Smart Marketing: Wines For Dummies. Actual Wine, Not Books.

By now we all know there are several published Wines For Dummies books. From Italian Wines to Reading Wine Labels, the Wiley brand offers many ways to get to know your vino. But now, they sell actual wines. That's right, bottles of Wines For Dummies. Not fine wines, mind you, but basic 10$ bottles of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chianti for the novice.



Graced with the familiar looking labels, the wines are a brilliant marketing idea as an offshoot of a well established brand. They may not be the sort of thing you'd bring to impress a date or a dinner party host, but are a fun way for the beginner to explore the basics of the fermented grape.






Drinkhacker reviews each of the wines as follows:

2012 Wines for Dummies Pinot Grigio IGT – A real Italian Pinot Grigio. Mildly tropical and atypical for Pinot Grigio, with a touch of funk beneath the fruit. Not much acidity to speak of, which is unfortunate but unsurprising at this price. Not sure if this is an apropos introduction to Pinot Grigio, but it’s at least a harmless wine on the whole. B-

2011 Wines for Dummies Chianti DOCG – Italian DOCG Chianti for just 10 bucks? Hard to believe, and proof that decent Chianti needn’t cost a fortune. Classic, intense red cherry character is the dominant flavor here, though the nose has some curious black tea character as well. The body is a little tart, a touch too balsamic on the back end, but overall a decent intro to the way Chianti — or at lease Sangiovese — is supposed to taste like. B

2011 Wines for Dummies Chardonnay California – A minimally oaked Chardonnay, this is actually an easy drinking wine with modest melon, lemon, and white peach character. Some vanilla on the back end. Simple, but reasonably appropriate as an intro to California Chardonnay, though a far cry from the more buttery, heavily oaked styles that drinkers are more likely to encounter. B

2011 Wines for Dummies Cabernet Sauvignon California – My least favorite of this bunch, a simple and not very lively Cab that offers a modest plum body, backed with somewhat harsh tobacco and leather notes. It finishes off with a rather unpleasant finish. C



So, if this is your first foray into the world of wine, it's an inexpensive and fun way to learn a little something - and catch a buzz.

$10 each at winesfordummies

How Very Enterprising. Reformulated and Repackaged Star Trek Scents Launch To Coincide With Into Darkness.

Now that the new Star Trek movie, Star Trek: Into Darkness is out, the marketiing tie-ins have begun. One of the funniest to me is the selling of officially licensed Star Trek Fragrances.



I have no idea if people actually wear these scents, merely buy them as collectibles or give them as humorous gifts. But in any case, these pop culture inspired colognes for men and perfumes for women make great gifts for the Trekspert, Trekkie, Trekker or sci-fi fanatic in your universe.

You may be thinking you've heard about these before - and you did when Genki Wear owned the official licensing and launched scents to coincide with the Star Trek movie released in 2009


above: the Genki Wear Star Trek Fragrances launched in 2009

But now that Palm Beach Beaute owns the licensing, these fragrances (One for women and three for men) have been completely reformulated and the bottles and packaging have been redesigned.

Star Trek Pon Farr Perfume:


•Pon Farr Eau de Parfum for women.
•Comes in a gorgeous purple gradient glass bottle in a metallic box of purple and silver.
•Scent features light, clean top notes of Juicy Nectarine, White Violet, Tropical Orchid, with mid and base notes of Mirabelle Plum, Egyptian Jasmine, Vanilla, Sandalwood and Musk.
•An invigorating and romantic scent for intimate times.



The Star Trek Pon Farr Eau de Parfum for women is a refreshing fragrance that is both invigorating and dramatic. Pon Farr is excellent for those bright sunny days and warm summer nights spent together at the beach, around the fire or simply watching your favorite affair d'honneur. Comes in a gorgeous 90 mL purple gradient glass bottle with a defined clear cap and presented in a metallic box of purple and silver.
Pre-Order it here.

Star Trek Sulu Cologne:


•Sulu Eau de Toilette for men.
•Comes in a gorgeous clear glass bottle in a metallic box of black and silver.
•For the man who does everything.



The Star Trek Sulu Eau de Toilette for men is the perfect fragrance for the man who does everything. Whether you're off cataloging exotic plants, collecting antique firearms, or piloting ancient helicopters and advanced starships - this cologne will have you smelling irresistible. Being a man like Sulu, well, it's more than just choosing to live your life with style; but you already knew that, didn't you? Comes in a gorgeous 100 mL clear glass bottle with a chrome cap and presented in a metallic box of black and silver
Pre-Order it here.

Star Trek Red Shirt Cologne:


•Red Shirt Eau de Toilette for men.
•Comes in a gorgeous red glass bottle in a metallic box of black and red.
•For the young modern man who doesn't hesitate.



The Star Trek Red Shirt Eau de Toilette for men is a fragrance made for the young, modern man of the galaxy who doesn't hesitate - who revels in being alive today. The Red Shirt fragrance instills confidence, showing the universe your strength, your valor, your devotion to living each day as though it could be your last. Savor the day. Comes in a gorgeous 100 mL red glass bottle with a chrome cap and presented in a metallic box of black and red.
Pre-Order it here.

Star Trek Tiberius Cologne:


•Tiberius Eau de Toilette for men.
•Comes in a gorgeous gold glass bottle in a metallic box of black and gold.
•Be casual, yet commanding.



The Star Trek Tiberius Eau de Toilette for men embodies bravery and spirit, blending chemistry and emotion for a crisp, clean men's fragrance. Tiberius is a casual yet commanding fragrance spiked with raised notes of freshness and sensuality - just like Captain Kirk. Why would you need any other cologne? Comes in a gorgeous 100 mL gold glass bottle with a chrome cap and presented in a metallic box of gold and red.
Pre-Order it here. 

Introducing Jaw Drop Coolers. Fun Flavored Alcoholic Beverages In Fabulously Designed Cans.

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, The Jaw Drop Cooler Co. was launched in Spring of 2012 by Aquilini Brands - best known for their real estate holdings but who also launched the 2011 Bassano Hard Soda, which seems to have been replaced by this new collection of flavored vodka and malt beverage coolers.

Modern Luxury Home in India Boasts An Enormous Infinity Pool, Angular Architecture and Serene Interiors.

This stunning residential home perched upon a cliff in Chowara, India was designed by Khosla Associates, one of India's premier architectural firms. With an enormous Infinity pool (4,521 sq feet), 15,069 ft² (1400 sq meters) of living space with a large open floor plan and a modern design that unites sea, air and sky, the Cliff House pretty much takes your breath away.

Wine In A Handbag. French Wines In Chic Packaging. What A Great Idea.

Wine in a box is so tacky, despite the improvement in many of the designs. A fresh way to serve up wine in a box are these smart "Bag-In-A-Bag" white, red and rosé wines from Vernissage of Sweden. French wines packaged in stylish looking handbags - a fabulous idea for birthday parties, Bridal Showers, Fashion Shows, concerts, picnics, conferences and more.



Packaging French wines into a case that looks like a chic handbag, complete with tap or spout was such a clever design, it won the 2010 "Most Innovative" in the Carton Awards 2010 and a prestigious gold award in the Pentawards, the world´s largest packaging design competition.


The White: 2011 Chardonnay Viogner from France
Vernissage has a young, fresh and aromatic bouquet with hints of fruits such as apple, citrus, pineapple and vanilla. The flavour is dry, flowery and very fruity with the essence of pear, citrus, tropical fruits and vanilla.

Vernissage makes an excellent aperitif, but goes well with flavourful fish and shellfish dishes, especially with Asian influences of lime and ginger.


The Red: 2010 Syrah Cabernet Sauvigon from France
Vernissage Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark red wine. Inviting fruity scent with notes of spices, tones of ripe berries, black current, blackberries and herbs as well as chocolate and barrels. Goes well with red and white meat, pasta, poultry and aged cheese.


The Rosé: 2011 Syrah Rosé from France
The French Vernissage Syrah Rosé is a lively and fresh rosé wine from the region Pays d'Oc in southern France. With a hint of raspberries and blackberries in the flavor, it has a herblike finish. The generously fruity aroma has notes of wild red berries. Vernissage Syrah Rosé is perfect as an aperitif, but is also suitable for fish, seafood or light chicken salad.

The Bag-in-Bag wine Vernissage has taken both wine-lovers and the press by storm, in Sweden as well as internationally. The successful project was created by Takis Soldatos, Oenoforos, in cooperation with Sofia Blomberg Art Direction & Design. The result is elegant design combined with high quality wines from the French wine region Pays d'Oc.



The thought behind Vernissage is a playful approach to the curious and modern wine consumer. At the same time, a woman´s touch has propelled the Bag-in-Bag wine from the practical to the elegant.

Vernissage Wines

Water Discus Is Another Proposed Underwater Hotel. Will Someone Please Build One Of These? 27 Awesome Images.

Water Discus is yet another proposed underwater hotel which, like the previous ones I've posted, would amaze me if it ever comes to fruition*.

*(note that previous underwater and floating architectural companies I have blogged about, Aquadomi and Oceanic Creations have since disappeared or declared bankruptcy)



DOT (Deep Ocean Technology) explains the rationale behind the concept: “Top-rated resorts offering luxurious conditions and amenities have become the new standard for active leisure. A wide selection of luxury hotels can be found in virtually every part of the world. But we bring you a deluxe hotel combined with a real marine adventure and breath-taking views found only in the heart of the ocean.”




The view from your room:


The Water Discus has been designed by Deep Ocean Technology in Gdynia, Poland, which has patented the modular design comprised of two discs - an underwater and above-water one.




This combination will allow guests to admire the depths of the ocean while making the most of the warm climate. The two parts of the structure are connected by five solid legs and a vertical shaft containing a lift and stairway. The size of each disc has been adjusted to local conditions.

The Surroundings:


The complex is surrounded by a beautifully vibrant coral reef. This unique location will allow you to enjoy the tropical weather and the colourful underwater world, which is just within your reach and will engage all your senses.

Accommodations:
The disc, located up to 10 metres beneath the surface of the sea, is composed of 21 hotel rooms adjacent to the underwater dive centre and a bar. Each room is integrated with the underwater world as closely as possible, offering a surprisingly direct, yet safe contact with the local flora and fauna.








Special lighting system of the area around the room and the miniature underwater vehicles which can be operated from inside will allow you to take a closer look at even the most microscopic underwater creatures using macro photography. We also ensure that our guests can protect their privacy whenever necessary. All rooms are sound-proof and have curtains of different levels of transparency.

Entertainment:


The disc and its adjacent satellites located 5 - 7 metres above the water surface comprise a restaurant, a spa and a special recreation area.



A multifunctional lobby built inside an enormous swimming pool shows the centre of the disc. The area around the underwater part of the complex and diving activities may be watched as they happen on the screens hanging on the lobby walls.





This part of the complex is connected to the satellites with awe-inspiring glass-walled tunnels cutting through a training pool for divers. Its rooftop includes seawater swimming pools (integrated with the training pool). Finally, there is also an exotic garden offering a moment's rest before going back to extreme experiences.





Cuisine
Our elegant and spacious restaurant is a perfect place to regenerate body and soul after a day filled with exciting diving excursions or energetic water sports. The restaurant is located in one of the satellites of the upper discs. Like all rooms in the complex, it offers a magnificent panoramic view.



Module structure
Due to its unique design, Water Discus can be expanded into a bigger resort complex. One of its most notable advantages is that it can be customised to suit the surroundings and the clients.



A single Water Discus is an independent structure with a usable area of approximately 1000 m2 fully equipped to ensure a high level of safety and comfort. It can serve as an individual module - a component of a bigger complex.





Space
A number of such individual modules may be used to build a hotel complex of minimum 2000 m2, which can be further extended with additional modules (1000 - 1500 m2 each).

Location
The aforementioned complex may be constructed anywhere in the world. Each design will be tailor-made to suit its future users and local conditions, such as the shape of the coastal line and depth of water around the coral reef.

Mobility
If any changes in environmental or economic conditions occur, the Water Discus modules can be transferred to a different place. This offers a unique opportunity to live underwater on a permanent basis with unlimited options to change locations. The mobility makes changes in interior design of a hotel much easier, as any disc can be detached and replaced with a new one.

images courtesy of DOT and Trojmiasto

Promotional animated video: