Posted By| By Joe Fernandez, Thu, 28 Jan 2010

Industry experts have cautiously welcomed the launch of the iPad although some are not convinced it meets an “untapped need.”

However, the ability to engage with consumers through “amazing new apps” and the launch of an apple iBookstore, available via iTunes, has excited observers.

The device has filled the media this morning (8 January), with mixed reviews for the device, which has been widely dubbed as an “oversized iPod Touch”.

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Yet, according to Andrew McGuinness, co-founder of BMB , the opportunity to make use of the new software development kit that comes with the iPad will enable marketers to launch apps that are “ten times better than before.”

Julia Ask, a mobile analyst at Forrester, adds: “For marketers, the iPad further evolves contextual advertising. Consumers will be in an environment where they can act on an impulse to buy. If this product can change and grow media consumption, advertisers will be happy.”

But Chris Bourke, head of mobile at Media Planning Group’s Media Contacts, says that Apple has missed a trick by not adding a camera to the device.

“It’s an overblown version of the iPod Touch with no mobile activity and no flash, a huge miss from Apple in our perspective, we are struggling to find a reason d’etre for the iPad. A netbook appears to be just as good except for the rotating screen of course. I might be underestimating it, of course, and I’m sure there will be demand for consumer interaction on the medium,” he says.

Others see more potential in the capabilities of the iPod. Jon Carney, CEO of Marvellous, an Aegis-owned digital creative agency, says: “It spells the end of pointer driven interaction and introducers the most smart touch interaction ever possible. The slick, interactive experience that has been demonstrated will drive brands towards wanting to be a part of the iPad experience, just as they have the iPod and iPhone.”

Christian Louca, managing director of mobile marketing agency YOC, adds: “For me, the iPad certainly presents a different concept for advertising compared to what we are used to on the mobile. It will of course present advertising opportunities for apps but this device is positioned for online browsing rather than on the go mobile internet. For the publishing and gaming industries alike, I can certainly see why they are getting excited about the new device as perhaps they see this as a new format from which to generate more revenue, and why not? Give a good user experience and charge for it.”

But he cautions: “In my opinion, I cannot see many people carrying around a mobile phone (in some cases two mobiles) and a rather bulky ipad (and in some cases a laptop too). This is far too many devices. If you already have an iPhone or any other quality smartphone and laptop do you really need or want an iPad as well?”

Paul Berney, European MD of the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) says iPad’s launch will have a significant impact on mobile marketing.

“The Apple Tablet is going to have a significant and positive impact on the practice mobile marketing and the value that can be generated with it. For marketers, the impact aligns along the factors of potential reach and rich media Internet-enabled services delivery. For instance, there are over 10 billion mobile-enabled device in the market today, including phones.”

“For consumers, the value aligns along the lines of increased capability and access. They will have more and more opportunity to easily access Internet services and related mobile applications and solutions enabled by these new devices to accomplish what they want, when they want it and how they want it. These services will provide marketers and consumers alike with the ability to have a global presence while engaging in locally relevant services and community. “

Brand experts say that Apple’s credentials with the existing i-range of products will make the new bookstore a highly desirable distribution point.

Paul Cowper, brand director of Added Value UK, says: “Apple is renowned for its iTunes store already and the companies that are involved in it. Media networks and book publishers will undoubtedly be keen to be involved in the new bookstore. The core question is if the device is actually meeting an untapped need yet? I’m not entirely convinced.”

George Nimeh, regional CEO for Europe, iris Digital, echoes these thoughts and says that it could be the kick that the industry has wanted in the e-books market.

But he adds: “Undoubtedly, the touch experience is phenomenal and we will get involved, but what’s important is we don’t let brands get carried away. It’s still just a small extra to the overall digital capabilities that are possible.”

Christian Lindholm, managing partner at amobile specialists Fjord, says: “The most fundamental development with the iPad will be what it will do for youth. For youth, the iPad will redefine computing. The iPad works essentially the same way as an iPod Touch. However, if you are a child, arguing to your parents that you need a computer, you will be unable to argue that you would like an iPod Touch. It’s just not going to fly. However, if you argue that you would like an iPad, it will fly. So, for many young people, this will be the first computer they own. And I don’t think that they will go back.”

Lorenzo Wood, chief innovation officer at LBi, summarises: “Basically, the iPad will enable higher resolution and quick experience of brand interaction – another possibility in the growing digital arena. It will create some exciting new for marketers and developers to look to tap into, and will be phenomenal if the functionality works well. For the on-the-go consumer, it will be the key to them being online wherever they are and having just one task to do at a time. Demand will be high – servicing consumer needs will be the challenge. After all, this is the year when the consumer will blame the brand and not the handset as technology continues to evolve.”

URL Link:

http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/industry-is-level-headed-about-potential-of-ipad/3009322.article

The following is a little known, true story about Albert Einstein (attributed to Paul Harvey).

Albert Einstein was just about finished his work on the theory of special relativity, when he decided to take a break and go on vacation to Mexico. So he hopped on a plane and headed to Acapulco. Each day, late in the afternoon, sporting dark sunglasses, he walked in the white Mexican sand and breathed in the fresh Pacific sea air. On the last day, he paused during his stroll to sit down on a bench and watch the Sun set. When the large orange ball was just disappearing, a last beam of light seemed to radiate toward him. The event brought him back to thinking about his physics work. “What symbol should I use for the speed of light?” he asked himself. The problem was that nearly every Greek letter had been taken for some other purpose. Just then, a beautiful Mexican woman passed by. Albert Einstein just had to say something to her. Almost out of desperation, he asked as he lowered his dark sunglasses, “Do you not zink zat zee speed of light is zery fast?” The woman smiled at Einstein (which, by the way, made his heart sink) and replied, “Si.”
And know you know the rest of the story.

Ann Hyde prepares to be ordained Deacon

I DROVE MY NEW COLLEAGUE over to Bishop’s House this morning, and drove home with a full heart, praying a bit, and hoping a lot, for Ann and for all who are preparing to be ordained this weekend. I pray they’ll have a good retreat, one and all. Whatever they hear there will live on in their hearts for the rest of their lives; along with Sunday’s episcopal bidding, already well rehearsed:

In the name of our Lord, we bid you remember the greatness of the trust in which you are now to share: the ministry of Christ himself, who for our sake took the form of a servant. Remember always with thanksgiving that the people among whom you will minister are made in God’s image and likeness. In serving them you are serving Christ himself, before whom you will be called to account. You cannot bear the weight of this calling in your own strength, but only by the grace and power of God. Pray therefore that your heart may daily be enlarged and your understanding of the Scriptures enlightened. Pray earnestly for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Elation, I remember,  at my Deacon’s Retreat in 1982, alongside a gnawing terror that came upon me suddenly. Neither the years of training, nor the cathedral rehearsal, prepare you for the day: “we bid you remember the greatness of the trust”. Glory be! This is serious, serious stuff. About as serious as serious gets. And seriousness has remained. But so too elation.

Amongst the joys and the sorrows, trials and tribulations, great faith and lost faith, hectic round and R S Thomas’ absence of clamour, a theological twinkle has remained a constant companion:  Geoffrey Paul, on the occasion of his Enthronement as  sixth Bishop of Bradford, in 1981, said

I don’t find faith any easier than any of you, and must echo the words of the epileptic boy’s father in a modern translation: ‘Lord, I believe but not enough.’ I shall want to do everything I can to help you to believe in practice what you say you believe, and I shall rely greatly on your faith and love and prayers to help me in my unbelief, so that by enlarging the area of believing, we may give God room to demonstrate his strange Christalmightiness in our midst.

And then, being a Christian is a matter of belonging to Christ with those who are his, and of course there is no way of belonging to Christ except by belonging, gladly and irrevocably, to all that marvellous and extraordinary ragbag of saints and fatheads who make up the One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

The Enthronement Sermon, in The Pattern of Faith, an exposition of Christian doctrine by Geoffrey Paul, Churchman Publishing, 1986, page 135

And all who heard him knew that he was a holy bishop, and serious, and humane, and Christ-like and absolutely-hit-the-nail-on-the-head-dead-right. Encouragement there for retreatants tonight. Elated and serious, “remember the greatness” … gladly and irrevocably you’re to be marvellous and extraordinary, in company with all God’s people, both a saint and a fathead. Thank God,  and sing alleluia!

“It’s not a criticism, it’s a fact.”

Article published on NMA webpage, 28th May 2009

Thanks NMA!

Consumers lead the way in mobile developments

Thu, 28 May 2009

After a couple of years of remaining static, mobile internet audience numbers are growing remarkably, up 28% in just a year, matched with the fact that ad spend has doubled over the past 12 months.

I speak to agencies and brands on a regular basis, and know that the general feeling towards mobile is changing. The conversations I have now are different to those I had a year ago, we’re moving from ‘what should I do in mobile’ to ‘how do I do it effectively?’ But we’re still going too slowly as an industry and consumers have no desire to wait for us.

Importantly, advertiser trust is increasing, and there no longer exists that doubt over which companies to trust with your mobile campaigns and where to even start. There are numerous agencies boasting some incredible campaigns, exceptional case studies and a stack of industry awards to show off. AKQA Mobile has just won The Royal Navy account, hardly surprising given the quality of work that it’s delivered. Marvellous Mobile is still doing excellently, look at its great Adidas marathon app for example. Incentivated has been responsible for a number of great projects such as the mobile soap opera, Thmbnls, with the COI. Of course there’s a whole host more and it’s everyone’s responsibility to champion them so the industry can move forward.

But great ideas should never come at the expense of covering off the basics. There are still too many brands on mobile that haven’t even thought of the simple things like, can a customer find my product or service on mobile search? Or if they eventually do find my site what experience can, and should, they get?

While it can be daunting to make that bold move into mobile media, it’s essential to at least consider your mobile presence. Just a quick flick through new media age will show you all the great mobile companies that can help you out in this area, and as that spotlight gets brighter, now is the time to use them.

Patrick Wolf is one of the musicians you start listening and you can’t stop. Somewhat marvellous, his sound is an epic profusion of strings and nice vocals. Nice release.

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Patrick Wolf é um dos músicos que quando você começa a escutar não consegue mais parar. Maravilhoso! O som do moço é uma profusão épica de cordas e bons vocais. Ótimo lançamento.

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The Bachelour – Patrick Wolf

01. Kriegsspiel (Wargames)
02. Hard Times
03. Oblivion
04. The Bachelor
05. Damaris
06. Thickets
07. Count Of Casualty
08. Who Will?
09. Vulture
10. Blackdown
11. The Sun Is Often Out
12. Theseus
13. Battle
14. The Messenger

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. The download link is on the comments above.

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. O link para download está nos comentários acima.

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Back from Glenelg…ahhh…just feel refreshed and comforted by the beautiful wonders/landscape/beach/ocean/sunset etc…

‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures for ever.’

-Psalm 107:1

God, you are so marvellous! so wonderful! How awesome you are!

Sunset at Glenelg

We also spotted a mother duck with her ducklings crossing the road They were a bit lost, trying to find their way out of the middle of the road. Cars had to stop for them

another highlight of the day: i’ve learned a new game today! We played ‘Rapidough’ at Sam Yim’s place after Glenelg. It sparks your imagination and creativeness* super fun!

It was super hilarious!! hahaha~

the 'duck' i made...lol

We were approached by Alistair and Kate at Agency Republic to produce some 50s stylee illustrations to go on a mocked online newspaper for FHM magazine.

These included some young boys “Marvellous! Magic! Marbles” and a rather attractive hoolahoop lady and “Good For Her Thighs, Great For Your Eyes”.

Our in house team did the illustration whilst our super jelly baby Damien completed the letting.  We think they look super!!

Mona Lisa in Camelot,
How Jacqueline Kennedy and Da Vinci’s Masterpiece Charmed and Captivated a Nation
Written By: Margaret Leslie Davis
Published By: Da Capo Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group, Philadelphia, USA, 2008, First Edition, 272 pages, hardcover
ISBN 978-0-7382-1103-9
(Available NOW!)

“Mona Lisa in Camelot is the beautifully-written account of how the exquisite Mona Lisa painting and the graceful and charming First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, joined forces to unite two powerful nations.”

From the front book flap:
“In December 1962, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa set sail from Paris to New York for what many knew would be the riskiest art exhibition ever mounted. The fragile painting, sealed in a temperature-controlled, bulletproof box, travelled like a head of state accompanied by armed guards and constant surveillance.
The Driving force behind the famous painting’s high-profile visit was First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who convinced French Cultural Minister André Malraux and National Art Gallery Director John Walker to share the masterpiece with the American people. She overcame the fierce objections of Art officials who feared the journey would ruin the world’s most celebrated smile, and “Lisa Fever” soon swept the nation as nearly two million American’s attended exhibits in Washington, D.C. and New York City. It was the greatest outpouring of appreciating for a single work of art in American history. And as only Jacqueline Kennedy could do, she infused America’s first museum blockbuster show with a unique sense of pageantry that ignited a national love affair with the arts.
Gathering rare archival documents, acclaimed biographer Margaret Leslie Davis has woven a tantalizing sage filled with international intrigue and the irresistible charm of Camelot and its queen.”

Mona Lisa in Camelot, how Jacqueline Kennedy and Da Vinci’s Masterpiece Charmed and Captivated a Nation was such a lovely read. I felt such a sense of ceremony and culture, as though I was having tea with the First Lady herself.
Margaret Leslie Davis has very skillfully woven the details of the Mona Lisa exhibition into a vivid and rich account of the First Lady, her life and interactions preceding, during and following the display of the priceless work of art.
The documents included in this marvellous book are very telling and gave me a glimpse of the inner workings of Jacqueline Kennedy’s brilliant mind.
The incredible amount of manoeuvring, urging and timely-choreography required of those involved in this process was truly impressive.
It amazes me, even though I am a definite art enthusiast, just how much this particular painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, has affected the people of America, France and many other places across the globe.
This is a very detailed read, certainly not a book that you can rush through; it had a gentle pace which worked wonderfully.
This true story touches briefly on the assignation of John F. Kennedy (JFK) and how it too, stirred the emotions of countless peoples around the world.
If you appreciate art and have any interest in the Kennedy’s, this book is an absolute must-have!

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ (9 out of 10 Diamonds) – Loved it!

Link to the Author’s Website:
http://www.margaretlesliedavis.com/
Link to the Publisher’s Website:
http://www.perseusbooksgroup.com/dacapo/home.jsp

A special thanks to Mini Book Expo for Bloggers for sending me a copy.
(Due to unseen difficulties at Mini Book Expo and the Publisher, this book’s review has unfortunately been delayed by 3 months.)

Adelaide, Debra ~ The Household Guide to Dying

When I selected this book I thought
From memory, I read an online review and couldn’t say no to a book featuring chickens, Jane Austen references and a charming control freak who outdoes me in the slightly-unhinged stakes. Did I mention dear, underrated, calming chickens named after the Bennet daughters?

50-word description
Delia Bennet, author of household how-to guides and biting advice columnist on domestic arts, is making preparations for her approaching death. She cancels chemotherapy, runs away from home to re-visit her past, organises her ever-tolerant family for when she’s gone and works on completing her next book: a practical guide on the art of dying.

150-word review
Delia is the practical, efficient woman respected by all but who probably makes people breathe a sigh of relief because they don’t have to live with her. She plots and plans her young daughters’ weddings because she knows best, and causes wince-worthy moments as she takes her husband to task for not helping decorate her coffin. But she’s sincere, loving, charmingly off the rails and dragging a broken heart with unresolved sadness.

Adelaide’s supporting characters fill the pages admirably, particularly the pre-teen daughters trying to humour their mother when she needs them to know things, while trying to evolve into their own personalities. Husband Archie is a constant presence, but by the end I wanted more than the half-filled shadow sketched in Delia’s often-blinkered perspective.

This book is a keeper and will be picked up when I need to feel. It’s written and plotted cleverly and feels like the beloved journal of a batty and dear friend.

debra adelaide ~ the household guide to dying

Found in
Home library A

Borrowed
Oct 08 (it was on the shelves but I have a copy)

Publisher’s link:
Picador

Rating
Marvellous

This is book 5 of the project.

  sps -Originally uploaded by moniqui033

Last night in OCF we watched a dvd about God’s marvellous creation. Beyond comprehension. Indescribable.  Breath-taking. Great is our God the Almighty One.

Above: Collage ART – ’sps’ by Moniqui003 – Flickr.com
This artwork reminds me of how marvellous and wonderful our God is. He who made the Heaven & earth. He who made the universe. He who made us in His image.

Starring into the dark nightsky…knowing there’re countless stars out there, billions of galaxies…i realised how tiny i am.

Yet, God cares so much about us and know each of us by names.

You are our amazing God.

Indescribable

Very well! Many persons without any knowledge of computer science, gained millions in this branch; I obviate that nowadays with all full demand, the profits are less to put if you will be able to choose the best it will be able to have a memorable income!
My knowledges of Marketing were reasonable because it had published a magazine-free-paper-e when some persons were commanded. Also I suffered already very bad phases and in that of these relapses I read and investigated a lot of sobre¨como to go round for top ¨.

I am going to leave here my first income to open the doors for his success. This marvellous book, of easy understanding and with many receipts that procede The Secret and teach more literalmente how it will win his barriers themselves and to wake the whole inner strength that comes from his yourself it lies:

Unlimited Power-

1. Anthony Robins the specialist in psychology, of the very performance of being human and organizations. Author of success with 4 titles published in 14 languages, Power without limits, Wakes the inner giant, giant’s Steps and Messages deum make friends. He produced also a series on personal development and of bigger success of all the tempos¨Personal Power ¨. Many famous persons who reached the top owe to he his success (more details in his book).

   The secret of the success is to learn as it will use the pain and the pleasure instead of being used by the pain and the pleasure. If you will do that, it will be in the control of his life. It will not be done, the life will control it. “     Anthony Robbins¨

   2. Joseph McClendon III, teacher of the University of the Califórnia, founder and president of the Succeleration Research Group, Employer of inquiries applied for compreenção of the human behaviour.

¨De far, the biggest difference between success and failure is in the way for which we get in touch with knots ourselves and in the attitudes that we took ¨. Joseph McClendon     

These holes are not only amazing, but some of them are really terrifying. The sheer scale of these holes reminds you of just how tiny you are.

1. Kimberley Big Hole – South Africa

Apparently the largest ever hand-dug excavation in the world,
this 1097 meter deep mine yielded over 3 tons of diamonds
before being closed in 1914.

2. Glory Hole – Monticello Dam, California
A glory hole is used when a dam is at full capacity and water needs to be drained from the reservoir

This is the ‘Glory Hole’ at Monticello dam, and it’s the largest in the world of this type of spillway, its size enabling it to consume 14,400 cubic feet of water every second.

3. Bingham Canyon Mine, Utah

This is supposedly the largest man-made excavation on earth. Extraction began in 1863 and still continues today, the pit increasing in size constantly. In its current state the hole is ? miles deep and 2.5 miles wide.

4. Great Blue Hole , Belize

This incredible geographical phenomenon known as a
blue hole is situated 60 miles off the mainland of Belize.
There are numerous blue holes around the world,
but none as stunning as this one.

5. Mirny Diamond Mine , Serbia

I’m pretty sure most people have seen this one.
It’s an absolute beast and holds the title of largest
open diamond mines in the world. At 525 meters
deep, with a top diameter of 1200 meters, there’s
even a no-fly zone above the hole due to a few
helicopters having been sucked in.

6. Diavik Mine, Canada

The mine is so huge and the area so remote that it has
its own airport with a runway large enough to accommodate a Boeing 737.
It looks equally cool when the surrounding water is frozen.

7. Sinkhole in Guatemala

These photos are of a sinkhole that occurred
early this year in Guatemala . The hole swallowed
a dozen homes and killed at least 3 people.

No title this morning…I just can’t figure out one…I went to bed a little bit late last night and it kind of makes my brain all blur….Even though the clouds are painting the sky today, I feel like the sun in my heart could never extinguish…”never say never” hey?” Well….in this case I am aware this marvellous feeling could stop being all of a sudden….but I want to keep believing…the reason is simple : It makes me feel good.

Have you ever felt weird or awkward around negative people? Like….you would have just wanted to punch them in the face? Or….rip their throat? Or….Bash in their teeth?  Ok, I might be a little aggressive (although I haven’t done it……yet…)but I cannot stand people who are ALWAYS complaining and whinning and searching charity from others…I mean….I do not mind them coming up to me, asking for a great kick in the ass. 

Honestly, if you take a piece of paper, and write down everything you REALLLY want, and focus on it. Thinking about it every single day, all day long until it happens. If you keep a record of those and wrtie besides each element how long did take for it to happen, you might be surprised. First of all,do you agree thatyour life will be better, and you will feel happier? Of course!!!!! You finally got THE car of your dreams or have found THE house you always wanted or you met THE love of your life…Second of all, you might realise that it took less than a year or so for some things on your mind to come true.  That is called : Seeing by Believing.  Visualization is the key to get everything you wanted….the hardest part is actually in being able to Keep it after you got it. Also, you need to focus on what you have accomplished and earned instead of centering your mind on what you do not have.

Another point, is about happyness. I believe happyness comes with trust, acceptance, loyalty and respect of yourself and others. If you do not trust yourself, there is NO way you can trust somebody else.  If you do not accept yourself, do not wish to be able to look at others and be open minded…If you are not loyal to yourself, imagine how you will not be with other people… Everybody, at a point in their life, had issues with themselves. When I was a teenager, Holy Crap! It was harsh…I, was harsh with myself…..You already know the basics of the story (if you previously read me…) and when I decided that I wanted to be happy, I started reading about this concept of happyness and started to apply those methods I was learning about. BANG! My life went upside down. I also realized, that everytime I was going down, it was a couple of weeks after I had gone back in thinking pessimistically…So I say, Keep on Smiling!

I have to go back to work now…drinking my coffee, having an appointment at the doctor later (digestion problems are always fun ……‘keep on smiling bitch’) LOL! OH! And I stopped smoking….4th day now…I WILL SUCCEED!!!!! (Visualization…..”rolling eyes“)

TTYL