We could probably say he was robbed of his magnum opus. But Alexander Lee McQueen’s last collection highlighted the untimely nature of his death so much. The eerie allusions to angels and demons, displayed posthumously in the salons of Pinault Printemps Redoute (PPR), seemed both like a glowing eulogy and a hint at the designer’s last torments.

The 16 ensembles were a triumph of historical art at Paris fashion week. PPR, the conglomerate which carries the McQueen brand, pulled the collection out from the crowds of the ramps and rarefied it through a private viewing among fashion editors.

The memorial was as reverent as the collection. For among the quiet rustle of hand-gilded dresses, burnished with golden motifs paying homage to Boticelli’s angels and Bosch’s demons, the Byzantine invocation of frighteningly pale divine lustre, McQueen’s artistic depth and rigor showed. His tailoring was at its most meticulous, his vision almost hallucinatory. But unlike the edginess of his most recent haute couture stunt, the reptilian collection for 2009’s spring, this last one secures his legacy in haute couture, albeit prematurely.

It is, perhaps, his most elaborate collection. And if there was ever a doubt that McQueen’s own workmanship would be desecrated by the team bereft of his direction, it didn’t show. McQueen was said to have filled the mold of this vision, cutting away at fabric and overseeing the imprints.

Heavy and ornate, the dresses were put together in dark, royal colors, feverish gold prints and trimmings and regal silhouettes. The flounces were no less than those of very rich silk, satin, chiffon, organza. And the accents, from crocodile skin-trimmed platform shoes with hand-carved wooden soles and fierce mohawks, could only be traced to the late designer’s unique mindset.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, The Guardian

It’s the gold statuette that cements your name and reputation in Hollywood, but if it would come at a hefty price, say a relationship, would you still want a coveted Oscar?

CNN noted a bittersweet trend–recent Oscar winners, particularly best actresses, have lost marriages or long-term relationships shortly before or after their winning moments at the Kodak Theatre.

To top the list is Julia Roberts, who got a best actress Oscar for Erin Brockovich in 2001. America’s Pretty Woman was escorted on stage by her then long-time beau Benjamin Bratt. Sadly though, Roberts’ “I love the world” speech was short-lived as the two parted ways a few months later.

A year later, Halle Berry brought home the best actress Oscar for Monster’s Ball. Being the first African-American to win the nod, Berry was overwhelmed. And when she couldn’t utter words aside from “Oh my God,” the first person who started another round of applause was his then husband Eric Benet. But two years after, the two called it quits and were divorced in 2005.

Nicole Kidman accepted her best actress Oscar portraying Virginia Woolf for The Hours in 2003 minus Tom Cruise, who used to be constantly by her side. Two years earlier, Kidman and Cruise had stunned the world when they filed for divorce, ending their 11-year marriage and .

And mind you, men are not immune from this trend. Sean Penn, who won best actor Oscars twice in the decade for Mystic River and Milk, had a shaky relationship with wife Robin Wright. Shortly after Penn’s Oscar win for portraying Harvey Milk last year,  Wright finally filed for divorce, effectively dissolving their on-and-off love affair.

It would be such a pity to see Jeff Bridges’ over 20 years of marriage with Susan Geston and Sandra Bullock’s blossoming five-year love affair with Jesse James go to waste. (Gray Goselin)

Sources: CNN, YouTube on Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Sean Penn, and halleberryfan.com

Be careful what you squeeze; you might be squeezing the wrong fruit (juice).

If you’ve been stocking up on a pomegranate juice drink hoping to see its wonders with your manhood, you might be dismayed as those claims maybe all hype but no substance.

In a letter late last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned POM Wonderful, a company selling pomegranate-based products, that its website oversells studies claiming health benefits for people who consume it.

The FDA said POM is violating the law by incorrectly labeling its juice drink on its website and making it appear like a drug. People are led to believe that the juice can cure disorders like hypertension, prostate cancer and even erectile disorder, the FDA explained.

“The therapeutic claims on your website establish that the product is a drug because it is intended for use in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease,” the FDA said in its letter to POM president Matt Tupper.

Although POM’s juice drink is marketed to both female and male consumers, the easier targets are the guys because of the male-only illnesses it allegedly cures.

Here’s one case, a guy has a medical issue he’s not keen to talk about it, like an erectile dysfunction say for example (who would be at ease talking about his shortcomings, right?). And then here comes a wonder juice that promises to solve physiological disorders without having the need to spill the beans. Who with the right XY chromosome wouldn’t buy that?

To avoid further confusion, not to mention more frustration and bruised egos, the FDA warned POM to correct its labeling error or completely get barred from selling its juice drink. (Grace R)

Source: FDA

It’s never too late to discuss Madame Carla Bruni-Sarkozy’s singing career; the press has always liked digging up her colorful past anyway. There’s always a thing or two to follow with the French First Lady, and you can do that by browsing The Guardian or any of the French journals with a stalker’s tenacity.

In doing so you will chance upon her songs, unabashedly uploaded on her website. With the release of her record debut as a chanteuse, the judgmental swirl has been unforgiving, particularly from caustic British commentators.

But the predominant opinion is that the supermodel turned Mrs. Nicolas Sarkozy can strum some sing-ables without much care for diplomacy or political correctness in her lyrics.

The opening single, and the most popular, “Tu es ma came” (“You are my drug”) sounds like an Eric Clapton ballad drolled through French with a smoker’s breaking accent.

If you knew she had formerly dated the legendary British singer and guitarist you’ll miss the irony of the guitar strums. But she deflects notions that her musical influences are dependent on her former lovers. There are no Mick Jagger antics in the rest of the tracks.

Madame Sarkozy’s sound is raw and mostly guitar-based. The bells and whistles of fancy First Lady hymns are replaced by a earthy approach, co-opting world beats and the mood of blues. Her lyrics are not sparse–there’s much to ponder–and difficult to sing along to. Try your French skills with “L’amoureuse” for some tongue-twisting that runs after thudding guitars.

Another track, “Comme si de rien n’etait” (“As if nothing happened”) reveals a lovestruck side to the warbler’s regal political mien.

The album proves that she did not launch her singing career by way of nepotism. The French First Lady can deliver simple tunes and incite world opinion with not-so-timid melodies and subject matter.

Many have tried, but all of them have failed. And now, Sony Corp. is the newest kid trying to take over Apple Inc.’s block.

Citing unidentified sources, the Wall Street Journal said Sony is developing a line of handheld devices that would go head-to-head with Apple’s niche products, particularly the iPhone and iPad.

Much like the iPhone, Sony’s upcoming smartphone would have multimedia functions such as video gaming while its iPad equivalent would have the traits of a netbook, an e-reader and a portable gaming device.

Aside from those new products that would be launched later this year, Sony will also be launching this month a new online media platform initially called as Sony Online Service, which is being billed as its answer to iTunes.

The Sony Online Service will offer similar contents being offered by iTunes, but it is banking on its wider range of device matches, offering old game titles to get a step ahead.

Sony’s aggressive push toward Apple’s portable market is in response to its lagging mobile device business, and its Chief Executive Howard Stringer said the new products are at the heart of its turnaround plan.

While Sony is gearing for Apple’s market, Steve Jobs’ technology giant is also doing the same, eyeing the portable gaming industry largely occupied by Sony’s Playstation.

Well, Sony and Apple’s face-off should be a good thing for consumers. Let us just hope, at least for Sony’s sake, that its new line of products can really challenge Apple’s leadership so we can see quality hikes and price drops. (Grace R)

Source: Wall Street Journal

What can $65 buy you? Maybe a nice shirt on sale or a modest dinner for two. But in the Philippines, that same amount of money can get you a cool mobile phone with a QWERTY keypad along with dual SIM capacity. That is, if you showed up on a designated day at a particular venue and were prepared to surrender your old non-QWERTY phone.

This is just one of the latest offers from MyPhone, a local cellphone brand that’s doing battle against global giants like Nokia and Samsung. This Southeast Asian nation of  7,107 islands is no small battlefield; out of a population of 92 million, it’s estimated that there are nearly 70 million cellphone users.

The widespread popularity of  SMS or texting–Filipinos send around 400 million text messages daily or 142 billion a year–has made the Philippines at one point the ‘text messaging capital of the world.’

Throngs of people eagerly lined up to trade in their old phones for MyPhone’s Q22 Duo, which at first glance looks similar to a Blackberry or a Nokia E72. The 2.2″ screen has a WAP 2.0 enabled browser with GSM Triband /GPRS connection and features SMS, MMS , EMS, chat and email functions. It also includes a 1.3 megapixel camera and a phonebook that can store up to 1,000 names.

Besides the low price points, MyPhone’s appeal can also be explained by its uniquely themed mobile units. Last year it released a Twilight-themed phone complete with New Moon-exclusive audio synopsis, character profiles, wallpapers, and ringtones. There’s also what is called a Pinoy Phone (Pinoy is local slang for a Filipino), which comes with 700 audio and e-book files as well as other locally themed applications.

MyPhone is banking on the social networking bandwagon to boost sales of its QWERTY units, says Jinggo Fermin, president of MyPhone distributor MyTel Mobility Solutions. Fermin points out that in neighboring Indonesia–where Facebook users made national news for aiding a victim of medical injustice–QWERTY phones sales upped by 1.5 million, driven by the need to be online while on the go.

The company seems to be off to a good start. According to MyTel, MyPhones sales are on the upswing, peaking up to an average of 25,000 units bought monthly. MyPhone is also set to introduce other phones this year, such as the trackball-type QT22 and a Wi-Fi-enabled mobile. And, in time for the next installment in the Twilight saga, maybe another phone for the Bella or Edward in you?

Sources: MyPhone, techie.com.ph, Wikipedia

Time to be keen about Kia. The well-known Korean carmaker and the country’s oldest motor manufacturer delivered a triple whammy at the International Geneva Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland: the twin world premiere of its all-new Sportage crossover and all-electric Venga EV concept car, and the European premiere of the Ray plug-in hybrid sedan concept.

Officially known in French as Salon International de l’Auto, the International Geneva Motor Show is a showcase of the latest and best in the automotive industry, held in Geneva, Switzerland. Now on its 80th year, the exhibit fair is ongoing and runs until Sunday, March 14.

“Kia products have maintained their appeal to consumers and enabled us to increase our market share in many regions, shares Kia Motors president Hyoung-Keun Lee. “This year, I am confident that the all-new Sportage [and] new Venga…will lead a successful Kia sales drive around the world to attract more and more newcomers to our brand,” he added.

And, “Kia’s powerful presence at Geneva,” Lee further adds, “highlight our brand’s stylish design and world-class engineering.”

Sportage: Sleek yet sensible

The third-generation incarnation of Kia’s familiar crossover SUV  is longer and wider, making it more urban-friendly. The body shell is also impressive, stretching to 4.4 meters long

In line with emerging auto standards, the 2010 Sportage is more environmentally-sensitive, with minimal fuel consumption and less CO2 emission. It’s also lighter—up to 91 kilograms less than the previous version—which adds to the fuel economy.

The new Sportage will be available in several versions depending on the country, with four engines (two gasoline and two diesel, covering a 115 ps to 163 ps power spread), 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions and two-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Venga EV concept car: Charge and drive

Finally, another totally zero-emission, all electric vehicle—the Venga EV, which features an electric motor with top power of 80 kW.  This no-gas wheeled wonder utilizes a twin-pack 24 kWh battery with innovative LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) technology, which has more advantages than other battery types available.

There are two power options. The 20-minute quick recharging cycle (50 kW) gives the battery 80 percent power, while the eight-hour normal recharging cycle (3.3 kW) results in 100 percent power. A single charge also results in a driving range of 180 km on a single charge.

Capable of accelerating up to a maximum of 140 kph, the Venga EV is a front-wheel drive vehicle with an electric powertrain located at the existing engine bay and a battery pack under the trunk floor.

Ray hybrid sedan: Solar power

With its efficient combination of fuel and electric power, hybrids are the way to go for today’s next-generation vehicles. The  neat-and-fit four-door Kia Ray can run up to 1200 kilometers on full tank mode and 80 kilometers on electric mode, the former translating to better fuel economy.

Power can come from the gasoline engine or the electric motor, or both in combination, depending on driving conditions. Like the Venga EV, the Ray also runs on a LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) battery and cooling system, together with the charger unit and plug-in port.

And look what’s on top—at the roof surface are curved hexagonal solar cells that helps charge a cooling fan which reduces cabin temperature (think stored heat) when the vehicle is idle.

Sources: Kia, Wikipedia

The Asus Eee PC Seashell Karim Rashid collection has just been launched with a modicum of shock factor. Karim Rashid, the venerable, multi-decorated designer who can probably turn any landscape the color he wants, had been tapped to lay over the fashion in this model. The result is a sleek, pad paper- thin netbook that looks like it’s made with an undiscovered hot pink element that refracts light in an organized, wave-like pattern. The texture is rippled with lines that are said to adhere to a golden ratio.

Asus just put in more legwork in marketing the netbook. First, by coming up with a hot pink model, it launches a shout out to users who do not just surf the net anywhere. They do so in chic interiors, and they beg to stand out.

The netbook’s price is a small one to pay for something that looks like a female counterpart of Kryptonite, wielded by modern women who rule the world through technology and appearance. For male users,  there’s the more staid coffee brown version, something that resembles the wallet they wouldn’t sit on.

Spec-wise, this is the more fashionable twin of the Eee PC 1008P.  It’s  similarly equipped with an Intel Atom N450 chip, 1GB DDR2 RAM and 250GB HDD. Like most netbooks, it can be used for Skype, instant messaging, social networks, and light online games. But above all, the netbook also declutters the surfing experience with Express Gate, an operating system for rapid booting and instant access to the Internet. It really lets users go about their online routine even when all they want is a splash of color in their ordinary days.

To go with the launch, Asus Technology Philippines Inc. threw a small launching party in the Intercontinental Hotel last March 2, complemented of course with a fashion show from local label R.A.F for Plains and Prints. Models sashayed the catwalk toting the Karim Rashid collection, and the point was made. The gadget is for everyday use, but not with a handyman’s jumpsuits.

With the onset of Risshun (the Japanese first day of spring) as its backdrop, Canon presented its newest camera models under the PowerShot, IXUS and EOS sub brands. Canon’s strategy of targeting a wide range of users is evident with the introduction of the new cameras.

Budding photographers or those looking for a simple point-and-shoot will likely consider the PowerShot A490/A495 and A3100IS. The entry level A490/A495 is powered by a pair of AA batteries and comes in a variety of colors. The A495’s 10 megapixel resolution, 2.5-inch screen and 3.3x optical zoom should be more than enough for those looking for a basic camera.

A step above these cameras is the 12.1 megapixel PowerShot A3000/A3100 IS. The cameras have a dedicated mode wheel and a more powerful 4x zoom with an optical image stabilizer. Instead of AA cells, they are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Moving up the PowerShot line is a the SX210 IS, a 14.1 megapixel shooter with a powerful 14x zoom. Other advanced features include a DIGIC 4 chip, 3-inch widescscreen LCD and high-definition movie mode.

New to the IXUS family are three models: 105 IS, 130 IS and 210 IS. All cameras are encased in a sleek metal shells with wide-angle lenses and a smart auto/smart flash exposure feature. Both the IXUS 130 IS and the 210 IS have HD movie recording modes.

The event’s major highlight was the introduction of Canon’s enthusiast SLR frontliner, the 550D. With specs and a feature set designed to beat other cameras in its class, the 550D mostly inherits the guts of its pro level sibling, the 7D. The camera can shoot stills at 18 megapixels and video at full HD 1080p/30 fps resolution. Other major improvements include a large ultra high resolution 3:2 format LCD screen, DIGIC 4 chip with ISO 100 -6400 and a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor. Expect these new models to be available in most camera shops soon.

Photo: Uryah

You’re thousands of feet above the ground and had a little too much to eat, and to make matters worse, you’re a dude.

If you’re a frequent flier with All Nippon Airways (ANA) and happen to have an XY chromosome, then you wouldn’t be happy to know that Japan’s largest domestic carrier is introducing women-only lavatories.

The new rule, which will take effect starting on March 1, will cover ANA’s international routes, excluding those points serviced by its Airbus A320/ Boeing B737 planes.

The women-only lavatory will be placed at the back of the passenger cabin and will be available for women passengers from all classes.

However, in very few occasions, men will be allowed to use the exclusive lavatory for safety causes, health reasons, personal emergencies or in case very few women are on-board.

ANA said in a statement that it will impose the ruling to answer the “numerous requests” it has been getting from passengers. Well actually, it appears to be a cost-saving move for ANA.

It’s a no brainer that airlines around the world has been pulling all kinds of tricks to save some bucks, from using lighter serving utensils to cramping more people in narrower cabins.

ANA earlier asked passengers to use restrooms prior to boarding to lighten the planes, allowing it to save on costly jet fuel.

Sadly, gone are the days when flying was such a luxury, with cabins being posh and complete with the comforts of home, or at least, the very basic human hygienic right for a lavatory. (Grace R)

Source: ANA