Apologies!

Hi all,


So apologies for the absence recently. I have just come back from a lengthy holiday in the states with only a DSL connection for comfort. But it is this experience that has inspired my blog.


So one of the biggest purchases of the holiday was the brand new iPad2. It all started with a 7hour queue in Florida mall and has resulted in a never ending love affair with Francisco (yes, I name my electronic devices) ... so here is the love of my life ...

I could easily type out all of the new specifications for the new iPad and I could rave for days about just how thin it is. But I'd rather talk about what makes it so attractive ... the apps! 


Ok, so we all know apps, they're fun, they've been round on our iPhones and iPods for quite a while and you thought you got to grips with they're magnificence. But the new age of iPad apps are more impressive than I could fathom. Having more screen to play with has just expanded the possibilities for the features with ANY app. So I've compiled a few of my favourites ...


Magazines ...


Empire - I know not everyone is into films, but empire magazine is just one example of how impressive reading material is on the iPad. At the moment there is a free taster issue so you can try out the style.
http://www.empireonline.com/ipad/


Zinio - This app is completely free and has a wide variety of magazines to pick from that you can purchase buy issue rather than a subscription. Zinio is just a page-by-page version (no audio or video material) which is perfect for those people that like the feel of a static article and love the pretty adverts.
http://www.zinio.com/ipad/;jsessionid=FBC273E4804B9D43D1905FC7B2279B08.ns102-e04


Social Networking


Friendly - Ok, It's just an iPad facebook app, But considering Facebook haven't got off their tush to do a proper version, this is the best you can get at the moment. Nice use of the environment.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/friendly-plus-for-facebook/id382011064?mt=8


Tweetmag - A fantastic piece of kit for any twitter surfer. This handy little guy logs into your account and compiles all the latest news that would interest you and gathers together all of the links that have have been posted. These get put together in quite an attractive and affable manner, similar to a newspaper layout.
http://tweetmagapp.com/


Games


World of Goo - By far the most addictive game I have come across so far, Making sturdy structures out of goo that makes adorable noises, so simple yet so gripping. 
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/world-of-goo-hd/id401301276?mt=8


Zen Bound - Wrapping a piece of string around a piece of wood, more entertaining than you think. With its fantastic graphics and even better audio, this game is a pleasure on the senses. I first had this beauty on the Iphone but with the iPad's processor and improved speakers, its even more of a delight.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zen-bound/id400670361?mt=8


Media


...And some media based apps that speak for themselves really ...


iPlayer - http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bbc-iplayer/id416580485?mt=8
Sky+ - http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sky-mobile-tv/id332253703?mt=8
Shazam - http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shazam-for-ipad/id364305715?mt=8
Sky News - http://devices.news.sky.com/


And a special mention to ...


GarageBand - http://www.apple.com/ipad/from-the-app-store/garageband.html
Check out all the features, Its intuitive nature means that anybody can record great music. With 5mins of musical training or 5 years worth.


So I think I've jabbered on enough about this electronic masterpiece, all thats left to say is ...


Get on it!


Bye Kids! 

Hey guys,


Again I'm here to show off another advert that has enthused the mind. This weeks gem is the latest Renault Clio advert entitled "What is va va voom?"


This particular advert caught my eye because it encompasses everything that makes a good commercial; Fantastic music, celebrity endorsement and obscure imagery. With help from Rihanna, David Bowie, Thierry Henry and Dita von tease this advert is just plain memorable and after all, thats all it has to be.





So like every other post I have made, there has to be something that grinds against me about it. I am sure you will agree that the combination of Dita and that defining red will make you associate virgin and the retro text and obscurity has a "music album advert" feel ... Two fantastic examples of promotional activity. Too bad Renault had to go and spoil that stylish and contemporary technique with that silly logo and sound effect at the end. 


But here is some extra footage I found also:





Later Kids.

Infatuated!

Hiya Girl,


Just doing my frequent web surf and stumbled upon my new favourite website. 
I'm currently planning on getting an iPad when I venture over to the USA in a month, so my impatience led me to search for cases rather than getting down to some portfolio work. It was this curiosity that led me to "what seems to be" the greatest online store know to man! and its name is ...


ETSY  (< click there)


I believe this site is dedicated to all sorts of wonders from jewellery to electronics but under the sub-sections I was undoubtedly led towards the "Geekery". Of course you can check it all out yourself, its chocked full of geeky, vintage stuff but I just HAVE to point out my next purchase ...

Hope you all spend plenty of monies!

Peace!

Inspired!

Howdy y'all,


So i'm sure by looking at all the other blogs by my peers you've noticed a bit of a trend (virtual worlds) but, like usual, i've been distracted. 

I was introduced to this man of many wonders from a friend in work and became highly impressed with his achievements. Colin Wright is classed as an entrepreneur, minimalist and world traveler. He has many online based business and delves into all sorts of markets ranging from merchandise to online dating.   

What makes colin so interesting and inspiring is his theory on travel. He aims to move country every four months and his next destination is determined by his readers (followers). Traveling is not quick spirts but more integrated excursions. He enjoys living in an area like one of the locals, tis is a fantastic way of expanding your horizons and getting true, pure inspiration.

But 'what is a minimalist?' I hear you say. Colin has adapted a way of life that means he can literally live out of a carry-on bag. Claiming that he only owns 50 items, he lives on the bare necessities which lets him appreciate what he has and life in general.

I find colin a great source of inspiration and reflects alot of the qualities I hope to incorporate into my own future career choice. Putting all the cool things aside (Travelling the world, true resourcefulness, entrepreneurship ... owning a macbook) he has created a whole enterprise, philosophy and lifestyle just by doing what he believes in, and that is what all of us should aim to do in our lives.

Anyhoo I would love it if you give him a looksee. He has a blog named "Exile Lifestyle". Links to twitter and so forth can be found there. Certainly is a good read.

http://exilelifestyle.com/

'til next time kids!

(Many thanks to Dave for introducing me)

Appreciative!

Hi Guys,


I know it's been a while since my last blog but dont worry, I havn't forgot about you all. So this advert has been on the telly for a while now and everytime I see it I say I want to blog about it so here it goes:





I'm sure you've all seen it, A little piece released by McDonalds about how fresh and organic their produce is. Aye I know the message means diddly squat and the theme makes you think more about the BBC weather report but what caught my eye was the fantastic use of motion graphics. 


After my last project in Uni I now have a great appreciation for some good, clean, smart motion graphics. And props to anybody who can pull it off without making the composition seem cheesey and in your face. I understand that this blog isn't a blog, more of a "hey look at this" site. But sometimes it's just nice to see some simple yet effective work show up on our little screens.


To summerise: Motion Graphics is hard.
Appreciation goes to a good composition.
Subtlety is key.


Peace Out.

Research!

Hi Guys
Sorry I've been busy recently but had plenty on the plate with my sky+ box overflowing with good TV, christmas planning and I guess a bit of work to do to. But thought I'd stop by and rave about a magazine I managed to come across when some friends came over to visit the other week.

It's called "The Drum" and its based around the Marketing/Media Industry. Featuring loads of agencies, work, news and all that jazz. It has a very informative "jobs" section (which my eye has closely been on) but overall its just a good read. So, The form it took when discovered was a magazine but I should point out that it is also a very popular website that is now going to be featured in my "Top Sites".
Too much to really talk about on here but it's a great place to just get some research and see what is out there. Perfect for up and coming creatives. 
So pop on and give it a look see guys! Maybe make a subscription if your feeling saucy!
http://www.thedrum.co.uk/

Distractions!

Hey Y'all

So I'm sitting here polishing a few ideas for a recent project and couldn't help but be distracted by an advert from the dull hiss of the TV in the background. You may have come across it ...

Not only does this bring a little giggle at the thought of a baby speeding alongside me whilst on my usual bus route but I'm highly impressed by the product itself. Ok, it's not really a big deal being able to print photographs through an internet connection (heck i've had our printer hooked upto the router for a while and was doing bluetooth printing donkeys ago) but it makes you realise just how much you can do from your mobile phone now. A large majority of the day-to-day technology I use is straight through my iPhone (Blog soon to be followed) I can't even list the possibilities. It is quite astounding how the mobile phone is such a vital addition to our lives now, life before the iPhone appears to be a blur.

Anyhoo, dispite how dumbfounded and in awe I appear from this advert something still remains to annoy me (like any other advert) .... I always sing the wrong lyrics!

Well thats tonight thought provoking session over. Enjoy!