The Malaysian Insider :: Features
The Malaysian Insider :: Features |
| British astronomer Patrick Moore dead aged 89 Posted: 09 Dec 2012 07:29 AM PST LONDON, Dec 9 — Astronomer Patrick Moore, renowned for his work mapping the Moon's surface and for having popularised his subject with the British public, died today at the age of 89, friends and colleagues announced. The eccentric astronomer, whose research was used by the United States and the Soviets in their space programmes, "passed away peacefully at 12:25 pm (1225 GMT)", at his home in Selsey on the southern English coast, they said in a statement.  British astronomer Patrick Moore in 2003. — AFP/Relaxnews file pic "After a short spell in hospital last week, it was determined that no further treatment would benefit him, and it was his wish to spend his last days in his own home." Moore had fronted the monthly BBC programme "The Sky At Night" since 1957, making him the world's longest-running presenter of the same television show. He believed he was the only person to have met Orville Wright, the first man to fly; Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space; and Neil Armstrong, the first man on the Moon. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 2001 for "services to the popularisation of science and to broadcasting". Besides his skill at explaining the intricacies of the universe, his monocle, wit and idiosyncratic style of speech endeared him to an army of fans spanning the generations. The statement from his friends said Moore died in the company of close friends and carers and his cat Ptolemy. "Over the past few years, Patrick, an inspiration to generations of astronomers, fought his way back from many serious spells of illness and continued to work and write at a great rate, but this time his body was too weak to overcome the infection which set in, a few weeks ago," it said. "He was able to perform on his world record-holding TV programme "The Sky at Night" right up until the most recent episode. "His executors and close friends plan to fulfil his wishes for a quiet ceremony of interment, but a farewell event is planned for what would have been Patrick's 90th birthday in March 2013." At the age of eight he was given a 1908 typewriter on which his multitude of books and papers were written throughout his life. Besides his astronomy, writing and broadcasting, Moore was a skilled xylophone player and a useful cricketer. — AFP/Relaxnews |
| Posted: 09 Dec 2012 04:31 AM PST WASHINGTON, Dec 9 — While controversial silhouettes promoting unrealistic body images in the media are the targets of many angry parents, Barbie's plastic perfection remains an undisputed favourite of girls around the world. Ruling the toy realm for 53 years, Mattel's figurehead doll will once again top holiday wish lists and feature under many a Christmas tree in 2012.  "Barbie Photo Fashion"— AFP/Relaxnews A toy star's continual evolution On March 9, 1959, at the New York International Toy Fair, Ruth Handler presented a doll created for her daughter Barbara, the toy's namesake. Contrasting with the other toys for children of the time and the dominance of baby dolls, the adult-bodied doll made a splash. On the market, she competed with Bild Lilli, her German counterpart, commonly seen as the inspiration for Barbie. Just a few years after its creation, the doll already showed her capacity of adapting with the times. In 1963, she became an astronaut as a nod to the first time a woman went to space. "Then there was this iconic moment when she became an airplane pilot, which conveyed the idea that women were able to do a man's job," outlines Frédérique Tutt, an NPD Group toy market expert. Within a few years, the doll's body changed, her résumé grew longer and her voice was (literally) heard. Two years ago, Mattel's doll entered the realm of technology. Barbie was equipped with a camera allowing children to direct their own short videos. "Mattel reinvents the Barbie doll each year to keep on trend," explains Tutt. And therein lies the secret of Barbie's longevity. A friend for life Another key factor in Barbie's enduring appeal is that "Barbie follows the evolution of a little girl as she grows up. The whole line was created to fit each age group," notes Tutt. To fit with the evolution of her fans, the little plastic blonde switches jobs. Barbie, a gift suitable for 3-year-olds, dresses as a princess to wow the 4-5 age segment. Then she becomes a role model for the 5-6-year-olds, as she takes care of her little sisters, Skipper and Stacie. Ultimately, she becomes a beauty icon wearing all kinds of outfits, turning the rooms of kids aged 7-8 into fashion runways. Each year, Mattel delights children with a string of new accessories, lavish houses, camping cars, yachts and trendy clothing. But above all, the brand thinks outside the box to constantly find new doll concepts. Dolls are the really strong performers in the Barbie line, according to Tutt. A toy for all budgets Barbie has been lucky enough to wear designer clothes by Christian Louboutin, Karl Lagerfeld and Paco Rabanne, but the Barbie line has a wide range of price points. Barbie adapts to all budgets. The lines traditionally start "with a bathing suit Barbie. The smaller the amount of fabric, the lower the price. Then you have the dolls with accessories, and above that, collectible editions," Tutt outlines, adding, "Barbie's strength is her ability to sell all year round." A hit since the 1960s, Barbie is associated with cherished childhood memories, with many grandmothers and mothers saving their precious dolls for their own offspring. — AFP/Relaxnews |
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