Etihad Airways came flying into the airline industry with jet’s blazing only 14 years ago. On their Airbus A380-800, business travellers are invited to travel with sophistication and class under the most comfortable circumstances.From exclusive pre board privileges to a sophisticated in-flight lounge, flying Etihad Business Class is a truly unique experience from start to finish. Take a step on board and explore why Etihad Airways has become the world’s leading airline for eight consecutive years and running.

A First Class Pre-Board Experience

The experience of flying Etihad Business Class begins at check-in. An area where disorganisation is commonplace for travellers who are helplessly waiting to cross to the other side.To make the process simple, yet efficient, Etihad Business and First class travellers are welcomed to use the “Express Path”. A quick pass through the security checkpoint which brings us to the well-appointed Etihad Premium Lounge in little time.As the golden doors glided open, I was greeted by a delightful staff offering dates and coffee before my entrance into the lounge. After checking in, a lovely attendant and I headed down the steps and into a modern Middle Eastern inspired main seating area.Deciding on a light snack, I took to the buffet where there was a spread of Arabic mezze, Australian cheeses, bread and a few others. Not being terribly hungry, I grabbed a bowl of chick pea salad as well as confit salmon and took to a pint at a contemporary-style bar.The lounge did have a full-service restaurant with appetisers, main courses and the whole nine but for the moment I was set. I enjoyed the feel of the lounge space. It was refined, comfortable and the visual aesthetics of gold, marble and mint were quite soothing.Besides dining and main areas, the lounge included prayer rooms, business areas, washrooms and a children’s play area for travelling families. I don’t have kids myself but found the dedicated area to be thoughtful for those who do. I could only imagine how stressful it could be to travel with young children and nothing for them to do.The pre-board experience with Etihad Business Class was efficient, convenient and extremely relaxing. No surprise here for Etihad’s surpassed the ranks of competing business classes with only a mere 14 years of flight.

Etihad Business Class Layout

Etihad’s Business Class, also referred to as The Business Studio on Airbus A380’s, shares the upper deck with First Class. The front of the cabin is home to 9 well-appointed First Class seats as well as “The Residence” suite. Separating the two classes is a comfortable social area exclusive to Etihad’s Airbus 380.The Business Studios are broken up into two sections separated by a set of restrooms. Rows 8 through 18 make up the first half while row 19 through 26 make up the rest. All rows are configured in the common 1-2-1 for direct access to your seat and maximum privacy. The deck houses 70 business seats, all with a 73” pitch and 20” width.The social area is home to two semi-circle high back leather seats, a telly and a tasteful bar. Note: you’ll have to grab an FA to pour you drink, there’s no self-service at the bar. The space is inviting, set up with connectivity ports and a selection of books. It tends to stay relatively quiet, but the space is nice if you’re in need of a change of scenery.Overall, the cabin was classy, sophisticated and inherently relaxing. As I approached my seat, I felt ready for the long haul flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi.

Unique Seating For Maximum Privacy

Although in a 1-2-1 layout, the seats are configured differently from the common reverse herringbone set up. In the Etihad Business Class cabin, the seats alternate front and rear facing for exclusive privacy.For a quick reference point, all A, E, F and K face forward. C, D, G and H face rear… except rows 25 and 26. This seating style works in your benefit, for the E and F love seats actually offer more privacy. They offer travellers large dividers which provides a feel of complete seclusion when needed.Due to the alternate facing style, you’ll have “true” window seats and “aisle” window seats. The A’s and K’s will be the true window seats while the C’s and H’s are aisle. While the extra privacy from the love seats would have been nice, I decided on a true window seat ahead of time. Even when I was a kid, I had to be by the window to watch the city fall away beneath us as we headed for the clouds.For this flight I was glad to find myself in seat 12A, fully equip with an entertainment system, remote and seat adjustments, all touchscreen. The seat has 2 USB ports, a universal outlet, plenty of side storage and electronic window shades. I found the accompanying mood light to be a fun, fashionable touch to the seat. Note, the front face seats have a larger armrest than rear face, creating more space between you and the aisle.The armrest doubles as a storage compartment where before takeoff you can find your LUXE brand amenities kit. The amenities kit was pretty standard containing the common business class goods. What stood out was the Luxe City Guide (I got Abu Dhabi, very fitting) and Scaramouche + Fandango toiletries. Before takeoff, the FA’s offer hot towels and pyjamas for overnight flights like SYD to AUH.Seats in The Business Studio are easy to adjust and incredibly comfortable. From your touch screen control centre, you could adjust the recline, cushion firmness, lighting and the “Do Not Disturb”. Each seat offers a massaging, lie-flat bed accompanied by cosy fleece blankets and a decent pillow. They aren’t massive Singapore Airlines beds, but they are certainly comfortable for getting ample shut eye on your flight.

Where You Should Sit

With 70 Business Studios on the upper deck, there isn’t very many seats to avoid. The precise seating configuration doesn’t make one seat significantly better than the other.  As we stated before, the centre love seats have significant dividers that bring plenty of privacy to what it normally exposed.While the cabin is quiet, if you fear losing out on sleep because of light chatter, avoid rows 8-9. Due to their proximity to the lounge, you may succumb to the conversations of other passengers. However, the Etihad Business Class lounge tends to not be a party on their flights. Don’t dread the trip if you book late and end up in these rows.Outside of those rows, note that rows 17-19 and 26 are located near service areas as well if you normally steer clear of those seat locations.

Etihad’s Dine On Demand

A notable feature to flying with Etihad Airways is their dine on demand policy. Whatever you want, whenever you want it.Woke up hungry while everyone’s asleep? No worries, with an all-day menu you’re able to order food even if you sleep through main service. The on-board Food and Beverage Manager was a nice touch as well. The woman was friendly, knowledgeable and able to pair exclusive wines with each dish.For starters I went for the Arabic Mezze Plate which consisted of a little salad, pita, dolma, hummus and few other fixings. I still had my welcome champagne so I chose to finish that rather than order the recommended glass of white.The main course consisted of Lamb Biryani with a side of Mediterranean ratatouille, paired with a dry New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Dessert was sticky date and toffee pudding with crushed pistachios. Overall, the food and service was good yet it nothing to write home about.

Generous Amounts Of Entertainment

Etihad’s Business Class offers a modern, 18.5” telly with interactive entertainment system. I think it was something along the lines of 3,000 different movies, shows, music and more to choose from. Essentially limitless regardless of how long your flight is.You could watch two different programmes at once (if that’s your thing), embrace your cultural self with a selection of foreign films, or tune into live stations like BBC or sports networks.

Final Words

In the end, the experience of flying business class with Etihad Airways definitely met the expectations. It’s no surprise they’ve won “World’s Leading Airline” by the World Travel Awards 8 years in a row. With impeccable hospitality, a classy cabin and luxurious seat comforts, Etihad Business Class is an experience that shouldn’t be missed when flying from Sydney to Abu Dhabi.Flying Business Class elsewhere? Read our comprehensive review for Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Business Class and how to get the most out of it

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As the great poet Jessie J once said, “It’s not about the money, money, money.” Although a sufficient salary is a must at any job, it’s the side perks that really make a company stand out – and as the competitive market of employee benefits gets increasingly cutthroat, it’s workers who win.These days, transit subsidies and gym reimbursements are practically passé. We expect ping-pong tables at a bare minimum. We’ll barely bat an eyelash at unlimited snacks and in-house yoga. Companies are getting creative to attract and retain the finest talent in their industries.The result, say the job experts at Glassdoor, is that every now and then a perk comes along that’s truly remarkable in its ingenuity, uniqueness, or life-changing potential. Glassdoor released its annual list of the 20 best employee benefits and perks, and the 2017 entries are guaranteed to spark some envy.You had no idea you wanted pet health insurance until now.

#1 Ikea

Ikea offers up to four months of paid parental leave to both part-time and full-time employees with at least one year of experience at the company, regardless of whether they work at a retail store or the corporate headquarters.

#2 Reebok

Reebok encourages employees to reach their personal fitness goals by providing an on-site gym with CrossFit classes.

#3 Bain & Company

The Best Place to Work in 2017, holds an annual two-day, global “Bain World Cup” soccer tournament open to all employees. Last year’s event was in Brussels. The 2017 tournament will be held in Los Angeles.

#4 Goldman Sachs

Goldman offers coverage for gender reassignment surgery, a benefit the company has offered since 2008.

#5 Facebook

Facebook provides healthcare coverage and free housing for interns. Known for its competitive benefits package, many Facebook interns report earning more than $7,000 per month.

#6 Scripps Health

Scripps Health cares about the wellbeing of its employees’ furry family members, offering pet health insurance for cats and dogs.

#7 Starbucks

Starbucks provides full tuition reimbursement for its employees, covering an online bachelor’s degree program through Arizona State University.

#8 American Express

Amex’s parental leave policy offers up to five months of fully-paid leave for both mothers and fathers. Birthing mothers generally receive an additional 6 to 8 weeks under salary continuation for medical leave. Parents are also given access to a 24-hour lactation consultant, and mothers traveling for business can ship their breast milk home for free.

#9 Eventbrite

Eventbrite helps keep employees healthy by offering a monthly $60 wellness stipend, which can be used on everything from gym dues to juice cleanses.

#10 Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods offers a 20% store discount to all employees, including full-time and part-time employees.

#11 In-N-Out

In-N-Out employees can treat themselves to a free Double-Double burger and fries during each shift.

#12 Deloitte

Deloitte offers two sabbatical programs: an unpaid one-month sabbatical that can be taken for any reason, and a three- to six-month sabbatical that can be taken to pursue personal or professional growth opportunities with 40% pay.

#13 Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. (and all of its brands) provides free access to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to corporate employees. Gap founders Doris and Donald Fisher worked closely with the museum to feature their prominent private collection.

#14 Microsoft

Microsoft offers an annual $800 “StayFit” reimbursement program to help cover the cost of gym memberships and fitness programs.

#15 Swiss Re

Insurance company Swiss Re’s “Own the Way You Work” program encourages employees to embrace flexibility with their schedules and work remotely.

#16 Amazon

Amazon offers two programs for new parents: Leave Share, which allows employees to share paid leave with their partner if the partner’s company does not offer paid leave, and Ramp Back, which gives new moms more control over easing back into work. All perks are available for corporate, customer service and fulfillment center employees.

#17 USAA

USAA offers a strong 401k program with an 8 percent matching policy. According to SHRM, the average company in the U.S. matches 6 percent.

#18 Southwest

Southwest offers all employees and their dependents access to Clear Skies, an employee assistance program that provides confidential counseling, work/life services, and legal consultations.

#19 Genentech

Genentech offers unique on-site amenities, including car washes, haircuts, childcare center, mobile spa and dentist.

#20 Timberland

Timberland employees can take up to 40 hours of paid time off per year to volunteer.

The post The 20 Best Employee Benefits And Perks Of 2017 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Let’s face it. There are those days when you’ve copped an absolute eyeful and all you want to do is close them and zone out to some of your favourite tunes – think lovemaking anthems – think ‘Danger Zone’ by Kenny Loggins.

The only issue? Your flatmate is hosting date night back at the apartment and your only option is the local park. Enter your saviour in pure audio bliss. Portable sound systems, or as 2017 likes to call them, portable Bluetooth speaker systems.

Indeed the humble boombox is dead and buried. Taking its place in today’s fast-paced music world are high-powered speaker units which can be mobilised and connected to just about any smart device whether that be wirelessly or through analogous means.

Trust us it’s not as confusing as it sounds. Today we’re foregoing the cheap and nasties to track down some of the best portable sound systems on the market. Listen up.

Bose SoundLink Bluetooth III

The Bose SoundLink III is the American audio company’s latest portable model which has received accolades from users around the world. As expected of any premium audio brand, the sound quality must be of exceptional standard and the SoundLink III earns its stripes with ease. On the technical front it plays louder and has better stamina than its predecessors. Four drivers along with two passive radiators ensure that the full-spectrum of audio and clarity is maintained at any volume level. And let’s not forget that sweet bass which packs a serious punch for a unit of this size. Simply connect to any device with music via Bluetooth and you’ll have 14 hours of continuous music ready to go on a single charge. It’s sleek and elegant design also ensures it’s at home both indoors and outdoors.

BUY $439

JBL Pulse 2

One of the brands paving the way for portable sound systems is JBL. Their latest venture into the portable Bluetooth speaker scene has lead to a cylindrical barrel of good times, bright lights and even better sound. It might look gimmicky at first with its flashy spectrum of lights that act as an equaliser to your tunes, but make no mistake this unit is fine tuned by the sound boffins at Harman down to a tee. What this means is an astounding range of clarity and bass delivered from the twin mini-subs and middle sound bar portion. Distortion is also kept at a minimum through the volume range whilst the intuitive controls on the back allow users to see the volume level via LEDs as well as being able to customise the light show to your liking. Don’t like the lights? Simply switch it off and take it poolside where the unit’s splash proof properties allows it 10 hours of continuous play time at 360 degrees.

BUY $300

B&O Beolit 17

The Germans know how to engineer a serious portable speaker even if it does look like a glorified Esky. What punters are getting though is 240 watts of power sent through a full 360 degree spectrum with exacting clarity and detail. The unit also comes equipped with an alarm so that you can awake from your slumber to Slipknot (if that’s your kind of thing). Bluetooth connectivity, 24 hours of playtime, an aluminium body and a full grain leather handle strap epitomises the attention to detail that seamlessly merges with functionality in the Beolit 17.

$500

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 3

Easily the most attractive system on the list, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 3 straddles the fine line between interior design and pure audio bliss. It comes in a range of attractive colours and features a build quality that is second to none for a portable Bluetooth system. Functionality is also up there with the others with the Onyx Studio 3 capable of connecting up to three devices so that music can be shared. It’s runtime is only five hours but it makes up for it with features such as a built-in mic for conference calls and the option to wirelessly link two Onyx speakers for an even more immersive audio experience.

BUY $350

UE MegaBoom

Often credited as the device which launched the portable speaker craze into the mainstream, UE – that stands for Ultimate Ears – by Logitech has been evolving their speakers with every new model release. Currently there’s three different models with the MegaBoom sitting at the top of that family tree. The popularity of the device is due to its robust construction which includes a 1 metre waterproof rating for up to 30 minutes. This alone should be enough to keep them ahead of the game but UE didn’t stop there. The unit lives up to its name by producing some seriously heart-pounding bass which is enough to get any bingo party going. Each charge affords 20 hours of playtime whilst each unit can be paired with another Megaboom for an even wider spectrum of music in large areas.

BUY $350

Bowers & Wilkins T7

One of the most extravagant ways to enjoy music on the go is with Bowers & Wilkins T7. It maybe small in stature but look closer at the details and you’ll find state of the art audio engineering paired with striking industrial design from the labs of Bowers & Wilkins. The central twin bass radiators deliver dynamic audio with serious depth and impact whilst two 50mm driver units on either side produce high-performance sound anywhere life may take you. The speaker connects to devices via Bluetooth and boasts 18 hours of play time per charge.

BUY $350

Vifa Oslo

You’ve heard of Scandinavian interior design and now you can pair that with the meticulously crafted Vifa Oslo, one of the most beautiful portable audio systems you’ve probably never heard of. On the technical front it relies on a single piece of diecast aluminium for the structure whilst housing twin 50mm Vifa units with an aluminium cone and powerful neodymium magnet. An additional pair of 65mm Vifa units form the subwoofer to produce an experience of astonishing sound quality in a compact package. To top it off the Oslo uses a wool cover made from selected yarns carefully woven into a specific pattern that’s been designed by Kvadrat.

$700

The post Portable Sound Systems That Look As Good As They Sound appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Brace yourselves, anti-consumerist hipsters. Bugatti is muscling in on your sacred pavement with one of the world’s most expensive fixie bikes.The hypercar maker has teamed up with luxury bicycle manufacturer PG to create the ultimate fixie (fixed gear bike) to go with your prized Bugatti Chiron – which itself retails for US$2.7m.The official name of the two-wheeler is simply the PG Bugatti Bike which isn’t very damn creative considering the US$39,000 price tag. You read right. No extra zeroes on that one.Backing up the staggering asking price is bike which weighs less than 5kg thanks to its full carbon fibre frame constructed using the same process as the panels found on Bugatti’s road vehicles. This means it’s also aero-optimised to ensure you can go as fast as possible…on a fixie.No doubt the German-made Bugatti Bike will garner a lot of attention thanks to its unique design but if that’s not enough to satisfy one’s narcissistic tendencies then there’s also a choice of different colours just like the cars.The only thing owners will need to worry about? Where the hell to score roof racks for their multi-million dollar car. Only 667 examples of the bicycle will be made so move quick.

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A long-standing Apple rumour has finally come true: the company announced this morning that a special edition red iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are on their way as part of the (PRODUCT)RED line.

Apple has worked with AIDS charity (RED) for the last decade, releasing (RED)-themed merchandise and turning stores red every year on World AIDS Day, December 1. The upcoming iPhones mark Apple’s biggest (PRODUCT)RED release yet. Available in 128GB or 256GB, the smartphones feature a bold red aluminium finish and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Global Fund, a group committed to fighting AIDS around the world.

Inside, the red iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are sporting the same internals as their toned down counterparts, but this release isn’t about upgrading. It’s an opportunity to show off your style and support a good cause.

In addition to the phones, Apple is dropping red versions of the Leather iPhone Case, Smart Battery Case, Apple Watch Sports Band, Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones, Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker, iPod shuffle, iPod nano, Silicone Case for iPad, Smart Cover for iPad, and Smart Case for iPad.

The special edition iPhones will be available in stores and online this Friday 24 March. Prices start at US$749. Take a look at the full range of products available here.

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The city of Melbourne has ample attractions for visitors and locals, and even the suburbs have their charms. The Victorian capital is a bewitching blend of culture, cuisine, coffee, shopping, greenery, entertainment, and general cool.But even the finest cities call for occasional escape. At times you yearn for simpler pleasures – a dash of yin to your urban yang – and the only antidote is to pack the car, set the road trip playlist, and bid the metropolis goodbye.Fortunately, some of Melbourne’s most memorable sights sit outside the CBD. An hour or two’s drive could bring you to beaches and bluffs, rugged mountains and thick forests, historic towns, hot springs, spas, vineyards, and even penguins.Fill up the tank and pack the snacks. It’s time to discover the best day trips from Melbourne.

Yarra Valley

Pick your poison and head to the Yarra Velley for a day of (responsible) drinking. The region is famous for its wineries, which produce world-class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and sparkling wines. The Yarra Valley is also one of Victoria’s oldest cider regions, and a growing number of microbreweries have set up shop in the area.If a tipple isn’t in the cards, explore the TarraWarra Museum of Art, trek Yarra Ranges National Park, or soar over the scenery in a hot air balloon.

Dandenong Ranges

The forest-covered Dandenong Ranges has been a popular retreat for city slickers for over a century. While you could visit just for a scenic drive, the ideal visit involves actually setting foot in the great outdoors. Stroll through Sherbrooke Forest or one of the Dandenongs’ ornamental gardens. Cycle ‘The Wall’, ‘Devil’s Elbow’, or ‘1 in 20’. Summit Mount Dandenong for a sprawling view of Melbourne below.If you have the stomach for a bit of sentimentality on your visit, hop aboard Puffing Billy for a panoramic ride. The venerable steam train seems a tad silly at first glance, but it’s one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world – still running on its original, century-old track – and it’s a beloved Dandenongs institution.

Mornington Peninsula

An hour outside of Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula offers relaxed coastal living with a sophisticated side. Walk to Arthurs Seat for the area’s most elevated view. Commune with nature at Point Nepean National Park. Unwind in the local hot springs. Pick up souvenirs at the Red Hill Markets, or pick your own fresh fruit at the Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm.That’s just the tip of the Mornington Peninsula iceberg. The region also boasts cooking classes, art galleries, day spas, food and wine tours, horse riding, diving, fishing, sailing, surfing, and a selection of spectacular golf courses.

Daylesford

There’s a good reason Daylesford is renowned for its relaxing vibe: 80 percent of Australia’s mineral springs are in the area, making it prime territory for spas and high-quality produce. The former is most famously found at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. The latter is best expressed by the locally focused, repeatedly awarded eatery at the Lake House.Should you get bored of the pampering at any point, pay a visit to The Convent Gallery. The 19th century mansion began life as the private residence for the Gold Commissioner, then became a convent and Catholic boarding school, and now houses three levels of galleries containing works by over 100 local, national, and international artists.

Macedon Ranges

Cinemaphiles, this one’s for you. The distinctive formations of Hanging Rock – of Picnic at Hanging Rock fame – await in central Victoria. But you don’t have to be a fan of 1970s Australian film to appreciate the sight. The 6 million-year-old structure is a favourite for anyone who appreciates a hike or a view.To continue the adventures in Mother Nature, ascend Mount Macedon, a 1001 metre-high extinct volcano. Pay respects to the heroes of World War I at the Memorial Cross at the summit, then gaze in awe at the sweeping view of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges, and the You Yangs.

Phillip Island

Leave Melbourne early to make the most of a day on Phillip Island. Though the island maintains strong ties to its farming roots, modern times have brought an odd mix of petrolheads and penguin fans to its shores. Its two most famous events are the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, held annually in October, and the Penguin Parade, which sees thousands of spectators gather to watch the little fellas waddle from the sea to their land-based nests at night.Engines and animals aren’t all Phillip Island has to offer. Adrenaline junkies can bike, kayak, surf, swim, snorkel, and do battle in a round of paintball or laser strike. Don’t leave without visiting The Nobbies, land of boardwalks and vast coastal viewing, and Seal Rocks, home to the country’s largest Australian Fur Seal colony.

Bendigo

Skip the car and hop the train to Bendigo. Not only is the trip convenient, it makes the city’s period railway station your first point of contact, a fitting welcome to a town famed for its Victorian-era architecture. Visit the Central Deborah Gold Mine if you’re interested in learning more about Bendigo’s history as a gold mining boomtown, or explore the city’s Chinese heritage at the Golden Dragon Museum.If art and culture are in the cards, pop into the Bendigo Art Gallery and wander the town’s View Street arts hub. Get your performing arts fill at the elegant Capital Theatre, built in 1873, and the new Ulumbarra Theatre. Venture just outside Bendigo to see the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, a Buddhist monument that, when finished, will be the largest of its kind anywhere in the Western world.

Great Ocean Road

One of the world’s greatest road trips is at the tip of your fingers – or the tip of your tire treads – from a home base in Melbourne. The 243-kilometre Great Ocean Road hugs Victoria’s coastline from Torquay to Allansford, winding through varying terrain and providing access to several prominent landmarks. Most famous are the dramatic rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles (a perennial favourite of Instagrammers from both near and far).Along the way you’ll pass mighty surf breaks, waterfalls, small seaside towns like Apollo Bay and Lorne, Bells Beach, the Gibson’s Steps, and Loch Ard Gorge. Opt for the helicopter flight for the most unbeatable view of the iconic coastline.

The post Urban Escape: The Best Day Trips From Melbourne appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

In the world of exotic supercars, everything is sacred. That’s especially the case when the subject is a rare 1995 McLaren F1 GTR worth a staggering £3M in today’s coin.

And just on cue, someone has put it into a wall – that someone being Pink Floyd’s drummer, Nick Mason, no less. As a keen collector of historic race cars, the 73-year-old English musician is no novice to Goodwood but it seemed luck wasn’t on his side for this particular Sunday.

In a parade lap of Goodwood Circuit for the 75th Members’ Meeting, Mason took his McLaren F1 GTR out for a spin alongside historic other priceless Porsche racing road cars and a Ferrari F40 LM edition. That spin turned quite literal when Mason left the tarmac and sent his bright red McLaren straight into a tyre barrier before spinning and resting on the greenery. Mason got out of the car unharmed and took walk around the car to assess the damage.

We can’t imagine what the owner would have felt in those dire moments but we can definitely resonate with the commentator of the race who reacted with: “Oh my golly!”

Thankfully from the video the damage only looks cosmetic, but it’s still not the most ideal way to end your week.

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Leo and co. are nowhere to be seen, but the surreal images of Aydın Büyüktaş could come straight out of Inception.Büyüktaş was inspired by Edwin Abbott’s satirical novel Flatland: A Romance Of Many Dimensions — the tale of a two-dimensional world occupied by geometric figures. Using a combination of drones, 3-D rendering, and Photoshop, Büyüktaş creates whimsically warped views of the world that defy the laws of physics. He has dubbed the two photo series Flatlands and Flatlands II.The photographer first tackled his hometown of Istanbul, Turkey, transforming its familiar scenery into landscapes worthy of M.C. Escher. You may recognise icons like the Grand Bazaar and the New Mosque, though you’ve surely never seen them like this before.More recently, Büyüktaş travelled to the American Southwest to give a different terrain the same treatment. “The area is like heaven for a photographer,” he told Wired. There’s a certain surreality to its vast spaces to begin with, but through Büyüktaş’ lens, the region takes on an even more dreamlike quality.RELATED: Dronestagram Reveals The Most Mind-Blowing Drone Photographs Of 2016Extensive planning and post-production is required to bring these fantasies to life. Before arriving in the United States, Büyüktaş spent two months exploring the country via Google Maps to plot his shots. He then rendered each location in three dimensions using drafting software to determine exactly which shots would be needed to create the curved effect of his images.Over five states and 12,000 miles driven in a Jeep, Büyüktaş captured his newest series. Each photo required two drones, and though he won’t reveal how many images it takes to create one finished product, he admits it takes hours in Photoshop to achieve the result.We’re officially declaring them hours well spent. If you like what you see, follow Aydın Büyüktaş on Instagram for more topsy-turvy worlds.

The post These Surreal, Inception-Style Landscapes Will Mess With Your Mind appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

This story was originally published on GizmodoPeople from different parts of the world look different, and sometimes it feels weird to ask why. But yes, there is in fact chemistry and genetics behind the way we look.Take a redhead’s freckled skin and red hair, for example. These traits come mainly from the way one gene controls the production of melanin, the pigments behind skin and hair colour. A new video from the American Chemical Society’s Reactions channel walks through how that works.Melanin-producing cells, called melanocytes, create not one, but two classes of melanin — pheomelanins, which produces yellow and red hair and all the pink parts of your body like your lips and your genitals, and eumelanin, which produces the darker colours.Eumelanin also absorbs the ultraviolet light hitting the skin, turning it into heat to protect the body’s DNA from the rays’ damaging effects. That’s why folks from regions with stronger sunlight tend to have darker coloured skin — they have more sunlight to deal with, and require a stronger melanin shield.We even have some darker melanin called neuromelanin in our brains — but that flavour isn’t made by your skin’s melanocyte cells, and isn’t important for skin or hair colour. More likely it helps your brain avoid damage from certain chemicals, according to a paper published in the journal Progress in Neurobiology back in 2005.So, redheads have a version of a gene called MC1R that causes melanocytes to produce more of the pheomelanin, rather than the eumelanin — as a result, they have paler skin and the signature red hair. There’s even a magazine for redheads called MC1R. Huh.If you remember high school biology, red headedness is a recessive trait. At the most basic level, that means either both parents have to be redheaded to make a redheaded kid, or both parents must have at least one copy of the redheaded trait in their pair of MC1R genes.Again, using the simplest model, the odds change based on how many redheaded genes there are. There’s a 50 per cent chance a kid will be redheaded if one parent has red hair and the other has a red hair recessive gene. There’s a 25 per cent chance if neither parent has red hair but both have the recessive trait.The MC1R gene isn’t the only one responsible for red hair though, so the resulting story and numbers are a little more complex in reality.And as far as that whole redheads feel more pain thing, the video cites studies that says redheads might need more anaesthesia, and another says that redheads feel more heat-induced pain.Other studies say that redheads feel pain differently. Call us once you find an experiment that finds a cause.Anyway, you are now armed with knowledge about redheads. Be nice as you use said knowledge.Gizmodo explores the smart design, breakthrough science and awe-inspiring tech shaping your future.Follow Gizmodo on Facebook and Twitter.By Ryan F. Mandelbaum – Gizmodo

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