Monday 28 October 2013

Wired for sound with Bose boutique stores within stores


 
DionWired has just staged an audio shopping revolution in South Africa with the inclusion of a trendy Bose boutique store within their outlets at Greenstone and Woodmead in Johannesburg.
 
Created in line with the Bose store-within-a-store design used across the world, this is the first of many trendy in-store Bose boutiques and will offer discerning customers a complete sound solution including demonstrations to installations to after sales service. Bose is recognized as a global leader in quality home cinema and personal audio systems.
 
Sound Imports, the authorised Bose distributor for the past 35 years, explored opportunities to reach the customer effectively and has been responsible for getting Bose products to the discerning audience in the South African market through the right placement of products in the significant audio and consumer electronics retail environment.  Now this is being strengthened with a solid partnership with DionWired, Sound Imports is able to take the Bose experience closer to their customers.
 
Andrew Jackson, Director of DionWired, said the decision to include a Bose boutique store within DionWired outlets was a “win-win” for both DionWired and Sound imports. DionWired, through its focus on “innovating, educating and inspiring’ consumers” and offering premium merchandise and the best product solutions, had become synonymous with a “blue carpet” retail experience. The addition of a Bose boutique outlet would further enhance this.
 
Bose would reach a whole new market in South Africa, he explained. Bose has established itself as a leading audio brand worldwide.
 
Jackson said that Sound Imports, as the Bose distributor, naturally aligned with the DionWired brand. “DionWired recognises Bose as a truly aspirational brand. With a store-within-a-store concept, customers get to experience Bose products and exclusive service by a Bose audio Specialist who will demonstrate what is possible. This is a whole new way of experiencing audio. DionWired went with Bose as Bose understands today’s modern and contemporary customers’ requirements for personal audio products and audio streaming, and the desire for well-designed and discreet sized products with exceptional performance.
 
He acknowledged that the tie up with Sound Imports and Bose is one of the biggest milestones both in DionWired’s history and in the audio industry in South Africa. As a leading national specialist electronics chain, DionWired will be “consumerising” what has, up until now, been viewed as a high end specialist brand that has been reserved exclusively for Independent smaller retailers. 
 
Based at their prime positions in Gauteng, DionWired’s Greenstone and Woodmead outlets will be the first to launch the Bose store-within-a-store concept. However, over the next six months, this will be rolled out to stores in Pretoria, KZN (Umhlanga) and Cape Town stores and other Johannesburg stores, as well as new stores that will be opening such as Cavendish and Cradlestone in November 2013.
 
For further information, or to get shopping, log on to www.dionwired.co.za.
 
 
 
 

Thursday 17 October 2013

The Perfect Read

Title: The Lost Symbol
Author: Dan Brown


In his latest novel, Dan Brown turns his focus away from the Vatican and the Illuminati to a group shrouded in equal mystery and esoteric symbology – the Free Masons. When Robert Langdon receives a call in the middle of the night it leads him to an ancient call to action, a call carved from the dismembered hand of his kidnapped friend, mentor and Free Mason Grand Master, Peter Solomon.

This call leads Langdon down the proverbial rabbit hole and leads Langdon and the reader to explore the pagan symbology and imagery replete among the USA’s greatest and most well known monuments. Along this road with Langdon is his mentor’s sister, Katherine Solomon a scientist involved in an obscure branch of science seeking to reveal the mysteries of human nature. The Solomon family is thrown into chaos as they are haunted by the death of Peter’s son and, along with Langdon, are manipulated by a madman seeking his own deadly apotheosis. Typical of a Brown novel, it is a fast-paced race against time to find Peter Solomon and unlock the mysteries of the Masons to save Peter and to save themselves.

The Lost Symbol is fast-paced, it is filled to capacity with action and there’s hardly a moment to reflect on the revelations in the novel as the characters rush and stumble toward one thing or another. Although it is action-packed, it lacks the originality and the flare that makes Brown’s books so exciting. Unlike his most popular novels, the Free Masons are not the enemy in this novel but rather the target of a ruthless attack which has the potential to bring a powerful nation to its knees. It does however deliver that unique Brown flavour guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

 
Title: Angela’s Ashes
Author: Frank McCourt


“Worse that the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood.” This Pulitzer Prize winning novel is a tale of poverty and hardship as the author takes us on the journey of his childhood from New York to Ireland. Failing to live the American Dream and after losing his sister, Frank and his remaining siblings and parents return to Ireland where tragedy strikes and his father’s alcoholism and his mother’s struggle to provide for Frank’s remaining siblings marks their journey through childhood. A family having old potatoes and boiled pig’s head for Christmas supper, this is a biography seems to be without the expected triumph of the author at the end as he rises from the ashes of his bleak past. Living in a double-story run-down building where the top floor is known as “Italy” and the bottom floor is known as “Ireland” and is prone to flooding, Frank and his family are placed right next to the shared street toilet and have to contend with the resultant…challenges that come with their unique situation.

The first thing that strikes you about McCourt’s writing is the clear and stark recollection of his childhood. Next, is the seemingly endless stretch of tragedy and unfortunate events from losing his siblings to having a father more interested in his next drink than providing for his family. It’s a heart-breaking story where McCourt writes a young man who is haunted by a need to be a man before his time and look after his family while battling with his Catholicism, always at odds with what he needs to do to survive. An autobiography, bleak in its truth and honesty and layered with emotion which takes the reader on a harsh and moving journey.
 
Compiled By: Mduduzi Makhubo

Wednesday 9 October 2013

Vibe: ‘Hostile Take Over’ by Midrand's new nightspot


 
The birth of the vision of young, creative, black South African entrepreneurs promises  to be the biggest wave to hit the Jozi entertainment and lifestyle scene. The opening of Club XI, in Midrand Johannesburg is the beginning of a new era in showcasing young South Africa and its greater potential.
An upmarket venue, oozing class and versatility offers a variety of entertainment options. The size of the venue in itself speaks volumes (all puns intended). The bars are fully kitted, and ready to cater to your specific needs. The menu offers a wide selection of ‘grill house’ inspired meals that compliment the various delightful drinks and cocktails that are served. 
 
Club XI worker showcasing her Club XI branded t-shirt
 
 
The inside of Club XI
A personalized menu option is available for private functions and corporate events, as well as exclusive areas within the club that offer privacy and a sense of ‘intimate interaction’ for functions such as bachelor parties, birthdays and matric farewell after parties and the likes.
The main dance floor is creatively designed with a sizable stage, allowing for talent to showcase what they are about. From poets, jazz musicians, comedians to the hip hop dancer, Club XI is the perfect venue for live performance. The magnitude of your audience will rarely pose as a challenge, as this is GPs biggest entertainment space.
Club XI executive members are in the process of expanding venue options, such as the opening of an exclusive VVIP lounge.
Club XI has set the standard and now invites you to indulge in its pleasure!
 
 
Facebook: ClubXiMidrand
Address: 665, Corner Aitken and Alexander road, Midrand.  (Former known as Shoosh)
For quires contact: Prince 061 035 6076/ prince@clubxi.co.za
 
Images by: Mesuli
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 

 

Friday 4 October 2013

Box Office: Financial drama and afterlife cops protecting the living

Nothing For Mahala


Director: Rolie Nikiwe
Cast: Thapelo Mokoena, Jamie Bartlett and Casper De Vries
Genre: Comedy
Running Time: 1 hr 45min
Release Date: 4 October 2103

The South African comedy follows the financially troubled Ace (Thapelo Mokoena) who likes to playing high-roller. Ace is forced to get money from illegal loan sharks, and also runs into legal trouble which lands him into community service at an old age home where he learns much about financial management and how to get hold of life. The film, which opens today cinemas features big a cast with names such as Lilian Dube, Desmond Dube, Jamie Bartlett, Casper De Vries, Kenneth Nkosi and multiple SAMA winner Zahara on her acting debut.


R.I.P.D


Director: Robert Schwentke
Cast:  Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Bacon
Genre: Fantasy Action
Running Time: 1 hr 36mins
Release Date: 4 October 2013

Based on the graphic novel of the same name, this fantasy action focusses on police detective Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds) who is killed in the line of duty and taken to join the undead police division in the afterlife.  There he is assigned to be the partner of Roy Pulsipher (Jeff Bridges), a veteran officer of the R.I.P.D – the Rest in Peace Department, a department of dead police officers dedicated to protect and serve the living from arrogant, malevolent, bloodthirsty evil spirits who refuse to move into the afterlife.

Da Stitch
@DaStitchBlog



Wednesday 2 October 2013