Another Hemingway Book

Where To Buy: Available through Amazon.

Cost: $16.

Want to nominate a cool product for Stuff We Love? Send an email to Megan Willett at mwillett@businessinsider.com with "Stuff We Love" in the subject line.

DON'T MISS: The Grippy Pad Lets You Stick Your Gadgets Anywhere

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Someone Took A $380,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom Off-Roading

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Most videos of cars tearing up grass and drifting through mud feature vehicles that are made to go off-roading, or at least are built to handle some rough driving.

This is the first one we've seen that stars a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

No description accompanies the video, so it's impossible to know who is behind the wheel. Motor Authority's Kurt Ernst argues it's unlikely the driver is the owner of the car: "Pay that kind of money for a car, and chances are good that you’ll treat it with a bit more reverence." His best guess: "a disillusioned employee or family member."

The video was posted by YouTube user Tax The Rich, whose other videos include Bugatti and Ferrari F50 burnouts.

Watch the video:

SEE ALSO: Tesla's Model S Can Do Burnouts Like A Muscle Car

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A Former Coke Executive Built His Own Track After Losing His Driver's License

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dean wills private track

In 1996, Dean Wills, a former Coca-Cola executive, lost his driver's license after he was caught speeding in his Ferrari Testarossa outside Sydney.

Not ready to give up driving his impressive car collection (including the only McLaren race car ever sold privately and many Ferraris), Wills built his own private track.

Wills is the former CEO of Coca-Cola Amatil, which distributes Coke products around Australia.

He describes his private driving mecca as a "country road" — not a racetrack, according to Australia's Daily Telegraph.

It does not have the barriers and gravel run-off areas that make Formula One tracks safe for high-speed racing, according to Ferrari Magazine, which recounted how Wills built the road in its March 2011 issue. It even has signs that post recommended speeds for the 22 corners.

Wills does not disclose how much he spent on the road, but the Telegraph estimates the asphalt to cover the 40,000-square-meter track would cost $2.4 million AUD ($2.54 million USD). It took three years to build.

The .6 mile track, on Wills' land in Kulnura, north of Sydney, is designed to be the perfect place to enjoy a good drive, without worrying about the police or the risk of hitting another car, or pedestrian.

Racing is not allowed. "We don't do lap times, the only way we measure it is how long the smile lasts," Wills' son Mark told the Telegraph.

SEE ALSO: The 17 Most Innovative Cars Of The Year

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ENDING SOON: Subscribe To A Newsletter For A Chance To Win An iPad Mini

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ipadmini

Just in time for the holidays we're giving you have a chance to win an iPad mini.  Become a newsletter subscriber now and you'll have a chance to win Apple's latest tablet.  If you're the lucky winner you will have all of these great features at your finger tips and can stock up on our favorite iPad mini apps.  Click below to enter and to start receiving one or more of our newsletters to keep up to date with the news you need to know.

Entry deadline is December 21.

As a newsletter subscriber, you'll get daily updates and alerts on topics that matter most to you. You must subscribe to at least one newsletter to be eligible, so if you have not already, be sure to choose one or more newsletters before submitting your entry.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER >

On or before December 21, 2012, we'll announce the lucky winner.

You must be a legal resident of the U.S. and a newsletter subscriber to win.

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HOUSE OF THE DAY: Bidding On This Laguna Beach Villa Starts At $10.5 Million

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Historic Villa Rockledge

A 25,000-square-foot historic compound in Laguna Beach, Calif., will be auctioned off tomorrow, with a starting bid of $10.5 million

The property, known as Villa Rockledge, was built by famed California developer Frank Miller in 1918 and later restored by Roger and Sherill Jones in 1973. It has been on and off the market, listed as high as $34.5 million.

The huge compound is composed of a giant 5,000-square-foot house which has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, as well as six surrounding villas. Altogether the compound has 12 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, access to its own private beach, and parking for 12 cars.

True to its name, Villa Rockledge sits right on an ocean clif.

Full listing at Premiere Estates.



It is one of the only homes in Laguna Beach with a private beach, which spans 120 feet.

Full listing at Premiere Estates.



It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's the oldest home on the ocean in Laguna Beach.

Full listing at Premiere Estates.



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The 99 Most Desirable Women Of The Year

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jennifer lawrence

What does it really mean to be a desirable woman?

Is it solely about a pretty face or a career accomplishment? Is it about having perfect proportions or about being "wife material"?

Start with #99 >

You answered these questions by voting in our annual Top 99. And judging from your responses and those of our staff, one thing is clear: Desirability isn't any one of these things, but all of them.

You chose women who represent the complete package of beauty, brains, ambition and charm. And we think you chose wisely.

From young up-and-comers to Top 99 vets, here are the women who make all our hearts skip a collective beat.

More From AskMen:

A Very Sexy Reason To Look Forward To 2013

The Best Books Of The Year

Meet Hip Hop's Next Generation

99: Bérénice Marlohe

Why is Bérénice Marlohe # 99?

While your average Joe probably doesn’t know all that much about this French beauty, he will before long. For years, Bérénice, who was born and raised in Paris, was cast only in small roles on French TV. And then 2012 happened. That year, Bérénice was cast alongside Daniel Craig as Séverine, the newest Bond girl, in the 23rd installment of the James Bond series, Skyfall. On the heels of Skyfall’s success, Bérénice was recently cast as the star of director Terrence Malick’s upcoming film, an as-yet-untitled project that will feature such A-listers as Natalie Portman, Ryan Gosling and Christian Bale.



98: Kim Kardashian

Why is Kim Kardashian # 98?

Kim Kardashian, the reigning queen of reality television, certainly had a productive—and lucrative—2012. Kim, the hotter half of KimYe, recently signed a new three-year deal with E! that will keep the Kardashians on the network through their series’ ninth season. The deal is worth an estimated $50 million. As further proof that Kim knows how to get paid, earlier in 2012, she launched two fragrances and a clothing line.



97: Charlize Theron

Why is Charlize Theron # 97?

Statuesque South African beauty Charlize Theron had a wildly productive 2012. Over the past year, Charlize starred in two blockbuster films, Prometheus and Snow White & the Huntsman, both of which were massive hits. And 2013 looks like it’s set to be another banner year for this actress. Aside from starring with Tom Hardy in the Mad Max reboot, Charlize may reprise her role as the beautiful but mentally challenged Rita Leeds on the highly anticipated Netflix-only Arrested Development revival.



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The Best Places Around The World To Spend Christmas

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boston christmas time lights

A girl on a donkey leads a candle-carrying procession past San Miguel de Allende’s shops festooned with piñatas and poinsettias.

When they stop before a Spanish-colonial building and break into song, you realize you’re witnessing the reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter that takes place in the days leading up to Christmas.

Check out these unforgettable Christmas destinations >

Whether your winter holiday trip enhances your yuletide nostalgia with traditions, sparkly lights, and nippy air or makes a radical break from it—by, say, taking you to warmer climes or a quiet, far-flung hideaway—breaking the habit of staying home will always reward you with a Christmas you’ll never forget.

With that goal in mind, we’ve rounded up diverse, exceptional places to get you in the spirit of taking off.

Quebec City is one of our favorite historic destinations for the holidays. The narrow cobble-stoned streets and stone architecture of the walled city, founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, make it as romantic and European as it gets on this side of the pond.

Add to that a proclivity for snowfall and an abundance of top-notch bars and restaurants, and you may wish the New Year could be postponed.

But the appeal of warming up over the holidays is undeniable, too. For the die-hard contrarian, Kaikoura, New Zealand, ought to do the trick. It’s the height of summer there at Christmas, a holiday most often celebrated outdoors with backyard barbecues.

But it’s also a great time to be hiking the rainforest of the Kaikoura mountain range or on the waters of Kaikoura Bay, one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. It’s the summer home of sperm whales, fur seals, dusky dolphins, and pilot whales, and all it takes to commune with them is a boat and a bit of perseverance.

South America has weathered the global recession better than most regions, and it’s not hard to see why. Brazil in particular is peppered with off-the-beaten-track gems that offer a true escape, like the coastal Portuguese colonial town of Paraty, about 140 miles south of Rio.

Its friendly locals, cerulean waters, exceptional beaches, and exotic-bird-filled jungles may make you forget what holiday it is altogether. Like we said: unforgettable.

Check out these unforgettable Christmas destinations >

More from Travel + Leisure:

Best of 2012

Holiday Travel Inspiration

Best Travel Gifts Under $50

America's Best Ski Towns

Best Travel Gadgets 2012

Charleston, South Carolina

Why Go:Charleston puts its own spin on the holidays—pecans roasting instead of chestnuts, eggnog spiked with bourbon, and choirs singing spirituals at Drayton Hall plantation.

Where to Stay: The 21-room Wentworth Mansion dresses in subdued Victorian finery for the holidays with magnolia wreaths, old-world Santas, and two grand Christmas trees in the foyer.

Every room has its own fireplace. On your pillow at turndown: chocolate truffles.

Holiday Dinner: At Peninsula Grill, chef Graham Dailey uses a fine selection of glazes and sauces, such as on his grilled peach glazed jumbo shrimp, and gives you the option of sinfully grilled steak and sauce.

Take your pick among blue cheese–balsamic glaze, red pepper béarnaise, foie gras–truffle butter, or brandy-peppercorn sauce.



Reykjavikík, Iceland

Why Go: In this otherworldly landscape, daylight is a four-hour affair and the liquid-green aurora borealis illuminates the nighttime sky.

Statues of the 12 Yule Lads (the Icelandic version of Santa Claus) peer out from every corner shop and window.

Where to Stay: For covetable views of the Hallgrímskirkja cathedral and reasonable room rates, check in to the Hótel Leifur Eiríksson.

Holiday Dinner: The seafood restaurant Vid Tjörnina lures locals and visitors alike with its classic Icelandic cuisine. How about fermented shark meat followed by shots of Brennivín (a.k.a. schnapps, or “firewater”)?

Reykjavikík, Iceland



Santa Barbara, US

Why Go: During winter, the coastal towns in Santa Barbara County combine New England–style comfort and old California elegance with outrageous holiday kitsch.

Where to Stay: In Montecito, the 500-acre San Ysidro Ranch could be a Vermont hunting lodge (rooms have wood-beamed ceilings and stone hearths), except that it’s 20 minutes from world-class surfing at Rincon Beach.

Holiday Dinner: Go super casual at Stacky’s Seaside, which stands out like a grounded trawler.

Fortify yourself with its fish and chips before hitting the Summerland Winery’s tasting room for a wine that shouldn’t work but does: a sparkling Zinfandel.



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San Francisco Office Costs Soar The Most In The World

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San Francisco

Dec. 14 (Bloomberg) -- The cost of occupying office space in San Francisco soared the most of any market in the world as technology companies such as Salesforce.com and Mozilla Corp. fueled leasing in the city, according to broker CBRE Group Inc.

Occupancy costs -- rents plus local taxes and service charges -- surged 36.4 percent in downtown San Francisco to $90 a square foot in the year to Sept. 30, Los Angeles-based CBRE said in its semiannual survey of world office markets. That was the biggest jump among 133 areas globally.

Demand from technology-industry tenants is combining with low vacancies and limited new supply to increase rents in areas such as San Francisco and suburban Seattle, which had the fourth-largest rise in occupancy costs, at almost 22 percent. That ran counter to much of the global office market, where a recovery cooled as Europe’s debt crisis deepened, banks made cutbacks and emerging-market growth slowed, according to CBRE.

“The U.S. high-tech sector has matured, with new applications for even traditional businesses,” said Asieh Mansour, CBRE’s San Francisco-based head of research for the Americas. “That’s benefited commercial real estate in San Francisco. This is where tech companies are clustered, and where labor skill sets are located.”

San Francisco’s office vacancy has fallen by almost six percentage points in two years to 9.7 percent as of Sept. 30, with leasing by firms such as Hotwire Inc., OpenTable Inc. and Pinterest in the third quarter, CBRE said.

San Francisco’s office market ranked 26th globally for costs. It was third in the U.S., behind midtown Manhattan, at $114.30 a square foot, and Washington, at $94.51.

Hong Kong

Central Hong Kong was the most expensive location in the world at $246.30 a square foot, followed by London’s West End at $219.81 a square foot and Tokyo’s Marunouchi Otemachi at $197.27. Hong Kong also had the biggest decrease in office occupancy costs, with an almost 18 percent decline, as large financial institutions cut expenses, CBRE said.

Twelve of the top 20 most expensive locations for office space were in the Asia-Pacific region, where multinational firms are searching for the best buildings in the priciest areas to situate head offices, Mansour said in a telephone interview.

“Those markets attracted corporate headquarters because of the labor available, and to diversify the risk of their labor pool,” she said.

Jakarta, Beijing

Jakarta had the second-biggest cost increase after downtown San Francisco, with a 28.7 percent gain to $54 a square foot, according to the brokerage. The San Francisco peninsula -- which includes Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Redwood City -- ranked third, up 28.6 percent to $62 a square foot. It was followed by suburban Seattle, which includes Bellevue, with a 21.8 percent jump to $38 a square foot; and Beijing’s Finance Street, which climbed 19.7 percent to $180 a square foot.

The costs take into account local variances in currency and lease terms, Mansour said.

In San Francisco, Salesforce’s January rental agreement at 50 Fremont St., the city’s biggest leasing deal of 2012, helped spur a third year of occupancy gains, according to CBRE. The company, the largest maker of online customer-management software, took about 400,000 square feet (37,160 square meters) in the South of Market high-rise, at a cost of about $339 million over 18 years, according to a Jan. 6 regulatory filing.

Mozilla, Meraki

Other technology leases included Mozilla’s deal at Hills Plaza, on the waterfront, an area where rental agreements have been as high as $70 a square foot in the fourth quarter; and Meraki Inc.’s accord for 110,000 square feet in Mission Bay, where recent asking rents were about $60 a square foot, according to CBRE. Mozilla develops the Firefox Web browser, while Meraki makes tools to manage Wi-Fi networks and security.

San Francisco’s gains probably will slow in 2013, as will Asia-Pacific expansion that’s advanced “like gangbusters,” Mansour said. London’s status as a global financial hub should offset austerity measures in the U.K., she said.

“The tech sector is viewed as more favorable and more stable today,” Mansour said of San Francisco. “But growth will slow because there’s already saturation in the market.”

--Editors: Kara Wetzel, Larry Edelman

To contact the reporter on this story: Dan Levy in San Francisco at dlevy13@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Kara Wetzel at kwetzel@bloomberg.net

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The New In-Flight Service You'll Have To Pay $10 For

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Trendy cocktails at 35,000 feet help airlines keep passengers happy and bring in more revenue

Airlines have found a way to take the edge off the stress of flying and make a few extra bucks along the way: fancy new cocktails, craft beers and elegant wines.

The drinks advertised in the back of in-flight magazines — or on sleek seatback touchscreens — are starting to resemble those at the hottest nightclubs.

Virgin America offers "Grandma's Coffee," an iced cappuccino with Jack Daniels whiskey for $9. Its beer selection includes San Francisco-based 21st Amendment and Black Star from Whitefish, Mont. Both cost $7. A Bud Light is $6.

US Airways has partnered with mixer company Stirrings to sell mojitos and cosmos for $8 each.

Delta offers the "Sky Breeze," which is vodka, Fresca and a splash of cranberry-apple juice over ice for $7. It also sells small batch bourbon from Woodford Reserve for $7.

Other airlines create drinks to get travelers into the mindset of their destination. United sells a "Trader Vic's Mai Tai" for $9 on flights to and from Hawaii.

"It's simply a matter of finding a way to get people to spend money," says Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst with Hudson Crossing. "They see people spending $12, $14, $15 or more for fancy martinis, cosmopolitans or other beverages on the ground."

Flying isn't what it used to be. Long lines, ever-changing security rules and limited overhead bin space have all made traveling much more stressful. It's no wonder many passengers look for a little escape.

Airlines — which created much of this anxiety — are happy to oblige.

"We wanted to do stuff to surprise people, be a little more different and have fun," says Megan Mosier Ireland, who helps design Delta's drink offerings.

The specialty drinks are part of a larger push to get passengers to pay for a little in-flight luxury. Fliers can now opt for more legroom, Internet access or even shorter security lines, all for an extra fee. Those perks and others — along with baggage fees — now account for nearly 7 percent of U.S. airlines' revenue. That's up from just 2 percent five years ago. The government doesn't require airlines to break out specific data on alcohol sales.

But airlines are clearly doing everything they can to drive liquor sales. And it's not just by putting fancy drinks on the menu.

Want to buy a drink for that lovely lady across the aisle? Virgin America will soon launch a "send a drink" feature. Passengers can use the plane's seatback entertainment system to buy their neighbors a margarita, merlot or maybe a shot of tequila.

When people fly is a significant factor in how much they'll drink, according to GuestLogix, which processes about 90 percent of onboard credit card transactions for North American airlines.

Fliers drink more on Thursdays than any other day of the week, with alcohol sales in the past year averaging $62 per flight, according to GuestLogix. For many consultants, salesmen and other frequent fliers, Thursday marks the end of their week away from home.

"That's when I let loose and wind down," says Oscar Rondon, a road warrior and director of cable network sales systems for WideOrbit. "After a long week, it's a nice reward ... even if it's in a little tiny, plastic cup."

Fliers drink the least on Mondays — average liquor sales per flight are 44 percent below Thursdays.

Time of year and the destination also determine how many bloody marys, vodka tonics and beers are poured.

The week of March 8 — spring break — had the highest overall liquor sales in the last 12 months at nearly $58 a flight. The slowest time of year is right after Christmas and New Year's, when passengers have already had plenty to drink and many are traveling with their families.

Alcohol sales on flights heading to Las Vegas average $99, nearly double the industry average. The trip home isn't as happy; only $49 in liquor is sold per flight.

"Vegas passengers are big drinkers," says Betty Thesky, a flight attendant with a major U.S. airline and author of "Betty in the Sky with a Suitcase: Hilarious Stories of Air Travel by the World's Favorite Flight Attendant." Those are the same folks "who sat in the 'smoking section' back in the day."

___

Scott Mayerowitz can be reached at http://twitter.com/GlobeTrotScott.

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YACHT OF THE WEEK: Take The Family Cruising On The $1.85 Million Lady Laura

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lady laura yacht

Yachts may be great for Bond villains and the like, but they are at their best when they can take the family out on the water for some vacation.

The "Lady Laura" may be the ultimate family yacht, with room for nine guests and lots of open communal spaces.

The 98-foot yacht was built in 1992, and thoroughly renovated in 2008. And compared to most luxury yachts, the $1.85 million asking price is a pittance.

The 2008 renovation cost $300,000.



It comes with a 26-foot tender, with twin 225hp Yamaha engines.



The aft deck is a bit small, but there's enough room to relax on the sofa.



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21 Money-Saving Gifts For Everyone On Your List

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If you're serious about giving the best to loved ones this year, why not give them something that's built to last –– and help them save at the same time? 

We've rounded up a list of great gift ideas that are not only functional, but have the added bonus of helping break the bad habits that tend to waste cash.

Save on movie tickets with a MoviePass subscription

If anyone on your list is a Netflix or Hulu fan, they'll go nuts for MoviePass.

It's only been out a few months, but MoviePass is new app that lets users see as many movies as they want for a monthly fee ($25 to $40, depending on location). 

For cinephiles in cities where some theaters charge up to $17 for a 3-D flick, this can mean huge savings over time. 

Price: $39.99 and up



Save on movie rentals with a Hulu Plus or Netflix subscription

Cable can be expensive, costing anywhere from $30 a month and upwards, but if your loved one is looking for nothing more than TV and movies, aim for a Hulu+ or Netflix subscription this holiday season.

All their favorite shows and movies are available—and not just the most recent episodes, but entire seasons, too.

Price: $7.99/month for 
Hulu Plus and Netflix



Ditch your daily coffee habit with the Bodum French Press

Dumping your daily coffee habit won't rescue your finances necessarily, but it certainly could leave a few extra bucks in your pocket each day.

The Bodum French Press includes an 8-cup French press as well as a 15-ounce travel press for caffeine fiends on the go.

Price: $40



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