Sunday, 18 March 2012

TED: Ideas worth spreading

Whenever I need some inspiration, or want to learn something new, I turn to TED talks. TED is a nonprofit that is devoted to new ideas than began in 1984. It stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design. Twice a year, TED Conferences take place in Palm Springs and now annually in Edinburgh, Scotland. The conference in Palm Springs takes place over four days where 50 speakers use 18 minute time slots to lecture. TED Global is the summer conference which is more international with a wider array of speakers. 
TED talks is where the best talks and performances are available online, for free. Millions of people now have on-demand access to some of the world's most inspiring individuals. 
Tune in to TED if you want to watch short lectures from people such as Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Bill Clinton and Malcolm Gladwell. Just to name a few.


The website has over 1100 talks that are sorted into different categories. People can choose if they want to watching something persuasive, inspiring, courageous or funny. Some of the greatest minds on earth have come together to give 20 plus minute speeches that will inspire you, and possibly make you see the world in a different light. 


Visit the website here!


One video that I was first shown in University has now become my go to when I am in need of a pick me up. Tony Robbins is a self help author and motivational speaker who focuses on health and energy, overcoming fears and enhancing relationships. His talk on TED is titled "Why we do what we do". 
In the video, Tony speaks about how our emotions rules the world. Emotions drive us, they can help us through situations or they can hold us back. He talks about the science of achievement, which is steps to help us reach our goals, and the art of fulfillment, about appreciation and contribution. "Resourcefulness is what gets you to your goal, NOT resources." 
Most of the talk is about what shapes us as human beings. Our emotional and physical states, as well as how we view the world. He also mentions six basic needs, certainty, uncertainty, significance, connection & love, growth and contributing beyond ourselves. As human beings we all have certain needs, but what do you value most that shapes you? One thing he stresses is contribution. To go above your every day and do something good for the world and for someone else!
After I first heard him speak, a lot of what he said left me wondering about my values and helped me put some things into perspective. I invite you all to take 20 minutes out of your day to listen to what he has to say, and to hopefully take something out of it! As my classmates and I finish up our final few weeks of school, and with all the stress getting to our heads, I hope that this video can give you a little inspiration that things WILL all be okay. That the "secret to living is giving." 
I'll leave you with Tony's final words:
"So my invitation to you is this: explore your web, the web in your head -- the needs, the beliefs, the emotions that are controlling you, for two reasons: so there's more of you to give -- and achieve too, we all want to do it -- but I mean give, because that's what's going to fill you up. And secondly, so you can appreciate -- not just understand, that's intellectual, that's the mind -- but appreciate what's driving other people. It's the only way our world's going to change."


Watch Tony's video below!





Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Hollywood Hunger Games

I wanted to add another post in to go along with my earlier one about the books and upcoming movie The  Hunger Games. As I was scouring the internet and twitter Ryan Seacrest just tweeted this:


When I clicked on the link, it brought me to this page on the Ryan Seacrest website.
Thought this was quite amusing with a Celebrity Hunger Games where people can vote for who would come out as the single winner.


Try it!




Also found this when I was looking on Twitter as well, interesting article from Ragan's PR Daily News.


So many things are being related to The Hunger Games now! Apparently people are really anticipating this movie...I don't blame them!

Tuesday, 6 March 2012

Hunger Games Official Trailer



As an add in to my previous post (thanks Brad) here is the official first trailer for The Hunger Games movie. Get excited!!

Monday, 5 March 2012

Happy Hunger Games

"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favour"


For those of you who have read these books, or seen the trailer for the new movie, then I am sure you already know what this post is about to be about. That's correct. The Hunger Games.


The trilogy, by author Suzanne Collins, has become a world wide sensation comparable by popularity to the Twilight Saga and the legendary Harry Potter series.




A little background info about the books:
Set in the fictitious country of Panem in a post-apocalyptic world, the Capitol controls the other 12 districts that make up what used to be North America. Every year, two teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 are chosen from each district to compete the Hunger Games. A televised event plays throughout the country where all 24 players compete to the death until there is only one winner. The heroine of the novels, Katniss Everdeen, lives in the poorest district and volunteers to take her sisters place to compete in the 74th annual games.


The novels have caused a huge frenzy among tweens and adults alike. The first novel entitled "The Hunger Games" has been made into a film adaptation that is being released on March 23.
For all things Hunger Games related, the website Mockingjay.net is the perfect source. With cast interviews, movie posters, quotes and more, this is a great website for fans to scour as the countdown begins. 


In the novels, all of the citizens of the Capitol have the most fantastic and bizarre fashion senses that have come to life in the movie. The radical outfits described have become inspiration for designers who are creating their own Hunger Games-esque styles.


Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
The Tumblr website Capitol Couture (launched by Lionsgate marketing) is for the fashionista who is looking for inspiration or wanting to view the creative outfits designers have come up with, like these Rodarte shoes.





The hair company Joico and stylist Cherry Petenbrink have created over 500 different colourful hairstyles for the characters to wear in the movie.












These books have caused quite a stir among (easy read) teen novel lovers, let's hope the movie is just as exciting!