Lifestyle briefs

Dec 22, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Re-development helping Zurich shake off stuffy banker image

Zurich (dpa) - Switzerland's second city is turning into one of the trendiest in Europe thanks to the re-development of its former industrial quarter.

This month a new tram line connecting Zurich West with the rest of the city went into operation and the restaurant and bar 'Clouds' has just opened in the 126-metre-high Prime Tower building, the highest structure in Switzerland.

Zurich is best known for its banks but it once had an industrial past, which can be seen in the street names in Zurich West such as Turbine Square, Techno Park or Motor Street.

Today, Zurich West is home to modern offices, cool nightclubs and cultural institutions, thus helping the city to become one of the most dynamic in Europe.

The power bike - recharging while you cycle

Berlin (dpa) - Re-chargeable batteries are often dead when you need them most. The company Silverback have found a clever solution to this problem: a bicycle USB port for recharging your MP3 player or mobile phone.

As the pedals turn a small generator provides electrical power. It promises to spell the end of darkened displays and unreturned telephone calls.

Electronic Music: this year's Best Of season kicks off

Cologne/London (dpa) - With the end of the year approaching it's time for the 'Best Of' electronic music lists to appear.

Britain's 'DJ Mag' has named Frenchman David Guetta as Best DJ in the World, removing Armin van Buuren from the position which he held for several years.

German lifestyle magazine 'Intro' named its choice for Best Song and Best Album.

Instead of choosing old favourites such as James Blake, the Strokes or Mogwai, the magazine's editors chose Destroyer's album 'Kapput' and the song 'How Deep is Your Love?' from The Rapture.