Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The world first ECG phone - that could possibly save your life

There are all sorts of mobile phones out there, but the EPI Life is possibly the only handset that can save your life. Designed by Singapore company Ephone International, the EPI Life stands out with a built-in electrocardiogram measurement function linked to a 24-hour health concierge service. It takes 30 seconds to complete a reading, which can be sent back to the firm via GPRS anywhere in the world.


The collected data is analyzed for life-threatening conditions by a team of 10 cardiologists round the clock. Should they detect a hint of abnormality in the ECG, they will straight away send emergency services to wherever you are, or simply obtain priority admission for you into partner hospitals. 

The phone is currently available in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong for $357, but requires an additional monthly subscription for the health concierge service. A basic $71 plan limits users to 10 ECGs per month compared with an unlimited upload version at $215 bundled with a free handset. A higher-end model will be available in the fourth quarter with more mainstream lifestyle and health-centric functions in the works.



Friday, March 11, 2011

The Amazing Lion Man - Kevin Richardson

I find this man truly amazing and would like to share with you the story of Kevin Richardson. 

Kevin has always shown an interest in all types of creatures large and small and from an early age at just 3, was breeding crickets under his bed and keeping a pet toad called “Paddajie”. He grew from a young boy who cared for so many animals that he was called “The Bird Man of Orange Grove” in his home town to an adolescent who ran wild and, finally, to a man who is able to cross the divide between humans and predators.  As a self-taught animal behaviorist, Richardson has broken every safety rule known to humans when working with these wild animals. Flouting common misconceptions that breaking an animal’s spirit with sticks and chains is the best way to subdue them, he uses love, understanding and trust to develop personal bonds with them. His unique method of getting to know their individual personalities, what makes each of them angry, happy, upset, or irritated-just like a mother understands a child-has caused them to accept him like one of their own into their fold.

Kevin has used his unique relationship with these large predators to make documentaries and commercials while working at the Lion Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was there that award winning documentary maker Michael Rosenberg spotted Kevin’s unusual abilities and decided to capture these special relationships on film which kick started off Kevin’s documentary making career with Dangerous Companions, and other shows like Growing up hyena. 


Friday, March 4, 2011

Amazing Hotel Pool



Many hotels today spend thousands, if not millions, on their pools in hopes of attracting customers.  In recent years the stakes have gone up dramatically, so now designers are getting even more creative than before to combine architectural elements that couldn’t have been dreamed of just a decade or two ago.


1. San Alfonso Del Mar, Chile

The pool at the San Alfonso del Mar is a mini ocean in and of its self.  This pool is large enough to enjoy water sport activities like paddling and sailing. The pool measures two thirds of a mile in length—Guinness World Records calls it the largest in the world. For night time swimming, you could head to the temperature-controlled beach inside the pool's centrally located glass pyramid—the water and the sand are heated.

2. Golden Nugget, Las Vegas

You'll swim with five species of sharks (16 sharks in all) at the Nugget's $30 million pool complex. While the pool might not seem too cool at first glance, notice the salt-water aquarium complete with sharks that is flush with the pool.  There is also a clear tube slide that goes through the aquarium and into the pool.

3. Crown Tower, Macau

This is a cool infinity pool that looks out over a breath taking skyline from several stories up. This is definitely a great place to enjoy the sunset in Taipa Island.

4. Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman


This small infinity pool might not look like much at first, but when you take into account that the pool comes with your own private section of beach, cabana, pool, and more; it gets pretty luxurious.

5. Taj Hotel Resort and Palace

In a massive, 347-room palace overlooking the Blue City of Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan, this serene, temperature-controlled swimming basin takes advantage of natural candlelight—with rose petals sometimes strewn on the surface. The hotel is run by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, which shares the property with the palace's owner, the Maharaja of Jodhpur—who has been known to swim laps with the guests from time to time.

6. Blue Lagoon Geo Thermal Resort, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon Iceland geothermal spa is an important part of your stay in Iceland. Guests renew their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air while relaxing in the warm geothermal seawater.

The water’s temperature is 37-39°C / 98-102°F. The lagoon holds six million liters of geothermal seawater, which is renewed every 40 hours. Regular sampling shows that “common” bacteria do not thrive in this ecosystem, thus additional cleansers such as chlorine are not needed. The geothermal seawater comes into contact with cooling magmatic intrusions and captures the earth’s minerals, resulting in this unique natural source known for its healing power and actives.  

7. Al Bustan Palace Inter Continental Muscat, Muttrah, Oman

Inter-Continental property in Oman had gone through an extensive renovation with a major pool upgrade. The spacious, 164-foot-long infinity pool is flanked by shady, palm-studded islands. The water is temperature controlled, so it's always an oasis-like 84 degrees.