Are Smart-Watches The New Break Through?

As technology has developed through the recent years, watches and phones have come together to bring out the newest piece of technology now out there called the 'smart-watch'. Brands such as Apple, Samsung, Pebble, Martian and Sony are all competing to be the first brand and have the best smart-watch entering onto the market.

From reviews, it seems that there is no smart-watch that is on the top of the ladder. In fact, this is one of the only areas in technology, that both Apple and Samsung are competing and aren't achieving a better response rate from consumers than other technology companies.

On the website smartwatchnews.org, they rate the Pebble smart-watch, shown below, as the 'best'. This is an incomplete product that lacks a lot of software and has still managed to be rated as the top smart-watch, due to over-marketing months before the product was released. And, it has an undeniable sense of class, sleekness and sophistication.

As a result, Pebble are currently doing really well for themselves. They have set new targets to achieve for their next smart-watch models, however it will be a battle before other companies over-take them.

References:
http://www.smartwatchnews.org/top-5-smart-watches/

CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY

Limitless Film Review

Limitless is a high-speed, high-action film starring Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro. This film really is intriguing when it comes to the modern world.

Bradley Cooper plays the character of Eddie Morra. Initially he is a writer who is failing badly at his job. His relationship has crumbled and his life is on a long downhill stretch, in which he is almost at the bottom of the pit. This is until he discovers a new drug that expands your mind, making all your knowledge and memory 'limitless'.

As Eddie uses up the limited supply of this drug, he realises its mind-expanding effects. However, the question is raised of how he will maintain his status as "Wall Street coloussus and a Zen master of the universe", as described by The Guardian newspaper.

This film really does draw in it's audience, although the excitement can seem a bit short-lived. It often misses opportunities to add in elements of comedy. And, even though it features Robert De Niro, he is barely in the limelight compared to Bradley Cooper.

References:
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/mar/24/limitless-film-review

CATEGORY: FILM and MEDIA

Young Creative Council (YCC)

The Young Creative Council (YCC) are a group of advertising creatives who set out to inspire, help and support those in the advertising industry.

Starting in 2007, YCC have been running workshops, talks, portfolio nights and projects. Through doing this they have developed a clear link, especially for students, between education and the industry. This practicality is beneficial for helping budding creatives to adapt to the real world.

After an industry talk from YCC for the Advertising and Brand Management course at Staffordshire University, we found out that YCC offers great opportunities to everyone in the creative industry and targets younger generations more specifically, to bring in fresh ideas and blood into these professions.

References:
http://www.youngcreativecouncil.com/

CATEGORY: ADVERTISING INDUSTRY

Johnson Banks

Johnson Banks is a brands and identity consultancy that was founded by Michael Johnson in 1992. Originally a graphic designer, Michael Johnson decided to be the creative director and principal of his own company, seeking projects that explored other companies, countries, cultures and charities.

These "4 C's" have been a key element in the work Michael Johnson has done. Through using this, it has allowed him to work across the globe; doing projects in the USA (Philadelphia and New York), France (Paris), Japan, China, UK and Qatar (Doha).  

Recently, Michael Johnson has been writing and lecturing worldwide on the topic of brands and identity. Throughout the 21 years he has owned his own company, he "has won most of the design world's most prestigious awards". In addition to this, he has just finished edition II of his book 'Problem Solved' (Phaidon Press).

References:

http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/michael-johnson/34/364/975

CATEGORY: ADVERTISING INDUSTRY

Will The War In Afghanistan and Pakistan Last Forever?

On October 15th 2013, L/cpl James “Jay” Brynin of the Intelligence Corps became the 445th member of the British Armed forces to be killed in Afghanistan, since 2001. With the British Government telling the public through the media that the UK's role is nearly over in Afghanistan; we wonder if there will ever be peace in a country that has suffered from violence throughout its development.

President Obama had stated that all combat operations in Afghanistan would cease by the end of 2014. Although many troops still remain in the midst of the conflict. After claiming the lives of thousands, the majority being civilians, there have been a numerous number of calls to end this violence.

A released copy of intelligence suggests that the Taliban are 'playing a waiting game', in order to re-take control of the current government. This will be possible, when the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) leaves Afghanistan. Through ISAF's initiatives, they have managed to capture Osama Bin Laden and have been destroying his Al Qaeda network. Currently, the main focus has been ridding Afghanistan of the Taliban.

To get this far, the route of violence, war and conflict has been taken. However, the route of peace is now being pushed forward from many people, particularly 16-year-old Malala Yousafzai. She is a teenager from Pakistan's Swot Valley. This is where the TTP (a segment of the Pakistani Taliban) are based. Over the last couple of years, Malala has been reporting blogs for the BBC regarding women's education in Pakistan. In 2012 she was shot in the head by the Taliban as she was travelling to school. After miraculously surviving and recovering, this determined young girl has inspired many and was subsequently nominated for the UN peace prize in 2013. After pushing hard to get people to talk to the Taliban instead of fighting them, the UK and US have started to consider taking the peaceful approach by talking to them. Unfortunately, Taliban officials claim they are willing to negotiate terms of peace, but in fact are using this as an opportunity to reel us in and take advantage.

The war in Afghanistan will be long lasting and if it ever gets resolved, the effect will be dramatic for years after. Seen as, after all; the people who are truly suffering are the civilians trying to live their everyday life without getting caught up by all the violence.

Link to part 2:
http://am50430-4jasmineshearsmith.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/will-war-in-afghanistan-and-pakistan.html

References:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/20/afghan-insurgents-peace-taliban-minister http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2094755/Afghanistan-Secret-files-reveal-Taliban-retake-control-NATO-troops-withdraw.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23282662 http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/06/29/uk-afghanistan-britain-idUKBRE95S05Y20130629

CATEGORY: POLITICS and SOCIETY

Murderers Lost Their Right To Vote.

The Prison Reform Trust asks us the question: "Why wouldn't anybody want people in prison to take responsibility and exercise their civic rights by voting?".

This week, murderers trying to gain their right to vote have failed drastically. After a 4 year battle, the European Court of Human Rights has created a 'blanket ban' on voting being illegal over all prisoners. Although, they have also left it up to individual nations to decide which inmates are allowed to vote.

It is now placed upon the UK, our nation, to decide whether to allow some of the UK's prisoners the right to vote. The UK's political view seems to be very in favour of the final decision by the European Court of Human Rights. The Prime Minister, David Cameron commented that "The Supreme Court has stood up for common sense... we can all rejoice at that result".

The battle between whether prisoners should vote or not has been a difficult one. In some ways it could help prisoners focus on the outside world and help get their lives back on track. In another sense, it is obscene that we could allow people who have committed such terrible crimes to take part in society, when they have already been purposefully removed from it.


References:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/a-great-victory-for-common-sense-david-cameron-hails-supreme-court-judgment-as-murderers-lose-fight-for-prisoners-voting-rights-8883382.html

CATEGORY: POLITICS and SOCIETY

Is Banksy's Artwork Pure Gold, Or A Complete And Utter Crime?

Banksy is the world's most renowned graffiti artist. His work is recognised internationally and is worth thousands. Producing art this valuable, makes the public see it as 'pure gold'. However, the NYPD think otherwise.

After The New York Post claimed that the Vandal Squad is on the hunt for this British-born artist, the newspaper was told by a source that if Banksy is caught "he will be charged with vandalism".

This controversial view of whether Banksy is a vandal is being taken very light-heartedly; not only by Banksy himself, but by some individual police officers too. Banksy suggested on his website that he takes what newspapers say 'with a pinch of salt'. In addition, police officers have shown interest in Banksy's artwork on Instagram, even posting their own smartphone photos of his work.

Is it right to hunt down and arrest such an inspirational artist? To create public fury?

Or is it right to arrest someone who is breaking the law? Committing the crime of vandalism?


References:
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/is-banksy-being-hunted-by-the-nypd-police-sources-at-odds-over-whether-to-arrest-artist-8889129.html

CATEGORY: ART & DESIGN and POLITICS

Royal Marines Advert

"Per Mare, Per Terram", by sea by land. This is the Royal Marines Commando motto, used to show the paradigms of operation, conducted by the world's most elite fighting force. 

The Royal Marines Commando TV commercial, shown below, is an example of the role the Marines have as their job. Many people apply each year to the Royal Marines in their attempt to become one of 'the best' in the military. Unlike other military organisations, the Royal Marines target their advert to be more focused and concentrated towards their goal. Their job revolves around defined combat, whereas in other areas of the military, such as the army; a more rounded approach is taken.

The advert produced, presents a Royal Marine traversing through the 'jungle' after being split up from the rest of his section. Displaying his professionalism, he moves slowly and quietly through the water. Throughout this, flashback are shown of how he came to be in this position. The Marine then hears a noise, that he turns around to, realising he is being held by gunpoint by a rebel. As the Marine lowers his weapon, the rebel believes he is victorious until the rest of the Marines' section appears and the rebel immediately drops his weapon in the shock that he has been outnumbered.

Throughout the advert, is a voice over describing the Marines' "state of mind". The voiceover tells the audience the Royal Marine commandments, showing what it takes to be a Marine. "State of mind" is also the Royal Marine's slogan. By using this slogan, they are declaring that however good your military skills and fitness are, in order to pass, you must have the correct state of mind to succeed. By showcasing action, brotherhood and respect, features that most humans desire, the advert pushes forward the message that anyone can apply, although the secondary message is that you will be put to the ultimate test; in which you must pass by adhering to the positive state of mind. 

The 36 week commando course is the hardest infantry training course in the world. This is why only 'the best' achieve this. This is why the advert is targeted at only those willing to strive for this goal, this challenge, this battle.

References: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/The-Royal-Marines/About-the-Royal-Marines/Ethos-and-Beliefs

CATEGORY: ADVERTISING

Samsung Galaxy S5

The new Samsung Galaxy S5 is getting released in January 2014. Although no specifications have come out about this model of phone yet, it is rumoured to have an in-built eye scanner. This adds an extra layer of security to the phone. Most of the newer phones that have been released currently have a fingerprint scanner. However, it has been said that the eye scanner has an even higher level of security than the fingerprint scanner, which is found on phones including: iPhone 5S and HTC One Max.

The release of the S5 has been pushed to be released earlier than expected, so it can compete with the iPhone 5S. The S4, which is currently out, hasn't been bringing enough income for Samsung over the last 6 months it has been out. In fact the S3 is just as, if not more popular than the S4!

With not much excitement from the public about the S5, it makes us wonder how good the product is really going to be and how much they have improved it compared to all the previous Galaxy models. Is Samsung starting to head down-hill? Or are they attempting to create suspense for an amazing piece of new technology to be released?

References: http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/samsung-galaxy-s5-features-to-include-inbuilt-eye-scanner

CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY

Lily Greenwood - Illustrator and Artist

Lily Greenwood is an illustrator and artist who started out at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2002; with her focus on a children's book illustration and a picture book for her degree show in 2005. In 2006 she went on to become a tenant at Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Here she has been designing and creating work which she sells in the centre.

Lily's inspiration has mostly come from her love of nature and her interest in oriental styles. She has been strongly influenced by printmakers from the eighteenth century, such as Japanese kimono design, Hokusai and Hiroshige. Combining all these elements has made Lily's work very unique, allowing her to exhibit and sell her work, not only nationally in the UK, but internationally too in: Barcelona, Amsterdam, Sao Paulo and New York.

As a young creative, she has done very well for herself. This year (2013), Lily was short-listed for the New Lights Art Prize, which supports emerging young artists in the North of England. Hopefully soon we will start to see more of her work being showcased across the UK and around the world, as it is truly inspirational.

CATEGORY: CULTURE and ART & DESIGN

The Pacifier: Film Review

The Pacifier is a film that leaves you with a warm buzz. Throughout the film are scenes of action, comedy and drama, which collectively bring a sense of excitement and fun into this film. Starring Vin Diesel, a well-known actor for other films such as The Fast and The Furious; The Pacifier is a fast-paced phenomenon that keeps the audience gripped from beginning to end.

The audience follow the journey of how Navy SEAL Lieutenant Shane Wolfe (Vin Diesel), a man who has lead combat and taken action all over the world. However he realises "he has finally met his match", when set the task of protecting the home of five children. 

Directed by Adam Shankman, this production has really incorporated the characters' personalities, making this PG-rated film enjoyable for both children and adults to watch. This hilarious film really is one to watch and is thoroughly recommended!

CATEGORY: FILM and CULTURE

Experimenting with Second Curtain Photography

Last night I went out to test a photography technique I have recently discovered. I have seen this technique used before called 'second curtain'. What happens inside the camera is:

1. You press the shutter button to take a photo.
2. A 'pre-flash' fires.
3. The first curtain opens.
4. The flash fires.
5. The second curtain closes.

At night, this resulted in a display of lights and patterns. After taking the opportunity to test this out myself, it result in the selected shots below...

References:
http://digital-photography-school.com/an-explanation-of-2nd-curtain-sync-flash-or-slow-sync-flash


CATEGORY: TECHNOLOGY and ART & DESIGN

Canine vs. Feline

Dogs are considered to be man's best friend. Cats could be considered to be woman's best friend. But which one do you actually prefer?

Cats are very independent. They have a complete mind of their own and as pets, they often bring back presents that humans don't appreciate. Dogs on the other had tend to be friendly and personable. However, we often hear stories and news reports on dog attacks, which makes us question: Are we really meant to be that close to animals? Considering the wilderness of both canines and felines, would you still choose the same option of canine or feline if you lived with them in the wild?

Wild cats and dogs are some of the most vicious animals on the planet. They are carnivorous. Beasts built to hunt. Predators.

Cheetahs are the fastest animal on the land. This cat is found in sub-Saharan Africa and Northern Iran. With the ability to reach speeds over 65 mph, the cheetah is a truly extraordinary animal. Although, only able to reach its peak speed for under a minute, the energy of a cheetah is easily drained and as a result this cat often has difficulty hunting.

Lions, on the other hand, regularly hunt and kill zebras, antelopes and wildebeest. Found mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, with a small group of Asiatic lions in Gir Forest in western India, it could be argued that the lion has an advantage over all other wild cats, due to their ability to socialise and co-operate. This feature is the main reason why humans continued through evolution, whilst Neanderthals became extinct. The link below contains a short video, explaining exactly how socialisation is a key point of surviving as a lion.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Lion#p00fpsm8

Next, wild dogs are a completely different kettle of fish. The most commonly associated animals with the term 'wild dog' is the grey wolf and red fox.

The grey wolf's habitat is currently in the Arctic tundra, prairies and forests, although it use to have the largest natural distribution in the mammal species before humans took over. Due to this, the grey wolf has many sub-species, which is why there are so many different types of the household pet dog. The wolf is an animal based around being in a pack and working together in order to hunt reindeer and bison. As the largest type of wild dog, predation is their prime instinct.

Red foxes have now overtaken grey wolves and are now considered as the most widespread canine in the world. This is no surprise, seen as most of us have seen a red fox at some point in our lives. These communal animals are so adaptable, that not only do they live in deserts and tundra, but in urban areas too; in which they each literally eat anything and everything that is available to them.

So, the question is still there, canines or felines? Have you changed your mind from your previous choice?




References:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Cheetah
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Lion
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Gray_Wolf

CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

Is Strictly Come Dancing becoming S**tly Come Prancing?

Each year a new series of Strictly Come Dancing starts, with the same hosts Tess Daly and Sir Bruce Forsyth. This is an amazing time of year for dance fanatics to get glued to their TVs and indulge in a show of fun, entertainment and extravagance. However after the 11th series having recently started the show is becoming repetitive and monotonous for many viewers.

Every week, the same entrance is made onto the stage by Sir Bruce and Tess. The same well-known saying is said every week by Bruce: "It's nice to see, to see you...", with the audience responding with "nice". The four judges are introduced in a way that is 'supposed' to be comic. Although, this is so expected that it isn't funny in the slightest. In addition, "Dave Arch and his wonderful, wonderful orchestra" is simply over-used.

It could be argued that Bruce is a coffin-dodger. A man waiting until he dies, in which only then will he stop attempting to entertain. The 85-year-old has already had to miss a couple of episodes in previous series' in order to recover from illnesses and this year he has already come down with the flu. As much as he is a lovely person, he is getting on a bit and as some say, "he is on borrowed time".

On the other hand, Tess Daly is a presenter that thinks to highly of herself. She occasionally gives off a sense of arrogance, but let's be honest; she is only really used as eye candy for the audience. Her presenting skills will never match up to that of Reggie Yates and Holly Willoughby on The Voice, or Ant and Dec on Britain's Got Talent and I'm a Celeb. As a result this actually makes Tess seem rather annoying.

Further more, Tess' image is over-rated. She is competing with the image of professional dancers who are attractive, fit and pleasing to the eye, in conjunction with a great physique and amazing talent. Originally starting out her career as a model, hopefully soon Tess Daly's time will be up in the limelight. She is losing her pizazz and it is time to bring fresh faces to presenting the popular Saturday night TV show, instead of a couple of old codgers prancing around on stage.


Stop broadcasting S**tly Come Prancing and bring back a vibrant Strictly Come Dancing!

CATEGORY: ENTERTAINMENT

"We don't eat food. We eat packaging."

Choice is what our brains are stunned by when we go food shopping in a supermarket. We aren't attracted by what we are actually buying, in fact the packaging and brands are often the ones buying us. We are catalysts, enticed into buying a product, so our opinion can be passed on to others who will hopefully become consumers. Spreading the knowledge of these brands creates an empire that builds a brand up to earning millions, or even billions.

Packaging is at the core of food shopping. It creates an identity for products, as well as preserving them and keeping them fresh. The visual aspect of a product is used to target consumers. If the consumer doesn't find the packaging attractive, they will assume the food won't be nice and therefore will avoid buying that product.

As consumers, we eat with our eyes. We are looking for something that will stand out and showcase the true product inside. A product that will please us and showcase what is within the packaging to its full potential, avoiding disappointment.

References:
http://www.ehow.com/about_5365305_packaging-important.html

CATEGORY: ADVERTISING

Dance or Trance?

Dance is one of the most traditional forms of exercise and has existed since approximately 3000 BC, and it has been becoming increasingly popular ever since. Although in the last decade, it seems as if people are more interested in sitting back and watching dance programmes on TV, such as Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance and Got To Dance, rather than getting involved.

Dancing has many benefits, including: increased physical and mental health, as well as providing socialisation opportunities. Dance is an enjoyable activity, in which all ages and abilities can take part, even if you have no experience what so ever.

The most common traditional types of dance are: Ballet, Tap, Ballroom and Latin. The newer types of dance are: Hip-Hop/Street, Modern, Jazz and Contemporary. These types of dance then branch out even further, for example Hip-Hop covers variations such as: Locking, Popping, Whacking, House, Choreo and Lyrical Hip-Hop. The diversity in dance is so great, that there are numerous styles for everyone to try.

However, due to the lack of eagerness for the public to get up and get going, dance has started to hit our TVs at home more than the natural rhythm of our feet. Our minds are programmed to stare at the TV for endless minutes watching other people dance, sending us into a trance. This trend makes you question why people are happy to brain-drain themselves and damage their health, rather than keeping their life active through the endorsement of dance culture.

Will dance ever be at the centre of society again? Or is Britain just too TV-obsessive?

References:

http://www.ask.com/answers/67096981/how-long-has-dance-been-around

CATEGORY: ENTERTAINMENT and FITNESS and HEALTH and CULTURE

How Does The Human Mind Take In Advertising?

Adverts are targeted at audiences in order to persuade them to purchase a product and/or reiterate a brand. Adverts involving video in particular are targeted in a psychological way via two main base routes. These are centrally and peripherally.

Targeting audiences centrally is where the message in the advert is direct. It involves focusing on clear arguments with a straight-forward approach in communicating with its audience. Although for an audience to pay attention to the message, they must have some interest in what the advert in promoting.This route of targeting an audience is often used in the promotion of politics, such as when the government promote a political party in a TV advert for the whole public to be able to make a reasoned decision when they vote in the next election.

The peripheral route is a route that is still being explored in depth in the world of advertising and marketing. It is a route that requires a slightly more intellectual audience to fully understand the message that the advert is portraying; due to the concept that is used of an advert promoting an obvious message with a much stronger and deeper message underneath therefore indirectly targeting the main audience. This obvious message is what everyone can grasp, although more recently audiences are being persuaded by other factors in peripheral advertising, so they don't have to completely understand the message. A example of this is the Cadbury's Gorilla advert.

The majority of adverts nowadays target their audience via the peripheral route. This is because they can make an advert more interesting and as a result is memorable without having to worry too much about specific audiences and the level intelligence of  those who they are targeting.

CATEGORY: ADVERTISING

The New Lexus Advert (2013)

The new Lexus TV advert, 'Poise', is one of the best business class car adverts I have seen broadcast in the last decade. It combines the elegance, speed and accuracy of a ballerina and integrates this with the sophistication, class and sheer control of the Lexus. This is supported by the advert's slogan "A stronger body for greater control", this shows that the stamina and strength a ballerina uses is directly comparable with the quality of the body-work and mechanisms of a Lexus.

The advert is featured in black and white to give a sense of purity to the product and the brand of Lexus. In addition, the shadowing creates mystery, which entices the audience to find out more about Lexus and what they have to offer. Therefore Lexus are communicating efficiently and effectively with its audience, making it one of the best business car adverts on TV.

CATEGORY: ADVERTISING