Headlines
Lone star state of mind
Texas is a state that thinks big. Big hair, big hats, and big hearts: All are hallmarks of a Texan approach to life. Rick Hawkins, an Austin-based businessman, doesn’t hesitate to think big in everything that interests him, from politics to philanthropy.
Bending concrete can beat quakes
Flexible concrete that becomes stronger after it cracks is being used in Japanese buildings to protect against earthquakes. Developed by construction firm Kajima Corp, it contains polymer fibres the thickness of a human hair, commonly used in tyres, that hold it together and prevent cracks from spreading.
Thai House
The Thai House home stay concept, developed by a Thai family that has been entertaining overseas guests for over 10 years, offers an attractive alternative to standard hotel accommodation.
Throw pillow
Throw pillows offer the opportunity to embellish any decorating scheme by introducing color, texture and pattern. Decorative pillows come in so many colors, shapes, patterns, fabrics and sizes, offering infinite possibilities.
I’ll have a Big Mac, Serenity on the Side
On a busy commercial strip in this Los Angeles-area community is a quiet place where the walls are dabbed with red, the booths form a semicircle - perfect for a palaver with a paramour - and two waterfalls flow silently. It is not a new cafe heralding gentrification, but rather a McDonald’s, newly renovated with the consultation of experts in feng shui, the Chinese practice of creating harmonious surroundings.