World's tallest observation wheel coming to Las Vegas

World's tallest observation wheel coming to Las Vegas

CAESARS Entertainment Corp. has announced it has obtained a key county permit to build the world's tallest observation wheel in a more than half-billion dollar retail, dining and entertainment complex it is developing on the Las Vegas Strip.

The Ferris-style wheel, dubbed the High Roller, is expected to stand 167.6m tall. It is the centrepiece of a planned $550 million development, dubbed LINQ, expected to open next year between the company's Harrah's Las Vegas, Imperial Palace and Flamingo Las Vegas casinos.

The height would eclipse the nearly 135m London Eye, which opened in 1999, and the 165m Singapore Flyer, which opened in 2008. Both were the tallest observation wheels in the world when they opened.

The Caesars project would also be taller than a 152.4m wheel called SkyVue currently under construction about 5km south on Las Vegas Boulevard. That wheel is also expected to open in late 2013.

Caesars project chief David Codiga said the amusement and transportation systems permit received on Thursday from Clark County showed the High Roller - modelled after the London and Singapore structures - met rigorous national design, construction, maintenance, operation and safety standards.

"We learned from those experiences and we've used a design team with the experience to adapt them to Las Vegas,'' Mr Codiga told The Associated Press. "This allows us to complete the project.''

County spokesman Erik Pappa has confirmed that Caesars was granted the permit.

As designed, the wheel is oriented parallel to the casino-lined Strip. It would have 28 air-conditioned bubble-like cabins capable of accommodating 40 people each. At capacity, more than 1100 people at a time would see broad panoramas of marquee-lit resorts during a 30-minute revolution.

Mr Codiga said Caesars has gotten inquiries already from people interested in weddings in the sky.

Jason Krolicki, project manager for Arup Engineering, said the structure was designed to exceed area seismic, wind and temperature extremes.

Mr Codiga said a final certificate of operation won't be issued until the wheel is built, tested and commissioned.

Support structures are now about 61m high for the rival SkyVue wheel, being built by developer Howard Bulloch and Compass Investments across the Strip from the Mandalay Bay resort, near McCarran International Airport.

Project representatives said Wednesday they expect SkyVue to receive its amusement and transportation systems permit with other county applications

That wheel's 32 gondolas, capable of holding 25 people each, would rotate perpendicular to the Strip.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/worlds-tallest-observation-wheel-in-vegas/story-e6frfq80-1226436835127#ixzz221A7jydk

Best new products for travelling

Best new products for travelling

ANY adventure in the great outdoors means your choice of travel gear becomes so much more important. Let's face it, get it wrong and you may even die.

Outdoor adventure stores are constantly unveiling new technology in the latest gear. Think fully seamed seals, breathable membranes, fabrics that insulate and pressurised hardened rubber: It all suggests Mother Nature isn't going to have it all her own way when throwing obstacles in our path these days.

No longer is it appropriate to simply reach for that battered old raincoat, comfy tracky dacks or those old sole-destroyed runners. Preparation is paramount, as many things can go wrong, from getting wet to being uncomfortable and/or even having an accident. Where to begin? An outdoor adventure specialist is always a good starting point, whether it's a Kathmandu, Paddy Pallin or a Snowgum.

"The golden rule is to ask questions," Kathmandu's outdoor gear guru Ross Joyner says.

"People are employed at these places because they know what they're talking about due to their experiences," Joyner says.

"It's important to get the appropriate gear and remember the three basics - keep warm, dry and safe."

With an hour in store, we investigated some outdoor adventure clothing options and discovered the technology behind them.

-- Gloves

- Kathmandu Advection Gloves (RRP $69.98)

Gear guru Ross Joyner, from outdoor adventure specialist Kathmandu, says anyone trekking into the great outdoors must consider three basics when buying clothing  keep warm, dry and safe.

Ross says: "There aren't really too many gloves that can do everything, so it really comes down to what it is you're looking at doing and finding the right glove to suit that pursuit  everything from an alpine ski glove that's going to give you the waterproofing, padding and insulation, to a wind-stopper glove like this one. It's a windproof glove and it's not bulky  it's thin and quite light, which means you retain dexterity.

These gloves have the specially patterned silicone ribs to give you an immense amount of grip on smooth surfaces. But what I really love about them is the pads on the fingers  they are designed so you can use it on any gadgets with touch-screen technology."

-- Footwear

- Kathmandu Tiber NGX Boots (RRP $399.98)

Ross: "These boots are appropriate for almost anything.

Not quite mountaineering but more of a bushwalking, trail walking and hiking product. Waterproofed and a particularly thick whole-grain leather means they could be used at the snow and they are ideal for hiking. The outer has a solid Vibram rubber sole.

The inner maintains the strength and rigidity throughout the sole that is essential for a hiking shoe, and it takes all the strain off your muscles but still gives you the flexibility where you need it. It makes it a lot more comfortable and, by the end of the day, you're a lot less tired than you would be wearing runners.

So it's really suitable for wearing packs in that the full boot really does help lock in the ankle. The outer material and the upper is a whole-grain leather and thick, and that, combined with the toe guard, means you can 'break trails' (old-fashioned bushwalking)."

-- Jacket

- Breccia Jacket (RRP $574.98)

Ross: "The best way to spot a hiking jacket is by the guards (laminated shoulders) across the shoulders because when you're loading up a backpack all the time, that's the area where it wears down first. This jacket has a relatively new membrane technology called C-change.

In effect, they've taken what Gore-Tex has developed and heightened it in that it reacts to your body temperature. So the warmer it gets, the pores open up the tiny microscopic holes in the jacket, whereas other jackets are static and don't change.

The membrane is heat-sensitive, so when you're really exerting yourself and producing a lot more sweat and vapour, that can escape. With a static product, you often find dampness inside the jacket through exertion or in a high humidity area. When it gets colder, those microscopic holes close up and increase the insulation. The other aspect of it is how light it is."

-- Special offer

FeelGood IQ $US47 ($A45.70)

Travellers know the feeling all too well. Another night, another hotel room, another bed  or an aircraft seat, or airport chair, as a bed. Jet lag.

Time zone changes. Sleep disruption on a major scale. But what if you could take your good sleeping habits with you, on your smartphone or iPod? Just plug in your earphones and you are transported to a deep meditative state where quality sleep comes easily. FeelGood IQ and Sleep IQ are downloadable and proven methods to relax.

They set up your body for a sound sleep, no matter where in the world you happen to be.

-- We have a special offer exclusive to Escape readers: the entire FeelGood IQ program, plus the bonus of Sleep IQ, for just $US47 ($A45.70) instead of the RRP of $US134 ($A130.25). Plus you have a chance to win a five-night holiday at selected Accor Hotels in the Asia Pacific.

See feelgoodiq.com/escape

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advisor/best-new-products-for-travelling/story-e6frfqfr-1226436664302#ixzz2215p2LJv

The beauty of the island of Galangal (Pulau Lengkuas)

Belitung Islands are famous for its beautiful beaches full of large granite rocks and white sand. Besides beaches, there are small islands such as Pulau Lengkuas can be achieved by hiring a small boat. Around the Pulau Lengkuas there are many other islands such as Bird Island (Pulau Burung) and Sand Island (Pulau Pasir), an island that exists only at low tide.

travel

Dixie Easy Dining Yogyakarta

Dixie Easy Dining Yogyakarta is the perfect place for those who need a place to eat at the same time hanging out and hanging out with friends or colleagues. Strategically located in Jl. Affandi, this restaurant is ready to serve you with outstanding service.

Dixie Easy Dining Yogyakarta a puzzled look for a place to hold a birthday party or the like, this modern restaurant is also a fitting and appropriate choice for you. With facilities and outstanding service, Dixie Easy Dining restaurant is not likely to be your primary choice.

Designed in a modern but still maintain the classic, ethnic and beautiful; this restaurant would like to pamper their guests with a selection of existing facilities at the restaurant consists of two floors. Some of these facilities are a few places to eat with chairs made of woven rattan and outdoor setting that gives the impression of cool and beautiful. For those of you who need privacy and quiet while enjoying the meal you eat, second floor, is the right place. The existence of a sofa that is equipped with a soft pillow will add comfort to you that choose to use the second floor at this restaurant.

With a capacity of 200 people, this restaurant offers you a variety of dishes that you've probably never find anywhere else. Beef, which is still to be some kind of menu again, this restaurant is the main menu of the most favored by the guests of this restaurant.

OPENING HOURS
Every day starting at 10:00 to 2:00 pm

TIPS & TRICKS
If you need a quiet and familiar atmosphere, the second floor at the Dixie Easy Dining Yogyakarta is the right choice for you. While enjoying your order, from the window of this restaurant you can see the noisy road Gejayan that never deserted.

place : Jl. Gejayan No. 40 B Yogyakarta INDONESIA 55281

Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong

Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong

The Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong is located on Victoria Harbor, amid the city’s Whampoa Garden District. Guests can enjoy a close proximity to the shopping and cultural Tsimshatsui district as well as the Hong Kong Coliseum, the Hong Kong Museum, the Space Museum, and the Clock Tower.

Amenities offered to guests by the hotel include a fitness center and a sauna, massage services, a rooftop swimming pool, a waterfront bar, a business center and conference facilities, dry cleaning and laundry services as well as 24-hour reception. Travel to the Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong is convenient, and ferry access is just a short walk away.

The hotel provides guests with airport shuttle services, and a train station is just five minutes away. The Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong provides rooms with many amenities, including Internet access, satellite television, coffeemakers, in-room safes, minibars, bathrobes, hairdryers, refrigerators, and microwaves.

Located in the garden district, the Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong provides guests with views of the South China Sea waterfront and modern accommodations, all within close proximity to area shopping and entertainment.