Thursday, January 31, 2013

BlackBerry Strikes Back!

Images via BGR
















Research In Motion (RIM) gave birth to the first smartphone, the BlackBerrywhich opened up the new market for smartphones. While I remember there was a time that quite a few people were proud bearers of the BlackBerry, that number eventually declined over the years, while Apple and Samsung became the top dominant players of the smartphone market. 

RIM (now officially changed its brand name to BlackBerry) is finally having another go at being relevant and to regain its market share. I had no idea that BlackBerry was launching new products until I noticed the buzz on TwitterOfficial product launches are happening around the world in major cities as I type this. Live coverage and tweets with hashtag #BB10 generates the excitement of discovering what BlackBerry has in store for us. 

Their attempt to make a comeback consists of the unveiling of two new BlackBerry 10 handsets, new operating system as well as the re-branding and launch of their new web storefront called BlackBerry World (formerly known as BlackBerry App World). And, the new appointed global creative director is Alicia Keys! 

It's quite unfortunate to see companies on the road to becoming obsolete, but it's always exciting to get the news that they are bouncing back after a period of hiatus (eg: New Myspace). Perhaps, an important life lesson here is to always pick yourself up, no matter what! 

Only time will tell whether the BlackBerry 10 becomes successful. For now, all the best of luck to BlackBerry!

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Glimpse of The Blue Umbrella


Images via Mouse Info


Every time I go to see a Pixar film at the cinemas, I always look forward to seeing the short film that precedes before it created by the Pixar team. For the upcoming release of Monsters University, the tradition continues with this short called "The Blue Umbrella". 

According to Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the director Saschaka Unseld, who worked as a technical artist, was inspired by an abandoned umbrella as he was walking through the streets of San Francisco one rainy day. A simple inanimate object can inspire us in so many ways to be creative (*takes note*). 
In the WSJ article, the techniques of the animation are also explained which I'm unable to explain myself due to my lack of knowledge in this field. 

There has been quite a bit of a debate online about this short; mostly criticising the animation techniques, the possible predictable love story, and the fact that it may be too similar to Disney's short, Johnny Fedora and Alice Blue Bonnet (1946). I'm still excited, regardless! 

I'm sure most of us can relate to this moment at least one point in their life. We notice a complete stranger out in public, feel an unexplainable pull towards them, develop a sense of curiosity/interest, catch that awkward eye contact and then out of shyness, respect or avoidance of looking creepy, no ones makes a move. Just to be clear, I'm not always keen on predictable love stories. Only some occasions where there's an exception. Nevertheless, I am indeed excited and curious about how this short story will unfold. 

And, another thing to mention, this also reminds me of one of my favourite all-time sitcoms, How I Met Your Mother! Ted... yellow umbrella...Yes? No? Maybe?

Here's a little teaser to build anticipation for the short: 





Lots o' Love, Linda 

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

School of Scaring, Here I Come!

Images via Monsters University


Ahead of the release of Monsters, Inc. 2 - Monsters University, Disney Pixar have launched a college site for us to have a glimpse on what this university is all about. If you search up Monsters University on Google, the college site is the first listing. And, upon browsing through this site, it looks pretty legit. It's no lie to say that the Monsters University site puts my own university's site to shame.  

It's got all the content any stakeholder would look for on a university site such as events; programs and majors; academic calendar and admission details just to name a few. There's even an online store where actual MU apparel may be purchased! How awesome is that? The attention to detail is impressive! 

I don't know if it's cause I'm a sucker for Pixar but this promotional tactic is pretty genius! Just as genius as the Lots o' Huggin' Bear Commercial (circa 1983) and Japanese commercial which were released to promote Toy Story 3! 

The new Monsters, Inc. film is due to release on June 21st, 2013 but if you're in Australia like myself, we can check this out from June 20th. 

Looking forward to this. Check out the movie trailer. And then check out the MU Commercial for prospective students.  

Lots o' Love, Linda 

Monday, January 28, 2013

My Fight Against Pimples

Image Source: Azclear Action Foaming Wash


Image Source: Brevoxyl 4 acne cream

Only a week into using these products and I've beginning to see results! After a good 5 months of battling sudden breakouts that were too stubborn to go away, I've finally found products that are actually effective. Blame it on the poor diet, environment, stress, ineffective products, or the fact that I stopped cleaning my skin properly; whatever it may be, I began breaking out excessively left, right and center. It was ridiculous! 

I hate to admit it, but yes, I did begin to feel a little bit self-conscious about it but now, I'm beginning to feel some confidence with my skin clearing up again. It's a good feeling! 

I was previously using Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser and the Benzac AC acne gel for about 5 months, which despite the hype around them, I found them to be ineffective. 

It may still be a little early to tell whether these are my clear-skin miracle products, but they're working wonders for me right now; The Azclear Action Foaming Wash and Brevoxyl 4 acne cream (both purchased from Chemist Warehouse). 

I love how the gentle foam wash leaves my face feeling clean and soft. Also, I love that it comes with a pump (makes life that little bit easier). Although it could do with more aesthetic packaging perhaps, overall, I'm pleased. The Brevoxyl 4 acne cream (with 4% benzoyl peroxide) leaves my skin ridiculously dry and causing my skin to peel. Despite those side effects, the result of reducing and clearing my pimples (not entirely but a significant amount) has got me convinced for now. 

I'm still on the hunt for a good facial moisturiser though. This might take a while. I also need to work on my acne scars. I'm definitely guilty of pimple-popping, indeed! Ultimate crime!  

Lots o' Love, Linda 

P.S: Yes, I'm finally getting this blog up and running! Took me long enough!