Showing 1 - 10 of 134
Smart, fun and surprisingly simple
Life, Komsan Jandamit, Published on 24/12/2025
» Technology in 2025 was all about making life simpler and more exciting, with gadgets that blend convenience and style.
Passing of a giant
Life, John Clewley, Published on 11/10/2025
» Sad news reached the World Beat desk this week that Prof Dr Terry E. Miller of Kent State University in the US passed away on Oct 1. He was 80 years old.
Mexico's new voice
Life, Thana Boonlert, Published on 11/10/2025
» After landing the day before, Mariachi Bonitas de Dinorah, an all-female band from Sacramento, California, did not show any signs of jet lag. Instead, they fired salvos of energetic notes and staccato rhythms on the Saffron Cruise that was gliding down the Chao Phraya River, enlivening the night with the traditional flavour of Mexico.
Sabine has the science you're after
Life, James Hein, Published on 08/10/2025
» Sabine Hossenfelder is one of the people I regularly watch on the YouTube platform. She is a physicist but also veers into other areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. For her latest video -- In Which I Lose Faith In Quantum Computing -- she makes a number of interesting observations. In short, apart from some very specific applications, quantum computing, even if it is scalable from current technology, has limited application. It also has the potential of bringing down a number of current companies highly focused on this technology, or at least some of their divisions. Artificial intelligence takes up a lot of the space that quantum computing could do well in, but for the present at least, AI does it better. The next 10 years, or less, will be important to see how both of these directions develop, or not. If you are interested at all in physics, maths and occasionally quantum computing, then Sabine Hossenfelder provides some interesting perspectives.
A night of prodigies
Life, William Niall Morris, Published on 23/08/2025
» In 1978, composer John Williams won the Best Original Music Oscar for his work on the movie Star Wars. We've all heard the main theme countless times over the years, but listening to it performed by a live symphony orchestra is a whole new intergalactic experience. Such was the intense power of the Siam Sinfonietta as it swept over the Main Hall of the Thailand Cultural Centre that my nine-year-old nephew, Hummer, was pinned to his seat with wide-eyed wonder.
The original desktop computer
Life, Kanokporn Chanasongkram, Published on 04/07/2025
» Revisiting the golden age of the desk clock, Patek Philippe has reinvented a historic model that belonged to American carmaker James Ward Packard.
Valentino presents a new vision of luxury
Life, Published on 27/06/2025
» Valentino presents aesthetics through a new lens in Valentino Resort 2026 that redefines luxury with serene elegance. The collection retains the essence of classic luxury while reimagining it in a dreamlike atmosphere. The imagery is bathed in soft pastel tones such as peachy pinks and gentle sky blues, that evoke a sense of calm. The simplicity of the setting draws the eye to the garments where precision tailoring, luxurious materials and artisanal techniques take centre stage once again to now be appreciated in a more relaxed context. This season's pieces explore the structure of tailoring, featuring cinched-waist jackets paired with wide-leg trousers that flow like skirts, as well as evening gowns reimagined with a sense of ease. The result is a contemporary reinterpretation of classic silhouettes that retain the timeless elegance at the heart of the maison.
Connectivity conundrums
Life, James Hein, Published on 18/06/2025
» I'm travelling as I write this, so I thought it would be a good time to cover things like connectivity and the kind of issues I face even in 2025. Connectivity will typically revolve around your smartphone and I recommend you prepare for this in advance. Option one is a new sim card that you put in when you get to your destination.
Revisiting a golden age
Life, John Clewley, Published on 04/06/2025
» Arabic popular music produced several divas in the 20th century, with each blessed with a powerful distinctive voice. Some of them included the "Egyptian Immortal" Oum Kalthoum, who dominated Arabic radio with her expressive voice; "Algerian Rose" Warda; Farouz, "The Star of Lebanon"; and "Syrian Mystic" Asmahan, whose life was tragically cut short at just 32.
Sonos Arc Ultra: Setting the bar
Life, Komsan Jandamit, Published on 14/05/2025
» Geeks and nerds who want to upgrade their sound system without wasting much space on their desk will enjoy the Sonos Arc Ultra with its superior sound quality, advanced features and stylish design. However, its high price and some limitations in connectivity and format support might make it less appealing to some. But if you're looking for a premium soundbar and are willing to invest, the Arc Ultra is a top contender.