A Brand Ambassador I Can Get Behind - Thank You Hublot!

Regular readers are aware of my sometimes less-than-enthusiastic response to brand ambassadors.  Having said that - leave it to Hublot to do something that makes me PRAISE THEM for doing something positive!  I will say it simply like this - if I could afford it I would go straight out and buy a Big Bang RIGHT NOW because they have shown all of us something with this, and they are to be thanked and applauded!

I am not generally one to gush, but I am gushing!  THANK YOU HUBLOT!

Lang Lang is many things - a world famous musician, symbol to Chinese people around the world - and (most importantly to me) a strong supporter in the fight to end the Ivory trade and protect elephants.  So, first the "Tempus Fugit" required Public Service Announcement - and then completely unfiltered, Hublot's press release regarding Lang Lang's latest concert endeavors - spoiler alert - Hublot is doing something VERY, VERY POSITIVE!

Courtesy of Hublot

And because it is so important - I am putting the "happy ending" right here so you bear it in mind:

This concert also marks Hublot's support for Lang Lang‟s work to prevent illegal trading in ivory from elephant tusk. The young prodigy is committed to supporting the Ivory Free campaign with Wild Aid, The African Wildlife Foundation and Save the Elephants. Hublot is backing the cause for two months starting in July by donating part of the profit from its St- Tropez store. 


Apologies in advance, I have yet to master the "embedding science" to make the frame fit without spilling into the side banner ads!



And now onto Lang Lang's summer concert events courtesy of Hublot -

HUBLOT AND POP-UPS
THAT MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION
Summer getaways with Lang Lang in Porto Cervo & St Tropez
Summer has just begun. The diaries of the Swiss watchmaker and the talented pianist are booked up. Stopping off from his world tour—with more than 80 dates from Singapore to London via San Francisco—Lang Lang gave two pop-up concerts in two temporary summer sites. 30 minutes of improvisation for moments that will last forever.

Courtesy of Hublot

Like a real rock star, the 32 year old virtuoso has conquered the word of music in its broadest sense. With his trendy look, his talent and his generosity, he transcends classical music and blends every tempo. His renowned duos with the Four Horsemen from Metallica, Jazzman Herbie Hancock or the Tenor Placido Domingo have demonstrated his boundless mastery of the ivories and the ease with which he permanently reinvents himself. His spontaneous music is built from improvisations. Lang Lang is audacious and sets out to surprise. No repertoire is beyond him. This on stage phenomenon has followed an atypical route to stardom and he has a sparkling and generous personality whose aura melds perfectly with the Hublot philosophy.
The internationally renowned prodigy did not shrink back from adding to the 80 tour dates that already fill his diary. Two locations, two audiences and two improvised repertoires for two exclusive concerts. His passion makes the young man tireless. He has boundless energy and takes pleasure in sharing his music and emotions. It would appear that he has more in common with Hublot than first meets the eye.
Musical summer getaways

Destination – The Mediterranean coast 

PORTO CERVO–July 1, 2015
The young pianist gave an original and unique private concert in Harrods‟ Village in the heart of the Porto Cervo Marina. Lang Lang improvised on stage for 30 minutes drawing his inspiration from his surroundings. An exclusive concert on the sidelines of his world tour, to which 50 friends and elected representatives were invited by Hublot.

Lang Lang came to the Emerald Coast by boat. Like many artists, the virtuoso has his rituals and his cherished items; he never performs without his own piano, a Steinway, and his watch, a Big Bang Carbon Bezel Baguette Diamonds.


The fact he was there on that day was not down to chance. A major event occurred on July 1, the official inauguration of the Hublot summer store in the Harrods‟ village at Porto Cervo, of which Hublot is a partner. Ten golden fingers cut the ribbon. 

ST TROPEZ –July 2, 2015

600 km and a few hours later, the pianist landed in St Tropez,and was welcomed by Jean- Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot and Chairman of LVMH Watches Division. After a warm welcome in keeping with Hublot‟s style, all the guests went to Club 55 to celebrate his birthday.
Early in the evening, Lang Lang was expected in the heart of the Citadelle. He performed in the famous Place des Lices at White 1921, a pop-up boutique hotel. The virtuoso gave free reign to his imagination for 30 minutes of improvisation.

This concert also marks Hublot‟s support for Lang Lang‟s work to prevent illegal trading in ivory from elephant tusk. The young prodigy is committed to supporting the Ivory Free campaign with Wild Aid, The African Wildlife Foundation and Save the Elephants. Hublot is backing the cause for two months starting in July by donating part of the profit from its St- Tropez store. 

A Watch for Wildlife Rangers

From 3thirty3 -

Courtesy of 3thirty3

Details this evening - stay tuned!

Solving a Problem for Performing Animals

Okay, this is non-watch related.  Well no, that's not accurate.  Let's say that it is "semi-watch" related.

You may recall the Tag-Heuer ad with the baby lion, the uproar, the request to re-think and remove the ad, and Tag-Heuer's response that the circus in question ensured that their animals all went to the very good "retirement parks" when their performing days were over.  One bit of information not provided was just where these parks might be...

In trying to research this I have learned precious little but will endeavor to pursue this item as much as possible, and promise an update when I have it.

But in the meantime, it would seem that there are really NOT that many retirement parks for performing animals in Europe - or at least if they are they are as closely kept a secret as Patek Philippe's "secret sauce"  ; )

So in the interest of not complaining, but looking for a positive action, allow me to inform you of a project to create a retirement home for performing circus animals that is currently being operated through Indiegoggo -

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/building-a-retirement-home-for-elephants-in-europe

Tempus Fugit will be making a donation of 100 Euros, and we welcome anyone reading this to make some small donation if they care to.

Here's the scoop, straight from the source:

Building a Retirement Home for Elephants in Europe

We NEED to raise 340,000€ by 31st March 2015 for a much needed elephant retirement home in France!

Why do we need a retirement home for elephants in Europe?

                                           #Land4Elephants

There are currently 141 elephants in circuses and 540 elephants living in zoos across Europe.

With a ban on elephants in circuses currently sweeping throughout European countries  like Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Austria and the realisation by many circus owners that such large animals are becoming impossible to transport through increasingly busy towns and cities, more and more elephants are being retired from circus life. Relocating the elephants back to their country of origin is not always a realistic option, but creating a safe haven for them in Europe is.

We have paid a deposit of €40,000 and received €60,000 in donations. We urgently need €340,000 by 31st March 2015 to buy the land. If we do not succeed there will be no retirement home for these elephants!!

Elephant Haven are planning to build six stables with heated living quarters with a large outside paddock which will always be accessible to the elephants day and night. The living quarters consist of six interconnecting sand stables with nursing and training walls, separated by a corridor that can be used for introductions and provide additional interior space.

Outside there will be at least 5 Acres/2 Hectares of parkland per elephant, including lakes and woodland, providing privacy for new arrivals who require solitude. The small hills encourage mobility, trees and shrubs provide scratching posts and a source of enrichment and exploration.

There will be guided tours, schools & groups can come over and do some activities, there also will be a place available for workshops, conferences etc... 

About us :

Tony and Sofie are from Belgium. They are passionate about this project, about animals and about nature, and they want to share that passion. They are devoted to providing a place for elephants to enjoy their old age.

Tony Verhulst has been working at the Antwerp Zoo / Planckendael since 1993, where he has been full time caring for the elephants since 2001. Tony has gained international experience with elephants. 

This passion and knowledge was the evolutionary start of the Elephant Haven project.

Sofie Goetghebeur has been working at the Antwerp Zoo since 1993. She has experience in the care of birds, small monkeys, okapi, marine mammals, gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees coming from an animal center, and elephants.

The Founders had a vision of creating a Haven for elephants to retire and to facilitate the re-socialization and rehabilitation of captive-kept elephants whilst providing information and research into their complex needs and behaviors.

Tony and Sofie have assembled a team of experts and organisations who share their passion for elephants with the aim to create a European ‘Elephant Haven’.