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Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Things are changing around here
Yes it's been almost 3 make that 6 months since my last post. Somehow the world has continued regardless.
I've been utilising my 'blog' time in other interesting non bloggy ways AND I've been thinking about re-invigorating and changing the direction of this thing.
So I'll be back with the new improved version in 2010
See you then.
Monday, June 29, 2009
A blanket ban on brand entertainment
No one called this brand entertainment.
In recent years, we've witnessed a product placement juggernaut and a move towards more sophisticated attempts to weave brands into storytelling. Taking their cue from the sports sponsorship model, brands have also become smarter about leveraging the value of their involvement with entertainment.
Everyone (including me) has called this brand entertainment, or something similar.
But it seems to me, this is where the whole damn trouble began - the emergence of this now ubiquitous phrase, and the invention of this 'new discipline' has a lot to answer for.
Frankly the language seems outdated, and it's holding us back.
Because as more than one observer has noted, the term 'brand entertainment' still has a bit of a stink about it.
Not in the minds of audience or marketers necessarily. But certainly in the worlds of media owners, TV networks, major production companies etc, there is still an unwarranted stigma attached to the notion of brand entertainment.
There is absolutely no guarantee that because a production company, online platform or network develops a show, finds the brands and then dictates their involvement that a) the brand integration will be any more sophisticated or better executed than if a brand were to do it all themselves (with the right partners and expertise) and b) the entertainment values will be superior.
Look at Network Nine's homemade, I'd suggest it's fairly heavyhanded on the brand integration front. Only it's not badged as brand entertainment, as it's a network commissioned show. And given it's ratings performance, it's hard to say that it's delivering for audiences.
Brands invested 50 million pounds in Quantum of Solace but no one says 'oh yeah, Quantum of Solace is a brand funded movie'.
As I've written about previously, brand funded entertainment is not entirely blameless for the position it finds itself in. However, given it's burdened by a legacy of language, I've got a simple solution.
I vote we kill off these phrases - brand funded TV, branded content, advertiser funded programming, brand entertainment, branded entertainment.
What entertainment is not brand funded one way or another?
Let's return to one simple word.
Which is after all what we're all working hard to create.
I reckon that solves everything.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Bill Wasik, Susan Boyle and Henry Jenkins
But if you're on a lunch break, try this article from Salon.com on 'viral culture'.
It's an interview with Bill Wasik, 'internet instigator' and original inventor of the flash mob.
It's insightful, pragmatic. In particular I like his analysis of the Susan Boyle phenomenon and what he calls the 'nanostory' (there's a lot more to the article than SB but thought it worth mentioning).
She becomes this giant symbol and all this meaning gets heaped upon her. But then of course, there's nothing to sustain it. She became this giant micro-star at a point when she wasn't going to be on television again for many weeks. If you can't feed the machine, then it shuts down. We'll just be distracted onto the next thing if it doesn't give us more to keep us going. That, to me, is a classic example of a nanostory. It is a short-lived media phenomenon that is driven by the sheer quantity and speed of the contemporary conversation. So many hours of cable news to fill, there are so many blogs that need refreshing. Now there's Twitter and more. And so we seize upon these tiny little things and try to elevate them into sensations, but of course they can't bear up under the weight of it."For a different viewpoint, you can check our Henry Jenkin's view here
Monday, June 15, 2009
Five great entertainment marketing blogs
I thought I'd highlight five blogs which are a great resource for anyone working in the intersecting worlds of brands, content, filmmaking and digital media.
Gary Hayes' Personalize Media offers insightful, detailed and in depth posts on what might be dubbed the socialisation of entertainment (see his presentation here on 'The Future of Social Media Entertainment' and this post on the socialisation of TV and gaming). Gary's blog has an emphasis on quality rather than frequency - it's a great resource for anyone interested in gaming, virtual worlds and cross platform storytelling.
Christy Dena is an Australian cross media specialist and academic. Her 'corner of the universe' is a seemingly limitless resource for anyone interested in cross platform entertainment and ARGs in particular. Definitely one for a rainy day, you'll always find something to keep you interested.
NewTeeVee is a great source of news on the latest developments, launches, announcements from the world of entertainment, online video and related technologies.
Julian Cole's Adspace Pioneers often unearths intriguing memes and great examples of non professional content creators doing interesting things (especially Youtubers, see this post on Blunty3000 as an example). Julian also shares useful tidbits from both his workings with, and observations about, brands active in the social media space like this great post on some practical campaign learnings and this one which identifies film marketing campaigns that have utilised social media.
Chris Thilk's Movie Marketing Madness blog is a good resource for anyone working in entertainment marketing. He's a bit bower bird like in the way he collects bits and pieces from the world of movie marketing and advertising, and writes a good combination of news and opinion.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Top article from Mashable: the brands getting it right on Youtube
While commending big glossy one like Quiksilver and Nike, Catherine also calls out the humbler efforts of brands like the University of Phoenix.
The point is, it's not about being big and flashy, but about being committed, true to 'thine own brand' and a publisher of regular, entertaining content that has inherent value for a specific community.
Somehow she manages to make it sound so easy, yet very few brands get it right.
Well worth a read.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
5 new examples of brand entertainment in 2009
Only in a Womans World
Frito Lay's Only in a Woman's World, is an online series designed to support a new range of female targeted er---um....chips. It's billed as an initiative that "humorously addresses and even celebrates the universal conflicts women feel" - read guilt around snacking. The campaign has been rolled out across a range of channels. Apart from the webisodes and online destination, it includes more traditional advertising elements such as print advertising.
While criticised for being cliched (it does perhaps take the 'start with your audience' mantra a little too far), audiences seem to have responded, with the videos generating some decent numbers on the Youtube channel (upwards of 500,000 views for the most popular).
Diet Coke and the Little Black Dress
This is a nice local one from my colleagues at Naked in Sydney. For this year's Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, Diet Coke commissioned a group of top Australian designers to re-imagine the 'Little Black Dress' with the classic contour bottle as their starting point. Designers such as Romance was Born, Alice McCall and Alex Perry designed a series of pieces for an exclusive catwalk show. Each of the designers also created their very own 'one off' Diet Coke bottle. This snappy little video from the talented folks at TCO (who produced all the content) says it all - it shows the way the content really amplified the partnership and turned up all over town.
PUMA, Ocean Racing and RipeTV
The PUMA team is competing in the Volvo Ocean Race, which means a gruelling nine months of racing 37,000 nautical miles between Alicante in Spain and St Petersburg. Seriously epic.
This is your classic naming rights sports marketing model, but they've leveraged it well and extended the reach of the partnership through RipeTV's reality based series, social media and mobile.
If you're a mad keen sailor you can read more and follow the trials and tribulations at the PUMA Ocean Racing blog, join the Facebook fan page, watch plenty of videos on the Youtube channel, and peruse the mobile site. They've also set up a dedicated media site (smart).
Married on My Space
Produced by reality giants Endemol, Married on MySpace kicked off in March with a call out to vote for which lucky couple would not only star in their own wedding, but in this 13 part online series. Users voted Elle and Tito as the bride and groom to be, and have since had a hand in all the decisions made along the way - including the wedding dress! The brand integration (talked up mightily in Ad Age) sneaks in pretty naturally through all the decisions that underpin any trip down the aisle - from buying the ring to choosing the location.
Sprite and a green eyed world
Sponsored by Sprite, this interactive reality series invites users to follow a bunch of unknown musicians in their quest for fame and fortune across the seas. The series consists of 5 "seasons", each focused on a different promising young star. Katie Vogel is first up, and you can start the journey with her at home with her family in London.
Users can interact with Katie via Facebook, as well as the Youtube channel. The level of integration between these two environments is quite seamless (and I logged on to Facebook directly via the Youtube page). Fans can add comments directly to the video via an embedded button located on the video itself. These comments then appear in a users Facebook news feed. According to Marketing Vox:
this is reportedly the first time that YouTube has allowed an on-screen prompt - other than annotations and advertising - and is designed to encourage social interaction around content outside of its own modules (i.e., video response, comment section).
Update: Julian Cole of Adspace Pioneers has written a really really useful post with no less than 11 examples of musicians using social media.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Pixar and collective creativity
I've read it a few times over the last week and for me it lifts the lid on Pixar's magical fusion of commerciality and creativity. It really calls out Pixar's championing of ideas, free thinking and most importantly, people, all within a highly structured and carefully considered framework.
It also highlights the importance of trust and letting go of what you think you know - something that's incredibly challenging in any marriage of creativity and commercial thinking.
A must read.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Branded fun and games on Twitter
I'm still at the stage where stumbling across a brand's involvement in Twitter piques my curiosity.
Agencies haven't yet been struck down by the Twitter version of an affliction that hit them not so long ago called 'the answer to everything is a Facebook application'.
Maybe it's not far off but I'm still really interested in how people are utilising it in campaigns and otherwise.
Currently the @Ispylevis initiative is surprising smooth urban-y types on Australian city streets with free pairs of Levis - they've using Twitter to both post winner pics and announce their geographical location in real time (a bit like a digital version of the Black Thunders only cooler).
Last week Adage reported on Twitter's role in launching Eminem's new album Relapse. The magazine observed (with just a hint of hyperbole) that since first releasing the new album artwork on Twitter in April, @eminem has generated some impressive results:
By using Twitter to dispense short, often disturbing thoughts and links to multimedia components revolving around a mental institution, they've helped make the album the most highly anticipated hip-hop release of the year -- and set it up for a sequel in the second half of 2009.
Then today I saw this via @PSFK, a puzzle style Twitter game to help launch Sony's new Terminator film. You can check our their article here, or get involved yourself by following @resistance2018.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Change is a process: innovation in the minds of networks and kids
Monday, May 18, 2009
Great Adspace Pioneers post: 12 films utilising social media marketing
Over at Adspace Pioneers, Julian Cole has assembled a list of 12 films utilising social media in their marketing efforts.
A great resource and worth checking out.
It's time for networks to change their attitude towards brand entertainment
One of the frustrations of working in brand entertainment space is that TV network programmers remain unconvinced of brand funded television's merits. It's something we're constantly banging our heads against.
While prime time shows like Australian Idol and Australia's Next Top Model are network commissioned, they are at the very least part brand funded when you consider the role that sponsors, contra and licensing play in generating revenue and saving dollars on the bottom line.
As programming budgets shrink, and audiences fragment, we'll see an increasing move towards the part commissioned, part brand funded TV model which is a great thing for this market. (Nine's Homemade is a classic example of this, although the response from audiences suggests they're not finding it overly entertaining).
Currently, in the minds of network programmers, '100% brand funded television' still equates to a fundamental trade off between entertainment quality and advertiser needs. It means off-peak scheduling and free programming for a slot they'd rather not worry about.
They're inherently suspicious, their policies around brand entertainment tend to change fairly regularly, and despite the obvious benefits (delivering value to audiences and brands, higher yields, lower programming costs), there is, as someone said to me recently, "still a bit of a stink" around it.
The most frustrating thing is the artificial dichotomy between the potential entertainment value in a commissioned show, versus a brand funded show. Small screen history is littered with discarded network shows that failed to rate and cost big money.
Who says a brand funded show can't be entertaining? Or can't deliver a big audience?
There's no doubt that brand funded TV producers are partially to blame for the 'down and dirty' reputation. In the past this kind of programming has been characterised by lower production values, a plethora of logos, and a crappy offpeak timeslot.
This was because producers were forced to monetise poor timeslots by over capitalising on the number of brands involved. They were often bending over backwards to squeeze dollars from skeptical marketers, who then approached the content as they would an ad - more logos please!
This paradigm is now old and outdated.
The reality is that there are many more places for producers to distribute brand funded content - in a sense, the TV element is becoming a launch-pad or marketing tool for a bigger content play online.
In addition, marketers are a hell of a lot more sophisticated. They recognise the danger of compromising the entertainment integrity, and the audiences' interests. If brands are not providing value for an audience, they might as well spend their money on something else.
Overall, if the dynamics of brand funded TV are to change, network attitudes have to change.
Network support = bigger budgets = better production values = better timeslot = better marketing support = better value for brands = less brands required to fund the proposition.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
V Raw: embracing your inner casserole
In these early wintry months I've been dusting off my big pot and making some tasty soups and casseroles (try this lovely Italian vegetable soup with celeriac and borlotti beans).
Without a doubt, these hearty dishes always taste better the next day, when the flavours have had a chance to infuse.
I think a few more marketers need to embrace their inner casserole and give their campaigns a bit more time on the stove (see this previous post on taking the long view of brand entertainment).
So it's great to see Frucor and OMD have brought back the highly successful V Raw campaign.
The strength of this campaign was always its insight around young people and their lack of access to creative industry jobs - something that is even more pertinent in this climate.
Once again, V has teamed up with folks at places like Diesel and The Glue Society to offer internships to aspiring young creatives.
Start knocking at that door.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Social Psycho: a fascinating experiment
I was giving a presentation a couple of weeks back talkin' bout entertainment, when a lad at the back made the comment 'apart from Tourism Queensland, which was largely international in terms of entrants, Australian's don't seem to have much of an appetite for getting involved in user generated content campaigns'.
But here's one I'm really excited about. I'm completely intrigued, involved and plotting my part in this new creative commons project. It's called Social Psycho and in truth, there is not a brand in sight.
It's the brainchild of one Marcus Brown from Munich - storyteller, stirrer and tweet reader.
As the video above suggests, Marcus has unearthed a cracking premise:
What would happen when someone who had access to the personal data of hundreds or thousands of people completely lost it and became unhinged? What would happen if that said person was extremely web savvy, had accounts of facebook, twitter, friendfeed, blogs and knew their way around Google maps etc.?
Social Psycho is a work of fiction that intends to build on this terrifying idea and I'm inviting you to get involved. It's my new project. Although I will be mainly writing and developing the main character of the story, you are invited to develop sub-plots and characters in order to build stories of your own."
Marcus has set up a Google group and is inviting us to take on a character or help develop the story in whatever way we like - via blogs, videos, twitter etc. There are already some curious discussions and sinister ideas bubbling away on his murderous stove.
It's a project created by Marcus, with our help, and all for the princely sum of time and occupied minds.
Get involved. Experiment. At your peril.
And brands, take note.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Six Beers of Separation launches on Youtube
Full episodes are coming soon, but check out the trailer below - if it doesn't make you thirsty, the top notch production values and a strong premise suggest it will be an interesting watch.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Coraline: building a beautiful story
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Content: what role should a brand play?
On Wednesday, I was part of a That's Advertainment panel discussion at AIMIA's V21 conference in Melbourne. I have to admit to really enjoying the experience of tossing around thoughts with three smart folks in Christy Dena (cross media storyteller and University of Sydney PHD student), Matt Houltham (Publicis Digital) and Frankie Ralston-Good (Naked's Melbourne MD). I thought it was a pretty vibrant discussion that happily bounced us around the brand entertainment space.
One thing that really resonated with me was an analogy Frankie used to illustrate the different ways that brands can utilise content to engage audiences. She argued that we're still applying old world thinking to new ways of doing things without necessarily "understanding that eco system and the role a brand should (versus could) play in that scenario".
Here is an excerpt from thoughts Frankie shared at the conference (inspired by a previous conversation she had with Brett Rolfe)
What we actually need to do is to think in different ways about brands and our interactions with people. As an example, imagine our consumers as a group of mates sitting around a camp fire sharing ghost stories. As a brand, how do you get involved? Are you a newcomer that sits down and joins the conversation? The fire that keeps everyone warm? Perhaps even the space in which everyone sits? Are you actually the story that is being shared? Or could you be the memory of the night's events that gets passed around and repeated in the days that follow?
If we don't develop new ways of looking at content, its creation, its consumption and distribution we will continue with a hit or miss approach. We know how badly things can go when brands and their advisors pick the wrong place to be. And if I may return to my camp fire, we should always consider the understandings and beliefs consumers currently have about us before we do anything. If a stranger turns up in the middle of a wood, and starts talking randomly about ghosts we are more likely to reach for a weapon than invite them into our tent.
p.s Thanks to Debra, Karla and Kylie from Ish Media for putting together an entertaining panel and awesome video presentation
brand entertainment: a bit of a stink?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Harnessing social media flash-fads
Flickr: thenoodleator
Alright, who's old enough to remember 'All Your Base Are Belong to Us'? Back in 2001, AYBABTU was one of the first 'internet memes', fads based on creating, sharing and remixing content around a specific idea or theme. Since then we've seen everything from dancing hamsters and leet-speaking cats to Diet Coke+Mentos cocktails and the comeback of the most exciting and dynamic musical genius of recent times.
Digital media and the internet have provided us with easy means to make our own digital content and remix content from other sources. The advent of online communities and social networks has dramatically increased the ease with which we can share this material.
These technological facilities have fuelled our passion for participative fads. Driven by the desire to share rituals, to have a sense of belonging and purpose (however transitory and apparently superficial), we seek out new social content and forms of social play. The speed with which we can discover and exploit novelty has increased with each new form of social technology, compressing the adoption curve until we now move from inception through cool to lame in a matter of weeks if not days.
The integration of creative facility with social connection in digital platforms like facebook, MySpace and flickr allows anyone to spark a social fad that might be picked up and spread to social circles far beyond their own. Some time back it became all the rage to tag inanimate objects as your friends in facebook. More recently flickr and facebook have become home to a plethora of fake album covers created based on a simple random process. If you feel the urge to share a little something of yourself, you might alternately like to upload a photo of the books you keep beside the bed.
The important thing about each of these flash-fads is that not only are they interesting to participate in passively (are people actually still reading Nicholas Negroponte, at bedtime no less?), they are almost as easy to participate in actively. Perhaps the most challenging thing is to identify those things that have not yet climbed to the dizzying heights of fad-dom, and predict which have the qualities that will capture the imaginations of thousands of followers. In a recent glimpse into a facebook profile (hi Greer!), I stumbled across a remixed Mr Men graphic where you can tag each character as one of your friends... I'd never seen it before, but watch this space.
These faddish spaces provide a rich, fertile territory that is reminiscent of Barthes' notion of a 'writerly text', constantly open to interpretation and engagement. It is little wonder, then, that they are so appealing to communications professionals looking for vectors through which to deliver brand meaning. Those who remember cherishing their Coke yoyo will appreciate how powerful a tool these trend-based vectors can be. But what role can (and should) a brand play, in this environment? Where are brands welcome (and even invited), and where will their involvement be perceived as intrusive and unwanted?
There are perhaps three different points that a brand can become involved in a flash-fad, determined by what point the fad is at when the brand engages. Asking which point a brand should become involved is an important question, as different brands have different appetites for innovation. As Grant McCracken discusses in 'Flock and Flow', some brands thrive on the cutting edge of trends, others are more at home with the mass consumption of the late majority. Misunderstanding the nature of a brand, or leaping onto a flash-fad at the wrong point can be detrimental to the image of the brand and its relationship with consumers.
For most brands, the most obvious approach with flash-fads is 'jumping on the bandwagon', getting aboard a fad-in-progress, and riding the wave to mass popularity. The challenge here is timing and brand fit - if you can locate a suitable trend, the window of opportunity is often narrower than marketing departments need to deploy a campaign. More ambitious is creating your own fad, wading into the murky social waters and sparking your own outrageously successful participative trend. History does not record the many (many) failures, but examples like Burger King's Simpsonize Me show that it can be done.
An interestingly post-modern twist is the option of critically re-interpreting (or remixing) a trend that has already moved through the innovation cycle. Public imagination was captured by Improv Everywhere's mass performance happening Frozen Grand Central. The act was clearly the inspiration for the less-than-inspiring promotional stunt for the launch of M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening in Australia. That effort felt derivative, and in every way 'less' than the original. A much more engaging spin was T-Mobile's tongue-in-cheek dance commercial which remixed and responded to the original in an innovative and imaginative way.
With the creative and connective power of digital technology only likely to increase, it seems inevitable that flash-fads will become more common, faster, and more highly refined. The rewards for brand successfully engaging with these trends are real, but they are limited by the difficulty of meshing with unpredictable social mass behaviour, and ultimately by the speed with which such fads will fade from social consciousness.
Brett Rolfe is the Digital Communications Director at Naked Communications and writes his own blog at www.digitalstrategist.com
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
User generated campaigns are only as good as the ideas behind them
I think these examples show a willingness to experiment, and to try something different.
But at the end of the day, this style of campaign is only as interesting as:
1. the idea itself - how compelling is it? what value does it offer?
2. the people you engage
3. the way you enable their involvement
4. the way they respond
Using social media isn't interesting. But ideas and people are.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Clap Me Happy
Hillsong Church in Sydney sure knows how to draw a crowd - 20,000 per week to be exact. Growing up around Norwest in the late nineties, I was frequently urged by my Hill-Singing schoolmates to join them at youth group every Friday night or attend a Sunday service. At first I refused because I preferred to spend my weekends drinking with boys, then later in life I had a reputation to preserve. Besides, if I wanted to watch people swaying with arms outstretched and delirious expressions on their faces, I'd just go to Parklife.
As a kid, I attended a small traditional Anglican church in Northmead. But after fourteen years, I got bored and left. I disagreed personally with certain fundamental points of the Christian faith and quite frankly, I had better things to do with my time, like shoplifting. I didn't believe enough to practise Christianity outside of church, and the services weren't interesting enough for me to attend simply for the sake of it. Maybe they just weren't trying hard enough to engage me?
Eight years later, I decided to check out the most notoriously entertaining church around – Hillsong. On Sunday night, my friend Julia and I headed North-West and pulled into a carpark buzzing with unusually good-looking, smiling people.
Straight ahead for the kool-aid?
"Welcome to church!" a man greeted us as we entered the building.
"Okay," I replied as we made a beeline for the gift shop. Here we browsed the books, DVDs, stationery, and impressive selection of Hillsong music. I considered making a purchase, but then I figured I could just take a $50 note and wipe my arse with it.
Actually, it was roughly 5:50pm
"PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE AUDITORIUM WHILE THERE ARE STILL SEATS!" a voice boomed overhead, interrupting our shopping.
Inside, there was a mad scramble for seats. We shuffled down several rows, only to find that most of the chairs had been "reserved" with a bible, a jacket or a handbag. We pushed them onto the floor and sat down while the ushers weren't looking.
Our father who art in heaven, guide me to a fricking seat...
The stage was lit up like a KISS concert, with four wide-screens above, and then additional screens placed throughout the higher seats on each side of the auditorium. Smoke machines billowed around the stage and several hundred young people stood crowded up the front. As Brian Houston walked towards the microphone, the room erupted with cheers and applause and immaculate orgasms. He smiled and informed us, "You have brought the presence of God here with you tonight." I was pretty sure the only things I'd brought were a notepad and a packet of cigarettes, but whatever.
Brian proceeded with his introduction, his voice gradually gaining speed and volume as one of the keyboard players added some dramatic strings in the background. "Tonight people will be healed. Tonight people will be touched! TONIGHT PEOPLE WILL BE SAVED! The band hit it and we were away. I took a lot of notes throughout the service. Below are some points I jotted down about the presentation and format of the service:
1. Music – I counted nine songs during the 90 minutes before I bailed. During each song, they killed the house lights and brought the focus in on the stage where 20 odd musicians were spread out. The strobes and smoke machines kicked in and the screens showed a black & white live stream of the band members. The lights were carefully themed for each song and emphasised the music's intensity impressively. For the final chorus, the camera zoomed in on the main singer's chiselled face through the raised hands of those in the "mosh pit". All very MTV. Hillsong has cleverly emulated pretty much every element of the soft-rock music industry. And holy shit, the kids love it and want to buy their records!
2. Tithing – this was opened by a cute little anecdote about the joy of giving (10% minimum, please, and we will accept various forms of payment including your first born child.) Again, the strings built tension in the background and the lights were dimmed and brightened in accordance with the speaker's intensity.
3. Fodder – some cool videos were shown of "Church News" and "Church Life" describing upcoming events where we were urged to bring friends and family. Fuck, even I wanted to go to some of this stuff. They've got break-dancing and live album recordings and celebrities and free stuff. All you need is a hip flask of vodka and you've got yourself a pretty sweet Saturday night! Between each video, we were shown ads for Hillsong products or services. Because there wasn't enough Hillsong branding around already.
5. Open prayer – okay, this was when shit started to get a bit heavy. The lady who introduced the open prayer time kicked things off by speaking to us in tongues. Apparently I was the only person who was bothered by this, as everybody else jumped up and reached out and started yelling and chanting and rambling in various languages. The lady in front of me was swaying and murmuring feverishly as she hugged herself. The boy next to me was on his knees with his hands clenched into fists high above his head, shouting "FOREVER YAHWEH!" I was playing Spider Solitaire on my iPhone.
At no point during the service did I glean any learning of the Bible or the Pentecostal beliefs. I began to wonder what the whole point of the service was, other than the odd $50k I estimate were paid in tithes and listening to a pretty decent band. Every part of the night was structured with the intent to keep eyes on the stage – even the brief Bible reading involved dramatic background music, red lights and smoke machines.
As I walked out the door, a man stood at the microphone (strings in background) and shouted out:
"You didn't come to a performance tonight! You didn't come to a concert tonight! You didn't come to a show tonight! You came to a CELEBRATION of GOD!"
Celebrate my arse.
You can find more storytelling goodness from Annik over at Hide & Neek
Sunday, February 22, 2009
8 big brand entertainment initiatives in 2009. And it's only February.
Here's a quick look at some of the initiatives that have already emerged in 2009.
1.The Tmobile Dance
In January, over 350 dancers converged on Liverpool Street station to performed an inspiring routine for surprised morning commuters. The 3 minute piece from their Life's for Sharing campaign, was filmed using hidden cameras so as to capture spontaneous reaction of commuters.
Not only did the ad go to air on TV within 48 hours of filming, it went around the globe. Commentators were divided on whether flashmobbing still has legs, but did the ad seemed to strike a chord with punters? The video has attracted 4.6million+ Youtube views and stirred up
lots of chat and PR. On February 7 police had to close the station when flashmob of 13,000 turned up to recreate the Dance after responding to a T-mobile callout via Facebook. As to sales or any other measures, looking forward to hearing more.
2.Rexona's Greatest Athlete
Greatest Athlete pits eight of Australia's highest profile athletes against each other in a "gruelling test of their physical prowess and mental toughness." The platform revolves around an eight part television series on Network Nine, that leverages both Rexona's performance credentials and its sporting ambassadors.
Some brands have previously made the mistake of throwing everything into production at the expense of a broader content marketing effort. There is a kind of 'holy grail' attributed to the creation of a television show. In this case, Rexona have focused on building an entertainment platform, which evolves across a number of channels. It's a lot more than a TV show. You can watch all the episodes here online.
3.Cadbury Eyebrows
The latest effort from A Glass and a Half Productions has received largely positive reviews from some unlikely sources and more than 4 million views. Cadbury Eyebrows starts with two ten year olds waiting to be shot for the family portrait. When backs are turned, the children cut a range of eyebrow dance moves to the sound of 'Don't Stop the Rock' by electro-funk superstar, Freestyle. On the back of its success, Orange and Cadbury have teamed up to launch the ringtone (downloaded 125,000 times in the first 11 days).
Is it an ad? Is it brand entertainment? I reckon it's both, but most importantly, it's about the surprise and childlike joy that defines the Cadbury chocolate experience.
4.Gatorade and the Quest for G
This one is a little more puzzling – it's the latest TBWA campaign for Gatorade and it can only be described as 'a take off of a take off'. Its starting point is Monty Python and the Holy Grail and it's layered with references designed to appeal to the die hard fan. Produced to coincide with the NBA All Stars Game, it launched with short spot during the Superbowl - the full series can be viewed Youtube. When you work this one out, can you let me know?
5. Nintendo and the Wiinoma
In January, Nintendo announced the launch of Wiinoma, a dedicated Japanese broadcast TV channel. An internet connection is all Japanese Wii owners need to access original Nintendo produced content - from cartoons to cookery (hmmm not sure about that last one). There are plans for world expansion, potentially opening up 18+ million living rooms around the world. While Nintendo says the channel will "see it make the critical shift towards content-based revenues", it's really based on a traditional advertising model (Dentsu will produce the programs and sell the ads). Still, it's an exciting development - a heady mix of old and new that should make TV networks sit up.
I wrote about Jack of all Trades in January this year, when the third series debuted on Network Nine with over 1 million viewers (thanks to its scheduling in the cricket). It's an entertainment platform model (similar to Rexona's Greatest Athlete) that aims to uncover Australia's greatest tradie. The fact it's in its third series is testament to its appeal to brands and audiences. Not bad.
7. Audi's Truth in 24
In March, ESPN will air a documentary called Truth in 24. The production follows an Audi team's pursuit of victory at the infamous Le Mans race. The brand reportedly took a hands off approach to it's involvement in the film and there was no guarantee Audi would come out triumphant (still with 8 victories in 9 years, it probably had a pretty good chance).
Marketing Managers take note:
"There was an element of uncertainty with this film from the outset," said Scott Keogh, Audi of America's chief marketing officer. "But we wanted to honestly depict the drama, the triumphs and the setbacks of Le Mans racing and spirit of motorsports that is woven into Audi's DNA. To accomplish that it was essential to let the outstanding storytellers at NFL Films do their jobs without interference and with unprecedented behind-the-scenes access before, during and after the races they filmed." (Yep, especially of that last sentence)
8. Cheetos and Boing Boing
This is a good example of why a) partnerships make sense and b) it doesn't have to be complicated. Boing Boing have a big audience. And they have lots of sway due to their ridiculous level of credibility. Cheetos pays Boing Boing to create a video series they know will appeal to their hard-to-please-marketing-savvy-fickle-as-all-hell audience. And they take over advertising for the month. Boing Boing make some cool Cheetos content, tell people about it (and that Cheetos slipped them some cash) and Boing Boing, or should I say ker-ching ker-ching.
Got a campaign you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Two interesting reads: crowdsourcing and spreadable media
First, Neil Perkin's 'crowdsourcing' project. Neil put a call out for people to contribute slides to a presentation on the subject of community. With the addition of bookends and a few tweaks, he 'sourced' a surprisingly cohesive, smart and by its very nature, authentic presentation, and I'm totally enamoured with the idea.
In a funny way, one of Neil's observations about entertainment sums up the whole presentation - quite simply it's more fun if it's shared.
The second is Henry Jenkins' eight part spreadable media serialisation entitled If it doesn't spread, it's dead.
I've only just started reading, but so far it's an interesting look at the concepts of memes and viral media, and the weaknesses of biological metaphors. It suggests that a theoretical emphasis on self replication comes at the expense of understanding the way ideas are transformed 'as they pass from hand to hand'.
Monday, February 16, 2009
How can brands stand out in the music space?
The two Cs - clutter and credibility - means that brands really need a reason to be in this space. They need to be involve audiences in the right way and genuinely enhance the music experience for the people that matter - fans and audiences. Otherwise there just ain't room.
Bands like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails understand this, but it's a more difficult thing for brands to differentiate themselves in this way.
My colleague Brett pointed this one out to me. Nokia's involvement in the Good Vibrations music festival is a good example of a brand doing smart things in music. Especially in a festival environment where signage, promo girls and water pistols are the norm.
Reason to be there
You could send an SMS and download the Nokia mobile festival guide with chances to win freebies, VIP passes (worth it for the loos), Nokia Comes With Music phones, and most importantly, the festival map and program. You know that bit of scrunched up soaked paper that you keep losing throughout the day, forcing you to talk to strangers and search underneath empty beer cans in the dark?
Genuinely enhance the experience
Nokia provided free WiFi access across the festival (apparently this was a little on the dodgy side).
Involve the audience
Nokia set up a Mobile 'portal' (available through WiFi) that provided info about the day and let you rate your favourite acts (good idea not to make it too hard). And if you enjoyed the music, they plan on loading up the top picks on a Best of Good Vibrations playlist available on the Nokia Music Store after the event.
What's your favourite brand in music example?


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The army has handed an icon of television history, the Land Rover used by the Bush Tucker Man to the Darwin museum.
Veterans Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon and retired army Major Les Hiddins handed over the keys to the vehicle at a ceremony in Darwin on Saturday.
In the popular 1987 ABC television series The Bush Tucker Man, Major Hiddins, a Vietnam veteran and survival expert, travelled through the outback and Top End investigating indigenous food and survival techniques.
Mr Snowdon said there were three co-stars in the series, Major Hiddins, his distinctive hat and his army Land Rover.
He said the Land Rover - Army Registration Number 48-001 - made its premier appearance in episode one of the first series in which it was filled up with fuel at the Borroloola Inn before heading north to the Roper River.
"Les was supported in the Bush Tucker Man series by the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE), the Darwin-based army unit, which continued to use this particular Land Rover in the years following its brush with fame," he said in a statement.
Mr Snowdon said this particular vehicle was also the very first of some 2500 Land Rovers delivered to the army between 1987 and 1990.
The Army is now replacing its fleet of Land Rovers with the new Mercedes-Benz G Wagon.

subset: commoncrawl


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05638541, Actuator
Please help our community — upload your photos of 05638541.
Spare Part Information
This is an actuator, cont dr.-left hand, for Chevrolet automobiles. It fits for Chevrolet Corvette for the U.S. from 1968 to 1982. It's a genuine General Motors part with an OEM part number 05638541. Please keep in mind that this actuator is discontinued for Canada market since February 28, 2009.
This actuator has dimensions 7.90 in × 7.00 in × 6.80 in, it has a weight of 2.30 pounds, usually, it comes in a set of 1 item in retail packaging.
This part has a standard 12 months GM warranty on replacement parts, and it may be returned to a dealer.
In spite of higher price of genuine parts buying this actuator will be a smart decision because you will be absolutely sure that it will serve you longer and will provide maximum safety and performance for your car.
This actuator 100% fits for General Motors cars. It's made of top quality materials, it has passed not only all manufacturer's tests but also General Motors quality control and has to endure rough road conditions over a long time.
GM 05638541 Actuator Dimensions and Packaging Options
Retail Packaging
This actuator comes in retail packaging with dimensions of 7.00 in × 6.80 in × 7.90 in and weight of 2.30 pounds.
Part 05638541 Has Been Superseded
- 05638541 is discontinued since February 28, 2009 for Canada market.
Cars 05638541 actuator Fits
Parts Related To 05638541 actuator:
- Bezel 00331817
- Bezel 00331818
- Bearing 00362995
- Link 00461162
- Clip 00467306
- Rod 00469098
- Bezel 00473225
- Screw 00473239


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Surge Sounds - Slushy (WAV MIDI) | 2.61 GB
Slushy is a playful collection packed with colorful and melodic sounds. Inspired by Slushii and Marshmello, this soundset unlocks the secrets of how they create their unique sound. Both artists have taken the electronic music scene by storm, dominating with playful sound design.


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For this week's BUTT ROCK FRIDAY, we go a little bit on the Adult Contemporary side. This singer puts Jimmy Buffet to shame. Unfortunately, the author doesn't allow embedding his video. Talk about a poor sport. So get out you Hawaiian shirt, your parrot, and you favorite cocktail to Bertie Higgins' Key Largo. Click the Link to enjoy.
Panther Rants is The Onion of Pitt Sports. Formerly a serious recruiting blog written by a serious recruiting writer, the site was taken over by mediocre bloggers that provide satire, sarcasm and anything but serious information. Everything on this site is tongue-in-cheek and is not meant for serious consumption.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
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While President Trump claims that Twitter allows him to circumvent the mainstream media and reach out to the American people directly, his tweets may in fact be his worst enemy. While he has certainly tweeted multiple questionable messages over the past year, this morning's tweet storm may in fact be his most damaging yet.
Coming on the heels of two other verbal/Twitter attacks that Trump perpetrated against his own Attorney General Jeff Sessions this last week, at 6:12 am EST this morning, Trump lashed out at Sessions once again.
"Attorney General Jeff Sessions has taken a VERY weak position on Hillary Clinton crimes (where are E-mails & DNC server) & Intel leakers!" he tweeted.
The tweet itself may not be an impeachable offense, however former George W. Bush ethics lawyer Richard Painter believes that such a message, when combined with his past statements and tweets, could and should result in Trump's impeachment.
"Pressuring AG to prosecute the person who lost the election is an impeachable offense if we value free elections," Painter tweeted.
Just yesterday, Trump claimed that Sessions was 'beleaguered,' and last week, in an interview the President said he was disappointed that Sessions had recused himself from the Russia investigation. When one looks at the bigger picture, it is quite clear that Trump is pressuring Sessions to either resign or reopen an investigation into his 2016 political opponent. Either way his actions are, at a minimum, immoral, and if Congress wasn't overwhelmingly led by Republicans, his attacks on Sessions seem to be an impeachable offense.
It is interesting to note that the President seems to be going back on his claims in November that he would not seek the prosecution of Hillary Clinton.
"It's just not something that I feel very strongly about," Trump told The New York Times nine months ago. He then went on to say that such a move would be "very, very divisive for the country."


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Sunday Stamps weekly challenge. This week, we had a color challenge, Crumb Cake, Island Indigo, and Pink Pirouette.
For the second thing, I saw the cutest little box that Dawn O. made on her blog. She put up a video and explains everything. I made the box and loved them. But then I started thinking that if I changed the box a bit, I could make it longer and put more stuff in it (Dawn says the little box holds two fun size candy bars, and I fit in 4 of the Ghirardelli squares when I made them. However, I want to make some sugared Pecans to put in my Thanksgiving treats so I wanted more room for more Pecans!)
I had to play around with the dimensions, but I did it easily enough! Here's the result. I love it! I stamped the side of the box with the stamp in indigo. The I stamped the flourish from Vintage Vogue, also in indigo. Finally, I stamped the flower in pirouette, added a bright blue brad, popped it up, and Viola! This great box!
Thanks for looking!
Monday, October 29, 2012
A Different Kind of Two-fer
4 comments:
- Joan said...
What a fabulous project using our colours this week. Thanks for playing along with us at Sunday Stamps. Hope to see you there again soon.
- November 1, 2012 at 3:32 PM
- Rachel Palmieri said...
Visited your blog from Sunday Stamps and I love the way you've used a combination of stamp sets to decorate the box. Looks great in those colours too.
- November 2, 2012 at 5:10 PM
- Monica Hornof said...
What a sweet little box! Perfectly decorated :) Thanks for playing along at Sunday Stamps!
- November 2, 2012 at 6:14 PM
- Dawn Olchefske (dostamping) said...
I love the tall box - great idea! Thanks for the shout out too!
- November 8, 2012 at 5:24 AM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Back to The Meerkat Magic Conservation Project - helping to conserve Wild Meerkats and Mongooses since 1993!
Baby Mongooses: The two newly emerged Yellow Mongoose babies were playing at the burrow today and are looking healthy. This is the first surviving litter since 2016: https://youtu.be/OqDQMhKu4Oc
CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION: Anybody can help spread an awareness to aid in protecting wild Mongooses for FREE:
CONSERVATION THROUGH EDUCATION WITH GRANT MC ILRATH THE MEERKAT MAN IN THE MEERKAT MAGIC VALLEY RESERVE OF THE MEERKAT MAGIC CONSERVATION PROJECT OUDTSHOORN WESTERN CAPE SOUTH AFRICA. (Grant Mc Ilrath The Meerkat Man author of MEERKATS book 2016).
Any international book seller and library can order a copy of MEERKATS with the following information: MEERKATS BOOK BY AUTHOR GRANT MC ILRATH THE MEERKAT MAN ISBN-13 9781921517655
The book can also be requested as a reference book in libraries and educational institutions as it is a scientific conservation work.
The Wild Website Your Wildlife Friendly Information Portal archive since 2004 with over 13 million views: http://www.meerkatmagic.com


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ProLook Hair Packages
● Flat Iron with styling including evening touch-ups $79.99
● Curl with styling including evening touch-ups $89.99
● Half Updo with curl or flat iron including evening touch-ups $94.99


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Once again, Arthas raised his hand, and directed the invisible power to the 3 new flying beings that were going to attack the dragonborne. I'm kinda likin' this infinite power thing. Arthas thought with a smile. Let's collect some more! (Power Boost on Rock'Em divided by 3 [way to confuse my character... ])
Last edited by FrenchPopo on Tue Aug 30, 2011 1:03 am; edited 1 time in total


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Help Central Lions Seniors Association Celebrate their 50th year of great work in Edmonton! Please considering attending the Open House & Family Fun Day, and the Gala Fundraiser.
The Prince Rupert Community League and Queen Mary Park Community League is looking for volunteers to help with the Beer Garden. Proceeds from the Beer Garden will be split between both leagues.
Site set-up and volunteer orientation will be done the evening of Fri. June 10. Site take-down will be June 12. Volunteer shift schedules will be shared by June 5.
If you'd like to help out in other ways, CLSA has plenty of event-related volunteer opportunities starting from June 6 onwards.


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|The Completed Desk
A piece I recently restored was a secretary desk made by the Northwestern Cabinet Company of Burlington, Iowa. I believe the desk to have been made sometime around 1930. The Burlington Public Library has put together a webpage detailing the history of some of the furniture manufacturers of that town. An entry on the history of the Northwestern Cabinet Company can be found here. It is the third entry down:
In addition, while researching this desk I came across a photo taken recently of the factory. A link to that photo can be found here:
Below is a page from a catalog of the Northwestern Cabinet Company showing an almost identical desk to the one I worked on. The differences I can see are two more drawers inside the desk compartments as well as a slightly more elongated pediment. The original sale price in the catalog was $47.40.


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Thursday, July 29, 2010
Authors On The Rise Interviews Jaree Francis
Authors On The Rise is happy to bring you an interview from Jaree Francis. He is the author of Metra City: Destiny's Kiss. Enjoy!
AOTR:Please tell us about yourself and your debut novel?
Jaree: I am Jaree Francis and my debut novel is Metra City: Destiny's Kiss. It may sound somewhat romantic...It's actually the tale of four young men who are drifting in different directions as they embark on their individual destinies. There's love dipped in acid, hidden truths revealed, pain & pleasure playing nice together, and a grand set-up for much more to come.
AOTR: Where did the ideal for this book come from?
Jaree: Long ago, it was already written for me to write such a story. I read Donald Goines work and I was fascinated. If I ever meet him on another level, I'll tell him that he made it easier for me to fulfill a dream by writing my own novel. The idea was birthed from a desire to tell a story that showed the light and the darkness; black and white photos are some of the best photos you can have. And this is what I present to you, the reader.
AOTR: What was the writing process like? Did you have to outline or did the characters just come to you?
Jaree: The writing process was trying...Initially. Even though it was in my DNA to put it together it became a matter of how. Do I kill the reader softly or is the book a firestorm from the introduction? The outline can be a guide and I realized that so I turned off the GPS. I let the story flow; an unrehearsed speech on life, death, love, prosperity, and poverty. As far as the characters, they always come to me...Always waiting for further instruction.
AOTR: What makes your book different?
Jaree: Running along the same vein as a lot of other urban novels, the characters drive the story. The discerning factor is the uniqueness of the characters I have presented. Nimrod is an atheist, no shame about it at all. I present a femme fatale by the name of Tara who's quite a piece of work; the female characters stand out. The male leads are interesting folks as well and there's quite a bit of unconventional minds at work so the story plays along with extreme unpredictability. My novel has terms never heard before until now. I keep it rather fresh so you can inhale the literature at your own pleasure.
AOTR: Does your book deal with any important social issues?
Jaree:: You can bet that; gang life is widely discussed within the novel, drug abuse, sexual abuse, and homosexuality. Domestic violence is briefly mentioned as well. Part of the problem with the world is that so many things are considered taboo to mention. The uninformed mind can be a rather dangerous thing.
AOTR: Why should a reader pick your book next?
Jaree: My book is an excellent introduction to me as a writer. The average person may figure that they don't need to get familiar with me. Who is Jaree Francis? He doesn't ring any bells and I'm busy with my books anyway. Regardless of how anyone feels, the fact is that I'm putting something together. I'm constructing a world of fresh characters, fluid dialogue, unique scenarios, and it all starts with Metra City: Destiny's Kiss. This is only the beginning. I always say it's more comfortable riding shotgun than on the bandwagon.
AOTR: What aspects of your own life are woven into your book?
Jaree: My passion for lyrics & poetry is expressed. Other than that, I really took a seat in the director's chair with the novel. I digress from interweaving myself into stories because it gives rise to bias.
AOTR: Besides writing, what else do you like to do?
Jaree: I could get in trouble answering that ;)
AOTR: If you were not an author, what would be your dream career?
Jaree: Good question. I'm looking towards a career in the film industry. I will provide more details as they become available.
AOTR: What do you hope to accomplish in the literary world?
Jaree: As I evolve as a writer, my answer will most likely evolve as well. At the moment, I want people to realize that urban fiction isn't a garbage genre. There will always be sub-par stories being told in any form of literature, that doesn't mean all of them are. Although this should be common knowledge, it seems that it needs to be reinforced. With any genre, you have to be selective in what you read. Sampling it, determining by the synopsis if you want to carry on. I am a part of a movement to redefine urban fiction/street lit.
AOTR: How can readers contact you?
Jaree:firstname.lastname@example.com + mcx2011.blogspot.com
AOTR: We wish you much success!
Jaree's 10 favorite things
Fried food: Okra looks good on the menu
Soda: A & W Root Bear. Throw some ice cream in it if you got any.
Sports: Basketball/Football/occasionally baseball....And good ol' UFC
Quote: "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." How enchanting is that?
Teacher: Abdul Shakur is a light bearer
Shoe: Nike has an exceptional selection
Color: Black
11 comments:
This is a great interview! Keep it up!ReplyDelete
I'm in total agreement. Great interview.ReplyDelete
Very nice write-up. Good luck with your book and other projects.ReplyDelete
Great interview. I'll have to check your book out. Good luck!ReplyDelete
Congrats on your debut and nice job with the interview.ReplyDelete
That was a great interview. I wish you so much success in your writing career.ReplyDelete
Great interview, the book sounds like one I would get right into. Best success always!ReplyDelete
Very Good Interview Jaree. I would love to read your book, sounds interesting. Wishing you as much success as you can handle.ReplyDelete
J, I really enjoyed your interview. You are such a unique and talented author. Metra City: Destiny Kiss was truly a suspenseful read! I wish you continued success with your future projects. To all who have yet to read MCDK. Prepare yourself for the unexpected!ReplyDelete
Shine on Jaree! You are doing it big and I love it!ReplyDelete
that is a great interview and I look forward to getting your book!ReplyDelete


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Some people love to get a facial or a massage.
For me, a blowdry is the best way to relax and look fantastic at the same time.
Nothing beats that fresh salon feeling and knowing it's a good hair day makes everything easier to face. I like to keep that good day hair feeling going as long as I can.
I've been known to stretch out a blowdry for an obscenely long time and here's how I do it.
How to make your blowdry (blowout) last for days
Click here if you can't see the video above
10 tips to make your blowdry last longer
1. Don't touch your hair
It's really important to keep your hands out of your hair if you want your hairstyle to last.
I find this almost impossible because I think my hair feels so nice once I've left the salon. Every time I feel my hand move to my hair, I remind myself that I'm transferring dirt and oil to my hair and that it won't last as long.
2. Wear your hair up at night
I never sleep with my hair down because I don't want it to get frizzy and tangled.
Instead I twist it up onto the top of my head – in a cross between a top knot and a French twist.
I like to use a clip to hold it in place because it doesn't leave marks in my hair but an invisibobble also does the job.
This tip also has a bonus of giving your roots great volume in the morning when you let your hair down!
3. Where you sleep is important
Switch out your regular cotton pillow case for a silk pillow case. I love Slip which you can find here or here.
Friction = frizz!
The silk fibres are gentler on your hair than cotton meaning there's reduced friction as you sleep so you'll see much less frizz in the morning.
4. Wear a shower cap
I know it's hardly glamorous but a shower cap does make a difference and will make your hair last longer.
Bringing a bit of glamour to your shower, Louvelle have gorgeous turban shower caps that you can find here or here.
5. Shorten your showers
Take a shorter cooler shower so that your hair isn't in a steamy environment for too long.
Steam will turn the smoothest blowdry into a frizzy mess so you want to get in and get out as quickly as possible.
6. Dry shampoo is your friend
You know I'm obsessed with dry shampoo and this product is my secret for making my blowdry last as long as possible.
As soon as you start to see any oily roots, a little dry shampoo will help your hairstyle to last longer. (USA friends, I love this one)
And if you don't like dry shampoo you might be making one of these dry shampoo mistakes.
7. Be careful how you brush your hair
Be gentle with your hair to make sure that you keep your hairstyle looking great as long as possible.
Personally I like to use a natural bristle brush like my Mason Pearson or this EcoTools brush is a great vegan alternative.
These types of bristles smooth your hair and distribute oils naturally to keeping your hair looking shiny for longer.
8. It's okay to re-style
Your hair isn't going to look perfect every day (unless you sleep sitting up!) so I take a round brush and my hair dryer to smooth out any sections around the front.
You can see how to re-style a blowdry in this tutorial.
9. Add in some curls
There will come a point where your waves aren't looking as good anymore and that's when you reach for your curling wand.
It goes a step further than a basic restyle and you can see exactly how I restyle my blowdry in this tutorial.
10. Braid it
Finally when your blowdry is on its last legs, a braid will save you from a bad hair day.
I can still get an extra day or two out of my hairstyle by adding in a little braid detail. And you can check out all my braid tutorials here.
Confession time:
I've made a blowdry last over a week in my hair. I think I may have made it to 11 days…!
Now tell me in the comments, how long have you made a blowdry last in your hair?


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Lita Lighting provides parkia ( one of the leading private car park operators in Spain) with Led light.
Parkia manages 30 car parks, with more than 16,000 car spaces across Spain. Parkia has taken an industry leading roll in replacing standard lighting fittings with environmentally friendly and energy efficient LED lights. And for this rollout Parkia has chosen Lita Lighting (Spain) as its partner.
The replacement LED lights consume upto 70% less energy (lower electricity bills), last upto 50,000 hours (reduced maintenance costs), are free of CO ² emissions, contain no mercury and are non-toxic (environmentally friendly).
Lita lighting develop their own range of LED lighting solutions in Spain and Ireland.
Lita Lighting LED solutions have been used in a multitude of applications from commercial, retail, industrial & domestic. With projects completely in 22 countries and interest from numerous other countries the future is truly bright for Lita Lighting.
Example savings calculation led


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CHARLEVOIX — A strong finish fueled the Charlevoix Rayders in their season finale Friday at Kipke Field past Kalkaska, 21-13.
With the win, the Rayders close the season at 3-6 overall, 2-5 league.
"It was a nice way to end the season," Charlevoix coach Don Jess said. "It was nice to see the kids respond, especially being down 13-6 with four minutes to go. I was really happy for the kids and proud of them."
Trailing 13-6 with just over four minutes to play, the Rayders regained a slim lead as Andrew Potter tossed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Gunnar Zipp before John Boss ran in the two-point conversion to make it 14-13.
The Rayders then recovered the ball on the ensuing kickoff and scored two plays later as Boss scampered into the end zone from 20 yards out. Zipp kicked the extra point to close the scoring at 21-13.
Boss led all Charlevoix rushers with 110 yards on 14 carries, while Jake McLean added 70 yards on 20 carries. McLean, who also plays safety on defense, led the Rayders defensively with 10 tackles.
Also for Charlevoix, Chris Keie had seven tackles, while Josh Hogan, River Gauthier and Coby Herriman all recorded sacks.
Hogan — the Rayders defensive end — also intercepted a Kalkaska pass at the Blazers own 1 yard line and scored Charlevoix's first touchdown.
The Rayders led 6-0 at halftime before Kalkaska, 2-7, 2-5, scored twice in the second half to take the lead.
"It was nice," added Jess. "It's a good building block for next year."
Elk Rapids 29, Boyne City 14
ELK RAPIDS — Elk Rapids' Derek Sentieri scored three touchdowns as the Elks, ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press Division 5 state poll, wrapped up a perfect 9-0 overall, 7-0 league regular season Friday.
Boyne City, who've earned a playoff berth each the last nine seasons, close the regular season at 5-4, 4-3.
The Elks took a 15-0 first quarter lead as Sentieri scored on TD runs of 31 and 5 yards, while Kyle Doran kicked a 26-yard field goal.
Boyne City clawed back in the opening half as Jay Redman hooked up with Kolbi Shumaker for a 7-yard TD pass and Dustin Field hauled in the two-point conversion to make it 15-8.
With 31 seconds remaining in the half, Redman again connected with Shumaker for a 20-yard TD pass to make it 15-14. The conversion attempt failed.
The Elks then put the game away in the second half as Sentieri scored his third TD in the third quarter via a 19-yard run. Doran kicked the extra point. Derek Wilcox punched in the final Elk TD from 15 yards out. Doran again kicked the extra point.
For the Ramblers, Brandon Darrah led the team in rushing with 80 yards on 16 carries, while Shumaker had 25 yards.
Redman was 9-for-21 passing for 120 yards, while Shumaker had four receptions for 93 yards and Field, three receptions for 15 yards.
Defensively, Taylor Reinhardt had a team-best 13 tackles, while Darrah had 10 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Harbor Springs 15, East Jordan 14
EAST JORDAN — Harbor Springs overcame an early deficit to win their season finale Friday in a Lake Michigan Conference contest.
Eli Schlappi recovered a fumble and scampered 10 yards for a touchdown and added a two-point conversion from Jackson Kopka, while Johnny Mathews scored on a 5-yard TD run and Patrick Frank kicked the extra point as the Rams close the season at 4-5 overall, 3-4 league.
Harbor's 4-5 finish marks the team's best record since the 2001 season.
"It was a close game and give East Jordan credit, (coach Allen) Peterson has done a nice job with that team down the stretch and this was a good thing for us. We've had to overcome a lot of hurdles this year and we really felt like we made some strides.
"We had some high highs, but at the same time some pretty low lows."
East Jordan, 0-9, 0-7, scored touchdowns in the first and second half and then added a safety with 20 seconds left as Harbor's quarterback Kopka ran out of the back of the end zone. The Rams kicked off and on the Red Devils ensuing possession, a pass was intercepted by Nolan Carbeck to seal the win.
Inland Lakes 49, Pellston 7
PELLSTON — Inland Lakes jumped out to a commanding 36-7 halftime lead en route to topping Pellston in both team's regular season finale Friday.
With the win, Inland Lakes closes the season at 4-5 overall, 4-3 league, while Pellston finishes 2-7, 1-6.


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UK Website
Our Price - £1,844.95inc. VAT
RRP - £2,306.13 - you save £461.18
Perrin and Rowe B1 Contemporary Concealed Thermostatic Mixer Shower Set
Perrin and Rowe Contemporary thermostatic shower mixer set B1 is manufactured in the UK from solid brass with each shower being individually hand-assembled and tested by Perrin and Rowe to the highest standards. Perrin and Rowe shower mixers are created using the latest modern precision engineering having `O` seals and bearing rings for stability and plated extra thick (25 microns) durable finish to ensure a superior protective coating that is more resistant to wear, deeper in colour and enhanced reflection. The Perrin and Rowe Contemporary shower mixer set B1 is available in a number of finishes as standard, chrome, nickel or pewter. Other finishes available on request, please enquire.
Perrin and Rowe Contemporary Thermostatic Mixer Shower Set B1 includes:
Contemporary Concealed Thermostatic Shower Mixer With Lever handles - 5855
Secondary Outlet - 5396 Sliding Rail - 5840 Single 3/4" Wall Valve Lever - 3064
Wall Outlet - 5846 Hose- 5835 Overhead shower Arm - 5884
Easy Clean Hand shower - 5815
8" Shower Rose - 5227
|Product Code
|Brass Low Lead
|Chrome, Nickel or Pewter As Standard
|Waste included
|Extra's included
|Perrin & Rowe
|Mounting type
|Tap holes
|Recommended pressure
|0.2 Bar Min - 5 Bar Max
|Nozzle/Spout Length
Please see our delivery page for any special delivery arrangements.


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drees wrote:RAV4-EV: 0.44 kWh/mi * 0.4 lbs CO2 / kWh = 0.176 lbs CO2 / mi
LEAF: 0.3 kWh/mi * 0.4 lbs CO2 / kWh = 0.12 lbs CO2 / mi
Tuscon FCEV: 0.02 kg H2 / mi * 24 lbs CO2 / kg = 0.48 lbs CO2 / mi
Did I make a mistake or is the Tuscon FCEV 3 times worse than the RAV4-EV in terms of CO2 emissions per mile?
Thanks for this. To me this is all we need to know.
BTW, in this PNW - my "green" electricity is 100% renewable. But even avg CA electricity makes a BEV so much better than FCEV.
Ofcourse, FCEV will be zero Carbon too if made only from "green" electricity. But the problem is, we need 3 times the electricity to go the same distance in FCEV compared to BEV.


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In honor of International Women's Day, March 8, 2017 we are saluting women who ride in different ways, in different places and for different reasons. Whether these women are riding their bikes in high heels or clip-in shoes, leisurely rolling to the the farmers market or drafting each other along California Highway 1 during the AIDS/Lifecycle, they all opted to ride a bike, their way.
Read on for photos of each woman, their answer to the question "I ride because…" and a fun fact or two about each of them (aka, one of them is a chef for the animals at the Oakland Zoo in Oakland, CA!).
FUN FACTS ABOUT TIFFINY: I'm a high school art teacher who loves to bake. I started baking through Bon Appétit's dessert cookbook almost three years ago. I think I'll finish when I'm 95 years old! Just in time to open my own bakery. ?
FUN FACTS ABOUT VICKY & RACHEL: We are the creative duo behind the Instagram account @webikeforbeer and one of our life goals is to be contestants on the Amazing Race together.
FUN FACTS ABOUT TDo: I joined AIDS/Lifecycle as a roadie because I wanted to put energy and time into helping others. While volunteering, I saw so many cyclists having so much fun so I participated in ALC as a cyclist the following year and have done that for the past 4 years. This year, I'm a co-captain of SWAT's ALC team (She Wolf Attack Team). (Before ALC, the last time I rode a bike was when I was 11 years old.) That was the start. Cycling has become to mean so much more to me since then. It has shown me what I'm capable of, been my therapist, my personal trainer and my yoga on wheels.
Extra fun fact: At 5'0″ I somehow got a scholarship to play college basketball!
FUN FACTS ABOUT HEATHER: I come from a long line of family who have worked in the National Park Service. One of the places I lived when I was little was Petrified Forest. While I lived there they found the oldest known remains of a dinosaur! Between both of my grandfathers, father and a few uncles, my family has helped to educate people about the importance of national parks from Washington DC, to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, North Cascades and many more!
FUN FACTS ABOUT JENN: A few years ago I started Field Day Creative, a floral design company here in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia. I use local, seasonal blooms when possible, pulling inspiration from my surroundings and the natural variations in plants to create floral designs that emulate freshly gathered flowers from the garden.
FUN FACTS ABOUT VERONICA: When I bike I feel born again when the fresh wind hits my face ? + I get to see more of this beautiful world ?. Also, I'm obsessed with my bike, I take it almost everywhere I go ♀?.
FUN FACTS ABOUT MARI: I once sold weed to Snoop Dog.
FUN FACTS ABOUT ANNA: The higher the heels the safer I feel, even when I'm cycling! ?? Biking helps me escape from the real world and dream. The the joy it brings makes me stronger, more powerful and happier! And when I'm happy I can conquer the world!
FUN FACTS ABOUT MONICA: I sent a friend to the hospital while playing a casual game of catch before a softball game. And I had 11 stitches put in my chin about year ago due to a bike accident. I still ride that bike, though, and I still ride every day! (Note from PUBLIC: Monica was featured in our post about bike couriers here.)
FUN FACTS ABOUT BECKY SUE: I created Baking The Goods, a space to share my recipes, writing, and photography with food motivated friends who like a bit of sass with their sweets. (Note from PUBLIC: Check out one of Becky Sue's recipes on our blog here.)
FUN FACTS ABOUT MANDY: I learned how to ride a bike without training wheels at 4 years old from watching my mom try to teach my older brother. It is the first memory I have of feeling accomplished, independent, and proud to be a girl!
FUN FACTS ABOUT STACY: I'm the Zoo Chef (for the animals) at the Oakland Zoo in Oakland, CA.
FUN FACTS ABOUT CHELSY: I'm an identical twin.
FUN FACTS ABOUT PAMELA: I've been a vegetarian for over 20 yrs. (Note from PUBLIC: Pamela is also a photographer who took all the photography for our post on bike couriers here.)
FUN FACTS ABOUT MAE: Riding around city streets or cruising along the beaches of the California coast – I'm always reminded to focus on the present moment. The sounds and smells, the feeling of the wind in my hair makes me feel grateful for being alive.
FUN FACTS ABOUT CINDY: If you name 10 ice cream shops in San Francisco, I've been to 9 of them. (Note from PUBLIC: Cindy is chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party and a leader with one of the city's largest affordable housing developers).
FUN FACTS ABOUT ANNE: I'm an Episcopal priest in Philadelphia, PA. And, I am also an avid Argentine tango dancer.
FUN FACTS ABOUT JULIE: She's PUBLIC's Retail Operations Manager, a meticulous crafter and maker of insanely (like, blow your mind) delicious Furikake Chex Mix.
FUN FACTS ABOUT GABI: I've only lived in 3 states (CT, TX, and MA), but I've moved over 15 times! Yet, I'm still somehow a last-minute packer, through and through. Also, for me biking is exercise AND fun all rolled into one, and I'm so thankful to have my handy bike to help me zoom around town.


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Water Pillows
Water pillows are the best thing to happen to sleep since the modern day mattress was made, according to MySleepyFerret. A water pillow is amazing when you look at the level of comfort and relief that it brings you. There are basically two main types of water pillows. There are water pillows that let you refill water in to them. These pillows look and feel like a regular pillow but they have a polyester pouch placed in the middle which a person can fill up with water by themselves.
This is pretty great because the water inside the pillow, covered by cotton, will keep the right shape and stop your pillow from breaking down in the middle and also prevent you from sinking in to your pillow while you sleep. This pillow can also be kept cool for long periods of time as you can fill it up with cool water from the tap and put the pouch in its place. The polyester will be able to insulate the water and prevent it from getting warm easily. This is particularly good for your neck as well since the pillow stays in good shape and the water adjust the pillow shape according to how you need to lie down.
On the other hand, there are gel based water pillows. These pillows do not have any water in them per say, but they do have a watery gel in them that is infused in the foam of the pillow. The gel mixed with the memory foam make sure that your can sleep with ease and the pillow stays cool forever. You do not need to refill this pillow and you can even sleep on it any way you like as the memory foam inside the pillow will make sure the pillow adjusts to your style of sleep.


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Meet Our Vendor: Sushi You Can Hug
We love sushi. We love sushi even more when you can hug it. So look no further, this sweet small business, Sushi You Can Hug, out of Tacoma, WA will allow you to hug all the sushi you want without feeling weird or messy about it.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Aleeza, and I run a small business called Sushi You Can Hug. I am an artist from Tacoma who creates and design toys, artwork, and accessories inspired by my love of cute food and pop culture. I think the mashup of ideas that our products are inspired by is what people like most about them. Crossing food with animals or pop culture with parody ends up appealing in multiple ways to people. My favorite part of my doing this is seeing the reactions on peoples faces when the see our booth. There are a lot of smiles, squeals and squeees!
What's the latest thing you've been working on?
We have been making a lot of new plush like the pugnana (pug banana), pug-icorns, baby burritos, purr-awns ( a combination of a kitten and shrimp that resembles a tempura prawn) and fat baby birds. We have also been creating outfits for our existing loaf items so you can dress up your pug loaf plush as dinosaur now!
Any new exciting news you'd like to share with our readers?
We were just featured on King 5 Evening Magazine, you can find the interview here.
What was your first memory of making something?
I can remember making a Santa Claus costume out of construction paper and cotton balls. I have been crafting as long as I can remember though, it's all kind of a colorful blur of paper, felt, and glue.
I know since a young age, I have imagined faces on everyday objects and that helped inspire me creatively. Cute food like sushi rolls, had a lot of personality to me and sparked a bunch of graphic designs. I featured my cute happy food art on buttons and shirts back when I first started my business. I realized people really loved the designs, so I started to sew plush based on my art after that.
What is your favorite new product for 2017?
I really love the Pugnana plush. It was inspired by my pug Jasper's favorite fruit, the banana. I imagined he was eating a giant banana, and when he was all done, he would crawl inside of the empty peel and take a nap.


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NEW YORK (CBS.MW) - Metromedia Fiber said Tuesday it'll supply America Online with its own dedicated fiber network to boost broadband capacity.
Metromedia Fiber Network (MFNX) will market co-location and optical Ineternet protocol services of its AboveNet Communications unit to content providers who want to use AOL data centers.
Content-provider customers of AOL (AOL) and Metromedia Fiber will have access to Metromedia's Internet network in a bid to boost AOL's video streaming and other rich media services.
Shares of Metromedia Fiber rose 1 to 41 1/2 on Monday ahead of the news. AOL fell 1 1/4 to 55 3/4.


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Discover a peaceful lakefront retreat, named 'Makani Kai Cottage,' at this cozy 3-bedroom, 1-bath vacation rental house in Waterford Township. Suitable for up to 8 guests, this 1,500-square-foot beach cottage rests right on Pleasant Lake and features a private tiki bar. Lounge by the water with a favorite beverage after each adventure! Get a different view of the glistening lake on a nearby hiking or mountain biking trail before playing a round of golf at White Lake Oaks Golf Course!
Master Bedroom: King Bed | Bedroom 2: Queen Bed | Bedroom 3: Full Bed | Living Room: Sofa Bed
Nestled right alongside Pleasant Lake, this cozy cottage home is perfect for a group of family and friends ready to explore southern Michigan's peaceful terrain during any season!
This single-story property welcomes you insides with warm hardwood floors and a spacious living area. Have a seat on the soft leather L-shaped couch in front of the flat-screen cable TV as you admire the lake views from the sliding glass doors.
Directly adjacent to the living space you'll find the fully equipped kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances and a chic breakfast bar.
Share your home-cooked meals and barbeque feasts out on the furnished patio or take a seat at the dockside tiki bar as the honorary bartender serves up specialty drinks.
Settle in for the evening in one of the 3 spacious bedrooms - 2 of which boast scenic lake views. For additional accommodations, the couch in the living area also doubles as a pullout sleeper sofa, suitable for 2 guests.
When you're looking for some dry land away from the lake, pack a picnic and hike one of the nearby trails for a different view of the lake. Mountain bikers will delight in one of Michigan's most challenging courses at Pontiac Lake - only 2.5 miles from this home. During the winter, make sure to check out the slopes at the nearby Alpine Valley Resort.
Golfers can practice their swing at White Lake Oaks Golf Course, located just 1 mile from this property, before indulging in a sweet treat at the local favorite ice cream shop, Mr. C's. If you're in town in January, be sure to check out the Detroit Motor Show.
Looking to explore a more urban setting? Plan a visit to downtown Detroit where lively casinos, shopping venues, and unique dining experiences await. Visit the historic Ford Field or see a stage production at the Detroit Opera House - just a 40-minute drive from Waterford Township.
Evolve Vacation Rental Network is on a mission to make vacation rental easy for guests. Every property in our network has been vetted and verified so you can book with confidence. If you have questions prior to your trip, we are happy to assist you 7 days a week. During your stay, your designated Guest Contact will be available 24/7 to help with any issues that may arise.
Key Residence Features:
- Amenities include a fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, tiki bar, 3 flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, in-unit washing machine, and much more
- Peaceful Waterford Township location right on Pleasant Lake with easy access to nearby hiking and biking trails, close proximity to Alpine Valley Ski, 4.3 miles from Alpine Valley snowboard park, a 45-minute drive to the Detroit Auto Show, and just a 40-minute drive from downtown Detroit for casinos, theaters, shopping, and other attractions!
- Nearest Commercial Airport: Bishop International Airport - 3425 W Bristol Rd, Flint, MI 48507 (~31.8 miles away)
- No smoking
- No pets allowed
- Events, parties and large gatherings considered with fee and prior homeowner approval (please contact Evolve for additional information, no more than 50 guests per event)
- Please note this property is not suitable for infants (under 2 years of age)
- Please note that there is no boat use at this property
- Must be at least 25 years old to book
- Additional fees and taxes may apply
- Photo ID may be required upon check-in


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Management Board
Scientific Advisory Board
Robotics and Related Courses at NUS
ARC Colloquium
Robotics @ Lunchtime
ARC Seminars
Other Events
About Us
Industrial Design Approach Exemplified on Zoo-kinematic Robotic End Effectors
Axel Thallemer
Seminar Date:
Seminar Venue:
In the course of evaluating the biological grippers by analytical classification, the opening mechanism of birds' beaks proved to be particularly promising. This mechanical principle was first described by Franz Reuleaux in the second half of the 19th century. More than 100 years later, in the 1990s, Schilling and Zimmermann re-interpreted the biological paragon by translating the three-dimensional kinematic into a two-dimensional Watt's linkage. About 20 years later it was designed and additively fabricated in Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). These grippers are actuated by artificial muscles co-developed by the speaker for Festo. Video: Dynamic display of the three zoo-kinematic grippers at Hannover Industrial Fair: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkAlWBLwMVw For the full abstract, please visit https://goo.gl/forms/sr1oFiBz5kbd5qdZ2
Prof. Dipl.-Ing. (Univ.) Axel Thallemer
is Full Professor with tenure at the National University of Singapore and Deputy Head of Research for Industrial Design. In his fifteen years of industry practice he was acting at the Research and Development Center of Porsche, followed by founding and heading Festo Corporate Design, since then freelance consulting for the industry. Precursory professorships were in Munich, Hamburg and Austria (Dean and Chair of Industrial Design at Linz university, scientifically repositioning under the brand "scionic®"), currently there are 16 additional visiting professorships and about 35 patents. Life Fellow of The RSA in London, founded 1754 and i/IDSA, reviewer for ICED, IEEE as well as ICoRD and Journal of Engineering Design, JED.
© Copyright to arc acronym is ARC.All Rights Reserved


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Cape answer to Central Park in New York is by far one of the most famous and spectacular attractions of the city. In more than 528 hectares and protected by the mountain of the table, a walk through the gardens is introduced as a different world. bedroom concerts or just enjoy nature at its best plants learn the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is a day that should not be missed.
Kirstenbosch is located in the southern suburbs of Cape Town and offers an oasis of urban life is. Only 13 km from the center of the city, the gardens are located on the eastern slopes of the mountain. In the vicinity of Rhodes Avenue, the gardens are easy to find and there are some other unique attractions. The picturesque stone church overlooking the gardens puts his motivations open for a delicious Sunday craft market once a month. Here you can buy everything from pancakes to furniture and original artwork by sculptor hand.
The story of Kirstenbosch
Some of the plants in Kirstenbosch life as far back as the dinosaurs – there are about 200 million years. His first human visitors were the Khoikhoi that rich countries have used for grazing and hunting. They were disturbed in 1666 when the explorer Jan van Riebeeck, the potential of the rich forests recognized as a patch of origin to the needs of the East India Company. His time in the gardens of vines and wild almond hedge added to protect the Dutch colony of Khoikhoi and can still be seen today. In 1892 he bought Cecil John Rhodes, the country, leaving the population Cape as a national garden. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as we know, was formally established today and opened by Professor Pearson in 1913. The gardens are named after Dutch words meaning stone church and Kirsten Bosch means forest. Professor Pearson's commitment to these botanical gardens that ended with him still in the ground can be buried in the middle of its beauty and grave stone – after some research adventure!
The various gardens
Only grow native plants, cultivated 60 hectares Kirsten represent more than 50% of the plant kingdom of the peninsula and truly South African gardens in the country. Similar types of plants in each Kirstenbosch, creating splashes and mini gardens to learn something new every clustered visit. The Garden Peninsula is a massive 2500 plants only in the Cape region found only grouped so that everyone can see better advantage.
Water-Wise Garden offers these plants that require little maintenance and irrigation and teaches people how to create a beautiful outdoor space, no matter the weather or the amount of experience in gardening. The medicinal herb garden used as a teaching tool, and proposes that these plants are revered in South Africa for its healing abilities. For those who have the most practical gardener Gardens Restio escape, perfume and. In plants with amazing flavors and textures they are asked visitors to close their eyes and use their other senses, when these gardens to explore.
South Africa's national flower is the protea, an important feature in Kirstenbosch was a garden dedicated exclusively. Different types of these unique and beautiful plants are exposed at the Protea Garden, which is spectacular in winter, when the Proteas serrurias and conebushes are in full bloom. The Dell Garden located in the oldest part of Kirstenbosch and is ideal for a picnic. Hidden under ferns and shade plants, with water flowing from Bath Colonel Vogel, an afternoon can be done before you know it.
Things to do to do in the gardens
During the summer months, lawn gardens with live music from local and international with the sunset in the background musicians. These concerts sunset are a popular staple in the calendars of Cape Town and is one of the most peaceful and exclusive experiences that the city has to offer. If your taste leans more toward the plants and flowers, botanical greenhouse company should not be missed. This feature of the gardens is home to plants that are usually survive only on mountaintops or in the dry desert. A giant Baobab adds a dramatic heart to the greenhouse and can be moved around the world, who spend all explore under an hour on the roof unusual plants.
One of the best things to do in these gardens to easily explore. There are many things that can be found by chance and you never know what might be around the next corner. gurgling streams attract the most fascinating creatures and isolated banks around the beautiful gardens offer quiet sitting places. While browsing, to see things like the gentle mountain stream moves down and made a sparkling pool on the grounds. From the rainwater that accumulates at the top of Table Mountain on the right side, the water flows through Aqua-filter to enable a clean and sparkling pool, if you have a drink.
Tours Gardens
One of the best ways to see the gardens is just walking around and everything. All major roads through the gardens are paved, which makes it easy to navigate with any path leading through a single section of plants and wildlife. Braille Trail enables the visually impaired enjoy the gardens with each floor are clearly marked with large labels in Braille. Tejedor Walk and Walk Silver Tree are particularly flat and wheelchairs, pushchairs and the less agile. There are also many ways for more active, including Smuts track, skeleton to Garganta weaves between indigenous forests on top of Table Mountain.
If you want to know more about the gardens while walking, volunteers give tours Monday through Friday. A tour of particular interest can be rented with the visitor center or digital prerecorded tours can be arranged. Alternatively provide video extended to the gardens, which can be downloaded directly to your phone online resources multilingual tours. This way you can explore the freedom of the gardens at their own pace, while imparting to, whenever you need to create your own personal leadership bears.


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Biñan Christmas Charity
With the Biñan Christmas Charity approaching soon, the Executive Council will be holding one last fundraiser project called Brent Loves Biñan, which will be happening from November 28 to December 9.
The Council is encouraging all Middle and Upper School Students, faculty members and parents to donate money or goods of any amount. If you'd like to donate goods, please refer to your batch pages for the type of items each grade level is encouraged to bring, then place your donations in the boxes at the Drop Off Area. If you'd like to donate money, please address the check to Brent International School Manila and mention on the back that it is for the Biñan Christmas Charity.
So far, the Executive Council has raised enough money to buy buckets for 800 out of the 1000 families in the community. We're so close, and with your donations, not only will we reach our goal, you can become someone's Christmas miracle.
Executive Council is hosting a Lost and Found Auction to raise money for the Biñan Christmas Charity. More details check out http://lostandfoundauction2016.weebly.com
Lion's Roar talent show
The actual auditions for the annual Lion's Roar talent show will be taking place from Tuesday, August 30 until Friday, September 9, during lunch in Ms. Floresca's room.
If you can't make it to a live audition, you can film your audition and send the video to email@example.com.
We hope to see you there!
December 2016


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A TRIATHLON organised by the mayor of Havant has been cancelled.
Cllr Faith Ponsonby had originally arranged for the sporting contest to take place at the Horizon Leisure Centre in Waterlooville this Saturday.
But a lack of interest in marshalling roles means that the Cllr Ponsonby has pulled the event, which was meant to be in aid of her three mayoral charities – Sands, Off The Record and St Faith's Big Build.
Cllr Ponsonby has said that she hopes to reschedule the triathlon to take place in January or February 2017.


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Oral Surgery and Extractions
In some cases, a tooth cannot be restored due to extreme damage or decay. In these cases, a tooth may need to be removed surgically based on its location and condition as part of a long-term reconstructive dentistry treatment plan.
After administering complete, local anesthesia, our dentist will remove the tooth and bone as needed. The area will then be cleaned and sutured in place for complete healing. We want to be your Tigard dental office of choice no matter your dental needs.
Dentures are removable replacements for people who are missing a significant number of teeth. Missing teeth not only have an effect on your appearance, but they can lead to a variety of dental problems, including a change in the pressure of your bite and an increased risk of gum disease.
To preserve the natural bone in your jaw, our staff will try to save a few of your natural teeth during the process of fitting you for dentures as part of your reconstructive dentistry treatment plan. Your natural teeth can be used as stable supports for removable partial dentures or overdentures. Natural teeth also help people use their dentures more comfortably and effectively.
There are different types of dentures that can be utilized depending on your personal needs:
- Complete Dentures – These replace all of your teeth, upper and lower, and rest directly on your jaw. They require multiple appointments, allowing your dentist to take impressions of your mouth and fit the custom-made dentures for you comfortably. Together with your dentist, you'll also choose the shape, color and size of the teeth used in your dentures.
- Immediate Dentures – Once teeth are extracted, it often takes months for your bone and tissue to stabilize for the placement of complete dentures. Immediate dentures are placed at the time of extractions and may require additional adjustments as the healing process continues.
- Partial Dentures – A removable partial completes your smile by filling out the space created by missing teeth, attaching to your natural teeth with clasps that hold them in place. Partial dentures usually consist of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum colored plastic bases, which are connected by a metal framework. Newer all-plastic or flexi-partial dentures are now available.
- Overdentures – Generally these are placed over dental implants and "snap" onto the implants giving the denture more stability and better fit.
Dentures require an adjustment period in order to be used comfortably. Advancements in technology and materials help dentures to look more natural and provide for a better overall fit. Even though they may look natural, dentures aren't used the same ways as natural teeth.
Speaking and eating with dentures will take practice over several weeks or months. If you have any problems like clicking, gum irritation, or slipping, our dentist will work with you to correct any problems so that you can put your best smile forward.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an increasingly popular way to replace missing teeth. They not only support crowns, bridges, and dentures, but they also take the place of the roots themselves.
Dental implants are fixtures of titanium, which are surgically placed into your jawbone. The implant acts as an anchor for a crown or denture to fit over. When a crown is placed on an implant, most people can't even tell it is an implant because it is so natural looking.
Why Choose Dental Implants?
People choose dental implants because they have missing teeth. It's extremely important to replace these teeth for the following reasons:
- Increased self-confidence
- Retain the presence of jaw bone that dissolves once teeth are lost
- Movement of teeth that makes them difficult to clean, resulting in tooth decay and gum disease
- Bite problems, leading to TMJ
- Poor nutrition, stemming from the inability to chew food
- Whether you're missing a few teeth or several teeth, replacing them is vital for good overall health
Advantages to Dental Implants
Implants are not only used to replace a single tooth but can also benefit people who may be missing several or all of their teeth. Implants are increasingly being used to replace bridges and removable partial dentures.
While dentures and removable partials are usually loose and unstable, implants provide you with dental replacements that are natural looking and very functional. Implants look and feel better than their removable counterparts and offer the same force for biting as bridges that are fixed. Best of all, they will last a lifetime if properly maintained.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Begin with a consultation with our dentist to determine if dental implants are right for you. Our dentist will also perform a complete exam, possibly involving x-rays, to determine if any jawbone loss has occurred.
It is very important that you have enough bone in the area of the missing tooth or teeth for the attachment of the implants. If you don't have enough bone, a bone graft may be necessary.
Dental Implant Procedure and Recovery
Dental implants are essentially made of a series of titanium screws placed in your jawbone, then topped with crowns. Once the dentist places the titanium screw, surrounding gum tissue is placed over the implant along with a protective cover to allow the jaw bone and implant to form a strong bond.
This part of the process can take up to six months, and is followed by abutments placed on top of the titanium screws. These abutments hold the crowns in place, and gum tissue grows around the temporary crowns naturally over time. Once permanent crowns replace the temporary ones, the process is complete.
Diligent daily oral hygiene is required for implants to stay clean and healthy. It's also important to regularly visit our office for routine follow-up appointments and cleanings at Tigard Family Dental to keep your new smile healthy and bright!