Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum or Coliseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is a giant amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome. Originally capable of seating 50,000 spectators, it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It was built on a site just east of the Roman Forum, with construction starting between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian. The amphitheatre, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire, was completed in 80 under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign.

 

The Colosseum remained in use for nearly 500 years with the last recorded games being held there as late as the 6th century — well after the traditional date of the fall of Rome in 476. As well as the traditional gladiatorial games, many other public spectacles were held there, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building eventually ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such varied purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry and a Christian shrine.

Although it is now in a severely ruined condition due to damage caused by earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum has long been seen as an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and is one of the finest surviving examples of Roman architecture. It is one of modern Rome's most popular tourist attractions and still has close connections with the Catholic Church, whose Pope leads a torchlit procession to the amphitheatre each Good Friday.

10 Hottest Fashion Trends Right Now

• 10 Hottest Fashion Trends Right Now

Stephanie

( 3 Votes )

As 2012 comes to an end, we look back at a distinctive year of fashion that saw a huge revival of older trends, re-imagined with spunk to appeal to today's masses, as well as some nouveau trends tailored with flair and creativity. The year also saw a large number of translations from runway to reality, with some designers achieving a perfect balance between inspirational design, and commercial value. These are the trends of 2012 that were the most popular, and widely exploited by all:

Peplum
Peplum was easily the most popular trend of the year. Inspired by ancient Greek women's attire, the modern day peplum is a flared overskirt attached to the hem of a blouse or at the waistband of a tight fitting skirt. The peplum adds a touch of class to even a simple, casual or formal outfit. The duchess' endorsement of the peplum, demonstrated by the number of times she has been spotted wearing it has only added to it's popularity with the masses.

Oxblood
Bringing some drama to the scene was a dark burgundy colour. The town was literally painted oxblood as everyone was seen sporting the colour - from dresses and jackets to pants and lips. Oxblood, besides being the hot trend this year, brought a genre of theatrical fashion to the forefront with it's enigmatic and mysterious overtones. Exuding a luxurious vibe, it was a welcome change that set itself apart from the typical greys and reds.

Neons
Neons took the market by storm as one of the most unexpected and hottest selling trends of summer and spring. This bright coloured trend virtually took over the market with bags, nailpolishes, jewellery, swim wear, tops, dresses, all made available in these fluorescent hues.

Prints
Prints came back with a vengeance this year and were an ubiquitous presence in the fashion scene. We saw a baroque revival with tribal and animal prints also making splashes in the industry. If you thought it stopped there, then you're wrong - designers went crazy with alternative, modernistic prints that showcased artistic flair.

Androgynous Fashion
Women are slowly creeping into mens shoes...and their clothing, too, it seems. The classic male look took over womens fashion with everyone dressing themselves like James Bond but with obvious femininity. Celebrities were rocking runways all over suited up in suit pants, jackets and bow ties. Some did it with simplicity, while others try to get funky with their outfits. A special mention to bow ties as they seemed to exhaust all creativity in varied looks and patterns.

Collars
It started with the revolutionary Peter Pan collar that became rapidly popular. Loose collars and attached ones, simple collars and fancy ones, we had them all this year. It was collars galore adding the right amount of fun or class to an outfit.

Palazzos and Pajama-inspired Pants
Pajama-inspired pants with crazy prints and palazzo pants were doing the rounds in the market. Their main attractability was the comfort. A cool printed pajama could add spice to an otherwise boring outfit or you could don a pair of sheer palazzo pants for a laid-back look.

Studs
It was like a heavy metal fashion rally when studs hit the fashion scene in a big way. Designers were putting them on everything.

Luxe Sweatshirts
Comfort meets cute and has fashionable babies in the form of Luxe sweatshirts. Shiny, floral or funky prints - a luxe sweatshirt is an investment because you can pair it with a classy skirt for a formal look or some jeans for a casual look. It's the perfect pick to stay fashionably warm.

Leather-sleeved jackets
Stay fashionably snug in a leather-sleeved jacket which was a hot pick this year in fashion trends. It's the perfect combination of rebel meets school girl. You can give off a bad-ass and innocent vibe all at the same time.

 

Shraddha Yawalkar

Top 10 Most Expensive Cars in the World

Style, luxury, an innovative design and above all, speed… these cars have it all and much more.  Actually, the most expensive car in the world was the 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe which was sold for $8,700,000 in 1987. However, as it’s not longer available in the market today, it will not be included in this list. These spectacular supercars are any car enthusiasts dream come true, although after reading some of the prices you may feel a little differently. From prices as high as $2,400,000, here are the 10 Most Expensive Cars in the World. 

 

 

 

1) The Bugatti Veyron Super Sports ( $2,400,000)

This is easily the most expensive and the most powerful car in the world today. It is also the fastest street legal car with a top speed of 431km/hr.  It is also the fastest accelerating car reaching 0-60 in just 2.5 seconds! This car is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm.  This beauty has been designed and developed by the Volkswagen group and produced by Bugatti Automobiles SAS at their headquarters in France.  The best part about this car is that it can be driven by anyone with a driver’s license as opposed to other super cars that require special driving permits.

 

 

2) Aston Martin One-77 ($1,850,000)

This supercar surpasses all the previous Aston Martin cars due to its powerful performance and stunning exterior.  The production of this magnificent car is limited as it is expected that not many people will be able to afford this luxury.  With 750 hp, this car is able to travel from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. It can reach a maximum speed of 220 mph.  It even stands ahead of the Veyron, in terms of luxury.  It is the epitome of sophistication.

 

 

3) Pagani Zonda Clinque Roadster ($1,850,000)

One of the most striking cars in the world is the Pagani, the Italian super car that can go from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds.  This rocket ship inspired car hits 200 kilometers per hour in less than 10 seconds. It has a top speed of 217 mph.  This limited edition super car includes all the things that one can only dream of. 

 

 

4) Lamborghini Reventon ($1,600,000)

Here is yet another masterpiece by the father of sports cars- Lamborghini. It is the most expensive as well as powerful Lamborghini ever built. It takes 3.3 seconds to reach 60 mph and its top recorded speed is 212.2 mph.  Only 20 pieces of this new breed of Lamborghini were manufactured. Thus, it’s rarity as well as specifications of the car makes it one of the expensive cars till date.

 

 

5) Koenigsegg Agera ($1,600,000)

 This is one supercar that may give Bugatti a run for its money and claim for itself the title of being the world’s fastest supercar.  This latest import from Sweden can go from 0-60 in just 2.8 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 260 mph.  This new car is so exotic that the Royal Family of Oman already placed an order for one before it was even revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

 

 

6) Maybach Landaulet ($1,380,000)

This is the most luxurious and the most expensive sedan on the market as of now. It can reach from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds. What makes this car even more unique is its convertible roof that can open fully at the rear. The Landaulet is made for those lucky CEOs and Executives who have their own personal driver.

 

 

7) Zenvo ST1 ($1, 225,000)

This car is the product of a new Danish supercar company that will compete to be the best in speed and style. The Zenvo ST1 is able to reach 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 233 mph.  This latest supercar is limited to 15 units. The company has even guaranteed “flying doctors” to keep your car running.

 

 

8) McLaren F1 ($970,000)

This first thing you will notice about this car is its unique design.  The car possesses a unique 3 seater configuration with the driver at the center of the interior and the 2 passenger seats flanked along the back of the driver. In 1994, this was the fastest and most expensive car. However, it is more than just that. Built with some of the most flawless engineering, this is one car that has made its mark in the automobile industry.  It has an amazing top speed of 240 mph and can reach 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, despite being built 15 years ago.

 

 

9) Ferrari Enzo ($670,000)

The Ferrari is without a doubt the most popular super ever built.  It was developed in 2002 using Formula One Technology. It has a horsepower of 650 and can reach a top speed of 217 mph with 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. However, it is hard to get your hands on this beauty as only 400 units have been produced.

 

 

10) Pagani  Zonda C12 ($667,321)

This custom built supercar was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show in2005. It’s advanced technology and spectacular craftsmanship, the Zonda has proven that it can easily compete with other supercars around. Produced by a small independent company in Italy, it is one of the fastest cars ever produced with a top speed of 215 mph+. It can reach 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.
 

 

 

  

Space Hotel - Out of this World Holiday!

Shraddha Yawalkar

Space Hotel 

The wish “I want a holiday that’s out of the world” can be fulfilled in an entirely new way starting 2016. Orbital Technologies, a Russian company, plan to open the first ever space hotel and put it into orbit 250 miles above the Earth.

 

 

 

The Space Hotel, or Commercial Space Station as it’s officially called, is a four-room hotel that can accommodate up to 7 guests at a time. Each room will have massive windows fitted with binoculars and cameras so that guests can enjoy the breath-taking intergalactic views.

 

However, this is one holiday you’ll really have to prepare for. To check in, tourists will have to undergo special training that can take up to three months, depending on the type of spacecraft they fly to the hotel.

 

The Hotel will be aimed at wealthy individuals and people working for private companies who want to do research in space.  The next obvious question is, just how wealthy are we talking about? Well space tourists will have to pay £500,000 to travel on a Soyuz rocket for 2 days to get to the hotel before coughing up another £100,000 for a five-night stay.

 

According to the makers, this hotel will be much more comfortable than the International Space Station used by astronauts and cosmonauts. There will be no drinking or midnight snacking on board as alcohol is strictly prohibited.  The menus will also have to be decided beforehand as the food will be prepared on Earth and sent on a rocket, to be reheated in microwave ovens.  Delicacies such as braised veal cheeks with wild mushrooms, white bean puree, potato soup and plum compote, will all be available.  

 

 

 Guests can choose to sleep in beds either vertically or horizontally, in the weightlessness of space.  All in all, it will be the experience of a lifetime and will definitely make for an interesting topic of conversation.