5.00/5 (100.00%) 1vote

Asia’s first LEGOLAND® Hotel opened its doors today and welcomed guests from across the region. The opening of the LEGOLAND® Hotel is ahead of schedule and offers 249 uniquely themed bedrooms. The Hotel opening also marks the complete transformation of LEGOLAND into a Resort. The LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort brings together a Theme Park, Water Park and Hotel in one LEGO® themed location with more than 70 hands-on rides, slides, shows and attractions.

“We are delighted to welcome our first guests to the LEGOLAND Hotel. The opening of the Hotel transforms LEGOLAND from a tourist attraction to a unique holiday destination. With the Resort fully opened, families can stay longer and enjoy all the rides, slides, shows and attractions that LEGOLAND has to offer,” said Siegfried Boerst, General Manager of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort.

The opening is also significant for the highly developing Iskandar region as LEGOLAND has been a key tourism driver ever since the Theme Park opened to public last year. The LEGOLAND Hotel turns a day the family will always remember into a stay they will never forget. Designed to bring children’s imaginations to life, it boasts brightly coloured LEGO features throughout bedrooms, play areas and restaurants.

An amazing display containing 12,528 LEGO Minifigures welcomes guests as they check-in and the Hotel is full of interactive child-friendly features – from quirky themed elevators, exploding toy boxes, treasure trails, dragons and much more. Children can play in a 32-foot high pirate shipwreck with a LEGO river, start an adventure by exploring the castle guarded by a LEGO ogre or dance their way up to the bedrooms in the character themed ‘disco’ elevators. There’s also a dedicated play area with more than 1,000 LEGO bricks.

© 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2013 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND IS A PART OF MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP. From the spectacular entrance right through to Bricks Family Restaurant, Skyline Bar and Patio Lounge, guests find fun LEGO elements everywhere they look. A true child’s paradise, there are more than five million LEGO bricks to be found throughout the Hotel.

All the bedrooms include a king-size bed for parents, plus a separate sleeping area for up to three children, complete with a bunk bed, pull-out trundle bed and entertainment unit. The themed rooms give guests the choice of playing Pirate, commanding a Kingdom or embarking on an Adventure. To add to the excitement, each room has a treasure chest that children can unlock once they complete finding clues throughout their room. There are many entertainment options in the Hotel; from the swimming pool to the interactive LEGO games and activities. Families can enjoy either a buffet style concept restaurant or dine in an à la carte environment at the Bricks Family Restaurant and Gourmet Bricks respectively.

Hotel bookings can be made online at the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort website www.legoland.com.my. Basic rates start from RM400++ and depend on room type as well as seasonal demand. Prices are based on a family room for five and include breakfast for the entire family. Hotel guests can also take advantage of an exclusive promotion offering them the opportunity to purchase a two day combo ticket for the price of a one day combo ticket. A combo ticket provides access to both the Theme Park and Water Park and allows unrestricted movement between the two.

The LEGOLAND Hotel is located at the heart of the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort.

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YAHOO LAUNCHES STYLE FACTOR

Yahoo Malaysia recently announced the launch of Style Factor Malaysia, a premium fashion, beauty and personal care site for the new age Malaysia women. Style Factor will bring the latest celebrity news and information on fashion, photo galleries and how-to videos, programmed especially for Malaysian users.

Making its debut in Malaysia, Style Factor has its roots in Yahoo US, the concept originating from a long-time global partnership with Procter & Gamble. The initiative has been successfully extended to other Asian countries like Indonesia, India and the Philippines in the last two years.

“We are excited to bring Style Factor to Malaysia as it offers a rich, immersive branded content experience which seeks to inform, engage and entertain our users,” says Karen Vera, Regional Executive Producer for Media Development and Custom Brand Experiences at Yahoo Southeast Asia. She adds, “We are happy to strengthen our global relationship with P&G to offer the brand the right kind of audience and editorial strength required to launch the branded entertainment experience to connect with relevant consumers.”

Leveraging the trending topics relating to leisure and entertainment content, Style Factor will offer locally produced content, hosted by model Daniella Sya, with a dedicated editorial team supporting the production of local news online.

Video content will be an integral part of Style Factor and Daniella will anchor the signature video series which will have short Style Factor episodes in both English and Malay. The themes of these episodes will range from how to repair damaged hair to how to look good in photos (especially useful in the age of selfies and photos sharing sites).

With the consumption of video content on the rise, Yahoo expects to drive greater traffic to the Style Factor site. Yahoo Malaysia’s monthly video stream numbers have increased tenfold over the past year, rising from 160,000 streams in Aug 2012 to 1.96 million streams in Aug 2013.

“I hope audiences will accept this concept and find our tips useful to make their days go better,” shared Daniella, who was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur. “We’ve tried to make this show as friendly as possible so it’ll reach out to as many women with beauty and home concerns.”

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HEEL-STORY IN THE MAKING (PART 2): THE RISE AND FURTHER RISE OF HIGH HEELS

Previously, we touched a little on the history of high heels and the stiletto, and how the tippy-toed fashion first started from the feet of men. So ladies, the next time your man complains when you take too long at the shoe shop, be sure to give him a little 5-minute education on who to really blame for this. (Above via parentsworld.com)

Since the ancient ages, the designs have evolved along with the changing themes and pop culture of the decades. With the crazed obsession that whirlwinds this foot accessory in these current times, one thing’s for sure – Monroe’s words will continued be uttered by millions of women to come. Here we explore the evolution of the high heel fashion trend, or what some of us would claim as an 8thwonder of the world.

The 20s

Enter the roaring twenties that belonged to flappers and the Charleston. T-strapped high heels were in, and the First World War was out. The mood of celebration was in the air, and women were rejoicing in their fashionable shoes, which were mainly round toed, Cuban styled, and fastened with buckles or laces. The heels were mid length and wide-based, and the whole shoe in the era would usually be just one solid colour. Bo-ring! (Via glammediaitalia.it)

The 30s

The Great Depression may have brought exasperation into America, but it would take a whole lot more than that to wipe out the high heel industry. Unlike other aspects of ladies fashion which were downsized, women’s shoes surprisingly had an increase in variety in these testing times. Perhaps it was a means of distraction? Everything from ankle-strapped heels, peep toes, wedged heels – a variety of styles were available in the thirties, although the designs were geared towards a more conservative approach, having to keep costs at the minimum. (Via stylehive.com)

The 40’s

As the forties approached, the war was back into the picture while high heels were not. Fancy shoe wear took a back seat as women were opting for more practical options, having to ‘foot’ much more responsibilities now that their husbands were away fighting for their country. The luxury of leather materials were no longer available as they were only to be strictly used by the military, and women enlisted in the force were made to wear black pumps with a heel no higher than 1.5 inches – don’t even think about stockings. Outside the force, things were not much different; heels were wider and lower, prioritizing comfort rather than aesthetics, as women were going to have to rough it out now more than ever in their daily lives. (Via etsy.com)

The 50s

As the world recovered from its traumatizing war times, so did women’s high heel fashion. Many women looked to the soon-to-be first lady, Jackie Kennedy for style tips, of which the words sophistication and comfort comes to mind. Watch any movie from the 50’s era and you’ll be able to see the obvious trend in the footwear. Mostly solid in colour but available in every different shade the human eye could perceive, ladies shoes were planned to match the colour of their dresses, hairpieces, cars, cats….you get the picture. This, my friends, is also the era where the sexiest of sexy, sexy heels made its first appearance: the stiletto. Unlike the many cheap cost-cutting versions that are available today, the true stiletto heel and shape can only be achieved when the stem of the heel is made of solid steel or alloy – a fact that was established well into the fifties. (Via etsy.com)

The 60s

“These boots are made for walking” and that’s just what it did for the next two decades. This Nancy Sinatra record was released in 1966 when knee-high, pointy-toed, heeled ‘kinky boots’ were at in, and so were other forms of ankle stiletto boots which transformed regular legs into sexy calves. The 60s were also famous for the gaining momentum of the feminist movement, which rejected high heels as an oppressing, self-crippling, man-made sexual stereotype. As heels were once used long ago as a means of slowing down women to disable them from escaping the harems they were forced into, the feminist movement of the 60s saw it in a similar light, a means of submitting women to male violence. As a result, heels started becoming lower and chunkier, but never compromising on the chic factor – funky colours, metallics and buckled shoes were very in at the moment. (Via amazon.co.uk)

The 70s

If you’re wondering where platforms came from, it was from the era of disco dancing, the sizzling seventies. Turn left and right and you’d see experimentation everywhere with drugs, sex, and thankfully also with fashion. Pushing the boundaries of style and amazing others with outrageous outfits, this decade was all about wowing and attention-seeking. Platform shoes did just that especially when paired with crazily high heels. John Travolta’s high heeled Cuban boots in the opening of Saturday night fever in the late 70s also escalated the platform shoe fashion among men, although his shoe choice might not have had nothing to do with the trending fashion, really. (Via ebay.com)

The 80’s & 90s

This eighties and nineties was a rocking time for everyone. Think Joan Jett, think Cindy Lauper. The rocker style was the craze of the era. Oh and move over, feminism. Your rejection of stilettos as a statement of submission has been, er, rejected. We’ve now decided that we don them for our own pleasure and delight. Heels gave women added height, which in turn gave them confidence, power and authority which they started to need now more than ever as many a woman were getting serious in their workplace and careers. Professional pointed and slender heels of mid to low height were a popular choice for the workplace while towering and sophisticated designer heels such as Jimmy Choo (a fellow Malaysian yay!) and Emma Hope were still a preference after hours. (Via kama-s-fashionl)

The 2000s – till present

As skirt hemlines rose, so did the variety of high heel designs. The early 2000s saw some strappy heels with a dainty feel that was a popular choice for evening classy wear. In the mean time, other designers like Antonio Berardi and Manolo Blahnik eliminated the heel section of from their shoes altogether to create the revolutionary anti-gravity heel that would be the inspiration of other whacky designs to come, and iconic with celebs who have a taste for the unusual – it would be almost sinful here to not mention the devil’s child herself, Lady Gaga. Not just that, the obsession of wearing high heels have become more common and accepted among the modern female society, that women are surgically restructuring their feet through procedures that shorten the toes and injects padding on the balls of the feet to allow them to walk in those stilts for longer. High heels have never been sexier and women’s feet have never been more deformed! (Via amazon.com)

Also read: HEEL-STORY IN THE MAKING PART 1: THE ORIGIN OF HIGH HEEL FASHION

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INTRODUCING CHAPTER ONE ROUND TRANSPARENCE

Transparence. The antithesis of ambiguity, it embodies clarity—freedom. Transparence is changing the world and the way we view time. Transparence reveals the handiwork of the master watchmaker: impeccably finished bridges, precisely beveled edges, and a symphony of mechanical complexity. Transparence − presented here in a limited edition of 11 pieces in red gold − unveils the heart and soul of a rare timepiece too alluring to cover up.

Models coming down the Escalator bearing the Maitres du Temps signature wooden box with the Chapter One Transparence inside.

It was a night of double surprises as Maîtres du Temps launched two timepieces at Starhill Gallery’s A Journey Through Time VII Public Night on 27th November 2013. The first timepiece launched was the RM1.9 million Chapter One Round Transparence, made of red gold and crafted by three Award winning watchmakers. The timepiece was launched by Founder of Maîtres du Temps, Mr. Steven Holtzman, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christophe Viguerie. The Chapter One Tonneau Transparence was the second timepiece launched that night, made of titanium and white gold. It was specially made for Starhill Gallery and A Journey Through Time VII.

Steven Holtzman launching the second timepiecce of the night, the Chapter One Transparence Tonneau, created especially for Starhill Gallery and A Journey Through Time VII

It is as stunning as it is revealing. The high precision, laser-etched sapphire see-through dial invites you to discover the meticulously decorated movement and all its mechanical prowess and intricate inner workings. The sapphire dial designed for Transparence is a work of art and an example of the highest level precision engineering. The 0.40 mm, ultrathin high-tech sapphire dial is cut and precisely laser-pierced more than twenty times to provide holes for the anchors to securely fasten the appliqués that mark the passage of time.

The fastidious process of machining the multi-beveled minute track, which includes hand-painted Super-LumiNova indices, illustrates that the level of detail in Chapter One Round Transparence is not just limited to the movement. While the meticulous process of fitting the tourbillon cage to the fine, nearly invisible dial is reserved for only the most accomplished of watchmakers who dare to take on such a complicated assembly, the result is an extremely legible timepiece with a breathtaking view into mechanical mastery.

Equally notable is the addition of the precious metal finish chronograph bridge visible through the octagonal sapphire display back. Through a patented plating process, four precious metals belonging to the platinum family—platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, and palladium—combine to give the chronograph bridge the darkened appearance unique to the Chapter One Transparence collection. “Chapter One Transparence offers a glimpse into the world of the master watchmaker. The sapphire dial reveals the often concealed inner workings of the timepiece and its high level of craftsmanship. Looking into the movement—the soul of the watch—gives one an appreciation of how the watch was created, the human hands that touched it, the ingenuity that formed it,” says Founder Steven Holtzman.

A World-First Combination of Complications

Chapter One Round Transparence takes center stage as the evolution of the Chapter One collection continues. Chapter One is a world-first combination of complications, comprising a tourbillon, mono-pusher chronograph, retrograde date, retrograde GMT, and two idiosyncratic rolling bars indicating the day of the week and phase of the moon. The collection is quintessential Maîtres du Temps and became an instant classic among rave reviews by the press and collectors across the globe.

Chapter One, then and now, is a horological work of art, both inside and out. Long, flowing compound curves traverse the case, imparting a sense of nobility and power without leaving a trace of the complexity involved. The ease of both reading and adjusting Chapter One’s many indications disguises the fact that the micromechanical movement powering this masterpiece is crafted from 558 components. A tour of the dial reveals central coaxial hours, minutes, and chronograph 60-second counter; tourbillon and day of the week roller at 6 o’clock; retrograde GMT at 9 o’clock; 60-minute chronograph counter and precision moon phase roller at 12 o’clock; and retrograde date at 3 o’clock.

Meticulous attention to every minute detail throughout the design and execution of all facets of Chapter One’s development has resulted in a timepiece of exceptional presence and refinement. The harmoniously integrated rolling bars, for example, had to be both large enough to be easily read and small enough to be ultralight and homogeneous with the case. Scintillating, laser-pierced moon and stars on the outer roller of the moon phase indication add to its stellar elegance. The iconic rolling bars are unmistakable Maîtres du Temps and the foundation of the brand’s unmistakable DNA.

The Chapter One collection is an enduring beacon of ingenuity and architectural form. As sublime as it is complex, the original tonneau case put the industry on notice to a new standard of excellence. Followed by a creative interpretation of the classic round case, Chapter One Round demonstrated the collection’s versatility. Now, with the advent of Chapter One Transparence, in both tonneau and round cases—the technical prowess of the collection is proudly revealed for all to see. The One of 11 elegantly engraved at the back of each timepiece highlights the limitation of this exclusive series. And the story of Chapter One continues . . .

Guests admiring the Chapter One Transparence

Chapter One Round Transparence – Technical Specifications

Chapter One Round Transparence in red gold is a limited edition of 11 pieces with a transparent sapphire crystal dial. Laser-etched sapphire dial revealing a manual-wind mechanical movement with hand-beveled cut-out bridges and a precious metal finish chronograph bridge, one-minute tourbillon, mono-pusher chronograph, retrograde date indicator, retrograde GMT indicator, day of the week indication on roller, patented precise moon phase indication on roller.

Displays

Central hands indicating hours and minutes

Central chronograph counterpoised second hand

60-minute counter at 12 o’clock

Retrograde date at 3 o’clock

Retrograde GMT at 9 o’clock

One-minute tourbillon at 6 o’clock

Day of the week indication on roller at 6 o’clock

Patented precise moon phase indication on roller at 12 o’clock

Functions

Two-position winding crown: pushed in to wind the watch; pulled out to set the time

Chronograph: start/stop/return-to-zero function activated by single pusher in the crown

Correctors

Date corrector at 2 o’clock

Day of the week corrector at 4 o’clock

Moon phase corrector at 8 o’clock

GMT corrector at 10 o’clock

Caliber SHC02.1

Hand-beveled cut-out bridges

Black precious metal finish chronograph bridge

Dimensions: 51 mm x 31 mm

Number of components: 558

Number of jewels: 58

Power reserve: 60 hours

Tourbillon rotation: 60 seconds

Balance frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)

Case

Limited edition of 11 pieces in 18K red gold, each engraved One of 11

Number of components:  96

Dimensions: 62 mm x 59 mm x 22 mm

Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating

Display back: sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating

High polish and satin finishes on compound-curve surfaces

Correctors with integrated locking system

Dial

High-precision, laser-etched sapphire

Number of components: 5

Circular grained appliqués

White Super-LumiNova indices

Hands

Red counterpoised chronograph hand

Sporty faceted diamond-cut hands

Luminescent hour and minute hands

Rollers

Day barrel: matte finish anodized Anticorodal aluminum

Moon phase barrel: anodized Anticorodal aluminum with painted moon and stars inside a matte finish anodized cover with laser-pierced moon and stars.

Strap and buckle

Hand-sewn alligator strap with 18K gold deployant buckle

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BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE DESIGNER

Is ‘Photohopped’ beauty really that bad? I mean, don’t we all try to dress and act to look like someone who we are not anyway?

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HEEL-STORY IN THE MAKING (PART 1): THE ORIGIN OF HIGH HEEL FASHION

Glamour, sophistication, and sado-masochism have never been expressed more openly in fashion than through the invention of the pointed stiletto heel. Transforming regular outfits into classy, luxurious ones since God knows when, heels have become a necessity to the modern woman’s wardrobe; so much so that fairy tales, pop culture, and fetishes loyally surround the subject. But how exactly did the high heel shoe arrive at what it is today – steep, incredible, and I daresay slightly ridiculous?

“I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!” were the famous words of classic sex icon, Marilyn Monroe. Women love wearing them and men love to see women in them, but believe it or not, Monroe got it right about men initiating trend. Like a long game of tag, it was men that first designed and iconized this elevated footwear before passing on the fad to womankind, not knowing that a day would come in the future when their innovation would come back to bite them in the a** in the form of endless shoe shopping missions with their partners, and getting used to considerably lighter wallets.

In a brief overview of how this gender-changing trend rose to fame, we turn back time to the early centuries where Persian soldiers in the Near East designed heeled boots as standard war attire, as it prevented the foot from slipping from their stirrups as they took aim at their opponent.

As time passed, the world learned this practicality from them, but it was soon the impracticality of high heels that captured the obsession of status-loving French King, Louise the 14th. He believed that impracticality was only for those who could afford it, thus banned it from use by anyone but the royal circle. A quick fast forward to the end of his reign, heels were back on the menu for public use, and was the centre of attention for women who at the time were trying to mimic the dressing style of men in order to appear more significant and authoritative in society. But soon after, everything about men’s fashion were thrown out of women’s closets – just one item remained: the sacred icon of women’s fashion today, the high heeled shoe. <insert ghostly soprano chorus here>

Also read: HEEL-STORY IN THE MAKING PART 2: THE RISE AND FURTHER RISE OF HIGH HEELS

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HENNESSY X.O EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION VII BY TOM DIXON

Hennessy is pleased to unveil its groundbreaking collaboration with renowned British designer Tom Dixon and an innovative new design for Hennessy X.O. A unique, contemporary rendition of the house’s traditional carafe, Hennessy X.O Exclusive Collection by Tom Dixon is a distinctive and harmonious study in light and materiality, shape and finish.

“The Hennessy X.O carafe is a timeless object that I wanted to treat in an original, modern way,” explains Dixon. The Exclusive Collection X.O carafe by Tom Dixon nods to tradition while showcasing state-of-the-art technique. Through the process of tessellation, the designer has created a striking visual tribute to the more than 100 eaux de vie composing the Hennessy X.O blend. Like a modern mosaic, multiple reflections of light on faceted copper reference the luxury of cut crystal and recall the rich materiality and generosity of the Cognac itself. Hennessy X.O Exclusive Collection VII by Tom Dixon honours the celebrated Cognac’s history while moving its aesthetic into new territory.

Tom Dixon

A pioneer and a true original, Tom Dixon’s commitment to innovative design and manufacture and vision of “illuminating and furnishing the future” has produced numerous iconic pieces, many of which are now in permanent collections across the globe. Among awards and nominations he was named the Design Museum’s ‘Designer of the Year’. An entirely self-taught talent, Dixon uses the diversity of his own experience to recast familiar objects in a compelling new light. Yet for all its modernity, Mr. Dixon’s work is clearly anchored in a sense of continuity.

“To me, an innovator needs to think beyond ‘now’ and look for connections between different worlds,” says Dixon. “I see a clear distinction between fashionable objects and long-lasting ones. Timeless pieces tend to build on the past in a way that hasn’t been seen before.”

“I was inspired by the way precious objects are mounted, specifically the crystal in the geological museum in London, explains Dixon. In the designer’s hands, the Hennessy X.O bottle remains immediately recognizable, yet feels completely new. A collectible in its own right, Hennessy X.O Exclusive Collection VII by Tom Dixon stands out like a vivid copper gem encased in a faceted gift box, the first one the house has ever produced in matte metal.

The Hennessy X.O Exclusive Collection VII by Tom Dixon re-imagines the refined taste of success of Hennessy X.O through a new expression of its iconic decanter; an elegant catalyst of conversation during social occasions. For enquiries, kindly contact Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia on +603 2053 8688.

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DÖTTLING’S OFFERS PEACE OF MIND: BUT ONLY IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT

They say the value of having peace of mind is priceless. And that comes with the surety that one’s belongings are safe and secure without having to be supervised at all hours. When wanting to protect these valuable items, those in the know turn to Döttling, the renowned German safe manufacturer with a proven track record of providing high quality security with time tested craftsmanship.

*****Article by Azral Hanan*****

Established in 1919 by Ernst Döttling, it began as a locksmith shop in the town of Sindelfingen. Ernst perfected his craft and workmanship. Everything was done by hand and with meticulous attention to detail and finesse. Since then the company has grown from strength to strength through the subsequent generations. Even while still maintaining the dedication to the exceptional standards of their founder.  Under the stewardship of Markus Döttling who is the fourth generation of the family, the Döttling brand has expanded and carved its own niche in the world of luxury safe-making.

Döttling specialises in producing exceptionally designed safes that can be customised to suit the individual preferences of any client. Each safe is meticulously planned and developed, taking into account the client’s needs and desires, then enhanced by a legacy of four generations of expertise and technical finesse; derived from traditional German locksmith artistry. The result is a perfect combination of functionality, strength and beauty.

What really draws potential clients is that unlike many other industries and companies that have gone fully or partly automated to enable mass production, Döttling still does things the hard way. That is by employing skilled human labour. When they mention ‘handcraft’ it’s not a fancy way of saying ‘finishing touch’. The whole process from development, through assembly, and on to the finish, is all done by human hands. This holds true for every safe that has ever passed through the 100 year old gates of their manufactory at Maichingen.

A battalion of locksmiths, restorers, painters and security specialists are among some of the skilled talent at their disposal as they bring forth each unique tailored masterpiece. If someone wants gold plating, goldsmiths apply and work with 24 carat gold leaf. Variations include red and white gold to antique gold. And this diversity in options is not just limited to precious metals.  The master saddlers have handled materials ranging from the conventional to the truly exotic. Calfskin, bird’s feathers, even ray skin. Whether the cutting, or sewing and bevelling, it’s all done exquisitely by hand. No expenses are spared. Not even time.

To meet the ever more expanding and specialised requirements of their discerning clientele, Döttling has developed a range of models and product lines all sharing the hallmark of timeless artistic pedigree and German technical mastery. Among some of the more sought after include the Bel Air, a handmade high security luxury class model. Then there’s the ‘Chameleon’ which as its namesake implies, blends near seamlessly with the background. Its unique swing door mechanism allows it to integrate even into limited space.

Those looking for something a bit more opulent can opt for the ‘Pauline’, a safe with customised compartments for your jewelry and documents. It even comes with a portable jewellery case equipped with GPS, just in case one misplaces it.

Döttling has even collaborated with that icon of creativity, the fashion genius that is Karl Lagerfeld. The aptly named ‘Narcissus’ was conceived as a fusion of high aesthetic; merged with innovative cutting edge technology. This fully automated marvel only reveals and activates itself to its owner. The steel body weighing at 800kg is sheathed in high gloss, chrome-plated aluminium. The interior is made up of two handcrafted cabinets fitted with jewelry drawers and watch winders. Like any singular art-piece only 30 will be available as the effort and skill needed means only a few can ever be made.

For something truly remarkable one cannot go far wrong with the GrandCircle. Even rarer than the Narcissus it’s limited to only 20. When you see it you’ll know why. It’s basically a safe in the shape of a clock consisting of 52 individually controlled watch winders. An actual working handmade Naeschke pendulum clock is incorporated into the design. It even has its own minibar – convenient whenever Happy Hour strikes.

If one is looking for something more compact there’s the ‘Colossimo’ range which are regarded as the smallest commercial luxury safes in the world.  The outer design of these table-top safes is reminiscent of American bank vaults. Like their larger cousins, the Colossimo incorporates gold plating and complex gem-based locking mechanisms and completed with a carbon finish.

The search for security of belongings is constantly evolving. Döttling has been at forefront of the new revolution in asset safekeeping that emphasises a holistic approach that goes beyond just having a safe in the home. Already with the ‘Chameleon’ they have a unit that can integrate with furniture and room decor. Yet Döttling goes a step further with its pioneering security vision with the ‘Safiture’ and the ‘Collector’s room’.

The ‘Safiture’ is truly one of a kind. It’s a range of high-quality furniture that masks the presence of storage vaults in a house. The main feature consists of having safety furnishings around the secured core, in effect making it invisible. These can be whatever the client wants. All furnishings and décor will be especially custom made by hand to fit any individual requirement and taste.

With the Collector’s room, Döttling offers a full spectrum security concept in which not only is the safe provided, but also the room itself made secure. The skilled craftsman and security expertise at their disposal is put to use to design aesthetically pleasing rooms and chambers with security features that have been fully amalgamated into the final ambience. The end product is an enclosed space that can not only showcase and enhance any prestigious collection or valuables on display, but also offer the owner confidence with its formidable safety mechanisms and near unbreachable protective measures.

Thus to ensure peace of mind, put your trust in the hands of Döttling; where the art of protecting what is most precious is in itself a worthy endeavour.

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AFC AND PARTNERS LAUNCH ‘ONE GOAL’ CAMPAIGN

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) recently kicked off the ‘One Goal’ campaign along with partners World Vision, DSM, Global Alliance for Improving Nutrition (GAIN) and the Asian Football Development Project (AFDP), as part of the AFC Awards.  Focused on providing nutrition for every child in Asia, by leveraging the power of and the passion for football in the region,  the ‘One Goal’ campaign will seek to tackle the poor nutritional practices and access that have been holding back Asia and Asian football.

Signing Ceremony between AFC and WVI

FIFA Vice President and Co-Chair of the One Goal board, HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein said, “The One Goal campaign is part of AFC’s long term social responsibility strategy.  We are glad that we are able to partner with global organisations like World Vision, DSM and GAIN to grow champions, both on and off the field in Asia.”

Asia is home to close to 578 million of the 1 billion malnourished people around the world.  Some 100 million of the 165 million children globally who are stunted – a condition where physical and intellectual growth is impaired due to chronic undernutrition – are Asian. Stunting also exposes these same children to a higher likelihood of contracting non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Simply put: poor nutritional practices place an enormous burden on Asia as a whole, diminishing the potential of individuals, societies and economies.

Deborah Henry together with Stuart Ramalingam (L) and Urs Zannati (R)

“The vision of the One Goal campaign is to unite a diverse range of audiences under the banner of football and serve them messages about good nutrition, especially for children,” said Trihadi Saptoadi, Regional Leader, World Vision – South Asia and Pacific Regional office, “We are looking to ignite a social movement that will transform child nutrition in the region, helping more children survive and thrive.”

The campaign will seek to transform child nutrition in the Asian region by engaging players, fans and football lovers to become ambassadors for good nutritional practices and engage and encourage governments to invest more in helping children to access nutritious foods so they can grow up strong and reach their fullest potential.

Group Picture of Ha Dae Sung presenting the autographed football to Deborah Henry

“For children across Asia to eat, live and play right, we must ensure that their right to nutrition is recognized and defended – by us all,” said DSM’s Managing Board Member Stephan Tanda. “Together, the partners of One Goal are uniting to leverage their expertise, resources and reach so that we can tackle undernutrition – the root cause of stunting – head-on.”

“We commend AFC and partners for their leadership in addressing a crisis which is harming so many of Asia’s children and young people. Sporting excellence and good nutrition go hand in hand, we want to unite to give every child the right start in life” said Marc Van Ameringen, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition.

Maryann Hwee, President of Fringebacker, an Asia-focused crowd-funding platform said, “We are proud to be associated with One Goal. We have projects up that are supporting children who are malnourished at www.fringebacker.com/en/onegoal now with an initial goal of raising $50,000 to support nutrition clubs in Vietnam.”

“We invite football lovers all over Asia to come and be part of the One Goal campaign,” said HRH Prince Ali, “Visit us at onegoal.asia, learn more about the campaign and become part of transforming nutrition in Asia.”

About the Partners:

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body of Asian football and one of the six Confederations making up FIFA.  The AFC is now headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and consists of 46 Member Associations and one Associate Member Association. Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain is the AFC President and Dato’ Alex Soosay is the AFC General Secretary. (http://www.the-afc.com)

The Asian Football Development Project is a not-for-profit Youth Commission founded in January 2012. AFDP provides Asian football organisations and development organisations using football as a tool for social development with needs-based assistance. (http://www.the-afdp.com)

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is an alliance driven by the vision of a world without malnutrition. Created in 2002 at a Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Children, GAIN supports public-private partnerships to increase access to the missing nutrients in diets necessary for people, communities and economies to be stronger and healthier. (http://www.gainhealth.org)

Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. (http://www.dsm.com)

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.  World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. (http://www.wvi.org)

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HEART WIRED: LOVE, SEX AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS WITH ROBOTS (PART 2/3)

Why would anyone get a robot like a humanoid or android? We continue this article (Part 1) with the possible reasons to answer that question:

(Cover image via Wired)

Relationship Stand-In

During its inception, the Internet was lauded as a means of promoting greater connectivity helping to break through the social isolation brought on by the pressures of fast-paced modern living. The weakening of traditional social, cultural and family ties could be replaced with vibrant online communities and communication with people from all over the globe in a truly boundless network, where no-one would ever be alone.

*****Article by Azral Hanan*****

 It also means that living, studying and travelling overseas is no longer such a traumatic experience. The Internet is perfect for maintaining long distance relationships with loved ones who’ve moved far away. On top of that, it is now the norm for people who have never met except online to engage in internet or online relationships that can even lead to marriage.

Imagine if one could somehow bridge the space and distance not only with words, but with sensations such as voice, sight, sound and even touch. The first three is already popular with social media, videos and webcams allowing two lovers separated by thousands of miles to flirt face-to-face across different time zones, as long their bandwidth holds. But the sense of touch has so far proved elusive. It doesn’t mean for want of trying.

Durex Fundawear is specially designed underwear that can be worn and allows someone to transmit a vibratory sensation mimicking a touch to the wearer from a different location.

(Image via Bettina Arndt)

Several companies have already attempted to fill the void and create a product that will somehow bridge the tactile gap between two people communicating through the screen. Durex, for example, came up with the Fundawear, which is specially designed underwear that can be worn and allows someone to transmit a vibratory sensation mimicking a touch to the wearer from a different location.

With androids, it is possible to have a wholly synthetic stand-in in place in lieu of the actual person. They can be customized and made to order to appear as one’s wife, lover or even mistress. It is likely that in the near future, by adapting motion capture technology and combining it with animatronics, we may someday get seamless integration between the response’s and reactions of the simulacrum and the original person who may be ten thousand miles away. Here, the partner can engage in physical contact and enhance the emotional connection with their partner vicariously through the android.

Or the other way around, where the android is connected via the Internet to the other person wearing a full sensor body suit who is located elsewhere. Every time the android is touched, it sends a signal to the corresponding area on the body suit and it reacts accordingly, so the wearer feels as if they had been touched. Better yet, a combination of the two where both individuals can touch the other despite not even being in the same room or continent.

• Implications:

It’s an exciting possibility, but there are also a host of issues that can arise. Chiefly, what happens when someone hacks into the connection and engages in long distance molestation – either through the android or the body suit (similarly, if someone were to hack into the Durex Fundawear – are they guilty of molestation?).

And what about rape? Can rape legally take place if the perpetrator and the victim are miles apart (perhaps in another country) and there was no actual physical contact? Crimes like assault and sexual offences may have to be redefined to take into account the separation between the actual harm and the doer. Not to mention issues on child molestation and online grooming that could take on a whole new level of urgency with vicarious fondling now a possibility.

Companionship

In Japan there is a growing generation of young men who have remained cooped up in their rooms, turning into virtual recluses. They virtually cut themselves off from any form of social contact. Often, by spending every waking hour playing games, surfing the net, reading comics or sleeping. The phenomenon is referred to as hikkokomori or ‘pulling inward’.

The triggers seem to be lack of career prospects especially with Japan being in decades old stagflation and economic stagnation. This in turn means that young Japanese men find it more difficult to get a good university, which in turn affects their chances of getting good and stable jobs so as to be able to marry and raise a family. Originally believed to be a culturally specific social condition, researchers have noted that it is also occurring among the some sections of the male population in Europe and the United States.

Not surprisingly, it’s no coincidence that Japanese tech firms have been at the forefront of developments in the field of artificial companion dolls and androids. These have included, but are not limited to robot dogs, since dogs are a man’s best friend. Remember the AIBO from Sony and other variants such as the iDog from Sega and the Genibo from Korea? They wag and bark just like regular pooches. Unlike the real thing these, little guys don’t leave smelly gifts on the carpet, or bite the hand that feeds them either. Of course none of them have any fur, or warmth, or that delicious tingling feeling when a real dog licks your face showing its affection. Still, these are small steps.

EMA (Eternal Maiden Actualization), Sega’s version of a personal robot girlfriend

(Images via Amazon and Dalje)

Recently, Sega, which used to be better known as a game and console producer, came up with their own version of a robot girlfriend. Known as the EMA (Eternal Maiden Actualization), this pint sized fem-bot is specifically targeted at lonely (single) Japanese men. Although only 15 inches in height, it’s programmed to sing, dance and entertain any dour faced male recluse. EMA can even hand out business cards and use a hip swaying walk. If one is itching for a bit of l’amour, there’s a love mode that can be switched on. This activates the programming where EMA uses its sensors to detect and kiss any heads (I mean, faces) in proximity. Though these efforts appear aesthetically blocky and the AI rather basic, the technology is there and getting better for the eventuality of life-like artificial companions being with us in the foreseeable future.

• Implications:

This should help those who might have trouble socializing with people or are just suffering psychological loneliness or some sort of connection. But although the thinking behind creating automated companions is rather noble (other than making money that is), this sort of approach may cause it to worsen.

Folks suffering from web addictions such as cyber relational addiction (messageboards and chatrooms), or cybersexual addiction (Internet pornography) along with low socialization skills, and low self-confidence could simply transfer their obsession onto the android companion. Instead of going out meeting people or gaining the self-confidence to look for a job or try new things, they’ll be even more cooped up in their rooms, cossetting their artificial companions.

Automated Pleasure Dolls

To the adult entertainment industry this is the Holy Grail and the ultimate fantasy. Pornography has its uses, but it can only go so far, but to have a synthetic yet fully realistic robot that can engage, initiate and respond to sexual overtures as well as any living person would represent likely the greatest single achievement in human history since the wheel. And before one thinks this is just a bizarre kink that afflicts a few, a recent survey done by the Huffington Post and YouGov found that one in ten Americans would have sex with a robot.

(Image via Huff Post)

For years, many companies have tried to come up with their own attempts at synthetic sex people. From simple blow up dolls to clunky servos and wired machines for the bedroom, to anatomically correct sex bots steady though at times amateurish progress is being made in the adult industry. Much of the real innovation and sophistication is being done outside in research labs and R&D departments of major corporations as noted earlier. Eventually however, the high-brow technology will slowly filter through the rest as it is replaced by better models and that’s when they will be incorporated into the next generation sex bots. For example the University of Electro-Communications developer Nobuhiro Takahashi showcased a new robotic butt that not only responds to “slaps, caresses, and finger pokes” but also moves, undulates and twitches just like the real thing. His goal may have been to highlight robotic technology, but for Pleasure Bot enthusiasts, it’s gotten them one step closer to the fantasy.

These are amazing innovations and possibly tempting alternatives for some. But the big question is “Why should you get one?”

(Image via Film Gab with Werth and Wise)

Depending on the type of society you live in, sophisticated Ero-Bots could be widespread or be banned. In Malaysia they will probably fall under the same rule that prohibits dildos, vibrators and other assorted sex equipment from being sold openly or even being imported in. Which would be a damn shame, because other than the lurid factor; bringing Ero-bots into the country might even spark a healthy debate about reproductive and rights issues that for too long have had to kowtow to religious and conservative pressure.

Whilst in more permissive societies the question that will immediately arise will be how these Pleasure or Ero-Bots should be regulated. In terms of child models (not just Pleasure Bots, but any kind of android) would they be banned the same way some countries ban drawings of underage sex acts? Also in certain countries such as the UK, sado-masochism (SM) videos are prohibited even when done by consenting adults or for a couple’s private enjoyment. Does this mean certain acts cannot be done with Pleasure Bots as well?

What if someone bought a child model designed to provide companionship for those without children, and modifies it to be a Pleasure Bot? If these are merely products then the owner can do with them whatever they see fit – including for example modifying them to look like a minor or engaging in hardcore acts.

(Image via Cnet)

The argument from the other side will be that there will always be people with strange, weird and near illegal sexual fetishes and inclinations. Pleasure Bots can act as a safety valve so they don’t unleash them on others or prey on the rest of us. They can also be used to take over prostitution making it a safe, legal and thus taxable industry. Increase sexual health for the men, ensure safety of women and children from sexual exploitation and also generate revenue streams for the economy.

The counter to that is by making them legal and available are we promoting these fetishistic tendencies. Instead of being safety valve, some individuals may find their deviant obsessions exacerbated to the point they no longer find artificial substitutes adequate and may go after the real thing.

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