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Month: February 2020

MAGIC returns to Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/02/2020

It’s ‘game on’ in Monaco this March, with the sixth edition of MAGIC set to put Monaco once again firmly on the pop culture map.
Monaco Anime Game International Conferences (MAGIC) originally began as a gala dinner to celebrate the launch of Shibuya Productions and has since become an essential annual pop culture event in the Principality of Monaco, attracting fans of manga, comics, animation and video games across the globe.
“In just six years, thanks to our distinguished guests, a receptive audience and their impatience to meet their favourite artists, the MAGIC craze confirms that pop culture has its place in the Principality,” said the creator of MAGIC, Cédric Biscay, during Thursday’s press conference. “Now the biggest names in these sectors know that Monaco is a place for them!”
MAGIC is a unique pop culture event, free and open to all, featuring a rich programme of events dedicated to manga, comics, animation, video games, music and cinema.
Taking place on 7th March at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, it consists of conferences and round tables with famous authors, game designers, producers, screenwriters and international illustrators.
It also includes the now famous MAGIC International Cosplay Masters (MICM), bringing together the greatest cosplayers in the world. It also allows for the discovery of new talents through the MAGIC International Manga Contest in partnership with Japanese publishing house Shueisha, Shibuya Productions and Shibuya International. This unique competition gives the winner an opportunity to be published online with Shonen Jump Plus, alongside legendary works such as Dragon Ball, One Piece and Naruto.
Rounding out the programme is a large exhibition space, professional workshops and an escape game.
The MAGIC formula has been so successful, it managed to attract the attention of government officials in Kyoto, where two editions of the event has since been staged.
“Who would have thought that after only four editions, MAGIC would be exported to Japan, in Kyoto, the cradle of Japanese culture?” said Mr Biscay. “It’s incredible to see where passion, the desire to share, persistence and hard work can lead us, surrounded by a team who shares the same values.”
This year, MAGIC takes on a whole new dimension with the High Patronage of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco. Meanwhile, the Japanese ambassador to France will present Cédric Biscay with the Certificate of Honor from the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs for his work in building relationships with Monaco and Japan through pop culture.
Among this year’s high caliber personalities are the great Japanese mangaka Yōichi Takahashi, Tadatoshi Fujimaki, Dave Gibbons, William Simpson and Ayami Kojima.
Entry is free but reservation is necessary as places are limited: www.magic-ip.com
 
Stay tuned for our exclusive interview with Cédric Biscay, coming up next week…
 
 

London Fashion Week with Kristina Guberman

by: Kristina Gruberman
20/02/2020

London Fashion Week is always an exciting time – a great chance to meet stylish people in the creative industry, an excuse to swap your usual routine for a front row seat at some shows and a fantastic way to be inspired by constant innovation in the fashion world. 
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During the first 24 hours of fashion week this year, I was lucky enough to be invited to two events. The first was Rohmir’s new collection launch at the famous Victoria House in Bloomsbury. Rohmir is well known for glamorous designs appealing to women all around the world. Designer and founder Olga Roh has loyal customers in London, Hong Kong, Russia, Monaco and Switzerland just to name a few. This particular collection was inspired by her Russian heritage and my favourite pieces were the bright red/black fur coat and the long shimmery mosaic dress. I also loved the intricate styling and was obsessed with the music (old Russian songs remixed with modern beats – amazing!).
The second show I attended was part of Fashion Fest 2020, which featured upcoming designers from South America. Marvin Nonis showcased stunning colourful dresses in reds, pinks and purples, complete with embellishments and clever fabric texturing. Each design looked like it could have taken months to make and being a former fashion student myself, I know that statement probably isn’t far from the truth!

 
You can follow my global travels as a TV Presenter through my website or instagram: @kristinaguberman https://kristinaguberman.com
 
Read more:

Insider tips: the best of Courchevel

 
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Hottest winter in over two decades

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/02/2020

The Alpes-Maritimes has recorded it warmest winter season since 1958, according to the experts.

As families pack up and head to the local ski resorts during the half term break, many are finding the conditions less than desirable. With base snow depth as low as 35 cm in some resorts, some are wondering if being able to ski in nothing but a tee-shirt in February is a good or bad thing.

According to the Interregional Centre of Meteo-France, two of the last three months have hit record highs. Only the month of January didn’t set records, though it was considerably milder than normal.

On average, temperatures are +2.6ºC warmer than usual in the Alpes-Maritimes. Saint-Cézaire saw 24.8ºC temperatures on 3rd February and across, at 1,173m above sea level, saw 21º that same day. This is roughly 14º higher than normal.

This phenomenon is caused by a winter marked with unusual high pressure in the southern regions of Europe. This pushed storms farther north, pummelling Ireland and the UK with massive storms whilst the south has seen exceptional mildness. 

Experts say that we should start getting used to this kind of winter, as these conditions are in line with global warming. Fewer cold days and scorching summers will become more frequent, even if the world suddenly woke up today and stopped all actions causing these weather patterns.

For those who are fans of the warmth, this spring is also set to be milder, though the possibility of cold spells through May is not inconceivable.

 
 

Princess Grace concert

by: Cassandra Tanti
19/02/2020

As part of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Monte Carlo will be staging a special concert in homage to the late Princess Grace.
Created in memory of Princess Grace and her Irish roots, the performance by Irish violinist Frankie Gavin and the OPMC mixes traditional Irish and symphonic music. The concert will be held at the Auditorium Rainier III on 17th March from 8.30pm.
Grace Kelly’s grandfather on her father’s side, John Peter Kelly, was originally from Drimurla, just outside Newport in County Mayo. He emigrated to Philadelphia in the US in 1887.
Princess Grace made three trips to Mayo in the 60s and 70s, and ended up purchasing the old family homestead.
Even though Princess Grace was born in Philadelphia, the Irish have somewhat claimed the American actress as their own.
Princess Grace was very proud of her Irish heritage and became an avid collector of Irish literature. Her collection formed the basis for a library, which opened in 1984 in her name, two years after she died.
© Photo: Georges Lukomski – Archives du Palais Princier
 
 

CSM contributes to next IPCC report

by: Cassandra Tanti
19/02/2020

Two scientists from the Scientific Centre of Monaco (CSM), Dr. Nathalie Hilmi and Dr. Duygu Sevilgen, have joined fellow scientists in Portugal for the IPCC Working Group II Lead Author Meeting.
Dr. Nathalie Hilmi (Environmental Economics) and Dr. Duygu Sevilgen (Marine Biology) attended the Third Lead Author Meeting of Working Group II (LAM3 WGII) sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Faro, Portugal hosted by the University of Algarve from 26th January to 1st February.
WGII of the IPCC assesses the impacts of climate change, from a worldwide to a regional view of ecosystems and biodiversity, and of humans and their diverse societies, cultures and settlements.
Nathalie Hilmi contributes as a lead author to Chapter 18 which addresses ‘Climate resilient development pathways’ and to the regional cross chapter four ‘Mediterranean Region’. Duygu Sevilgen contributes to the latter as a Chapter Scientist.
The Mediterranean region is, alongside other outstanding regions like Polar regions or Tropical Forests, specifically addressed. This is due to its outstanding role as a semi-enclosed sea, that is highly vulnerable to climate change and considered a climate change hot spot. Together with the two scientists from the CSM, colleagues from Spain, Greece, Italy, Egypt, France and Germany work on the Mediterranean cross chapter. Chapter 18 is the closing chapter of the WGII AR6 report and thus a synthesis of key adaptation and mitigation solutions.
Overall, 260 scientists from about 60 countries came together in Faro to advance this assessment report that is due to be published in October 2021.
 
Photo source: IPCC Facebook page
 
 

Log book: Ocean Amazon Irina Peterson

by:
19/02/2020

Here is my last post from Santa Cruz, the amazing place I called home for the last week! This place is out of this world and deserves some publicity, so here it comes:
About a year ago, when I received a confirmation letter that I was selected to be part of the eXXpedition voyage from Galapagos to Easter Island, I realised  – after the initial bursts of excitement – that such trip will be prepared well in advance. My friends know my organisational skills and the joy I get from sorting everything out, and this responsibility was always for everyone’s satisfaction. Here I had the chance for the trip of a lifetime, so planning my stay in the Galapagos was very well thought out and researched.

In a place like this, I wanted to be as close to nature as possible, and in the most humble way possible intrude in the sacred space belonging to iguanas, turtles, birds and all the creepy-crawlers. I was incredibly fortunate to find the Galapagos Safari Camp (GSC) which seemed to live up to my criteria. After quite a bit of communication back-and-forth, not only arranging accommodation but also planning the finest details of diving, island exploration and reaching other islands. Everyone was helpful in trying to find the best solution. I was enchanted from afar, but nothing quite prepared me for the amazing reality awaiting me here in Santa Cruz.

The camp is a love testimony for Galapagos by owners Stephanie and Michael Mesdag, who created a unique place of harmony between human and nature. The lodgings are beautifully crafted tents, where nothing is out of place and everything is there to provide comfort and peace. The attention to detail is incredible; you are invited to take this wonderful experience in with all your senses.
The staff know how to be there for you when you need the smallest thing, and at the same time to let you just ‘be’ and enjoy without intrusion. I shared the camp with a nice couple, a family with three children and another single traveler. We all had different expectations and programs, all while having the same level of preparation in curating our experiences.

The food was another wonderful surprise here – young and talented chefs creating beautiful and delicious dishes! I arrived here a bit sick from Quito, battling a bad cold. Without me saying anything, a delicious chicken soup was brought at the next meal. I learned that the chefs are preparing a cook book with their special dishes, so I look forward to be able to purchase it soon. Or, if anyone reading this is set to visit the Galapagos Safari Camp soon, please bring me a copy! I hope I gave you enough reasons why you should choose it for your next holiday.
I know I will look back with so much joy and gratitude to these days when I felt like a modern and posh Robinson Crusoe.
Stay tuned for my adventures in Isabela Island, following a flamingo colony!
 
Much love
Irina aka Ocean