I'm not gonna lie. I am one of those people who walk down the street with my fauxblackberry and manage to not look up whilst texting. I'd like to attribute it to the fact that I usually only do this when I know the area well, i.e. near my places of employment. But I guess it's a bad habit none the less. However, I manage to not hit anyone or run into anything and even successfully send a lengthy text message. But apparently, there are people out there who just can't multi task. And some iPhone app creator has solved their problem. Introducing, the "E-mail 'n Walk."
It's an app that 'overlays an email composition window on top of the view from your iPhone's camera, so you can type out an email and watch where you're going.'
WUT.
Have we really gotten that lazy that someone had to make an iPhone application so we could see where we're going THROUGH OUR PHONE?? Insane. I actually imagine it would be harder to deliberately be focusing on texting and looking at the background of your phone at the same time. I would like to try this out. If anyone is willing to let me borrow their iPhone to do this, I will buy them DD's.
Ok so mainly, I just want to see if I can secretly stalk hot airbrush tattoo guy at work while making it look like i'm just texting. Priorities, people. Priorities.
Ah yes, we all know the old saying "April Showers bring May flowers." But what does May bring? Obviously the answer is television's season finales. It's a bittersweet time for avid tv viewers like me, where we are excited to see how the season wraps up, however it leavs us wanting more ... and needing it to be September already. So with all the finales that are airing this month, it made me think of some of my favorite season finales in the past. Here are just a few of the best of the end.
PS: One of my biggest pet peeves are SPOILERS, so spoiler alert, if you haven't seen any of these episodes, or are planning on watching any of these any time soon, I might be giving away what happens. You've been warned.
Friends TOW Ross's Wedding
Right up there with Desi and Lucy, Sam and Diane, and Zack and Kelly, Ross and Rachel are one of the greatest tv couples of all time. So when Ross became engaged to Brit chick Emily in season 4, some fans thought they would never see the power couple together again. But when Rachel makes a surprise appearance at their wedding, Ross makes a huge mistake, and of course, the credits roll. Leaving viewers like me screaming "WHAT!?" at the tv screen until that fall. On top of that, we even got the added bonus of Chandler and Monica hooking up. My 7th grade self couldn't handle it. Good thing I had Titanic to get me through the summer.
The OC The Ties That Bind
Remember when The OC used to be good? AKA Season 1? If you don't, let me know, you can borrow the only season I have on dvd. But to recap, SO MUCH DRAMZ happened in that first season that it's ridiculous. So ridiculous, in fact, that I really think it's the reason the show ended so early (besides the fact Misha Barton got killed off). If they had spread out the events from the first season, they would have so much more to work with. I mean, it's really hard to beat investment fraud, alcohol poisoning in Mexico, a secretly gay father, and a crazy secondary homicidal character in just one season. But the first season's finale wrapped up everything so well, bringing the season full circle from the pilot episode. Plus Seth floating away to Tahiti while "Hallelujah" is playing never fails to make me cry.
Weeds Pittsburgh
[click on image for video]
I have a love/hate relationship with Weeds. I like that at its core, it's a dark comedy about a family/mother who does whatever she has to in order for her family to survive. But as some of you know, I'm not a big fan of violent scenes in my entertainment, so watching the whole U-Turn scenario play out in the first couple seasons kind of made me uncomfortable. But what I love about Weeds is that it makes me keep wanting more. Although I feel like the last season shouldn't have taken the turn it did, and that it should bring my boy Conrad back, I can only hope that season 5 will get better with season 4's cliffhanger. Anyways, this particular finale is from the second season, where that entire U-Turn confrontation goes down. A series of (unfortunate) events doesn't exactly go in Nancy's way, and we're left wondering if she's even going to get out of it alive.
Mad Men The Wheel
[click on image for video]
Oh Mad Men. The one show I tell people to watch the most. It's gotten a lot of critical acclaim, and not to mention a best drama Emmy too, but the fact that it's on AMC deters some people from watching it. I have a special place in my marketing heart for this type of show. But it's so much more than advertising in the 1960's. It's how people lived in the 60s, how they were expected to act, how they react to societal pressures, and the stories behind the suits. Not to mention it has a brilliant cast, outstanding cinematography, and great writing. (No, no one is paying me to say this.) This scene from the last episode of season one blew my mind. Everything about it was perfect. It was one of those scenes where I lost myself in what the main character, Don Draper was saying. I was this close from buying a Kodak slide projector myself. (If you only watch one of these clips, because you actually have a life, make this one it.) A lot more happens in the episode like a surprise pregnancy and hidden identities, but you're just going to have to watch it to see how it all unfolds.
Heroes How to Stop an Exploding Man
Just as I was losing faith in Heroes, this past season redeemed itself, looking much like it did in its first season when everything made (relative) sense, and it left me confused jussstt enough to want more for the next episode. Most people probably remember the whole 'Save the cheerleader, save the world' rhetoric, and this season finale was the last hurrah for this chapter of the show. What I like about Heroes is that it's masterfully split up its seasons into 'chapters,' much like if you were reading a book of short stories that were all interrelated. New characters pop up every season, the main ones are still around, but each chapter they must face a new challenge. Then, at the end of the finale, they show a little preview of what's to come. In this finale of season one, we find out what happens when Heroes collide, and if anyone recovers from it. Some do, and some are just never the same again.
The Office Casino Night
So add on to that list of classic tv couples Pam and Jim. I must say I love them even more than Ross and Rachel, and I don't think I can even pinpoint why. Maybe it's because we were introduced to them as two people who could never be together at the beginning, or that they were best friends from the start, or maybe it's even the smart way the writers decided not to make their storyline too gooey and romantic. Whatever the reason, this finale in season 2 was what every Office fan was waiting for. The moment Jim finally had the chance to change everything and tell Pam how he felt. One of the most 'leave-me-wanting-more-oh-my-god-how-many-days-away-is-the-premiere' finales ever. WHAT WILL PAM DO?? SOMEBODY SAY SOMETHING!!!
.... i get too involved. i realize this. accept it.
A friendly neighborhood reminder that my blog isn't the be all and end all of your media/information intake.
“Newspapers are an important part of our lives, not to read, of course, but, when you’re moving you can’t wrap your dishes in a blog.”
– Stephen Colbert
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
I'd like to bring it back to the heart of this blog, the AZN. You all may know well that I embrace my Asianess, and comment about it on a daily basis. So whenever the opportunity to poke fun of my fellow people arises, I usually am the first one to bring it up. This is no different. Here's a pic I found on Google Reader today. Enjoy.
In 2003, when I was a Junior in high school, the SARS epidemic was becoming a worldwide health concern. Luckily for me, most of the people who had contracted SARS were Asian, mainly from China and its surrounding countries. Now, I just realized that my old comedic fall back "It's because I'm Asian" has been a long running joke since 2003, but it still hasn't gotten old 6 years later. But because most people who had SARS were Asian, my friends and I took it upon ourselves to make light of the situation, and use my Asian-ness as a point of reference anytime any one sneezed, or coughed, I would be to blame for the SARS. I believe even during my Junior Prom, we posed for pictures by saying "SARS," instead of "CHEESE." And get ready for it, I'm inserting one of those pictures now, for nostalgic purposes:
That being said, 6 years later we find ourselves in the midst of a Swine Flu pandemic. Instead of Asia, the outbreak originated in Mexico, so that leaves me out of the picture. Yet, somehow, we can all find some humor in this. Mainly because I think it's completely necessary with all the attention it's getting. Yes, I understand it's a serious matter, and that people have died from it, but for the most part, the Swine *sorry, i mean H1N1* (still calling it Swine Flu) Flu cases at least found in the US have been mild and contained. I think what pushed it over the edge and had people freaking out was the intensity of the media coverage every single day. They got into people's minds making them think that anyone who even sneezed in a public place could have the Swine Flu. Prime example: (and as much of a good guy that he is) let's be honest, Joe Biden, let's read our morning memos, shall we? But, people make mistakes.
Now that the Swine Flu is contained for now and the media has toned it down a bit, let's focus on the real stuff. Please see pie chart number 1:
Or you know, switch out Malaria with AIDS, or something. Same idea. Now on to the correlation between information and reaction of the public:
As you can see, the "We're all going to die" reaches a peak if the general public watched the news. Clearly another effect the media has on its readers.
Lastly, I'd like to sum up this Swine Flu post with the following cartoon. Maybe I'll change my stance on this subject. I mean, if Winnie the Pooh thinks so, I should probably agree with him, right?
It's that time again. Here are April's picks for (Il)legally Download This!
Lily Allen F*%k You I recently downloaded this entire album, and it was hard to choose just one to feature in this post. But alas, like Sophie's choice, I picked the song "F@$k You" (i'm not really sure why i'm censoring myself, but i'm sure you can figure it out). Now on first thought, one would think that with a title like that, the general tone of the song would be better suited for a band like .. i don't know, Metallica or ... Gwar. Maybe that's just me. But Lily puts a 'Sesame Street/skipping down the street on a sunny day with butterflies and bubbles in the air' vibe to the lyrics. Pure brilliance. I heard somewhere that she wrote it with George Bush in mind. Seems about right. I'm using it as a theme song for any customers/patrons I encounter at both of my jobs.
Lady Gaga The Fame Yes, as catchy/annoying as "Just Dance" and "Poker Face" are, I think Lady Gaga actuallyhas some talent. If you've ever seen her live - in real life or not - she does have a good voice. Sometimes the outfits may be a little too much, but she sure does put on one hell of a show. Her entire album is along the same lines as her first two singles, a dance/pop/techno feel, and this song is no different. Kind of like Lily Allen, she tells it like it is. Eg, the lyrics "Damn I love the Jag, the jet and the mansion...And I enjoy the gifts and trips to the islands...It's good to live expensive you know." She know's what's up. And I don't think she's going away any time soon. Specifically because she won't let bitchez make her go away.
Karina Pasian/Kat BadarSlow Motion So this song is actually by an aspiring musician on YouTube by the name of Kat Badar. Coincidentally, she happens to be Filipino, so I mean ... Flip Pride what what. Besides that, she is an AMAZING singer, and I can only compare her to the likes of Adele. A soulful voice coming from a small tiny girl always astounds me. She does covers of R&B songs, and this song, "Slow Motion" is by a girl who I've never even heard of, Karina Pasian. I also listened to the original and she sucks, proving that a cover of a song can kick the original's ass any day. [See Jeff Buckey's 'Hallelujah'] She's the next big thing, so look out for her.
Ben Folds/Mosaic Whispers Still Fighting It So I have a special spot in my heart for a cappella groups. Collegiate or non collegiate, some of these groups are the most talented singers and musicians out there. I have spent hours (embarrassingly) watching YouTube videos of a cappella groups around the country, mainly doing covers of hit songs. And apparently, Ben Folds got news that these groups are really impressive too. So for his latest album, he had a contest of sorts, to invite all college acappella groups to do covers of his songs, and he would pick the best ones to be on his University A Cappella CD. This particular song is one of the best on the album, done by the Washington University in St. Louis' Mosaic Whispers. It gives a haunting version of the original by Ben Folds, and I'd say that some of these covers are actually better than the original (sorry Ben Folds!).
Jesse McCartney Crash & Burn Before you judge, listen to the song. Jesse's album came out early last year, but he recently added a few new songs, including this one and re-released his album as Departure: Recharged. All of the new songs are great, and that includes this one. When I first heard it, it reminded me of a song that an artist like NeYo would do, which is great, because I actually like NeYo. I also really like the direction Jesse's going in with his music, and I can't wait for his next album. PLUS, he's a smokeshow. Just sayin.
Awesome New Republic ft. Leighton Meester Birthday Wow, I should really have just called this post "Covers I like better than the original." But alas, I'm already at the last song, and it's too late to change the title (not really I'm just lazy). So here's a band you probably never heard of. And I hadn't heard of them until I came across this remix/cover version featuring Leighton Meester. Ok, so that last name some of you might not know, but she plays bitch extraordinaire Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl. Apparently, she's also an aspiring singer, and she recently got signed with Universal Music, so her album will be coming out in the near future. And judging how much I've been listening to this song, her album better be amazing!
From what I've learned as a Marketing major, the times are changing, and advertisers need to keep up with the trends to reach their target audience. Remember door to door salesmen? No, you don't because it was probably phased out before you were born. But that's how they did it back then. Imagine a salesman coming to your door and attempting to sell you Shiitsu knives. Homie would be arrested in 5 seconds.
That being said, it's the things like new technologies, social networking, and product integration that get brand names out there. Some of the advertising I find most interesting is guerrilla marketing. Some are effective, some are not. Some are controversial, some are not. And once in a while, some are both [see Aqua Teen Hunger Force Scare: Boston 2007].
But I'd say, the most effective marketing schemes are ones that you have absolutely no idea what's going on or why, that you just have to watch it all unfold until the end where it's revealed who's wasted the past few minutes of your life. So, pop quiz: watch this video, and before it ends, try to guess what the product is they're trying to sell to you.
Did you guess right? If so, 10 points for you. I'm just saying that if I saw this happening in front of me, I would stop and pay attention to see what it was all about. And that's marketing, my friends. Can they please do something like this in Boston? I'll be a part of it! Especially if Pink is in the crowd!
Here's another vid from them from a few months ago. Enjoy, and get T-Mobile!
Let's face it, my parents are not technologically savvy. I have never attempted to explain to them what AIM is, and what the difference is between that and e-mail. They only switched over from dial up to cable internet probably 3 years ago. And I'm pretty sure they still use AOL. Like the actual program, not just the e-mail program.
With this '@aol.com' e-mail, it's like they're still stuck in 1997 when forwards were cool. Literally, these are the only e-mails I receive from my parents. Here is a list of only a few of the subject lines from the e-mails they have sent me:
Puppy Signs
All About Banana (in which it says don't refrigerate your bananas or you'll die...or something like that)
Rapists New Trick
The Carrot, The Egg, and the Coffee Bean
Blood Gangs Initiation
Clearly, every single one of these is essential in carrying out my daily life activities. This is one I received the other day, and I'm not really sure why I found this more comical than the others. May it was the Subject: "Fwd: FW: Fw: Fw: FW: Secret to Long Life." Or maybe it was the 7 or 8 lines on the side of the e-mail that got smaller in size as it got closer to the actual e-mail forward, denoting that many many many people have clicked forward and sent this very e-mail to unsuspecting friends. But here, I present to you the very forward I received from my parents, and I did not alter any of the pictures, fonts or contents. Enjoy.
Thought you might get a kick out of this! : )
secret to long life...
A doctor on his morning walk, noticed an older lady sitting on her front step smoking a cigar, so he walked up to her and said, "I couldn't help but notice how happy you look! What is your secret?"
"I smoke ten cigars a day," she said. "Before I go to bed, I smoke a nice big joint. Apart from that, I drink a whole bottle of Jack Daniels every week, and eat only junk food. On weekends, I pop pills, get laid, and don't exercise at all."
"That is absolutely amazing! How old are you?"
"Thirty-four," she replied.
__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3950 (20090320 ) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 3950 (20090320 ) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com
As you may or may not know, I am a huge fan of The Office. One of the most, if not the most, popular fansites for the show is Office Tally. The woman who runs this site has been a fan since the beginning, and has even gotten to meet most of the cast and visit the set. But that's really beside the point. This site is kind of like a bible for Office fans. Exclusive interviews, clips, and other fun facts comprise this comprehensive site.
From time to time, they have random contests and giveaways, and recently, in honor of Easter, they have decided to have 'The Office Peeps Contest." Basically the task is to depict a scene from The Office using Peeps and the winner gets an official Office mug signed by the cast. [see the rest of the finalists here]
I feel that for you Office fans, you'll recognize and appreciate the contestants creativity and artistry (trademark Kara DiaGuardi) so much more. But even if you don't watch it, I hope you find this just as amusing!
"Office Olympics" S2.E3
After the Dunder-Mifflin employees spend a day of office games, this is the medal ceremony, complete with paper cranes and Michael recieving the gold medal
"Diversity Day" S1.E2
In an effort to create a more diverse workplace, Michael decides to play a game in which all the employees wear a different race on their forehead, such as "Jewish," "Asian," or "Martin Luther King Jr."
"Safety Training" S3.E19 Trying to prove that working in the office is jsut as dangerous as working in the warehouse, Michael climbs to the top of the Scranton Business Park roof to act out 'depression.'
"Beach Games" S3.E22 The following 3 pictures are all from Beach Games, partly because it's one of my favorite episodes, and partly because all of these are brilliantly made. This is Dwight's attempt at becoming Regional Manager by doing the coal walk.
Again from "Beach Games"
Another task for the employees up for Michael's job; sumo wrestling. This is Andy and Dwight going at it.
Last one from "Beach Games" Again the fire walk as Dwight tries to prove how much he wants the Regional Manager job to Michael. This is my vote for the best Peeps reenactment.
At my job at the store, I like to do a lot of people watching. Sometimes I just can't help it, as it is a major tourist hub in Boston. But what's the greatest thing about people watching is when kids walk by our windows or if we're lucky enough, INTO THE STORE to do some shopping with their parents. I don't want to sound like a creep, but Devin and I usually track down a tiny tot and try to make them wave to us or make them say their first word. Basically, I'm that girl that makes the squealing sound when I see a cute baby.
Match this fact with my celebrity obsession and you have the following post.
Again, I don't want to come off creepy, but if you just pictured the following kids as regular kids and not as offspring of famous people, then this wouldn't be AS creepy. Ok maybe it would be, but after I saw a picture of my "number 1" choice, the wheels in my sick head starting turning and this is what happened. So here it is readers, Traci's top 5 favorite celebrity babies.
5) Baylee Littrell
Ok, so I may be a little partial to this kid, as his father is Brian Littrell from BSB. But watch this video of him introducing them before a concert and you'll see why he's so adorable. (I can't really understand anything he says besides "are you ready for the backstreet boys?" but it's cute nonetheless.
4) Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz Beckham So take these two and add this one and you'll get the trinity that is the Beckham boys. Of course their parents are fierce. That's mainly why I like them. BUT, not a lot of other kids get the chance to go up on stage with the Spice Girls and turn it into the Cruz Beckham show. Just watch him breakdance.
3) Kingston & Zuma Rossdale
I just think it's completely unfair for children to be this cute. Can't Gwen & Gavin save some good looking children for the rest of us? It's like they were meant to be the Gerber baby and a model for Vogue. UGH. Plus their parents are probs the coolest everrr.
2) Violet Affleck I have never seen a celebrity kid be so cheerful in every single picture that is taken of her. It's like the girl is on uppers 24/7. Not to mention her dad is a smokeshow and her mom smiled to my friend and me in extension during a play once.
1) Sadie Sandler JUST KIDDING.
1) Suri Cruise Aside from the Jolie-Pitts, Suri may be one of the most well known celeb babies out there. Yes of course, she's cute, but the fact that Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise are her parents make her THAT much more interesting. Just think of the scandals and couch jumping there is in her future! Can't wait to see this girl grow up.
Honorable Mention: Daisy True Because I'm biased toward azn babies. Especially ones with pea coats and glasses. Plus, Meg Ryan doesn't really have anything else going for her these days.
Post Script: Again, i realize how creepy this post is, but i will defend myself by saying: a) 2 people have recently sent me pix/videos of their friends' babies/nephews, so i've had a lot of baby exposure in the past few days. b) this is me. if it were anyone else, you should be afraid.
