Latest news with #Altitude
Irish Times
23-07-2025
- Irish Times
French police investigate ‘electrocution' death of Irish cyclist at Paris metro station
French police have opened an investigation into the death of an Irish cyclist following an incident at a metro station in Paris. Tomás Walsh, from Waterford, died in the early hours of Monday in circumstances that remain unclear, but it is believed the 25-year-old may have been electrocuted after falling on to the underground railway's tracks. The Paris prosecutor's office has confirmed it has opened an investigation into his death. It said there was no evidence at this stage to suggest foul play. Police said the body of Mr Walsh was discovered lying on the tracks inside the Grands Boulevards metro station in the northeast of the city. READ MORE He had travelled from Ireland to watch the 16th stage of the Tour de France cycling competition. Online tributes to the cyclist described him as a 'pleasant young man with the world in front of him', a 'credit to his parents' and a 'really great lad'. In a statement, Comeragh Cycling Club said it had learned of his death with 'great sadness' and said Mr Walsh had been the 'life and soul' of the club. Altitude, a bike shop in Waterford city, described him as 'one of a golden group of talented cyclists'. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and was providing consular assistance.
Irish Examiner
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Tributes paid to Waterford cyclist who died on Tour de France trip
Tributes are being paid to a cyclist from Co Waterford who died in France on Monday. Tomás Walsh, 25, was a member of the Comeragh Cycling Club and had been in the country for the Tour de France. The club led the tributes, saying they are shattered by the news. "It is with great sadness that we have learned that our clubmate and friend young Tomás Walsh has lost his life in France," said a statement. "We're truly shattered by this news and extend our sincerest condolences to all his family and friends." Waterford-based bike shop Altitude said Tomás "was one of a golden group of talented cyclists who happened to converge through their membership of Comeragh Cycling Club" where "great friendships were formed". "His death is deeply felt by everyone here and we extend our deepest sympathy to Bernie and Frank and to Tomás' sisters and his family and friends." Local side Passage Hurling Club, where Tomás was a juvenile player, also expressed "deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time". It has been reported that Tomás was electrocuted in a Paris Metro station on Monday morning. Funeral details have yet to be announced.
Irish Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Tributes to Waterford cyclist (25) who died in Paris metro station
Tributes are being paid to a young Waterford man who died suddenly in a Paris metro station. Tomás Walsh (25) was in France to watch the Tour de France when the incident occurred on Monday morning. In a statement Comeragh Cycling Club said they learned of Mr Walsh's death 'with great sadness' and that their 'clubmate and young friend has lost his life' in France. 'We're truly shattered and extend our condolences to all his family and friends,' the statement added. READ MORE Tributes paid to the young cyclist online describe him as 'a pleasant young man with the world in front of him', 'a credit to his parents' and 'a really great lad.' Altitude, a bike shop based in Waterford city, said: 'Everyone in Altitude is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Tomás Walsh. Tomás was one of a golden group of talented cyclists who happened to converge through their membership of Comeragh Cycling Club and through which great friendships were formed.' Local Sinn Féin councillor for Comeragh Catherine Burke said: 'My heart goes out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, wishing strength and comfort to all who knew and loved him in the face of such a loss.' The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases. Mr Walsh's funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
Time Out
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Labubu's, lafufu's and all things blind box: What is the big deal?
With a simple scroll on social media, you are bound to see an advert for a Labubu or its unfortunate and fake counterpart, the Lafufu, pop up. While some may gawk at these items in utter disgust or confusion as to why everyone and their mother is after one, there are a large number of individuals who are trolling the internet to find where they can purchase one. Now, Labubu's aren't the only items that have piqued the interest of collectable fans, with blind boxes becoming all the rage across the world. As with all trends, there are some retailers and online resellers that are charging through the roof for these adorable yet questionable creatures (in their many forms, we are not just referring to Labubu's here). As the love for blind boxes has made its way to Cape Town, we take a closer look at why it has become so popular and how best to authenticate purchased items to ensure you are getting your money's worth. What's in the box (cue Brad Pitt's lines from the movie Seven)? Blind boxes are just as the description indicates, they are sealed boxes that contain a collectable figurine, toy or plushie. A good comparison would be lucky packets or dips, the ones we would receive as kids after a friend's birthday party, but blind boxes are more than that, with an added layer of collectability and premium quality. The joy of opening up the lucky packet to find out what trinkets and delights you got is providing that same feeling to blind box fans across the world. But who is behind it, and where do they come from? That is where Pop Mart steps in. Pop Mart, a toy company based in Beijing, China, has been at the forefront of the commercialisation of blind boxes. Working alongside talented designers from all across the world, Pop Mart is a leader in the rapidly growing collectables industry. With over 500 stores across the globe, it has become synonymous with blind boxes and designer toys. A company pioneering authentic blind box distribution in SA Founded by Dean Pillay, Altitude is a South African company that has an official distribution partnership with Pop Mart. The company manages the entire import and logistics pipeline in collaboration with Pop Mart's global supply chain team. The journey to Altitude being born started with a love for and interest in collectables, as Dean shares how Pop Mart's offering grabbed his attention. "What caught my attention was how Pop Mart had turned collectable toys into a lifestyle experience, blending surprise, design, and storytelling in a way that resonated with both young and adult collectors." After numerous visits to Taiwan with many a suitcase filled to the brim with blind boxes, at a whim, fate stepped in to bring together Dean's love for blind boxes and the perfect opportunity. "By pure luck and good timing, I was later invited to attend the grand opening of Pop Mart's flagship store in Ximending, Taiwan. It was at that event that I had the incredible opportunity to meet Justin Moon, Pop Mart's President of International Business." "I introduced myself, shared my story as a collector, and explained how I had identified a real gap in the South African market - there was clear demand, no official presence, and a passionate community just waiting to be built," shares Dean. It is more than just a business opportunity for Dean as he aims to spread the joy that opening these signature surprises holds for collectors across the country. It's about bringing the excitement I felt overseas back home," adds Dean. Why are they so popular? Aside from the surprise factor that has many individuals excited to rip open each box, blind boxes are loved globally for their nostalgia factor. "Blind box collecting reminds adults of the joy and wonder they felt opening toys as kids. It's become more than just collecting, it's a form of stress relief and self-expression in an increasingly fast-paced world," Dean points out. Another key role player in their virality is social media, with individuals sharing their 'random pull' or unboxing video, which has viewers on the edge of their seats to discover if they got the secret or rare item. Additionally, global music stars such as Kim Taehyung, of global K-Pop sensation BTS, spotted with a labubu, only fuels the desire for fans to go out and purchase one. "Blind boxes have also evolved into designer collectables, often featuring artist collaborations, intricate designs, and limited-edition pieces that blur the line between toy and art." Another key defining factor is the sense of community that collectables have invoked among individuals, with collectors trading, connecting at events and sharing their blind box items online. How to authenticate blind box items Dean has shared five ways in which collectors can verify that their blind box items and or potential purchases are legitimate: Official QR stickers: Every Pop Mart product features a unique, any-fake verification sticker that is usually silver or holographic on the packaging. This official QR sticker can be scanned to verify the authenticity by visiting m Packaging indicators: Authentic blind boxes will feature matte and high-quality packaging with consistent colours and finishes. Buyers should avoid glossy and off-print boxes, with spelling errors being a dead giveaway that the product is counterfeit. Character/figurine detailing: Be sure to double-check the figurine or collectable. For example, authentic Labubu's have 9 teeth and precise joint texture. Authentic figures are well-sculpted with precise paint application and true official promo images. Internal QR code: Some figurines include a QR code which directly corresponds to the QR code found on the box and the Pop Mart database. Plush figures usually have the QR code sewn on. UV watermark: The recent Lababu series features a UV watermark that is only visible under UV light; if this is missing and the specific series should include one, the product is most likely a fake. Pricing: Genuine Pop Mart blind boxes are priced according to international guidelines. "If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is," says Dean. Pop Mart fiercely regulates third-party sellers with a no-tolerance policy for grey market sellers, with active legal mechanisms in place and official distributors working closely to report illegal or fake distribution. Additionally, if products are purchased from unauthorised channels, Pop Mart does not honour any warranty claims or provide customer support. "Should a defect be found in such a product, the customer unfortunately bears the full risk," Dean points out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kasing Lung (@kasinglung) Where can you purchase authentic blind boxes in Cape Town? Altitude currently supplies official Pop Mart items to the following stores: Cape Venison and Biltong (CVB Blomtuin) This local store in Bellville stocks a wide range of blind box items, including Labubus, Skull Pandas, Hirono and other popular collectables. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CAPE VENISON & BILTONG - Cape Town (@cvbblomtuin) Where to find them: 12 Suikerbos Street, Bellville, Cape Town. Wonderport Collectibles Currently only available online, Wonderport Collectibles has a warehouse in Woodstock, which enables buyers to receive their orders quicker. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WonderPort Collectibles (@wonderport_collectibles) Online Address: According to insights from Dean, the most popular blind boxes in the South African market are Labubu (the Monster series), Skullpanda, Crybaby, Molly and Dimoo. Pop Mart official presence on the horizon in South Africa With a global presence, the question on my blind box fan's mind is, will Pop Mart establish a store in South Africa? Dean shares that there is hope and that he wants to be a key player in making it a reality. "Our long-term plan is to launch a flagship Pop Mart store in South Africa, in partnership with Pop Mart Global." "Every step we take toward growing the official retailer network, expanding brand awareness, and engaging the community, especially through activations like Comic Con Africa and other conventions, brings us closer to making that vision a reality," he adds.
Sydney Morning Herald
15-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Where sky-high views meet world-class flavours
Advertorial for Altitude Restaurant – Shangri-La Sydney To get to Sydney's best-looking dinner destination, you've got to be willing to go high. Perched 36 floors above the city is Altitude, the fine-dining restaurant that arguably offers Sydney's finest views – no small feat in a place renowned for its natural beauty. Situated at the top of the Shangri-La Sydney, Altitude offers a panoramic view over Sydney Harbour. From your table, you can watch ferries cruise by, see the sun reflect off the sails of the Opera House, and take in the sheer scale of the Harbour Bridge. As unforgettable dining experiences go, it's hard to top Altitude. It's well worth the elevator ride. Modern Australian excellence It's not just the view that makes Altitude memorable. Seasonal menus make use of the very best local produce for inventive dishes. You could start with cajun tuna tataki, served with Katsuobushi, pimenton, saffron, watermelon, heirloom tomato, karkalla and finger lime (with the option to add scampi caviar) – 'a beautifully layered dish that brings together sweetness, umami, and native Australian texture'. Another standout entrée is the honey-glazed duck breast, which executive sous chef Michele Menegazzi cites as 'a perfect example of how we integrate sustainability and local character into our fine dining experience.' The duck is brushed with honey harvested from the hotel's own rooftop beehives – an urban colony that has produced over 2,700 kilograms of raw, unfiltered honey since its inception. Next, you might move on to one of the stellar main courses, such as the Wagyu with a marble score of 4+ – braised beef cheek complemented by Kipfler fondant potato, rich and tender with deep, comforting flavours. Alternatively, the Condabilla Murray cod offers a lighter yet equally refined option, paired with lemon aspen, La Boqueria chorizo, harissa, Dutch potato cream, and a roasted fennel vinaigrette. Dessert could be a tangelo mousse with lemon myrtle meringue crisp, or an Earl Grey chocolate terrine with spiced corella pear and wattle-seed wafer. In a mark of their quality, at the helm of many of the restaurant's most delicate dishes is executive pastry chef Kumiko Endo, who has worked at famed restaurants like Testsuya and Attica. As executive sous chef Michele Menegazzi sees it, the Altitude menu is a refined expression of modern Australian cuisine. In fact, behind each dish you'll find at least one native Australian ingredient (and artisan passionate about their harvest). Working closely with local producers and farmers is all part of the ethos at Altitude, with regular visits to farms often inspiring new ideas for the menu. 'We champion premium local ingredients and apply contemporary techniques to bring out their natural character,' he says. 'It's about telling a story of place and season on every plate, with a focus on elegance, balance, and thoughtful detail.' The Altitude experience At Altitude, every detail is designed to impress. You'll be greeted warmly as you arrive and waited on by staff who remember that special occasion you're there to celebrate. Expect refined ambience and comfort inside. And with floor to ceiling windows facing the harbour, there's nothing interrupting that breathtaking view. Even the menu is designed to complement Altitude's prime position, Menegazzi says. 'Our menu is inspired first and foremost by where we are – 36 floors above Sydney Harbour, surrounded by panoramic views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and the ever-changing skyline. 'We draw from Australia's diverse landscapes and native ingredients, using seasonal produce and regional flavours. The goal is to create dishes that not only taste distinctly Australian but also feel in harmony with the sweeping views that surround our guests.' When it comes to wine, consult executive sommelier Shun Eto and his team. They're on hand to help you choose the ideal grape or design a perfect wine pairing for your meal. Enjoy your selection – perhaps a glass of Dom Pérignon – or delve into the restaurant's extraordinary 500-strong wine library. This celebrated collection spans from promising emerging producers to truly iconic, rare vintages. A testament to its unparalleled depth and curation, the list earned the highest 3 Glass Rating at Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards in 2024, celebrating its ninth consecutive victory. Whatever tipple you go for, Altitude is certainly the perfect place for a sundowner – when the sun's up, you can take in the Harbour in full flight, at sunset you'll watch oranges descend over the horizon, and after dark you can see it all twinkle. A dinner for the history books is all but guaranteed. Plus, Altitude's glass-walled private dining room offers an unparalleled experience, 'floating' 36 levels above the harbour for intimate gatherings of up to 18 guests. With its matching iconic views, this sought-after space perfectly sets the scene for both romantic marriage proposals and special milestone celebrations. Menegazzi believes any truly wonderful fine dining experience demands a combination of elevated cuisine, warm and intuitive service, and a setting that simply takes your breath away. Altitude, he's proud to say, offers all three. 'An unforgettable experience is when the food, setting, and service work together to create a moment of genuine connection and delight,' Menegazzi says. 'At Altitude, every detail is intentional, from the view-inspired dishes and seamless wine pairings to the personalised touches from our team.' How good.
