mika
Still Wondering
TodayÔÇÖs Birthdays / Calendar
BMW in the News
TED: Ideas worth spreading
TED Blog,Conferences, Themes, Talks and Speakers
BMW AG: Share price performance
BMW Press: News and press releases from the official BMW sources
BMW Motorrad South Africa
url=http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/bikes/news/display.asp?Id=834]An Interview with Pieter de Waal, VP of Sales & Marketing[/url]
World of BMW News
worldofbmw.com
BMW GroupPress Club:
BMW Group DesignworksUSA designs iconic espresso machine for Starbucks Coffee Company.
11/16/2007
Munich. The coffee experience. The brown bean is a global, multi-faceted cultural asset - trendy, versatile, delicious. In the modern city, the coffee shop has established itself as meeting place for the discerning coffee connoisseur. Now the world's leading retailer, roaster and promoter of coffee specialties is offering its
customers the opportunity to experience unsurpassed coffee enjoyment at home.
In collaboration with BMW Group DesignworksUSA and Saeco, the leading coffee machine manufacturer, Starbucks has developed a unique espresso machine for domestic use.
Those who wish to brew their coffee in the style of the espresso master, known in Italian bars and caf?®s as the Barista, can in the future fulfil this wish in a classy fashion using the newly developed semi automatic espresso machine SirenaÔäó. This model combines the product characteristics of the original classic version, which is described as a portafilter, with state-of-the-art technical components. The espresso machine SirenaÔäó will be launched at select Starbucks Coffee company-operated stores in North America and on line in November 2007.
The designers were faced with the challenge of creating an authentic product, the design of which reflected above all the distinctive identity of Starbucks and the quality associated with it. At the same time both product experience and design were to symbolize the expertise of Starbucks as well as its brand statement "Daily Inspiration" on a sustained basis.
Starbucks epitomizes modern and discerning coffee-drinking more than most other brands as the company has refined and enhanced coffee culture with its coffeehouses. Its unmistakeable image and characteristic flair are reflected in the product design of the espresso machine SirenaÔäó. In order to achieve these ambitious project objectives, the coffee specialist Starbucks collaborated with the global design studio BMW Group DesignworksUSA and the Italian company Saeco. The premium manufacturer Saeco is the leading producer of fully automatic coffee machines. The Sirena Ôäó excels through its distinctive, iconic design, superior quality and durability. Its styling and functionality fulfill the high standards set by Starbucks for its outstanding coffee products and is the embodiment of the unique, reflective, authentic and inspiring Starbucks lifestyle.
Two-year development period: From design to a premium product
During the two-year development phase BMW Group DesignworksUSA significantly utilized its skills in the fields of design strategy, product and color design as well as material design. In addition to the incorporation of technical requirements, functional user convenience and exemplary design, it was most essential that a clearly visible, unmistakeable design identity was created.
In achieving this aim experts from BMW Group DesignworksUSA were intensively involved in the entire product development process. It was imperative that the new design language reflected both quality and functionality of the newly developed espresso machine as well as the fundamental values of the Starbucks brand. In this crucial stage it was necessary to translate the specific brand values into the appropriate product character with regard to product architecture, gesture, color, material, surface, operation and proportions.
From a total of seven initial design concepts ranging from classic to progressive alternative interpretations of the basic orientation, four designs were chosen in a complex decision process and then revised and optimized. Finally, the end product design was the result of a combination of various elements derived from refined sketches. Two factors in particular were crucial for the final design, namely the American Art-Deco styling as well as Galleria, a concept that conveys the basic iconic gesture. In this respect the specialists at BMW Group DesignworksUSA were able to incorporate in particular their feel for the composition of cultural archetypes and visual patterns.
Professional coffee brewing at the push of a button.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the sophisticated but simple-to-understand functionality of the SirenaÔäó makes professional coffee brewing at home so very easy. In addition to optimum user convenience the machine offers clear and intelligible control of functions. For example, colored illuminating diodes signalize a specific status. The integration of two boilers into the system facilitates the brewing of espresso parallel to characteristic milk froth with a rapid steam process. The deposit area serves additionally as a hotplate for cups or beakers. The entire machine housing is made of metal. The black and silver colored material is produced in a complex die casting process. The Pannarello for milk foaming made of rustproof steel is a very typical feature.
Authentic design as a factor of success for premium brands.
With their involvement in the development of the SirenaÔäó semi automatic espresso machine designers at BMW Group DesignworksUSA have once again demonstrated their outstanding conceptual and creative know-how. This competence is based on thirty five years of international and cross industry experience with high-quality products and well-known brands. The cooperation with international manufacturers from the most diverse industries places the highest demands on design quality: on the understanding of identity and development possibilities of brands, as well as on the ability to incorporate customers' needs and design expectations.
BMW Sauber F1: Website
BMW Motorsport
BMW Yachtsport
BMW Golfsport
BMW Oracle Racing
BMW Sport website
News:
webbikeworld.com
2008 Dakar Rally preview
guardian.co.uk
Motorcycles and the art of poetic utterance
trenhunter.com
Naked bikes gain popularity ÔÇô motorcycles without fairings
about.com
The Fairest of them All? MV Agusta Brutale 1078RR voted ÔÇ£Most BeautifulÔÇØ Milan Show Bike
thekneeslide.com
Harley-Davidson Opens Dealership in East China
thekneeslider.com
S&S X-Wedge Custom for Jay Leno
iht.com
OPEC leaders may discuss creation of currency basket to price oil
Spiegel.de
The ÔÇÿMythÔÇÖ of the Would-Be Hitler Assasin
timesonline.co.uk
Russian claims he killed ÔÇÿBusterÔÇÖ Crabb, the frogman who inspired James Bond
manufacturing.net
What effect will the proposed EU Blue Card have?
Cage World
F1
formula1.com
McLaren Brazil appeal deemed inadmissible
bbc.co.uk
McLaren lose Brazilian GP appeal
[ir;= http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=33415]pitpass.com[/url]
Ferrari reacts to Appeal decision
autosport.com
BMW confirm GlockÔÇÖs exit
bbc.co.uk
India to build F1 track for 2010
motoring.co.za
New F1 rules will cause crashes ÔÇô Masa
Packer News
jsonline.com
Packers Plus Online
The News-Record ÔÇô Gillette Wyoming
Feature:
TriRod Motorcycles ÔÇô F3 Adrenaline
VIDEO LINK
Saturday Cartoons:
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ItbwSGoT0iI&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ItbwSGoT0iI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DOA-2Tm23lE&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DOA-2Tm23lE&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H9FBU9z7Eyo&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H9FBU9z7Eyo&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
Blog Update
Foreign Language Blogs
Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City
Parts:
wired.com
Geek Dad: Lego Battleship Yamato
Riding Skills:
roadridder.com.au
Icy rider | Cool running
ÔÇÿWhenÔÇÖ is in winter. HereÔÇÖs ÔÇÿhowÔÇÖ the ÔÇÿwhyÔÇÖ is up to you.
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jpgKXkyYEvc&rel=1&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jpgKXkyYEvc&rel=1&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
londonbiker.com
Rural Roads ÔÇô British BikersÔÇÖ Killer
Photography / Video:
This week's theme: "Triangle"
It doesn't take a geometry teacher to recognize a triangle. This three-sided shape is arguablly one of the most basic and recognizable forms. It is also, by definition, two-dimensional. Sure, you can find a triangle and take a picture of it, but where's the sport in that? Can you find something triangular (not pyramidal) in your composition or subject matter?
Links to the Photo Assignment threads:
11/17/2007: Triangle
11/10/2007: Harmony
11/03/2007: Pure & Simple
10/27/2007: Open Wide
10/19/2007: Shadow of a Doubt
10/13/2007: Group Dynamic
10/06/2007: Blue
09/29/2007: Evolution
09/22/2007: Balance
09/15/2007: Where I Want to Be
09/08/2007: A Long Way to Go
M.R. Traveler
US Forest Service Fall Color Hotline
na.fs.fed.us
Why Leaves Change Color?
If you want the latest leaf color reports ...
NY 800-225-5697
VT 800-837-6668
MA 800-227-6277
ME 800-777-0317
RI 401-222-2601
CT 800-282-6863
The Best Fall Foliage Sites in America
TodayÔÇÖs RoadFood.com
Woot
Todays Woot
The Blog
xkcd A webcomic of Romance, Sarcasm, Math and Language
Sluggy Freelance
Bike Candy:
via: BikePics.com
THE END
BMW in the News
TED: Ideas worth spreading
TED Blog,Conferences, Themes, Talks and Speakers
BMW AG: Share price performance
BMW Press: News and press releases from the official BMW sources
BMW Motorrad South Africa
url=http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/bikes/news/display.asp?Id=834]An Interview with Pieter de Waal, VP of Sales & Marketing[/url]
World of BMW News
worldofbmw.com
BMW GroupPress Club:
BMW Group DesignworksUSA designs iconic espresso machine for Starbucks Coffee Company.
11/16/2007
Munich. The coffee experience. The brown bean is a global, multi-faceted cultural asset - trendy, versatile, delicious. In the modern city, the coffee shop has established itself as meeting place for the discerning coffee connoisseur. Now the world's leading retailer, roaster and promoter of coffee specialties is offering its
customers the opportunity to experience unsurpassed coffee enjoyment at home.
In collaboration with BMW Group DesignworksUSA and Saeco, the leading coffee machine manufacturer, Starbucks has developed a unique espresso machine for domestic use.
Those who wish to brew their coffee in the style of the espresso master, known in Italian bars and caf?®s as the Barista, can in the future fulfil this wish in a classy fashion using the newly developed semi automatic espresso machine SirenaÔäó. This model combines the product characteristics of the original classic version, which is described as a portafilter, with state-of-the-art technical components. The espresso machine SirenaÔäó will be launched at select Starbucks Coffee company-operated stores in North America and on line in November 2007.
The designers were faced with the challenge of creating an authentic product, the design of which reflected above all the distinctive identity of Starbucks and the quality associated with it. At the same time both product experience and design were to symbolize the expertise of Starbucks as well as its brand statement "Daily Inspiration" on a sustained basis.
Starbucks epitomizes modern and discerning coffee-drinking more than most other brands as the company has refined and enhanced coffee culture with its coffeehouses. Its unmistakeable image and characteristic flair are reflected in the product design of the espresso machine SirenaÔäó. In order to achieve these ambitious project objectives, the coffee specialist Starbucks collaborated with the global design studio BMW Group DesignworksUSA and the Italian company Saeco. The premium manufacturer Saeco is the leading producer of fully automatic coffee machines. The Sirena Ôäó excels through its distinctive, iconic design, superior quality and durability. Its styling and functionality fulfill the high standards set by Starbucks for its outstanding coffee products and is the embodiment of the unique, reflective, authentic and inspiring Starbucks lifestyle.
Two-year development period: From design to a premium product
During the two-year development phase BMW Group DesignworksUSA significantly utilized its skills in the fields of design strategy, product and color design as well as material design. In addition to the incorporation of technical requirements, functional user convenience and exemplary design, it was most essential that a clearly visible, unmistakeable design identity was created.
In achieving this aim experts from BMW Group DesignworksUSA were intensively involved in the entire product development process. It was imperative that the new design language reflected both quality and functionality of the newly developed espresso machine as well as the fundamental values of the Starbucks brand. In this crucial stage it was necessary to translate the specific brand values into the appropriate product character with regard to product architecture, gesture, color, material, surface, operation and proportions.
From a total of seven initial design concepts ranging from classic to progressive alternative interpretations of the basic orientation, four designs were chosen in a complex decision process and then revised and optimized. Finally, the end product design was the result of a combination of various elements derived from refined sketches. Two factors in particular were crucial for the final design, namely the American Art-Deco styling as well as Galleria, a concept that conveys the basic iconic gesture. In this respect the specialists at BMW Group DesignworksUSA were able to incorporate in particular their feel for the composition of cultural archetypes and visual patterns.
Professional coffee brewing at the push of a button.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the sophisticated but simple-to-understand functionality of the SirenaÔäó makes professional coffee brewing at home so very easy. In addition to optimum user convenience the machine offers clear and intelligible control of functions. For example, colored illuminating diodes signalize a specific status. The integration of two boilers into the system facilitates the brewing of espresso parallel to characteristic milk froth with a rapid steam process. The deposit area serves additionally as a hotplate for cups or beakers. The entire machine housing is made of metal. The black and silver colored material is produced in a complex die casting process. The Pannarello for milk foaming made of rustproof steel is a very typical feature.
Authentic design as a factor of success for premium brands.
With their involvement in the development of the SirenaÔäó semi automatic espresso machine designers at BMW Group DesignworksUSA have once again demonstrated their outstanding conceptual and creative know-how. This competence is based on thirty five years of international and cross industry experience with high-quality products and well-known brands. The cooperation with international manufacturers from the most diverse industries places the highest demands on design quality: on the understanding of identity and development possibilities of brands, as well as on the ability to incorporate customers' needs and design expectations.
BMW Sauber F1: Website
BMW Motorsport
BMW Yachtsport
BMW Golfsport
BMW Oracle Racing
BMW Sport website
News:
webbikeworld.com
2008 Dakar Rally preview
guardian.co.uk
Motorcycles and the art of poetic utterance
trenhunter.com
Naked bikes gain popularity ÔÇô motorcycles without fairings
about.com
The Fairest of them All? MV Agusta Brutale 1078RR voted ÔÇ£Most BeautifulÔÇØ Milan Show Bike
thekneeslide.com
Harley-Davidson Opens Dealership in East China
thekneeslider.com
S&S X-Wedge Custom for Jay Leno
iht.com
OPEC leaders may discuss creation of currency basket to price oil
Spiegel.de
The ÔÇÿMythÔÇÖ of the Would-Be Hitler Assasin
timesonline.co.uk
Russian claims he killed ÔÇÿBusterÔÇÖ Crabb, the frogman who inspired James Bond
manufacturing.net
What effect will the proposed EU Blue Card have?
Cage World
F1
formula1.com
McLaren Brazil appeal deemed inadmissible
bbc.co.uk
McLaren lose Brazilian GP appeal
[ir;= http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=33415]pitpass.com[/url]
Ferrari reacts to Appeal decision
autosport.com
BMW confirm GlockÔÇÖs exit
bbc.co.uk
India to build F1 track for 2010
motoring.co.za
New F1 rules will cause crashes ÔÇô Masa
Packer News
jsonline.com
Packers Plus Online
The News-Record ÔÇô Gillette Wyoming
Feature:
TriRod Motorcycles ÔÇô F3 Adrenaline
VIDEO LINK
Saturday Cartoons:
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ItbwSGoT0iI&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ItbwSGoT0iI&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
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<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H9FBU9z7Eyo&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H9FBU9z7Eyo&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
Blog Update
Foreign Language Blogs
Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City
Parts:
wired.com
Geek Dad: Lego Battleship Yamato
Riding Skills:
roadridder.com.au
Icy rider | Cool running
ÔÇÿWhenÔÇÖ is in winter. HereÔÇÖs ÔÇÿhowÔÇÖ the ÔÇÿwhyÔÇÖ is up to you.
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jpgKXkyYEvc&rel=1&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jpgKXkyYEvc&rel=1&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
londonbiker.com
Rural Roads ÔÇô British BikersÔÇÖ Killer
Photography / Video:
This week's theme: "Triangle"
It doesn't take a geometry teacher to recognize a triangle. This three-sided shape is arguablly one of the most basic and recognizable forms. It is also, by definition, two-dimensional. Sure, you can find a triangle and take a picture of it, but where's the sport in that? Can you find something triangular (not pyramidal) in your composition or subject matter?
Links to the Photo Assignment threads:
11/17/2007: Triangle
11/10/2007: Harmony
11/03/2007: Pure & Simple
10/27/2007: Open Wide
10/19/2007: Shadow of a Doubt
10/13/2007: Group Dynamic
10/06/2007: Blue
09/29/2007: Evolution
09/22/2007: Balance
09/15/2007: Where I Want to Be
09/08/2007: A Long Way to Go
M.R. Traveler
US Forest Service Fall Color Hotline
na.fs.fed.us
Why Leaves Change Color?
If you want the latest leaf color reports ...
NY 800-225-5697
VT 800-837-6668
MA 800-227-6277
ME 800-777-0317
RI 401-222-2601
CT 800-282-6863
The Best Fall Foliage Sites in America
TodayÔÇÖs RoadFood.com
Woot
Todays Woot
The Blog
xkcd A webcomic of Romance, Sarcasm, Math and Language
Sluggy Freelance
Bike Candy:
via: BikePics.com
THE END