Posted by admin on Oct 28, 2009 in
opinion,
technology 
It’s common knowledge that the youth of today are far more technologically minded then we used to be. For one, they don’t need to queue at school for 15 minutes of grace on an outdated dial-up Gateway computer, and two; they’re dazzled with gadgets that connect them to the web and are heavily involved in social networking. There’s no denying that in ten years time our knowledge will becomes outdated, if not obsolete, with fresh faced twenty something’s running rings round us with intuitive understanding of the latest developments in touch and 3D technology.
It seems manufacturers agree with this idea, as they’ve decided to target kids early. This year has seen the rise of the e-reader, the actualization of 3DTV and Android OS taking off, but it’s also seen a wide range of tech products created which TARGET TWEENS. But what’s so weird about this strategy is that the products they’re using to tempt children into tech are actually really good and well thought out. They’re not just slapping a can of pink/blue paint on a toy, adding in batteries and expecting impressionable youths to be wowed, we’re talking his spec Disney themed netbooks and headphones created to fit the miniature proportions of children’s ears. Read more…
Tags: Asus Disney, Classmate, technology, tweens, Xmas
Posted by admin on Oct 19, 2009 in
style 
Trainers and fitness are an easy combination, relating as naturally to each other as marmite and toast or McFlurrys and fries (the last one is a personal favourite). But wouldn’t is be nice if you could maximise your workout, without having to go to a gym? Many people wear trainers in every day life. so the thinking behind fitness shoes such as the MBT’s and Chung Shis; is to make your everyday activities (like walking to Asda/running for the train) a little bit more cardiovascular by creating a shoe that works the body harder.
Problem is, said shoes might work wonders, but a) they look like orthopedic devices and B) they’re pricey and only available from specialist shops. Skechers have made a small foray into this market with the Shape Ups, but they remind me of something the Spice Girls might have worn circa 2001, and the brand doesn’t exactly scream fitness now does it? They’re also rather unattractive. So what do you do? Reebok have created the EasyTone trainers for this gap in the market, which contain balanced pods in the sole- to make you slightly more unstable as you walk, and force the body to work a little harder.
I was kindly sent a pair by Reebok to trial- read on for my thoughts. Read more…
Tags: Chung Shis, MBT's, Reebok EasyTone
Posted by admin on Oct 12, 2009 in
Celebrity,
opinion
Perhaps I’m naive, and expect slightly more from the youth of today. I can forgive them their gum chewing, cider swilling antics and even shrug nonchalantly as they fill our parks with spittle and cigarette butts, but I’ve just discovered a board game that makes me deplore their long term life choices (and yes, I’m fully aware of how condescending this sounds, having once been a gum-chewing teen myself).
When I was younger it was considered rather scandalous to play Dream Phone - an interactive board game about discovering your secret admirer, with sweet Americanized nothings whispered down a touch-tone pink phone. How we’d giggle as we passed the phone around, feeling slightly outrageous and grown up, never thinking that the next-gen of board games would take things to a whole new level.
Last year’s best-selling perfume wasn’t one of the many high end scents that pushed the boundaries with new ingredients and interesting topnotes, instead it was Stunning, by Katie Price. The bottles design looks like it had been stolen from a kids Barbie’s Dream house, and the smell was pure saccharine, think strawberries and sugar-coated candy with a high level of E-numbers. Considering this, the creation of the ‘Page 3 Idol’ game shouldn’t shock me, but it still does. Read more…
Tags: glamour girls, Katie Price, Page 3 model
Posted by admin on Oct 3, 2009 in
books 
The last two months have seen me whittle down the Booker list even more, as well as indulge in some heavy chick-lit, for no other reason than it’s easy to find in charity shops. My attempt to be frugal has resulted in a lower calibre of books being read, but has also introduced me to some new authors. Typically, when I did splash out on a new hardback (Nick Hornby, Juliet naked) I was disappointed.
The Life and Times of Michael K by J.M Coteze
A moving tale featuring a Forrest Gump a like protagonist. Expertly woven characters flesh out the book and the miniature descriptions of activities such as sleeping and eating add poignancy.
Daemons are Forever by Simon R. Green
Green is famous for his rollicking fight scenes, boundless enthusiasm and characters that don’t just jump off the page, they come swords drawn and teeth bared. For this he can be excused plot repetition and a disregard for syntax. We follow the antics of Shaman Bond, one of the Drood family, in his quest to save the world from evil spirits, followed by his sidekick Mad Molly of the woods. Fast-paced and full of life, this is popular sci-fi at its best.
White Tiger by Aravinda Adiga
An entertaining breeze through the strange occurrences that make up Indian life, with brutality and segregation cloaked in a veil of humor and an oddly compelling narrative. The protagonist displays a strange mixture of casual racism and sensitivity and you’re torn between condemning and commiserating with him. Read more…
Tags: booker novels, chick lit books, Ian McEwan, kathy lette, nick hornby