Blog Archive

Healthy Debate


In Motor Development, we are discussing how different constraints, such as individual, environmental, and task interact to influence movement and the development of movement. An interesting case to examine is that of Oscar Pistrorius. If you are not familiar with Pistrorius, he is a double leg amputee from South Africa that nearly qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He has shattered all Para-Olympic sprinting records. There was much debate, and still is, in the track world and the academic world about whether Pistorius should be allowed to compete against able bodied competitors. There are many that claim he has an unfair advantage due to the prosthetic legs, and others that claim he does not have an advantage and should be allowed to compete. This article examines both sides of the issue. Without going into too much detail, one of the arguments against Pistorius is that his prosthetic legs are less massive than the legs of able bodied competitors. One of the key determinants of running speed is stride frequency, or how fast the runner can place his or her foot on the ground, exert force, and swing the leg back through and touch the ground again. A less massive leg would require less force to accelerate than a more massive leg, which would increase stride frequency. One of the arguments for Pistorius is that the prosthetic legs put him a major disadvantage at the start of the race. As you can see in this video (Pistorius is in lane 5), he loses considerable ground at the beginning of the race because the design of his prosthetic legs cause him to stand up quickly, which results in more vertical force than horizontal force. As you can see, there are arguments on both sides of the coin. In this instance, there probably is not a right or wrong answer, but from a biomechanical and developmental perspective, it is good to debate.

Post cards from Kenya

A chance encounter with Marie and Paul Pelle's Siani Plantation Estate in a travel magazine led me to these gorgeous properties in Lamu, Kenya. Lamu, an archipelago, has a  distinctive Swahili culture, the result of an intermingling over the centuries of many different influences – African, Arabian, Indian, Persian and European to name but a few – brought to Lamu by merchants, travellers, colonisers and conquerors. These influences show themselves to this day in Lamu’s religious and social traditions, architecture, furniture, cookery and many other aspects of daily life. 

Apart from these distinctive influence,  for me, these beautifully restored homes are yet another testimony to the magic created by simple, hand restored interiors...  

Niches or Aala's...a mughal/persian legacy


Window to the world..
Love the bedsteads and the floor..



Of kittens and roofs..

[All images Lamu Island Properties. Creative mosaic by moi]


Nedlands Park Hotel - now Million dollar units

Heritage 1908 amazing Hotel Restoration
General Features
PRICE RANGE: From $5 Million
  • Property Type: Apartment
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 3
With views out over the "Steves" river,
a beautiful restoration of the 100yo hotel into
four luxury apartments.
I think this place would be sensational to live in!


Huge rooms (high ceilings), timber floors etc,
can't go wrong!





Beautiful layout, perfect for a heritage property such as this.



This is a great laundry!


Huge entertaining area out on the decks,
huge built in bbq (with sink etc!)


And of course, you can all share the pool,
overlooking the Steves River!


AND here's what the Agent said about it!

HERITAGE ICON- SPECTACULAR RESTORATION NEDLANDS PARK HOTEL (1908) "STEVES" RIVER VIEWS Be one of four lucky people to own a magnificent residence that is steeped in history and the setting for so many memorable events. There has been no compromise in the redevelopment of this famous 100 year old hotel. Each residence offers over 316sqm of living and entertaining, fabulous seperation, extraordinary high ceilings, 6 star fit-out, this coupled with its stunning riverside location, walking distance to the river, parks, yacht, golf and tennis clubs, university, restaurants, cafes, shops makes it the ultimate luxury lock up and leave. Only 2 remain!! Acc :3 huge beds all with ensuites, powder, family, formal living, vast covered alfresco with full kitchen, 3 car parking.

WOW

Interiors Design Next

We stumbled upon the work of Erin Martin the other day and we think we're in love!

Her work is organic in a very sophisticated way. The words "organic" or "sustainable" get thrown around a lot these days but very few people get it right. We love her use of natural materials, muted colors and texture variety.

Her designs seem very original too-as no two houses are alike.

Here is a sample of her work:








Pete Campbell's Bitch Face

Best Tumblr EVER?

http://petecampbellsbitchface.tumblr.com/

Converted Warehouse Living

Teneriffe, QLD
for under $1 Million!
General Features
PRICE RANGE: $850,000
  • Property Type: Apartment
  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Building Size: 176.98 m² (19 squares) approx
Indoor Features
  • Ensuite: 1
Outdoor Features
  • Carport Spaces: 1
I found it a bit hard to find an interesting property in QLD tonight,
been looking for hours, but this one I don't mind!

It's a warehouse conversion,
this is a very popular idea in Melbourne, don't know about other states!

Obviously close to Brisbane, with views to match!


Lovin the original features like timber beams on the ceiling
(painted thank god!)





Simple but effective conversion!


Even a pool in the grounds - very mod!


AND here's what the Agent said about it!

UNIQUE WOOLSTORE PLUS BALCONY.
CARSON WOOLSTORES.

A backdrop of city views, a foreground of sub-tropical gardens, which can all be enjoyed from a generous sized balcony. A unique wedge shaped design, the zigzagged hallway begins with a charming foyer which then flows into three large king-sized bedrooms. Bedroom 2 and 3 are complete with built in cupboards, whilst the main bedroom has a large walk through robe and ensuite. The hallway finishes and opens into a large angular open plan living area which combines kitchen, lounge, dining and balcony.

This apartment is what Teneriffe living is all about. It’s going to makes an ideal investment for those looking to maximise capital gains from the boom in Woolstore living.

APARTMENT FEATURES
• Total area 177 sqm
• 3 King Sized Rooms
• 2 Bathrooms
• Air conditioning
• Large balcony with blinds
• Specialty lighting
• Security car park
• Resort style pool/BBQ gazebo

Entry to this apartment is off the spectacular central atrium which rises up over three levels. The building offers owners all the modern conveniences one would expect. Large swimming pool set in sub-tropical gardens, bbq facilities and gazebo. Security car park. Audio security access to building and on-site management.

WOW

Christopher Eccleston in a music video

Here's a music video for a band called I Am Kloot where Christopher Eccleston simply stares into the camera for 2 1/2 minutes. It's rather lovely.



And thanks to my friend Jenni Miller for bringing this to my attention.

Cool Upholstered Bed

A couple of our favorite things for the day:



1) Laced up boots from Nine West ($209)
2) Modern Upholstered Bed from Brownstone (appx $1800 for queen, $2000 for king-COM)

Thom Felicia Rug for Safavieh

Interior designers are like movie stars.  When they are hot you see them everywhere.  Then a few years later they just disappear.

Thom Felicia is definitely hot now.  He has a wide range of licensed products as we've mentioned in previous post--ranging from Kravet fabrics to furniture for Vanguard and now rugs for Safavieh. 

His rug collection is actually very affordable.  Very young and hip too.  A 6 x 9 rug is about $600.  Very reasonable don't you think?

Here are some samples:







To see the rest of the collection, please click here. You can find pricing and product information in our modern rug section.

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