Haft2Know

Happy Earth Day. After nearly four decades of relative obscurity, April 22 is finally becoming more well known for its environmentally benevolent intentions than for its lesser known title as the Feast Day of St. Epidodius, (who coincidentally, is the patron saint of victims of betrayal). Some however, are starting to notice a creeping commercialization of this most uncommercial of dates. In fact, the more environmentally aware we become, the more retailers we're seeing that are offering Earth Day promotions and sales. (Could cut-out paper decorations and greeting cards be next?) There's a great article highlighting April's new oxymoronic Monday on Advertising Age's website. It'll make you question how green you really are.

http://adage.com/article?article_id=126362

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Make no bones about it. New York's Brooklyn Brothers presents Fat Pig Chocolate and lays no claim to even attempting to make it sound better for you than it is. It IS chocolate. Mind you, it's organic and ya, it's wrapped like THAT, so guilt levels will remain low in relation to the pleasure metre reading of your body's other senses. Available for mail order.

http://www.fatpigchocolate.com

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In anticipation of their first retail outlet in Japan, IKEA has converted a commuter monorail in Kobe into a moving showroom, replete with brilliant colours and IKEA's own fabrics. The train's bold new look is a harbinger of happy times to come for many of the country's foreign residents who, for years have had difficulty locating affordable, non-Japanese style furniture for more western lifestyles. Surprisingly, the size of an average IKEA store in Japan will be approximately that of its European counterparts, (approx. 30000 sq. metres). In its initial phase of store openings, the company plans on opening 4-6 stores in the Tokyo region and 4-6 stores in the Kansai region. An online shopping component will follow.
http://www.ikea.com

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In keeping with humanity's new attitude of consuming more to save the world, Italian sartor Zegna introduces the world's first ecological luxury jacket. Solar panels on the neoprene collar capture sunlight and will recharge any electronic accoutrements you may carry throughout your day, including your iPod, phone or PDA, simply by plugging them into the power unit inside the garment.

http://www.zegna.com

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In 1976, Ronald Wayne designed Apple Computer’s first logo – an etched scene of Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree. It was inscribed with “Newton … A Mind Forever Voyaging Through Strange Seas of Thought … Alone.” Apple Computers seemed like a risky venture then however and later that same year,

Wayne left the company, selling his 10% share in the company for $800. (Yes, those numbers are correct.) Co-founder Steve Jobs attributed the slow sales of the homemade computer to the clunky logo, so also that year, he commissioned Rob Janoff of the Regis McKenna Agency to design a new one. Hence, the sleek, multi-coloured bitten apple was born and used from 1976 to 1999. The attached link shows the evolution of other tech company logos. Some of them will absolutely astound you.

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/02/07/the-evolution-of-tech-companies-logos

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In their efforts to promote their own animation, Japan has appointed a cartoon cat to the newly created government post of Anime Ambassador. Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura recently appeared at an inauguration ceremony with Doraemon to present him with a certificate and a plate of the cat's favourite desserts - red bean pancakes.

"Doraemon," said Komura, "I hope you will travel around the world as Anime Ambassador to deepen people's understanding of Japan so they will become friends with Japan."

The blue and white feline accepted the position and spoke to Komura, with the help of a voice actress.

"Through my cartoons, I hope to convey to people abroad what ordinary Japanese people think, our lifestyles and what kind of future we want to build."

Last November, Astro Boy was named Ambassador for Overseas Safety.

http://doraemon.wingsee.com/

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There was a time when room service was considered going above and beyond what was expected at a hotel. As boutique hotels continue to populate the sleepaway landscape though, more and more lodges are offering ways to ensure a restful night's sleep for their guests. The Fairmont Washington D.C. offers a menu of sleep inducing items, including an in-room yoga sleep class, lavender cookies and a teddy bear. The Hotel Burnham in Chicago has a complete pillow library for guests to explore.

The Benjamin in NYC takes it one step further, guaranteeing their guests a restful sleep, or the cost of the room will be reimbursed. The Benjamin's Sleep Concierge Anya Orlanska contacts guests by email ahead of checking in to determine their specific needs and pillow preferences. Those requiring even more attention might consider a stay at London's Hotel Andaz where BBC playwright and columnist Damian Barr is currently commissioned with reading bedtime stories to guests.
http://www.thebenjamin.com

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