Philippe Starck is a renowned design genius who’s build what appears to be a very awesome lounge system that’s designed for comfort and connectivity at the same time. The project was commissioned by Cassina, an Italian furniture manufacturer, who wanted a seating system that would work for anyone wanting to work, lay around or do both at the same time…

“We live in a schizophrenic society. Let’s assume that. MyWorld is a cocoon, a nest, a world where we can be egocentric and comfortably commune with our own shadow or collect some snatches of news from the world, that is said to be real.”

The MyWorld is available in a two-seater sofa, a three-seater sofa, an armchair, a chaise lounge, and pouf with two incorporated drawers. There are also tables, both side surfaces and freestanding, and box-cupboards that slide out.

This four-door coupé is supposed to match that of the very successful CLS 63 AMG – the car that pretty much set the whole four-door coupé trend. Visually, I think the job has been done and one can safely say that it’s simply hot. Performance-wise, if you look at the specs, I think we can all agree that Merc have set a new benchmark in what’s becoming quite a competitive segment.

The Vital Specs

• 265 kW (360 hp)
• 450 Newton metres of torque
• 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor
• 7-speed sports transmission
• zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds
• 6.9 litres per 100 km consumption
• AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive

This is what Mercedes-Benz have to say for themselves…

The new four-door high-performance coupé offers an exceptional combination of an excitingly sporty driving experience, extravagant design and exclusive individuality. With the CLA 45 AMG Mercedes-AMG is establishing a completely new segment – as it did previously with the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake (2012) and the CLS 55 AMG (2004). At the time of their launch, neither of these AMG models had any direct rivals, but went on to inspire other automotive manufacturers. Turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission – the CLA 45 AMG features the same drive system that is already powering the A 45 AMG to deliver highly dynamic and efficient performance.

Typically AMG: the most powerful series-production four-cylinder turbo engine in the world

A glance at the technical data for the CLA 45 AMG shows: the AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine, with a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and up to 450 Newton metres of torque, is the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world.

The combination of high performance and torque, together with the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, gives the CLA 45 AMG driving characteristics almost on a par with those of a sports car. The performance coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and its top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). But the AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine is impressive not only in terms of its dynamic performance but also with regard to its efficiency and environmental compatibility. The CLA 45 AMG achieves a fuel consumption level of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres according to NEDC combined figures, while it already meets the EU6 emissions standard that only comes into effect in 2015 as well as the limit for the particle count per kilometre of 6 × 1011 part./km that will become mandatory in 2017.

The basis for these impressive figures is provided by the high-tech package which has been put together by Mercedes-AMG. As a high-performance engine belonging to the BlueDIRECT family, the four-cylinder turbo engine features spray-guided direct petrol injection via piezo injectors positioned centrally in the four combustion chambers. The combination of multiple fuel injection and multiple spark ignition improves fuel utilisation and increases thermodynamic efficiency substantially, leading to lower exhaust emissions. Other highlights include the gravity-die sandcast all-aluminium crankcase, weight-optimised crank assembly with forged steel crankshaft and forged pistons with friction-optimised piston rings, NANOSLIDE cylinder wall technology, air-water charge air cooling, generator management and ECO start/stop function.

Twin-scroll turbochargers and AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flap

Mercedes-AMG addresses the essential challenges concerning the response of small-displacement turbo engines by means of a twin-scroll turbocharger, maximum derestriction of the exhaust system and an innovative injection strategy. The twin-scroll technology provides for a more spontaneous build-up of charge pressure, making effective use of exhaust gas back pressure, exhaust gas temperature and exhaust gas impulse. This results in a swifter build-up of torque right from the lower rev range. As a positive side-effect, the twin-scroll technology also benefits fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. With a maximum charge pressure of 1.8 bar, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine leads the field in this respect, too.

The AMG sports exhaust system features large pipe cross-sections and an automatically controlled exhaust flap. This technology, which is familiar from the SLK 55 AMG, reconciles the two apparently conflicting aims of tangible dynamism and hallmark Mercedes comfort on long journeys. The flap is continuously adjusted by map control according to the power called up by the driver, load status and engine speed. The AMG sports exhaust system emits a fascinating, full engine sound that is particularly impressive during powerful acceleration.

An AMG Performance exhaust system with exhaust flap is available as an option for the A 45 AMG. This provides for an even more emotional and striking engine sound when the throttle is open and during gear shifting. The double-declutching function during downshifting and the interruption of ignition and injection during upshifting under full load produce a particularly throaty sound with the AMG Performance exhaust system and create a level of emotionality which is otherwise the preserve of engines with more than four cylinders.

High-performance cooling system with components from the SLS AMG

The high driving dynamics of the CLA 45 AMG call for a highly effective cooling system. On the basis of the components from the SLS AMG, a low-temperature circuit is additionally deployed for air-water charge air cooling of the four-cylinder turbo engine. The cooler extending across the complete front level of the cooling module is supplemented by an additional cooler in the wheel arch. Together with the charge air cooler, which is connected in series, a high-performance electric pump ensures the required flow through the water coolers located behind the large intake ports. This provides for ideal cooling of the highly compressed charge air, thereby contributing towards optimum engine performance.

The cooling of the transmission oil is integrated into the water cooling circuit for the engine. The water cooler positioned behind the front apron is supported by the heat exchanger which is fitted directly on the transmission and supplied with cooling water as required by means of an auxiliary pump.
“One man, one engine”: a tradition of hand-built excellence

As is the case with all eight- and twelve-cylinder engines, the new AMG four‑cylinder turbo engine is hand-built according to the traditional AMG philosophy of “one man, one engine”. An exclusive assembly line has been set up for the new AMG engine at the Mercedes-Benz engine production plant in Kölleda – where all BlueDIRECT four-cylinder engines are built for the A- and B-Class models. A characteristic feature of the “one man, one engine” production process is the AMG engine plate bearing the signature of the responsible engine fitter. Apart from serving as an AMG hallmark confirming superlative production quality, the AMG engine plate also attests to the peerless DNA of Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance brand.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission

Dual clutch transmission and all-wheel drive – the drive package on board the new CLA 45 AMG is a demonstration of high-end engineering prowess. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is directly flange-mounted on the transversely installed engine. Key software modules have been adopted from the SLS AMG super sports car with its inspirational power transmission concept. The dual clutch transmission of the CLA 45 AMG features seven gears, three driving programmes, a double-declutching function and RACE START for optimum acceleration. The strengths of the AMG DCT sports transmission include spontaneous gear shifting without any interruption in tractive power, a tailor-made control strategy, extremely smooth and easy gear shifting and a high level of efficiency. Reinforced gear wheels provide for maximum stability. Synchroniser rings with carbon-fibre friction linings improve durability while also optimising the response time during manual gear-changing – the ideal basis for ambitious laps on cordoned-off race tracks.

“Momentary M mode” for even greater dynamism and driving enjoyment

Another special feature designed to enhance dynamic performance and driving enjoyment is the so-called “Momentary M mode”. In C and S mode, this enables the driver to activate manual mode (“M”) without having to remove a hand from the steering wheel, by pressing the “up” or “down” shift paddle once. In Momentary M mode the driver experiences the dynamism and performance of gear-shifting in manual mode in all the automatic driving programmes, with automatic up-shifting on meeting the rpm limit into the bargain. This allows the driver to devote his full attention to the vehicle’s impressive performance.

The shift times in manual mode “M” and in Sport mode “S” are similarly sporty in character to those of the SLS AMG GT super sports car. Briefly and precisely interrupting ignition and injection under full load leads to even faster gearshifts in “M” and “S”, with a more emotional sound than ever. In “C” mode (Controlled Efficiency), tangibly soft transmission and engine characteristics support a fuel-efficient and comfort-oriented driving style. In addition, in “C” mode the ECO start/stop function is active.

Performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The CLA 45 AMG comes with variable, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all‑wheel drive as standard. In developing this all-wheel drive, the focus was firmly on performance and dynamism. The power flux to the rear powertrain is provided by a compact power take-off unit (PTU) which is fully integrated in the 7-speed sports transmission. It does not possess an oil circuit of its own. Instead, it is supplied with lubricant from the oil circuit of the sports transmission. This configuration gives rise to substantial weight advantages in comparison to rival systems which branch off power by means of an add-on component with its own oil circuit. Together with the friction-minimised tapered roller bearings, the PTU achieves an excellent level of efficiency. As an additional bonus, the system weight of the new AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive is up to 25 percent lighter than the all-wheel-drive versions offered by the competition.

A two-part propeller shaft transfers the power from the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine to the rear axle. In the interests of favourable weight distribution, an electrohydraulically controlled multiple-disc clutch is integrated with the rear axle differential. The multiple-disc clutch immediately detects slip at the front axle. A hydraulic pump instantaneously presses the discs together and channels the engine torque to the rear wheels as necessary. All this takes place virtually without the driver noticing. To enable particularly fast response, the pump is always active and does not require to be started up each time it is needed, as is customary with other systems. Power distribution is fully variable: in normal driving, the CLA 45 AMG uses front-wheel drive in the interests of optimum efficiency. When the driving dynamics so require, the variable AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive splits the torque between front and rear axle up to a ratio of 50:50 percent. The variables influencing the power distribution ratio are vehicle speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering angle, speed difference between the individual wheels, selected gear and accelerator position.

3-stage ESP® with ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist

An exclusive feature is the interaction of the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive with the 3-stage ESP® and the ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist. The three ESP® stages enable the driver to vary the dynamics of the CLA 45 AMG according to his individual wishes at the push of a button. The safety-oriented “ESP ON” mode supports the driver in maintaining neutral handling characteristics. The system initiates braking intervention on one or more wheels and reduces the engine torque on detecting that the operating conditions are becoming unstable.

Briefly pressing the ESP® button activates “ESP SPORT Handling” mode. This dynamically oriented driving mode applies appropriate control strategies for later ESP® intervention and increased drive torque at the rear axle. This means more fun at the wheel for drivers who are keen to exploit the vehicle’s dynamic potential. Pressing the ESP® button longer activates “ESP OFF”. In this mode, the ESP® functions are not available. ESP OFF should only be used by experienced drivers on cordoned-off race tracks. If the driver steps on the brake pedal in “SPORT Handling” mode or “ESP OFF” mode, all the safety functions of the ESP® system become available during braking.

ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist complements the ESP® system to perfection: during dynamic cornering, imperceptible braking intervention on the inside wheel gives rise to a defined yaw moment around the vertical axis, resulting in precise cornering by the CLA 45 AMG and ensuring that the vehicle remains under control at all times. ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist is adapted according to the selected ESP® mode. In “ESP SPORT Handling” mode and “ESP OFF” mode it supports the driver’s wish for increased agility and driving dynamics. ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist is an additional function of the Electronic Stability Program which noticeably improves not only agility, but also active driving safety in critical conditions.

AMG sports suspension with independent front and rear axle

Like every AMG high-performance automobile, the new CLA 45 AMG also incorporates sophisticated axle technology. For enhanced driving dynamics, the three-link front suspension is provided with stiffer steering knuckles and totally new elastokinematics. Newly developed, more rigid bearings are employed in the lower link plane. These provide for more agile cornering properties and more precise and direct feedback from the road surface. The more rigid bearings also lead to higher camber stiffness, enabling higher cornering speeds. In developing the complete front axle, great importance has been attached to attaining the best possible traction in highly dynamic driving.

The four-link rear axle of the CLA 45 AMG is also a totally new development. In the course of optimising the elastokinematics, the strut bearings were duly adapted for maximum driving dynamics and control. The rear axle carrier is provided with more rigid bearings for increased driving stability; the subframe is rigidly connected to the body. The AMG sports suspension with specifically tuned spring/damper units and larger stabilisers provides for high lateral acceleration and a reduced rolling tendency in fast double bends. The CLA 45 AMG comes as standard with AMG light-alloy wheels fitted with 235/40 R 18 tyres.

AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and AMG high-performance braking system

The electromechanical Dual Pinion AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with AMG-specific, speed-dependent power assistance and a constant steering ratio (14.5 : 1) enables high steering precision and agility. The electric motor is installed in space-saving configuration on the steering gear. The AMG high-performance braking system with ventilated and perforated brake discs all round in size 350 x 32 millimetres at the front and 330 x 22 millimetres at the rear provides for spontaneous and reliable deceleration.

Unmistakable design

Just a glance at the new CLA 45 AMG makes it very clear: any resemblance to the CLS 63 AMG is absolutely intentional. The expressive design idiom of the CLA has been enhanced by Mercedes-AMG with some characteristic AMG elements – and the result is a new design icon. The sporty proportions of the CLA were there from the start , but its dynamic look is reinforced by the AMG “twin blade” radiator grille and the cross strut in the AMG front apron, both painted in matt titanium grey. The generously proportioned cooling air intakes are framed by black flics, which improve the airflow over the cooling modules positioned behind them. Bi-xenon headlamps are included as standard.

An eyecatching view from the side is ensured by the sill panels with inserts in matt titanium grey. Further elements typical of a top-of-the-range AMG model include the AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted grey and with a high-sheen finish, plus the “TURBO AMG” lettering on the wing. Seen from the rear, the CLA 45 AMG displays a distinctive AMG rear apron: this not only reveals the presence of the air outlet openings at the sides, but also incorporates a large diffuser insert and a trim section in matt titanium grey. The two chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, including an exhaust flap, serve to emphasise the car’s dynamic appeal. The striking LED tail lights are a standard feature.

Dynamic, exclusive and top-quality interior

Impressive quality, high-grade materials and all the dynamism and exclusivity commonly associated with Mercedes-AMG – the interior of the CLA 45 AMG leaves nothing to be desired. Sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting topstitching, red seat belts, the multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, the AMG DRIVE UNIT and AMG door sill panels all come as standard. Coordinating perfectly with one another are the brushed aluminium trim of the instrument panel and the five galvanised ventilation outlets. Information is provided by the AMG instrument cluster with its central colour display, the AMG main menu and the RACETIMER.

Numerous individualisation options are available for the CLA 45 AMG (selection):

• AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirror housing
• AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package: front splitter, side sill panel inserts and trim on rear apron in genuine carbon fibre
• AMG carbon-fibre interior trim
• AMG Exclusive package
• AMG floor mats
• AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels in 8 x 19 fitted with 235/35 R 19 tyres, in two variants: painted in titanium grey with high-sheen finish or in matt black with high-sheen rim flange
• AMG Night package: privacy glass, black anodised beltline trim strip, black tailpipe trims in chromed finish, radiator fins in silver chrome, high-gloss black painted finish for front splitter, exterior mirrors, side sill panel inserts and rear apron trim
• AMG Performance exhaust system
• AMG Performance suspension with tauter spring/damper tuning
• AMG Performance steering wheel and E-SELECT lever, electronic main key with AMG emblem
• AMG Performance seats
• AMG wheel bolt covers in black with hub caps in central-locking look (for standard AMG light-alloy wheels only)
• Intelligent Light System
• Red-painted callipers

I was on the hunt for a new coffee table earlier this year. I swear, I literally visited every large and medium furniture outlet in the greater JHB area over two months or so until I finally settled on my vibe. I’m totally happy with what I got in the end, it’s right for my place. But I noticed something about furniture in SA: We’re very conservative. And the stores we imagine would be pushing the boundaries or exposing us to new, innovative and creative ideas don’t seem to be doing much.

So I do hope that some of them are taking notice of what is happening abroad. For example, this new Floppy Table. Inspired by the iconic floppy disk, the design certainly brings up childhood memories for anyone born before the 90′s, considering nobody has used one in years for the most part. Hand made in Germany, the Floppy Table is made of steel. How awesome?

Next, I came across this 12:1 scale mixtape table which is available just in time for the cassette tape’s 50th anniversary and is made of high-grade Baltic birch plywood with maple veneer, solid American walnut, and features a hand-applied oil finish. If you look close you’ll see the glass top surface too. And just like a real cassette tape, the piece is completely reversible.

House music has always been close to me and I’ve always had a fascination with where it started and the history it represents. So when one of my favorite groups in the world begins creating hype for their new album I naturally get excited.

A few months ago Daft Punk randomly released this short clip on Saturday Night Live which set the music industry on fire – a simple loop of a new track that obviously meant one thing: a new album is on the way. And with a new label, Columbia.

This week the duo released a single, Get Lucky, from the new album using another short advert on Saturday Night live – check the video at the top of this post for that one.

At the same time their web site was updated with the announcement of their new album, Random Access Memories, which is is available for pre-order on iTunes right now. The albums full release date is expected on 21 May and I can hardly wait!

What really excites me is the collaborative nature of the new album which is revealed in a series of videos called “The Collaborator Series” on their web site. Check out the latest one that features Pharrell Williams and gives you a glimpse into what’s happening behind the scenes:

I love the track. What do you think of it?

Joulies cool down your coffee and then keep it at the perfect temperature so you can enjoy your fine brew. How awesome (and sciency?)

They were invented by two Daves who were neighbors and classmates in Pennington, New Jersey. Working from opposite coasts for 8 months, they conceived, engineered, prototyped, and hand-produced the first run of Coffee Joulies so people like us could enjoy coffee at the perfect temperature for the rest of time.

They originally launched as a project on Kickstarter seeking $9500 to pay for some tooling. By the time the project ended on May 2 they had raised $306,944 earning them third place in the Kickstarter Hall of Fame and providing enough money to make Joulies in the USA.

Now you can get a set of 5 Joulies for only $49.95.

How do Coffee Joulies work?

Each polished stainless steel shell is filled with a special phase change material that melts at 60°C. Put them inside your coffee and they absorb heat when it is too hot and release it back into your coffee to keep it at the perfect temperature.

This is a beautiful short film about a man, played by Glee’s Harry Shum, Jr., who is asked a simple question by his girlfriend:

How many have you loved?

Watch it to see his heartfelt answer. Then think about the people who have shaped your life and what your answer would be.

Many people, like Dale Imerman, come to me with the initial thought that they need to train in a certain way in order to lose their excess weight. Training keeps you motivated and is the physical expression of what you need to feel in order to achieve the goal of wanting to, and ultimately, lose weight.

Nutrition with regards to training or exercise is vital in all aspects – You need to fuel your body in order to have the energy to train.

The first thing my clients think is they need to go on a fad diet and then exercise and they will lose weight. But with weight loss it’s a little more complicated: There is a fine balance to limit the excess calories and intake the correct calories in order to take in less than one expends, but also to have the energy to perform and get through your day and your new training routine.

The type of food you take in affects blood sugars and that in turn affects which source of energy we expend in any particular activity. It does not help if you exercise so much that you are starving and then go home and eat badly with the premise that you have exercised enough to eat fatty fast foods. It’s actually crazy!

In order to lose weight it is what you eat that counts. One can do it purely with that as a consideration, without exercise.

• Training gets your body into shape, allows function, ability and motion.
• Diet is the key to body fat percentage, muscle tone, strength and energy.

Energy from the food we digest gives us life. Makes us move, feeds us to be able to do things, gives us the nutrients we need in order to have this life. Training doesn’t.

In order to have a holistic life you need a healthy diet in combination with a training regime of cardio and strategic weight training that offers the best all round solution.

Is it easier to eat well or train harder?

Food is so important for us in every way. It can spur a physical or emotional reaction. Many of our food choices are based on emotional behaviour patterns and decisions. We can post-rationalise why we ate that slab of chocolate or downed the entire can of soda. How many times have you said “I will be good tomorrow”, or “just one cookie won’t hurt”?

If you want to lose weight, you need to be serious about what you put into your body. Everyone always says that to lose weight you need to take in less than you burn. But what does that mean? Is it not easier to train harder and eat what we want?

That’s not so easy, you can train and burn 1000 calories in an hour and over the course of the rest of your day burn another 1500k calories. Then you can eat more than that in a fast food meal and cold rink in one sitting and because its sugar based, you won’t lose weight that day no matter how much training yo do.

Depending on how you train, your heart rate targets achieved determines the type of calories burnt. This is high intensity activity verses low intensity activity. – This means that when you train, what you do affects your heart rate which in turn affects what type of calories are burnt.

There is a big difference between high intensity activity and low intensity activity.

Your body uses different sources of energy depending on the intensity and duration of activity, this ranges from fat stores to blood sugar. The low intensity and training over a longer period burns more fat while high intensity short duration training burns more sugar.

Training at a high intensity like running fast on a treadmill or attending a spinning class might burn off more sugar calories than fat calories but eating no sugar is easier than the physical burning of these calories.

To lose fat is to reduce your sugar intake and train accordingly, so that when your body is consuming calories via your training, it is ideally burning fat and not sugar.

Once your goal weight has been achieved, fitness and other training goals can then be achieved.

Training a weight loss client is all about their diet, if they aren’t on a proper balanced eating plan, the weight loss process will be difficult to follow and success isn’t going to be achieved.

Training for fat loss

If you have seen people training with a heart rate monitor and wondered why they insist on it, it is because they are scientifically working out weight loss or fitness levels.

By always using a heart rate monitor, they can accurately ensure that their heart rate stays below a certain level in order to achieve their goals.

In the case of a weight loss client, it is not about training too hard, but rather exercising within certain heart rate conditions. If you train at an intensity below 80% of your maximum heart rate, you are in the fat burning zone and not the sugar burning zone.

In the beginning, slower but consistent training is the key to success.

Every new training regime should be accompanied with a health check to ensure that you can proceed with the programme from a heart health point of view.

Also to begin with, a heavier person has most likely lived a relatively sedentary life and any new training programme needs to start off slowly and consistently as too much too soon can be difficult to do and will result in sore muscles.

A slower start will allow you to be more consistent and maintain the training programme over a longer time, building up speed, weight and intensity as your body becomes accustomed to the exercise and grows lighter and stronger every week.

In order to ensure good, healthy and consistent fat loss, a lifestyle change is necessary in order to ingest fewer calories than before, but ensuring that the food you eat is fuelling your body to get you through the day’s work as well as your additional training.

A diet low in sugar with the right mix of proteins, good fats and essential carbs for fuel can make your weight / fat loss mission fun, without you feeling deprived and tired. But it’s suggested you consult a dietician to have a plan created specifically for you and your body type or eating habits.

Key take away points

1. Don’t train too hard at first. Slower is better for your body and for fat loss.
2. Be cautious of heavy weight training. Too much too soon can cause injury which takes longer to heal.
3. Rule out any health risks by consulting your GP for an all clear before embarking on your training programme.
4. Be consistent in your training and eating. Slower but longer training yields better results in the long term.
5. Adopt a healthy eating lifestyle. It is easier to eat healthy options if they are readily available.
6. Eat to live rather than live to eat. Eat what your body needs rather than just succumbing to easy options.
7. Correct eating provides nutrition for weight loss to occur

The bottom line is you can train as hard as you like, but if you are not eating well you are wasting your precious time.

Plain furniture sucks. So when I come across a unique twist on what is normally a boring and formal product, I have to share it with you…

This “Torque Desk” from IM Lab features some very nifty engineering in that all of the metal components that make it up have both a structural and functional purpose. Some of which you wouldn’t see at first glance…

It may just look like a leg folded on to a flat surface that’s supported by stack of drawers at the other end. But these are genius drawers! They rotate and are cantilevered around the “spine” which functions as a support, a pivot and a cable management system that seamlessly connects a floor point all the way up to the desk surface. A letter and pen holder, made from malachite, completes the design.

Wranglers new advertising campaign is titled “Find Your Edge” and encourages us to discover and embrace the spirit of adventure and freedom – you know, push the boundaries, lead the way and innovate with a daring attitude… ignite that sense of spontaneous adventure.

The new collection introduces the modernized “Broken Twill” men’s denim series, which they say will equip you with the most comfortable and durable authentic denim gear for everyday journey. The iconic signature “W” stitch is still featured and continues to distinguishing Wrangler from the “Lazy S” of LEE and “double arcuate” of Levi’s.

Check out the Wrangler Fall/Winter 2013 collection at Stuttafords stores nationwide.

The Wrangler “Find Your Edge” advertisements

I’ve been redecorating my lounge for the past few months, so I’ve been on the lookout for couches, coffee tables and all those extra accessories one needs to turn a house into a home. Thank goodness I’m done with my project now. And thank goodness I didn’t spot this coffee table earlier to complicate my decisions. I think it’s amazing!

This piece looks at how a simple crack formed over time, expresses the magnificence and beauty of nature when edited by man into a geometric form and presented in opulent bronze, comment the folks at Based Upon.

Red Bull Illume first appeared in 2007 and again in 2010 where Chris Burkard, the overall winner, from the USA snapped the money shot of surfer Peter Mendia riding the waves off Chile’s West Coast. Just look at it…

© Chris Burkard. Overall Winner, Red Bull Illume 2010

I feel for the judges who are again going to have to sort through tens of thousands of entries and narrow them down to 50 images in ten categories.

“Red Bull Illume is a fantastic project and gives photographers the chance to show their talent to the entire world!” says Angélique De Weerd, art director at Menzo magazine and member of the Red Bull Illume judging panel.

The guys who take the top 50 snaps will all be invited to attend a grand ceremony in Hong Kong where the winners for 2013 will be unveiled. But it doesn’t end there. That’s the starting point. The photos will travel around the world as a stand-alone photo exhibition that will only be open at nights. Rad!

To enter the Photo Quest, visit www.redbullillume.com and submit your images before 30th April 2013.

You can also see previous Red Bull Illume entries – a series featuring some of the most awesome pics ever taken in my opinion. Like this one…

© Roberto Alegría. Photo of Inigo Igarza in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Spain

And this one…

© Nathan Smith. Photo of Andrew Mooney in Wamberal, New South Wales, Australia

So it’s interesting to see a range of football street footwear geared for the variety of surfaces on which the game is played.

“It’s up to us as Nike to serve those players with the right product for these different surfaces.” - Phil McCartney, Nike Football, VP of Football Footwear

The FC247 range includes three different shoes, each with unique design innovations, for three different playing styles respectively.

The three new football stars from Nike

Each shoe is created to provide a balance of speed, control, comfort and precision based on varying court surfaces.

All three shoes feature new outsoles that house a flexible groove along the first metatarsal, which helps free up that part of the foot for a quicker first step to improve agility in tight spaces.

The Bomba Finale II

In a striking orange and black colorway, boasts 27 percent fewer components than its predecessor, creating a softer and more flexible shoe that is also 10 percent lighter than the previous version. Conical studs for quick rotation help aid the rapid turns made in small-sided games while oblong studs help provide excellent traction and stability on the turf.

The Bomba Finale II along with the Elastico Finale II are both equipped with new ‘NIKESKIN’ technology, a polyurethane skin layered over performance mesh, resulting in shoes that are lighter and thinner than their predecessors. Both have a closer, stitch-free fit, and the mesh geometry combines with a seamless vamp to aid closer ball control. In addition, the Nike Bomba Finale II features Nike’s All Conditions Control (ACC) technology for consistent ball control in dry and wet conditions.

The Elastico Finale II

A dynamic green design marks out the Elastico Finale II, which features 39 percent fewer components and is 22 percent lighter than the previous shoe. The more flexible outsole, designed for hard-court surfaces, features a herringbone and dot design to help maximize traction and improve underfoot ball control. The Elastico Finale II also features a breathable perforated upper and heel, and a redesigned eyestay to optimize comfort and feel.

The Lunar Gato II

Launching in a distinctive blue and yellow, is designed for a fast and dynamic game on all surfaces. Featuring 33 percent fewer components than its predecessor, it is also 16 percent lighter. The supple leather used on the upper improves the ball-to-foot feel. The soft leather eliminates a break-in period and the contoured sock liner supplies an anatomical fit.

Fused mesh panels lock down the mid-foot to maximize lateral support and gives the Lunar Gato II a fine balance of lightweight and comfort.

Stuttgart. The sportiest 911 will have its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show: the new Porsche 911 GT3. In the 50th anniversary year of the 911, Porsche is now set to open a new chapter in race track performance sports cars. The fifth generation of the 911 GT3, a complete new development, will take the pole position among the thoroughbred Porsche sports cars with naturally aspirated engines.

0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds

Boxer engine and transmission, as well as body and chassis are completely new and constitute a further development of the 911 GT3 concept with an impressive performance leap. Power: 475 hp. Power to weight ratio: 3.0 kg/hp. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h: in 3.5 seconds. Top speed: 315 km/h. Lap time Nürburgring Nordschleife: under 7:30 minutes. As a technical highlight, it features the first active rear wheel steering in a production Porsche. As well as the optional full LED headlights. The new 911 GT3 keeps all the successful properties of a sports car suitable for racing, with even more driving dynamics, more sophisticated practicality – and a highly emotional fun factor.

The powertrain of the new 911 GT3 is composed of a 3.8-liter boxer engine yielding 475 hp (350 kW) at 8.250 rpm, a Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and a high-traction rear-wheel drive. The six-cylinder engine is based on the same engine as the 911 Carrera S, although they share only few common parts. All other components, particularly the crankshaft and valve gear, were specially adapted or designed for the GT3. For instance, Porsche designed titanium connecting rods and forged pistons. The basic modifications set the stage for an extremely high-speed engine that reaches up to 9.000 rpm. The Porsche dual-clutch transmission was also specially developed; the characteristics are directly based on a sequential gearbox from motor racing, thereby providing further performance and dynamics advantages to the driver.

For the first time, Porsche is using active rear wheel steering in order to achieve even higher precision and lateral dynamics. Depending on the speed, it steers in the same or opposite direction of the front wheels, improving stability and agility. Other new modules improving driving dynamics are the electronically controlled, fully variable rear differential lock, and the dynamic engine mounts. The newly developed all-aluminium chassis can still be adjusted by height, toe and camber. Contact with the road is made by the new 20-inch forged alloy wheels with central locking.

7:30 minutes around the Nürburgring Nordschleife!

The 911 GT3 is based on the light, yet stuff body of the current generation 911 Carrera in hybrid steel-aluminium construction, however, it comes with independent front and rear parts. In addition, the 911 GT3 is 44 millimetres wider than a 911 Carrera S in the area of the rear axle. Another clear recognition feature is again the large, fixed rear wing. This makes a decisive contribution to the exemplary aerodynamics of the new 911 GT3, which combines low air resistance with even more power.

As a result, the new 911 GT3 sets new performance records. At full acceleration from standstill, the 100 km/h mark is breached after 3.5 seconds, and 200 km/h are reached in less than twelve seconds. The top speed is 315 km/h in the seventh, top gear of the completely newly adapted PDK transmission. The lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, which the new 911 GT3 manages in under 7:30 minutes, is even more impressive.

So? What do you think of it?

They say it has a timeless design that’s completely new and original. And the handles become shoulder straps and then handles again – something for a variety of situations be it for business or for pleasure, the elegant look or a more sporty style. The material is a combination of Porsche Design and traditional Italian craftsmanship: highly exclusive plant-tanned leather and refined metal.

Ladies, before I ask you what you think, know that if you get your hands on one of these, your handbag has been made in Florence by dedicated, experienced hands based on knowledge passed down through the generations.

I found this advert yesterday that builds awareness around the dangers of fiddling with your phone while driving. We all know that talking on your phone while driving is dangerous because you’re distracted and don’t have both hands on the wheel. But tweeting, checking your Facebook status or following your Instagram feed while cruising along is actually worse if you think about it for a moment…

You not only have less control because one hand is occupied and you’re not just distracted by having a conversation. Your vision, the primary sense you need to drive a car, is taken away because your eyes are continually focusing on your mobile device instead of the road. Not ideal when the guy in front of you comes to a stop or that dodgy taxi cuts you off – you simply can’t react.

So like the ad says: Driving and social media just don’t mix.

The Skeleton tourbillon titanium

“There are only 50 of these watches in the whole world!” I’m told. “So it’s rare… that must be why it’s so expensive? I ask.

Partly, yes. But to truly understand why this work of art comes with a hefty price tag, it’s probably better to understand why it’s so rare in the first place…

“It’s extremely thin for a tourbillon. It’s made from titanium, even the screws. It’s movement is manual and it has a whopping power reserve of 120. It’s amazing!”

Say what?

Lets break that down.

Tourbillon

A tourbillon is basically where the escapement and balance wheel has a rotating cage around it to counter act the effects of gravity. You see, when the inner parts of a watch are stuck in one position, its ability to keep time effectively is impacted. People assume that watches just keep perfect timing but in horology (google that if you don’t know what it means,) the top watchmakers around the world are racing to reach the ultimate perfection of time keeping accuracy. And it’s become an art to get it as precise as possible.

So, the tourbillon thing was developed in 1975 by a watchmaker called Abraham-Louis Breguet and by virtue of it’s complexity, it is used to show off watchmaking as it’s difficult to create and put together. It takes a long time and it’s a highly complex piece of engineering. So when a watchmaker is able to construct a very very thin toubillon, like Hublot has done, it’s respected and as a result increases the value.

Titanium

Titanium is a chemical element with a very low density. It’s super strong, lustrous and corrosion-resistant to almost everything including sea water. Funny thing about titanium is that it’s found in almost all living things like rocks, water bodies and soils.

In it’s pure form, after being extracted and processed, it has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal – as strong as some steels, but 45% lighter. So when you create a complex watch out of this expensive, hard-to-create compound the associated costs are obviously passed along to whoever wants it on their wrist. Did we mention it also has the most distinct shiny silver look to it?

Power reserve & movement

Power reserve is essentially how long the watch will last before it dies. You get a manual wind, which means you have to wind the watch up using the crown, Later came the self-winding or “automatic” which has an oscillating weight at the back that winds the watch as you move your arm around. Some will call this a “Kinetic” watch. In a stationary position it has a power reserve of around 50 to 70 hours depending on the calibre of quality.

As for the HUBLOT, it has a whopping 120 hours of power reserve. That’s more than double the typical competitor. It’s like comparing a 1.6l MINI that gets 500km to a tank of fuel to a 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 McLaren that would potentially get 2000km to a tank. Get the picture? It’s a huge technological advancement, and that what we (people) pay for.

Hope you found that fascinating. Now scroll back up and admire it for what it’s worth!

LaFerrari, the new limited-edition special series car from the Prancing Horse, has been unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show 2013. The HY-KERS system and a carbon-fibre chassis are just two of the innovations sported by the new arrival.

Just watch the video, and possibly get a bib for your dribble.

But there’s a hoard of tech-savvy folks out there who want their watch to be their phone, or their gate remote or whatever else a scientist can cram inside it. I’ve never quite got it and none of the devices in the media have captivated or made sense to me.

Until I cam across COOKOO…

It’s a watch that keeps you connected to your mobile device, effectively an extension of your smartphone that helps you manage your life. The thinking is that your smartphone isn’t always at hand, but the COOKOO watch is.

If you’ve ever missed a call, found yourself constantly checking for texts, emails or Facebook chats, then you should watch this video and read on…

I could see this simplifying my life. Being able to receive alerts and notifications from my smartphone, when I don’t have it in my hand is a bonus. And COOKOO does all of that, such as:

• Incoming calls
• Missed calls
• Facebook messages and posts
• Calendar reminders
• Your device is out of range
• Low battery on iPhone or iPad
• Alarm and Timer alert

Plus there’s a command button that you can customise to do the things you want to do…

• Check in on Facebook
• A remote for your phones camera
• A remote to play, pause & skip songs
• And more as their developer community grows.

What’s also appealing is that the watch doesn’t need to be charged. It uses a standard battery that lasts as long as a typical watch would.

The COOKOO goes for R1500. You can get more info and buy yours at www.cookoowatch.co.za

So I’m pretty excited that the company has announced their new Maestria range which throws in some control for coffee lovers like myself.

The Nespresso Meastria, now with a professional steam pipe.

Unlike the one-touch button system seen on most of the Nespresso range, the Maestria features a dial on each setting – espresso and lungo – allowing for five different cup lengths of each type of coffee. So if you want a long espresso or a short lungo, these machines will allow you to do just that.

The Gran Maestria Titanium

The big daddy, the Gran Maestria, also features an integrated Aeroccino for easy automatic milk frothing, with four settings: hot milk, cold milk, stiff froth, and velvety froth. When last did you have so many frothy options?

This is pretty much the ultimate in luxury and convenience with additional features such as a cup heater. You know? To make sure your coffee vibes stay hot longer after you’ve brewed them.

Visit the Maestria web site:

• To see the full range
• Get tips from Baristas
• Discover recipes

Nespresso Maestria web site