Posts

February 08, 04:14 PM
Moving fast enables us to build more things and learn faster. However, as most companies grow, they slow down too much because they’re more afraid of making mistakes than they are of losing opportunities by moving too slowly. We have a saying: “Move fast and break things.” The idea is that if you never break anything, you’re probably not moving fast enough.

Mark Zuckerberg (via david)

“Move fast and break things,” friends. 

February 08, 03:55 PM

For February.

From Austin.

Not feeling like myself lately but perhaps finding something new. 

February 06, 12:36 PM
Don’t for a second be lulled into the notion that you are picking employees. They are picking you and you better be the one they want to pick.

Phil Sugar

A VC: The Management Team - Guest Post From Phil Sugar

(via fred-wilson)
February 02, 09:53 AM

Can’t hear this quote from Ira enough. Great advise for anyone starting out.

balancing:

a great reminder: your taste is killer. 

ira glass on the creative process 
(via: rennes :: getoutthebox)

February 01, 04:54 AM

“Why? How? What? This little idea explains why some organizations and some leaders are able to inspire where others aren’t. Let me define the terms really quickly. Every single person, every single organization on the planet knows what they do, 100 percent. Some know how they do it, whether you call it your differentiated value proposition or your proprietary process or your USP. But very, very few people or organizations know why they do what they do. And by “why” I don’t mean “to make a profit.” That’s a result. It’s always a result. By “why,” I mean: What’s your purpose? What’s your cause? What’s your belief? Why does your organization exist? Why do you get out of bed in the morning? And why should anyone care? Well, as a result, the way we think, the way we act, the way we communicate is from the outside in. It’s obvious. We go from the clearest thing to the fuzziest thing. But the inspired leaders and the inspired organizations — regardless of their size, regardless of their industry — all think, act and communicate from the inside out… People don’t buy what you do; people buy why you do it.” 

January 31, 11:27 AM

“There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds… I had been seeing the world in black & white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor.” -Keith Bellows

A short video of my journey to Delhi and Agra

January 30, 02:45 AM

“Travel agents would be wiser to ask us what we hope to change about our lives rather than simply where we wish to go.” 

Quote from Alain de Botton

Photo taken in Delhi

January 28, 02:50 PM

Beautiful

sabino:

by lus sergey

January 26, 04:04 PM

A few photos from my trip visiting Paharganj and one of Salaam Baalak Trust’s home for boys in Delhi. The work Salaam is doing to help young boys and girls find a safe home, medical care, education and support is really incredible. Take a few minutes to read more here: http://www.salaambaalaktrust.com/

January 23, 04:15 PM

A few photos of day two in Delhi. So many more to share. I spent the day in Basti Hazart Nizamuddin with the Hope Project. Such an incredible organization and community.

January 23, 02:25 AM

Delhi day one. Two photos taken in Old Delhi. 

January 21, 12:45 PM
[Flash 10 is required to watch video.]

A short video I made for Edelman Shanghai’s annual dinner. The theme was Shanghai Tang. Happy Chinese New Year 恭喜发财, friends!

January 20, 04:00 AM

Going on this tour on my first trip to Delhi this Saturday http://vimeo.com/32213816. Looks incredible and from a great organization! Any other Delhi recommendations?

January 19, 03:27 PM
It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.
Steve Jobs (via shaneguiter)
January 19, 03:12 PM
Nowadays, I don’t have a plan, an exit strategy, or a career arc in mind. So it’s like: keep working on things. Don’t sit and play PlayStation and wait for the phone to ring. Go out and see music, see art, participate. Then you just cross your fingers and hope it will work out OK.

I needed this at the moment. 

Craig Finn Talks New Solo Album, New Hold Steady Material | News | Pitchfork

That pretty much exactly describes my life, to a t, right there. 

(via rickwebb)

January 19, 03:09 PM

I will be seeing this in a few days. Incredible.

o-c-e-a-n-i-c:

pocketfullofstories:

Sunrise Taj by ~mrnonol

i loved the Taj - my favourite tourist attraction in India

January 19, 01:42 PM

ninakix:

Also this (via Love / Magic. Roald Dahl.)

January 19, 01:31 PM

“The world is so many places! -Yet home is the world we are encouraged to find.”

GPOYW 

January 17, 05:28 PM
You have to make mistakes to find out who you aren’t. You take the action, and the insight follows: You don’t think your way into becoming yourself.
Anne Lamott (via paulisakson)
January 17, 05:28 PM

India in four days. India in four days. India in four days. I can’t wait. 

Image from here. 

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Amanda Mooney
Manager, Shanghai Digital Practice at Edelman
Marketing and Advertising | China, CN

Experience

  • May 2011 - Present
    Manager, Shanghai Digital Practice / Edelman
  • Jun 2008 - Apr 2011
    Account Supervisor, Strategy for Edelman Digital / Edelman
  • Aug 2007 - May 2008
    Social Media Coordinator / Schneider Associates
  • Jun 2007 - Nov 2007
    Special Agent / Undercurrent
  • Sept 2006 - Aug 2007
    Intern / Ziggs.com

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  • 2004 - 2008
    Emerson College

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February 09, 08:30 PM
Rachel Comey's Got a Fan in Meryl Streep (For the Oscars, Mayhaps?)


For fall, the Rachel Comey women took a cue from the 60s. She pulled her hair back, slicked on a flick of black eyeliner and grew into a more polished version of herself. "She is streamlined," Comey, pictured above, said backstage after her show. "She's little more dressed up, and I think more busy and industrious."

Short, boxy jackets were paired with pants, cropped just right at the ankle, with a loose leg that curved up the body and ending in a high waist. Sweaters were belted over skirts grazing mid calf. In a palette dominated by black and white, bursts of orange and pink were sunny surprises. To close the show, there was a series of LBDs for every occasion.  

The collection also represented Comey's enduring love of textiles through texture. Laminate was used for straps on a dress and as backs of shoes. Full-skirted leather dresses looked light and fluid. Cotton and felt were laser cut into a polka dot pattern. Silver metallics and a navy and gold brocade added richness.

The standout print was an abstract photo-collage she did with the artist, and friend, Hannah Hoch that featured a black and white portrait layered and abstracted with geometric blocks of color and spilled across the front of skirts.

As for the famed shoes, slippers and sneakers with brother creeper platforms, mid-calf boots with wide shafts and her wooden heels were paired with what Comey calls, 'foot accessories.' These were socks made from filament yarn, a collaboration with Hansel from Basel. They appeared see-through except for decorative black dots clustered at the toe and lines of black around the ankle and down the heel.

With her brand headed towards a more polished look, could a red carpet Oscar gown be in her future? "We did get a request from Meryl Streep. She wanted me to design a gown for her for something and I was extremely flattered that she even knew who I was." 

Below, images from Comey's show. All photos by Imaxtree via NYMag.com


February 09, 08:05 PM
RuPaul in Dragton Abbey
According to New Now Next, RuPaul has written a skit with The Soup's Matthew Carney called Dragton Abbey that will appear on The Soup next Wednesday. It would seem as if Ru is playing Carson. All we can say is: You. Better. WORK.


Related:

Downton Abbey's Unlikely Celeb Fans
Downton Abbey Stars On-Screen Vs. Off-Screen

February 09, 08:00 PM
Padma Lakshmi and Susan Sarandon Love Them Some Costello Tagliapietra

Robert Tagliapietra and Jeffrey Costello

Fashion's bearded partners in crime have done it again. The former CFDA honorees pulled out all the stops for another stunning presentation of all that they do best.

It's a good sign when your front row seats some of the most beautiful, accomplished women on earth.



Padma Lakshmi and Susan Sarandon

One: Padma Lakshmi, Renaissance woman (cookbook author, actress, model, television host and friend of Paper), who dished that the pair "make clothes truly perfect for me. They can really do no wrong in my eyes." 

Two: Susan Sarandon, Academy Award-winning actress and activist, who said similarly that the two "envision real women in their clothes."

Leigh Lezark

Throw in some New York socialistas, Leigh Lezark and Sophia Lamar, and you have Tagliapietra's following, which only seems to widen by the season. Is it their practicality? Their wanna-squeeze-'em teddy bear image? All that and the fact that their latest collection brought together beautiful tones of maroon, violet, and mustard, offset by muted neutral silks, along with updated takes on the duo's ever-present wrap dress. Ultra-wearable, especially for the modern, mature woman, they've managed to find harmony in designing decadent clothes for the everyday.










February 09, 07:45 PM
Duckie Brown Cranks Up the Volume
Duckie Brown's F/W '12 collection, which showed earlier today, was all about playing with volume, size, and big, bold prints. Baggy, voluminous pants were standouts as were brightly colored plaid overcoats. An oversized wool sweater with a blown-out Fair Isle print screamed for a giant mug of cocoa with brick-sized marshmallows to go with it. Check out Marco Ovando's backstage shots of the collection, as well as a shot of Duckie Brown designer Steven Cox, who along with partner Daniel Silver, announced today they're designing a collection for Perry Ellis label, in stores next Spring.


 
Steven Cox (left): One-half of the design duo.

February 09, 07:14 PM
Alexa Chung and Derek Blasberg Share Fashion Week Survival Tips Backstage at the Honor Show

With all of the hubub surrounding the official start to New York Fashion Week today, it's easy to forget that the fashion crowd has seven more days of breathlessly rushing to shows, sprinting in fashionably impractical shoes and posing (or dodging) in front of the hordes of blogger photographers clustered around Lincoln Center.  Everyone it seems has different tips or strategies for how to survive the madness but we're not interested in what just everyone has to say -- we want to hear from the pros!  And who better than fashion darlings Alexa Chung and Derek Blasberg?

Catching up with the duo backstage at Lincoln Center after the Honor Show, they shared some sage advice with PAPERMAG about how to be a hit at Fashion Week.

What are your tips for surviving the madness of Fashion Week?

Alexa: Well I'm asked this every time and I never change the answer.  My answer is just to drink water or something really lame.

Derek: Hydrate!

Alexa: I'm not heeding my own advice.  I'm gasping!

And what about tips on how to get from show-to-show? 

Derek: Take the subway!  That's a good one.

Alexa: Yeah, take the subway.

Derek: And then people will think you're street!

People make the mistake of taking cabs and cars--

Derek: Too much traffic!

Alexa: You should take the subway.

Derek: Stay underground!

Alexa: And, bring a mirror!

Derek: And a breath mint!  Subway, mirror, breath mint, hydrate.

Alexa: And don't lean forward so I can't see the clothes!

Derek: [sings Fat Joe song] "Lean back, lean back"

Alexa: Relax into it!


And there you have it.  Bring some mints (which is a good call because gum-chewing looks tacky), snag some swag water (Aquafina seems to be this year's sponsor), ride the subway and bring a mirror (we're partial to smartphone screen protectors that come with a mirror--that way you can nonchalantly check yourself out while everything thinks you're just texting or squinting really intensely at your phone).

Photo via Billy Farrell Agency

February 09, 06:45 PM
10 Party-Goers and Their Canine Counterparts at the VICE Puppy Fashion Show

At last night's VICE puppy fashion show, we asked 10 party-goers: "If you were a dog, what kind would you be and why?"



"Rhodesian Ridgeback because they are fierce and loyal and you generally don't want to fuck with them" - Suroosh Alvi, Founder of Vice





"Jiggy! The Vanderpump's dog from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." - Jeanette Hayes
 



"A Chow Chow because they have purple tongues." - John Tuite, model (who appeared in Paper's holiday 2011 issue)

 



"An all white Siberian Husky. They are the first direct decedents from the wolf." - Zak Kiernan

 


"The Grey Mastiff, two of them! Two because I envision myself being pulled down the street with these two grey mastiffs" - Pierce Cunningly, stylist



"A Blue Nose Pitbull because they're tough, and I grew up in Oakland so..." - Miyako Bellizzi, stylist
 



"I'd say...Jack Russell. They are so funny and have lots of energy, are really cute, small and silly." - Toyo Tsuchiya, artist and photographer
 



"A Doberman. They are elegant yet strong." - Prisca Franchetti, artist
 



"Husky. I like them." - Austin Peters, DJ
 

 

"A Dogo Argentino 'cus they are friendly as hell and tough as fuck."- Gabriel Friedman, web designer


"A Chihuahua. Because all the ladies love little dogs, and I'd like to be seen as a little ladies man dog but who knows." - Nathan Dam, the Doggy District Fashion Show's Master Dog Wrangler and VICE intern
February 09, 06:39 PM
Marc Jacobs Made South Park T-Shirts
"I'm not fat, I'm just big boned!"-Cartman, South Park 

Now fashionistas can judge this claim for themselves with Marc Jacobs' new T-shirts featuring a naked Cartman along with his fellow South Park residents Randy Marsh and Butters Stotch.  The trio pose protecting their manly bits behind the the slogan "Protect Your Largest Organ." 

We love that Marc Jacobs paid it back to the South Park dudes after they featured him on an episode as Cartman's doll, "Muscle Man Marc."  These shirts are the latest version of Jacobs' and Marc Jacobs president Robert Duffy's collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group at New York University, wherein proceeds from the items' sales benefit the non-profit.  You can snag one for $35 online or at any Marc by Marc Jacobs boutique.

If only we could glimpse Anna Wintour or Carine Roitfeld in one of these tees during fashion week...but that's just wishful thinking.

February 09, 06:30 PM
Lyndsey Butler Premieres Her Leather-Heavy Line Veda at The Hole Gallery
Last night, designer Lyndsey Butler premiered her playful, leather-heavy collection for Veda in The Hole gallery's graffiti-filled cellar. Downtown dignitaries like artist Jeanette Hayes and DJ Chelsea Leyland swung by to show their support, while models frolicked around in blue bedazzled pants and jackets paired with some pretty Pamela Love originals. The girls looked great (thanks in large part to stylist Ian Bradley, who engineered the evening's ensembles) as they snapped photos of themselves with disposable cameras, a number of which were given out to patrons as they arrived at the intimate venue.

"It was important for us to try and eliminate that awkward space between model and viewer at a presentation," said Butler of the evening's fun factor. "It doesn't feel so serious--it's more about hanging out and having fun, and how you'd look if you were hanging out."

And hang out many did, sticking around for a DJ set by punk band Bad Boyfriend, who provided a live soundtrack earlier in the night. "They're just so cute," Butler says of the group. "When I knew they were going to play, I was like 'great, four more models basically.'"

 Now that Butler's done with Fashion Week (almost even before it's really started), has she any plans? "I'm gonna try to head to the west coast for a week or two," she said. "My boyfriend's from San Francisco, so we were thinking of going there and then driving up north. There's all these beaches around there that are so romantic!"






February 09, 06:08 PM
Shailene Woodley Sits Pretty at Honor, Her First Ever Fashion Show
Scanning the front row crowd at the Honor show this afternoon at The Studio Lincoln Center, it was clear many eyes were fixed on Shailene Woodley.  The actress, recently nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in The Descendants, wore some pony hair, very-on-trend slippers, simple black slacks and a gray cardigan over a chic white, equestrian-print blouse. But many might be surprised that this red carpet pro was attending her very first Fashion Week and, in fact, her very first fashion show.

The starlet was effusive about her first fashion week experience ("Oh my god, so much fun!  So exciting!") but her biggest praise was reserved for the clothes themselves.  Of Honor's collection, the actress said, "I love how simple [the clothes] are but very different from your average dress.  They're more structured and very feminine with masculine hints.  I love that." 

And, Shailene should know, the feeling is mutual.  When asked whom she'd most like to dress on the red carpet, Honor designer Giovanna Randall did not hesitate in naming Woodley as one of her top choices.  "She is amazing.  She was amazing in The Descendants," Randall cooed.

And what's next for the rising star?  More shows?  After parties?  How about London.  She told PAPERMAG she was excited to see Jason Wu's show on Friday but then she would be whisked across the pond for the BAFTAs.  Though she was slammed (perhaps unfairly) at the SAG Awards for her gown choice, we predict this low-key, nature-loving gal will be a fashionista to watch for quite some time.

Photo via Billy Farrell Agency

   

February 09, 04:48 PM
Steven Alan's Insider Sample Sale Advice


Here, designer Steven Alan discusses the inspirations behind his fall/winter line (Diego Rivera) and offers tips for those who are willing to stand online his bi-annual sample sale (hint, go on Friday mornings!).


February 09, 04:21 PM
Jason Wu's a Cat Person



Apparently, mere hours after Jason Wu's collection for Target launched online, it completely sold out! Mr. Mickey, lucky boy that he is, got to attend a VIP shopping event for the diffusion line, where he picked up a couple pieces, and bonded with Wu about being a cat person, and their shared love of illustrator Rene Gruau.

February 09, 04:15 PM
Cat Eyes and Low Buns at Rachel Comey F/W '12

For fall, Rachel Comey suggests keeping it simple. Makeup artists edged the eyes. A thin, black line was attached to outer corners and lips were kept glossy. To update this look, break out your paddle brushes and styling products. To keep the focus on the face, hairstylists inserted a side part and pulled the hair back into a French roll or a low bun, thus, making the top knot so last year. See the above photo gallery for details.





February 09, 03:54 PM
Fashimals: Fashion World Luminaries and Their Animal Counterparts

Someone with very impressive Photoshop skills and a familiarity with the style subtleties of fashion world luminaries has created a Tumblr site devoted to... well... Fashimals. Enjoy. We want a pet owl Alber Elbaz!!




Daphne Guinness

Kate Lanphear

Leigh Lezark

Olivier Zahm


Anna Dello Russo


Andre Leon Talley

Hamish Bowles

Terry Richardson

Rei Kawakubo

Grace Coddington


Alber Elbaz

Anna Wintour

February 09, 03:30 PM
You, My Mother: Experimental Opera Comes to La Mama
Two-Headed Calf, the always innovative and exciting Obie Award winning performance group, co-founded by composer Brendan Connelly and director Brooke O'Harra, delivers a  two-part chamber opera this time out, You, My Mother, focused on the ever-shifting relationship between mothers and their adult children.  Fellow collaborators include two playwrights, Karinne Keithley Syers and Kristen Kosmas, composer Rick Burkhardt, and the music ensemble of Yarn/Wire + Strings.  I spoke with O'Harra.

Hi Brooke.  How did you come to do a chamber opera?
 
Originally, because we do so much live music in our shows, the idea behind this show was to make the music central.  And the way an opera functions, first and foremost is the music; so that's the reason we chose to do an opera.  So what we did was: we paired up two playwrights with two composers.  And what the playwrights wanted was a baseline, something to write about so that they were writing on the same theme or idea. So we asked the company members in the play to write their own narrative of the "ever-shifting relationship between mother and adult children." Also, Brendan and I wrote our own personal narratives on the same topic.  When you become an adult, there's a changing landscape; all of a sudden the relationship between you and your mother shifts.  And so the playwrights wrote librettos based on these narratives, and they also used their own personal narratives too.
 
What will we see on stage?
 
A six-piece chamber ensemble in the center of the set.  The actors perform inside and around the band. There is no set, with an orchestra to the side.  The orchestra is central.  The ensemble are also performers in the piece.  They are not just playing music.  They sing solos.  There's also a little bit of dancing.
 
The other main thing is: we use slides, which we are designing and printing.  It's not nostalgic.  The slides operate as super titles, but also as a visual language.  There are 3 slide projectors which the performers operate.  And there are moments where we acknowledge the slides.  Like characters saying, "Oh, I remember that" or "We didn't do that".  It shows the way memories conflict, between the parent and the child; how there's a difference between how we remember things, and how this alters the landscape too.
 
Tell me about the performers.
 
The performers sing.  We have two company members who are trained singers and dancers, but we also brought in two ringers, who are wonderful singers.  The mother, who (in real life) has children the same age as the two performers who play the adult children, a man and a woman.  There's also a third character, who shadows the mother, but is also the child.  She is more fluid because she functions as a double.  And of course, the band is Yarn/Wire + Strings, a new music ensemble, and we are collaborating with them on this show.
 
Anything else?
 
It's Two-Headed Calf's first commission.  We've always used text that exists, classics like George Bernard Shaw or Kabuki.  This one is an original commissioned piece.
 
It's not just singing, there's acting.  It's a performance.  It's an opera, so it's based on singing, but there's dialogue, and narrative and character.  It's an event. Even the band dances.
 
La Mama's Ellen Stewart Theatre, 66 E. 4th St., (212) 475-7710. Feb. 9-20. Thurs.-Sun., 7:30 p.m.; Sat. matinees, 2:30 p.m.; additional performance, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., $25/$20 (students and seniors), 70-minute running time.
 
February 09, 03:04 PM
Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Ni**as in Paris" Is Our Music Video of the Day



While this video for Jay-Z and Kanye West's song "Ni**as in Paris" features a warning that it may "trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy," other than the flashing lights, there is little particularly interesting or shocking about the video. It's mostly cobbled together images of Jay and Kanye's performance at L.A.'s Staples Center as part of their "Watch the Thrones" tour, plus a funny clip of Will Ferrell from Blades of Glory. Maybe by the time they finished "Otis" they had spent their video budget?
PAPERMAG: WORD UP!

Posts

February 09, 09:04 AM
Heineken Serenade

Heineken's new 'Serenade' campaign encourages us to use their new Facebook app to pursue the lucky object of our affection just in time for Valentines day. Not quite Romeo and Juliet-style...



Log in via Facebook, answer a few simple questions and a personalized video is made and posted on your beau's wall. Just as an FYI they can then either accept your offer of a date or publicly par you by posting a reply on your wall for all to see.

And they say romance is dead huh?

February 08, 09:08 AM
Lynx Attract: For Him and For Her

It was pointed out to me that the Ruby Wants A Word Blog was becoming fuelled by testosterone and could do with a female voice; I am going to get on it, I’ve decided. Speaking of gender and such...

Unilever is launching its first Lynx product for females ‘Lynx Attract: For Her.’

Tamika also did some research into what people think of the product:

Smelling like the slightly more feminine version of a spotty, self-conscious, 15-year-old boy who has just discovered the cheapest fragrance possible in a Superdrug aisle? Not really my cup of tea but thanks for offering. The new launch is a really brave move from a brand that has always been associated with masculinity. Playing on becoming irresistible to the opposite sex (whether male or female) via a £2.99 can of Lynx will always be a winner, even if it is only applicable in sweaty high-school common rooms.

Here are some more views on the matter below:

- Andrew, 23, [Male] East London: ‘LOOOOOL. We will all smell the same. It’s an awful idea, especially if they do ‘Africa’ for women. I can’t even begin to explain how that would smell on a woman. It just doesn’t make sense. Lynx has been a male brand for so long, I personally don’t think they will meet the requirement for the female market.’

- Affy, 18, [Female] Essex: ‘Oh yes. My boyfriend smells so good in Lynx excite. I’d definitely buy the ladies version for sure.’

- Jake, 22, [Male] Brighton: ‘Its fine as far as I'm concerned, its a bit strange seeing as they have branded it as such a manly thing before now. I guess it's a step forward for the company... Doesn't bother me in the slightest.’

- Elena, 23, [Female], Southampton: ‘Well, I don’t know if I’d buy it, as it’s always been associated with men. The again, some Lynx things do smell nice so depending on that I may give it a go. Maybe.’

February 08, 08:59 AM
NATIONAL SPORT WEEK + LONDON 2012 WORLD SPORT DAY

The 25th June 2012 marks the start of National School Sport Week and World Sport Day backed by Lloyds TSB and the Youth Sport Trust. The event which schools can sign up to be part of, will encourage school children to host their own Olympic opening ceremony and sports day, as well as learn about the other cultures and countries involved in the Olympics. Find out more here.


Over nine hundred school children from London will be chosen over the coming weeks to sing in the actual Olympic opening ceremony.

February 08, 06:20 AM
JUMPOFF TV UK DEBATES
Jumpoff TV is a hip-hop site that has recently started posting video debates, where a panel of industry "experts" and insiders discuss the hot topics of the day. Videos like the one below are interesting if you'd like to learn what the "urban" demographic think of the social media network twitter, which more and more young people are using everyday. Whilst on the Jumpoff the topics are mostly music related I'm looking forward to seeing other video discussions and debates online this year like the SBTV Battlefront DB8 at Westminster last year.

February 07, 12:36 PM
SOCIAL MEDIA EXPLAINED
We're not sure where this is from. But it's spot on.
February 07, 11:18 AM
Diddy's Ciroc Superbowl Ads

One man brand and marketing mogul, Sean Combes AKA P Diddy unleashed four new ads for the Ciroc vodka brand during the super bowl the other day. Check them out below:





February 07, 12:34 PM
Young, Unemployed & Willing To Work

After looking back at an article from the Guardian supplement from November 2011 on youth unemployment, we reached out to some of the young people from our network to find out their thoughts. The majority of responses were negative, it would seem that for some young people, finding a job is harder than ever.


I'm not exactly sure what the government is doing to alleviate this situation, although David Miliband has just announced that he is backing a scheme to target 600 hotspots of youthe unemployment in the UK.

February 07, 09:31 AM
Tottenham Riots Citizens Enquiry
A report produced by the Citizens Inquiry into the Tottenham Riots, will conclude that they were partly caused by high youth unemployment and poor community relations with local police.

The study which interviewed more than 700 people including 270 rioters has highlighted a number of factors in being instrumental in causing and spreading the disturbance:

-hostility toward police, especially over excessive stop and search
-high levels of youth unemployment
-criminal opportunism

At the time of the Tottenham riots there were 10,000 unemployed in the Haringey borough but just 367 vacancies. A shocking statistic, which reinforces the suggestion that unemployed, unengaged youth may be more likely to indulge in criminal activity.

Tottenham MP David Lammy is supporting efforts to reinvest in the area to curb unemployment and make relations between the community and the establishment stronger.

This week, there are several community events throughout the country where the riots will be discussed in greater detail. Find out more on The Guardian.
February 07, 05:23 AM
Social Media In Universitys

The rise in the usage of social media has meant it's use has been considered for education to provide a richer and fuller experience however with this idea comes issues regarding privacy and safety especially at a primary and secondary schooling level. However with higher education, the story is different. When used as an educational tool, colleges and universities have found that social media enhances the learning experience by enabling students and teachers to connect and interact in new ways beyond the classroom. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social sites promote collaboration and discussion, and students have embraced them as a means to ask questions and exchange ideas.

Universities have fully embraced social platforms to recruit athletes and vet students who have applied for admission. Whilst Social sites, especially Facebook, are also used for marketing and branding.

OnlineUniversities.com has done some research about the pros and cons of social media in higher education, and they summarized their results below. It examines which platforms work the best and the challenges schools face as they try to learn how to manage their social media presence. Check it out...

HERE [Zoom in to view]

February 08, 05:31 AM
FB in India

India is now the second largest nation in terms of Facebook users, behind the United States.India recently leapfrogged Indonesia in the volume of users. According to Forbes, India has a total of 43,497,980 Facebook users compared to 43,060,360 in Indonesia, as of February 1 2012. There has been a staggering amount of growth in the past year; On January 1, 2011, India had a total of 16,915,900 Facebook users and the total exceeded by 144%, by the end of 2011.However, this growth may be stunted as censorship laws in India may prove to be difficult obstacles to overcome. The Delhi High Court has ordered Facebook, Google, Yahoo and other Internet companies to remove material considered offensive. This would pressurise sites such as Facebook to monitor the content on their sites a lot more.
February 06, 07:29 AM
Side Kick Studios - DoJunior Coding Work Shop

This Thursday the clever people at Side Kick Studio's are running a workshop aimed at getting young people into the art of coding. Their aim is to inspire a new generation of people in to App building and wed-design and hopefully redress the current shortage of skilled coders.

As they put "Coding isn’t always taught at school, college or uni and meeting up with experts is a quick and fun way to learn. Meeting other programmers helps you find out about jobs and opportunities in the industry."

The session are Thursday nights 6 - 8.30pm Fortnightly, starting 9th February 2012. For more info click here

February 06, 07:07 AM
Linguistics 101 on Megan Fox Island

To be multi-lingual in Brazil has never been so important. With the 2014 World Cup and The 2016 Olympics both being held in Brazil, there will be a major influx of tourists, and thus a significant number of jobs available for young Brazilians that can speak the English language. Oh, and being able to speak other languages can also get you girls. Attractive girls. The term 'sex sells' is rather prominent in the advertising world, and the lovely Megan Fox is depicted as the 'prize' for learning a new language as she has teamed up with Brazilian language school CCAA to promote their cause. There is also an extra motivation to learn a new language, if you don't, Mikey is coming for ya'.
Enjoy!

February 02, 12:37 PM
Red Bull Headquarters by Sid Lee Architecture

The new European Red Bull headquarters, just north of Amsterdam has recently been completed. This video explaining the the design and architecture of the complex is a good look for the drinks brand.

Redbull New Headquarters / Sid Lee Architecture from ArchDaily on Vimeo.

February 02, 08:16 AM
The Full Monty Plan


T- Mobile have come up with this Full Monty Plan, where for a fixed price [although ranging from £36 to £61] customers who sign up to this 2 year fixed rate will enjoy unlimited calls, unlimited texts and unlimited internet access.

The plan has been developed on the back of increased sales and demand for data-hungry smartphones. "Over the past two years we have seen a rise in mobile internet use of over 250%, which reflects the consumer trend of being 'always on' wherever they are. This sounds like alot of my friends and my little sisters if im honest who is constantly fixated on her iPhone.

Customers on the Full Monty will also be able to use their phone for tethering (using it as an internet connection for a laptop or tablet) at no extra cost. T-Mobile say the Full Monty plan has been designed for customers who want the peace of mind that there are absolutely no limits placed on their allowances, whilst also knowing they're getting market leading value for money.

This sounds like good news for young people who just want to be able to stay connected no matter what and for parents who are often footing the bill, as they know its going to be a fixed rate. Kudos T Mobile , i think k this is going to go down particulkarly well...

February 02, 10:04 AM
Google Science Fair


Google have recently announced their second online science fair competition, an initiative that allows youngsters between the ages 0f 13 to 18 year old to submit their projects by 1 April, with a chance to win fantastic prizes.

In partnership with CERN, Lego, National Geographic and Scientific American, Google is providing a platform that allows youngsters to explore curiosity and display their scientific ingenuity.

Check out last years winners here.

If you're interested in entering check out the video below...


February 01, 11:52 AM
New Lynx Advert: Unleash The Chaos


New advert from the deodorant brand Lynx, made by the creative agency BBH and the director Tom Kuntz, who's previously made ads for Cadbury & Old Spice.

This ad cleverly follows on from previous Lynx campaigns, where the fragrance is seen to have similar effects, causing those who catch a whiff to behave irrationally.

February 01, 06:44 AM
President Obama's Virtual Interview

Last night the US President Barack Obama made history, by undertaking the first completely virtual interview hosted by YouTube & Google +.


Depending on what you think of his answers, this groundbreaking interview could earn Obama a few more supporters. Hopefully such interactions between politicians and the public could inspire other governments around the world to be more transparent and engaging.

February 01, 06:27 AM
NASA FACEBOOK GAME


The American Space Agency NASA have just launched a Facebook quiz game. 'Space Race Blastoff' that allows social networkers to compete against their friends to find out who is the most clued up on facts about the cosmos.

NASA, have utilized social media before, inviting 150 of their twitter followers to a spacecraft launch event. This game is an excellent promotional tool, that will inform as well as entertain.

Have a go here.
January 26, 12:33 PM
Tropicana Sun
Juice brand Tropicana, have installed a large fake sun in Trafalgar Square. The sculpture by 'urban artists' Greyworld provided Londonders with two hours of extra sunlight on January 23rd, apparently the most depressing day of the year. Bright idea.



Image courtesy of Dexter Navy.
January 26, 11:14 AM
Converse Rubber Tracks


Promotional video from the Converse youtube channel. Rapper Black Spade passes through the Converse Rubber Track Studios. In a similar vein to the Red Bull Music Academy, the brand are facilitating the recording process of good music in order to produce high quality and culturally relevant content. Rather than pay a musician to write and record a song for the brand, Converse are allowing musicians to use their studio, in return the brand (hopefully) become associated with the cool musicians they endorse.
January 26, 12:35 PM
Youtube Education

Remember that post about the iZone in New York, and the attempts to reform the nature of schooling to bring it up to date with today. Well I spotted this over on BNTL , youtube is an excellent tool in the class room as just a library archive, but when specially tailored for teaching it could take things to a whole new level. Have a watch ...


January 23, 11:31 AM
The F.C.U Via Galaxy Note

Samsung stepped up the comedy factor in their ads. First there was ad where they went for the iPhones jugular and embellished on certain characteristics of iPhone consumers which definitely got my attention and made me chuckle. Now they've commissioned a series called the Fact Checkers Unit. Centered in a "trendy" magazine office around the exploits Dylan and his side kick Russel, who are charged with task of researching every and any type of obscure fact. Of course they are aided by their Galaxy Note mobiles but this still doesn't stop the pair get into some odd situations in the quest to check.




There's a whole lot more of this short shows/skits on the channel, and you can tell by the views that these things are pretty popular.


January 20, 07:52 AM
Goodbye Megaupload


File sharing site Mega Upload has been shut down by federal prosecuters in Virgina, after accusations that the site is liable for more than $500 million worth of copyrighted material

Two of the companys co-founders were arrested in New Zealand, while others remain at large. In response to these prosecutions the hackers group Anonymous targeted a number of big websites including the FBI, Universal Music and the Motion Picture Association of America and others.

Many Americans are against the controversial SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect Intelelctual Property Act), saying the acts will damage the web's architechture and restrict innovation. Yesterday Google managed to collect over 7 million signatures for a petition against SOPA & PIPA.

Although Megaupload has closed down what about the numerous other sites that do exactly the same thing? I doubt law enforcement agencies will be able to work at a speed that makes the web a place free from copyright infringement. My generation has grown up enjoying music and video content online for free it would take a great deal of change to shift this behavior.

January 18, 10:58 AM
Instagram

The mobile photo-sharing app Instagram has turned into a social-media phenomenon, accumulating 400 million uploaded photos and 15 million users since its launch in October 2010, and brands are increasingly taking notice.

Early-adopter brands on Instagram -- which currently only runs on Apple devices -- include Starbucks, which joined in 2010 and now has 202,000 followers, Red Bull (95,000 followers) and Burberry (151,000 followers); media properties such as NPR and The New Yorker; and major events like the Oscars. Nike and President Barack Obama's re-election campaign just joined within the last month... and when the President of the USA jumps on you know its not a joke.


A common use of the platform is to show consumers what's happening behind the curtain at a company similar to the way twitter and tumblr can be used. A recent image posted to General Electric's account shows a technician working on an engine in an aviation facility in Peebles, Ohio, for example, and Tiffany & Co.'s account photos shows the inside of a jewelry workshop in the store's flagship Fifth Avenue location.
Brands are also using Instagram to run contests and source images. Levi's is currently running an open casting call for models by asking Instagram users to tag their photos with #IAmLevis for consideration, and in the case of General Electric, which has roughly 34,000 followers on Instagram. The intent is to showcase the company's impact in areas like energy and transportation by appealing to enthusiasts with photos of engines, turbines and locomotives, according to Linda Boff, executive director of global digital marketing. In addition to its regular account, the company just wrapped a campaign on the platform to find an "Instagrapher" who will be flown to Wales to photograph an aviation facility. Nearly 4,000 Instagram photos were submitted with the hashtag #GEInspiredMe and then posted on Facebook, where fans voted for the finalists.

Amy Cole [head of business operations at instagram] said brands that use Instagram are generally looking to forge a more personal connection with their customers. "Photos can be so emotional," she said. "It's a great way for users to really connect with a brand in a way that's different from text post

Instagram has nine employees in San Francisco, and like many early-stage social startups, hasn't publicly articulated its plans for revenue. It launched with $500,000 in seed funding and closed a $7 million funding round last February. While it doesn't officially partner with brands, the company are aware of roughly 200 brands and organizations (including celebrities such as Justin Bieber and nonprofits like Charity: Water) on the site.

It'll be interesting to see the changes that take place as thing platform for shared content grows and develops... there seems to be tremendous scope to involve a captive audience of consumers..

January 17, 11:56 AM
The New York iZone

"The challenge we face is nothing less than transforming our schools from assembly-line factories into centres of innovation," The words of Michael Bloomberg, who warns that the US school system is falling behind international rivals.


The City of New York has implement a pilot [kinda] schooling system under the name of The iZone project - or Innovation Zone - and is challenging state schools in New York City to rip up the rule book. Its an attempt to reimagine inner city education. The NYC lab school in manhattan is part of this re-imagination which has been birthed from the call for personalised teaching that caters to individual student needs.

As with the case with most cosmopolitan areas students that attend schools in urban areas come from extremely varied cultural back grounds so to issue them with a one size fits all education cannot now be seen as sufficient in these modern times. Furthermore in this unstable and rapidly era where the young people of today are immersed in technology can the methods of old be truly suited to these climate?

The principle of one iZone School states that she is part of a pioneering Vanguard, not because her said school is in talks with Google and Apple and their technology is present in the class rooms, [She states throwing laptops at problem doesn't solve anything ] but because of the staff they have on hand which go the extra mile for students to the point where students voluntarily seek them out after school and before for advice and assistance. Also she advocates the necessity of schools to now teach youngsters to be critical thinkers and adaptive as these are the type of skills that will be valued in these social times.

The NYC Lab School is part of an initial group of 81 schools taking part in the iZone experiment, which has expanded to 160 schools and will grow to 400 schools by 2014, and Arthur VanderVeen, until recently the head of innovation at New York's Department of Education, says the iZone is the next step forward in trying to find ways to improve inner-city schools, in all their complexities.

The idea of personalisation is "highly ambitious", he says. "It's a wholesale rethinking of a school and its cultural mindset."

"The 19th Century model is so deeply embedded with parents and pupils."

But such revitalisation is necessary to prepare for the future.

"We don't know what jobs are going to be there in 10 years."

I agree with his sentiments, times are changing at such a rate that the old system of education must look to reform itself rapidly and update its practises or risk being totally ineffective and outdated in the coming years. Projects such as this iZone an exploration of how it can be improved are critically and will shed insight into what steps to take to progress. When we gonna get something like this popping in the uk...

More on the iZone here.
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