27 February 2015

Technology Getting Ahead of Us

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This week we saw technology getting ahead of us in some cases quite literally with advances in medicine and taking us to Space.

Monk statue with mummified remains

(Mad) Science


We begin this week in science where we meet Surgeon Sergio Canavero who claims that full body/head transplants of humans could be just around the corner after years of similar attempts on animals. Sticking with the weird a recent scan of a statue from 1100 AD of a monk has revealed the mummified remains of what is to be believed Buddhist master Liuquan within the structure itself. If the idea of a transplanted body or keeping your own preserved within a statue doesn't appeal to you then there's always the option of eating healthy by doing it the scientific way of eating 3D printed snacks that grow their own fillings.

Digital Dealings


Back to the digital world we're confronted with a major security breach after it was discovered that Chinese computer manufacturer Lenovo had installed malware called Superfish on various computers it sold. After revelations of the Superfish malware some took into their hands to express their displeasure when hacking group lizard squad took down the Lenovo website. Speaking of hacking, the FBI has set a record $3 million bounty for the capture of Russian hacker Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev who is believed to be behind the GameOver Zeus botnet. Lastly, the week wasn't all bad with the announcement that the internet would remain free after the FCC chief said he would vote for strong rules on Net Neutrality in the States.

Space selfie from ISS

Earth and Beyond


While there was progress in attempts to keep Earth healthy and green, such as the Eiffel Tower making use of wind turbines to generate it's own power, there was shocking news when it was revealed that the ruined Fukushima plant was leaking radiation at 70 times the normal rate.

Taking a break from it all and heading out into space we saw ISS prep for arrival of new commercial capsules expected in 2017 and making the best out of the situation ISS astronaut Butch Wilmore took probably the most epic selfie of all time. Finally we end with news that Russia will keep it's station modules in orbit when ISS goes out of service and has plans to use them to create it's own base, Death Star anyone?

20 February 2015

Let the Fashion Weeks Begin

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That time of year has rolled around again with designers descending on New York City with their latest wears to kick off the Fashion Week calender.

Designers


A year of fashion weeks started in New York City with every designer a fashion conscious individual could image. Inspired and diverse the collections made their way down the runway with Carolina Herrera making waves with a collection inspired by water while Rebecca Minkoff took inspiration from punk rock princess Patti Smith and Derek Lam who hopped on the 70's style bandwagon featured flared monochrome pantsuits, ribbed turtlenecks, and culottes. The 70's inspired many with Tommy Hilfiger's show taking place on a makeshift football field while Calvin Klein brought a version 70's sex appeal with manipulated leather and wool with patchwork and frayed details.

What would fashion week be without Diane Von Furstenberg who focused on Knitwear & Lingerie Stylings with Michael Kors embracing more masculine prints at the same time introducing feminine ruffles and gold accents. With the passing of it's name sake last year there were questions of it's future but the Oscar de la Renta powerhouse put all concerns to rest with a solid body of work anyone would be proud of. Vera Wang displayed a collection with a relaxed, almost pajama inspired shapes and sensual accents. However, it wasn't all plain sailing as Marc Jacobs showed with an offbeat, somewhat scary runway show in what resembled a derelict mansion with more crazy being brought in by Jeremy Scott in a psychedelic experience inspired by baby clothes and dolls.

DKNY had a mixture from ladylike dresses to sporty bombers while Banana Republic brought impeccable styling. The Lacoste show combined sport and luxury with Rag & Bone bringing lingerie worn in offbeat ways. Zimmerman brought femininity with pretty paisley prints, bold color-blocking, and major cut-outs while J.Crew had a solid collection with coats, bags and even a tuxedo onesie.

Celebrities


Of course celebrities made their way in droves to see the latest designs all clambering to be front an center with Sofia Coppola, Deborah Harry, Christina Ricci showing their support front row at Marc Jacobs show. But they weren't the only ones with Chrissy Teigen Susan Sarandon, Coco Rocha showing support for Donna Karen while Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Uzo Aduba, Christina Hendricks showed the love for Zac Posen. Fashion icons in their own right, Blake Lively showed her support front row at Marchesa while Sieanna Miller appeared front row at Calvin Klein.

The old guard made news this week in fashion with Naomi Campbell holding a fashion show for a good cause on Valentines Day. Finally Cindy Crawford stole the headlines this week when untouched photo's of her appeared showing an honest view of women.

13 February 2015

Gracious Winners & Deluded Losers

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With awards season well under way the music industry gathered for it's most prestigious awards ceremony while the Brit's made their impact felt at the BAFTA's.

Events


It was the music industries turn to shine with the Grammy's red carpet laying the path for all the beautiful celebrities, however, it was inside where the action kicked off with performances from Katy Perry, fresh from her Super Bowl performance the previous week, also Beyonce and John Legend along with Sam Smith and Mary J. Blige and many, many more. Through the night the winners were announced with all the industry mega stars taking their bows but it was another attention seeking attempt by Kanye West that ultimately dampened the mood when he interrupted Beck after winning Album of the Year.

The BAFTA's (British Academy Film Awards) attracted British celebrities and proudly had them on display on the red carpet while inside host Stephen Fry took a swipe at North Korea and the Sony hack scandal's. Soon it was down to business with the winners accepting their awards with notable mentions going to Eddie Redmayne taking the award for leading actor and Boyhood taking Best Film. The night ended with the after parties divided into the official seated affair and into a more raucous Harvey Weinstein hosted party.

Entertainers


It wasn't all good news this week, after his behaviour at the Grammy's other artist have hit back at Kanye West regarding his remarks with Shirley Manson penning and open letter while Bill Cosby cancelled another show after threats of more protests. Meanwhile NBC news anchors, Brian Williams, is on a 6 month unpaid suspension after he embellished stories of his time in a war zone. Celebrities behind the wheel didn't fare any better with former Olympic athlete, Bruce Jenner, involved in a fatal car accident and rapper Suge Knight's investigation into his hit-and-run growing stranger when it was revealed that he had been ambushed by gunmen moments before the accident.

Lastly, the entertainment industry was left shocked after long time host of the Daily Show, John Stewart, announced he would be leaving the show. The announcement resulted in waves of support from fellow celebrities who took to social media to share their disbelief and best wishes.

6 February 2015

Setting Records & Crushing Challenges

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It was a busy week with big names events and athletes making the news.

Events


This past weekend saw Super Bowl XLIX take place between the Patriots and Seahawks along with the highly anticipated half time show featuring Katy Perry, Missy Eliot and Lenny Kravitz to name a few. In the end the New England Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks, even a delay in their victory tour of Boston due to heavy snow couldn't dampen their spirits.

On the other side of the world the Australian Open came to an end with Novak Djokovic beating Andy Murray to take the mens title while Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova to win the womens title. In doubles Fabio Fognini and Simone Bolelli became the first all-Italian team to win the mens doubles and Jordanne Whiley teamed-up with Yui Kamiji to win the womens wheelchair doubles.

Athletes


Tiger Woods' return was short lived after he withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open after 11 holes complaining of back pains while police charged disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong convinced his girlfriend to lie to police and take the blame for a hit-and-run back in December after a night of partying in Aspen.

Finally a new world record was set when Hafthor Julius Bjornsson, an actor on Game of Thrones, shattered a thousand year old challenge when he lifted a 600kg log and walked 5 steps rewriting history. (see video below)