Seriously randumb

I'm off

2010-01-11T16:52:00.004Z

I have recently moved all my blogs over to Wordpress.
You can find me here:
SeriouslyRandumb.Wordpress.com

It has been fun blogger.
But we knew it wasn't forever.
I promise that I will never forget the happy times!!!
(They were seamlessly transported to Wordpress)

See y'all on the other side!!!!!!!

Randude

Facebook revenge

2010-01-07T14:11:00.005Z

The internet is good for a lot of things.
Getting back at your sister for telling Mum and Dad you have beers in your room, is just one.

Good work Chris!
And good work @Nickclement for pointing this one out.

Slow-mo Kiiiiicckkk flliiiiipp

2010-01-07T12:42:00.000Z

very funny.
made me laugh out loud.

Inexplicably funny

2010-01-07T11:48:00.003Z

Brilliant. Some other talentless idiot tries to sing for the camera. I thought Simon Cowell would have delivered us enough of this drivel already.
But he hasn't:

I couldn't help but laugh, how cruel.
Let's give him a big Arghh.

Reggie Watts Diehard battery ad

2010-01-07T11:26:00.002Z

You've gotta love this, what you don't have to do... is wonder how real the whole thing is!
Just watch, enjoy and shut the fuck up!

GO REGGIE!!!!!

New Kitt for SatNav

2010-01-07T09:25:00.006Z

So we've seen Snoop Dogg put his voice talents to the driving test, but what could be better?
Optimus Prime, Mr T and the legendary David Hasselhoff have all given it a go but the next installment is sure to be the vehicle defining voice...

Navtones newest edition to the celebrity circuit is everyone's favourite firebird... Kitt (Knight Industries Two Thousand). What's more, is that if you send your name in now, Kitt will be programmed to say it for you.
I said my name was Michael, I just want to pretend I'm the Hoff whilst I'm driving.

Top tunes of 2009

2010-01-06T16:48:00.001Z

Not my choice, but the top 25 Hits of 2009, according to Billboard, have been arranged in this lovely ensemble, courtesy of DJ Earworm:

Completely mash-up!

Merry Funking Christmas

2009-12-18T14:43:00.000Z

What do you get when you mix a Christmas Light show with Guitar Hero? Christmas Light Hero! A real game you play with a wii wireless guitar controller. Optional TV screen is available if you get in trouble, but if you use the screen, you don't get your name in the high score list. Song is "Cliffs of Dover" by the incredible Eric Johnson.

Christmas Rock'n'roll!

2009-12-11T15:22:00.003Z

No, I don't mean Garry Glitter.
This is much more childish.
Errr, check out last years merry metal mayhem:

Rock and roll on Christmas!!!!!!

"Metal Christmas song from album "We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year". Metal cover of christmas song

The First song

Created By:
Jeff Scott Soto, Bruce Kulick, Bob Kulick, Chris Wyse, Ray Luzier"

It's a, kind'a magic????

2009-12-11T14:54:00.005Z

AR has already augmented much of my reality, but now it is beginning to impede on my fantasy (DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT FANTASISE ABOUT MAGICIANS).

I only present this to you as an example, of where technology is going, which is quite literally everywhere. But it will take a lot more to convince me that a digital effect is magic.

It's lucky he doesn't do sword balancing, because I think he's missed the point.

"Here is the first test of my "Magic Projection" system out on the streets in Tokyo. "Magic Projection" is my new augmented reality projection tracking system created for use in my magic stage performances. Have a look and let me know what you think.

Special Thanks to: Zachary Lieberman for software development and for creating OpenFrameworks. Thank you to Danjel van Tijn for his arduino and Wii engineering and Nolan from PeauProductions for the M12 IR filter modifications on the PS3 camera. Also Parte Koishi, Shingo, Teddy, Lisa, Shige, Miki, Masayo, Chika and all at Empire Entertainment Japan for helping me on location in Tokyo. Makiko-sensei for programing me in Japanese. Johnny Chung Lee for his inspirational work with projector based tracking and to all people creating amazing free tools available to artists everywhere: OpenFrameworks, OpenCV, Arduino, MacCam. Made with openframeworks (openframeworks.cc)

The music is 'Open Electro' by Vincent Girès' jamendo.com/en/artist/silence and can be downloaded from archive.org/details/silence-silence."

Gimp love

2009-12-11T10:32:00.003Z

This irreverent campaign from Albion promotes giffgaff, a new mobile phone network through gifting people favours.
One of which is a hire Gimp.

The fun has already begun:

Enjoy!
I'm sure there will be plenty more!

From fucking mothers to fucking freaky...

2009-12-11T10:25:00.003Z

This next clip is... inexplicable.

OH YEAH!!!!
Better than Blair witch and have the snozz juice!

OK, so it may be fake, but it's still cool!
If only Fritzl had seen this, he may have changed his defence to 'I was making a viral'.

The fun doesn't stop

2009-12-11T10:23:00.002Z

This Friday is turnning out to be a blast.
Look what Mum's been doing:

You don't want to know what happened next!

Training Day

2009-12-11T09:46:00.000Z

AWESOME!!!!!!

Advent Calendar

2009-12-10T13:25:00.002Z

THE best advent calendar of the year, bar none.

"Did someone say bar???"

Queens

2009-12-08T09:32:00.003Z

"Freddie Kruger, Brian March, John Deere and Roger Tinker performing "The Behemothian Potpourri"."

Morning fuckers!

2009-11-27T10:52:00.002Z

WARNING WARNING!!!!!
DOGS DISCOVER ROHYPNOL

Imagine taking your morning stroll to work, school, playshool, NASA... Wherever you stroll in the mornings, and discovering this:

It is just one of those moments that you'd give anything for a camera.

Anyway, Happy Friday, see y'all soon!

10 years is a lot of bullet time

2009-11-26T13:54:00.004Z

To celebrate a decade since The Matrix was first released (and to try and forget the subsequent sequels), some clever bods have created The Lego Matrix.

After enjoying this combination of awesomeness, you can also satisfy your lust for Lego with a making of gallery and a shot for shot comparison.

All here.

Wii Pray

2009-11-25T11:19:00.006Z

This is possibly one of the best advertising campaigns I have seen to date.
And this time it's not because of some new fandangled bit of tech or a simple bastardisation of the latest YouTube craze (you know who you are).

Meet the Viral:

A satirical Wii ad for a religious video game.

But the plot thickens.

Follow the links to the website www.Masswepray.com and see the TV ad/viral as well as their small array of products and a share a prayer option.

Any links from here will take the user directly to an ad for 'Dante's Inferno' an awesome looking game, seemingly based... 'IN HELL!'.
Now the pieces start falling into place.

(Not this ad)

Users are also invited to Damn their friends in a facebook app.

So what are you waiting for?
The third coming???

Damn away my friends.

Brandon Schaefer

2009-11-24T17:59:00.007Z

From well polished to well Polish, alternative movie posters seem to be taking off everywhere. See how Brandon Schaefer interpreted the task, and more.

Recently spotted here, BluRay covers aren't all Brandon Schaefer has on offer.

His wide range of stylised movie covers and posters!
more here

Still not overly sure, but he has done a lot of justice to one of my favourite films.
more here

This must be underwater love...

2009-11-24T12:41:00.002Z

Or just plain insanity...

YOU DECIDE:

Let that serve as a warning to you, unless you want John Merricks fingers, get out of the bath before 10 days.

iPaper

2009-11-23T16:12:00.002Z

The Sun hits back at the iGeneration in this neat satirical viral from glue London.

YouTube
"The Sun has been the UK's best handheld for 40 years. Top news, sports, photos, gossip and games in an easy-to-share format. No waiting for pages to load, no contract, no losing reception. There's no substitute for the Sun. "

Goooogle images

2009-11-23T14:22:00.012Z

Recently (thanks to Rubbishcorp)I discovered that you can now go quadreceptive on Google :

You can visit the site at the amusingly predictable:
www.googlegooglegooglegoogle.com

I had a search or 2 (or 3 or 4) and came up with this great new game...

GOOOOGLE IMAGES
Decipher the images to unscramble the Celebrity, phrase or movie:

Answer

Answer

Answer

If you have any more 'Goooogle images' please post them below or tweet them to me @RANDUD3.

What's the time?

2009-11-23T11:37:00.005Z

It seems like an age since I was last blogging, so I have debated weather to give you a bulk blog depicting those things I have been looking at since our last communication, or... drip feed the posts in over the day so that my blog looks healthier and I look busier.

OK, decision made! I'm going for the more self gratifying method in the hope that no one will actually read this post, just look at the pretty pictures and at most, follow a link.

So in answer to my attempt at intrigue i.e. "What's the time?"
And to supply you with an easily digestible image:
In other words, 'the moment you've all been waiting for'(Just play along).

A SCROLL BAR CLOCK:

see it in action

Jonny 5 will be alive!!!!

2009-11-17T18:16:00.003Z

Meet Aida.
No this is not another Asimo it is an in car navigator/friend.

It can remember city maps, favourite locations, home/work even recognises faces.
Here's what Siegel says:

“When it merges knowledge about the city with an understanding of the driver’s priorities and needs, Aida can make important inferences,” said Assaf Biderman, associate director of the SENSEable City Lab. “Within a week Aida will have figured out your home and work location. Soon afterward the system will be able to direct you to your preferred grocery store, suggesting a route that avoids a street-fair–induced traffic jam. On the way Aida might recommend a stop to fill up your tank, upon noticing that you are getting low on gas.”

Slap my bitch up!

2009-11-17T13:39:00.004Z

Over the last few days, I have stumbled across many .dk sites from our Bacon brothers and all have brought great pleasure. None however as much as this blatant slap in the face:

Hit the bitch

A site dedicated to slapping women (I think).
Of course I can only assume this, the whole site is Danish (or summit like that) and all I can do is... well... Slap some bitch and watch her bleed, which I must admit is at very least entertaining.
Look at that bitch cower as I raise my (near gangsta) hand!

You can control the hand with your mouse or via your webcam.
"Will the fun never cease?" I hear you cry...

But there is a serious message that you should all take in...

...fortunately, due to my English arrogance, I haven't got a fucking clue what that message is.
So I will carry on my day with my new found knowledge that slapping, ermm how was it they referred to them again, oh yes... slapping 'bitches' is fun!

I'm sure the end message is as powerful and relevant as when we were slapping Nick Griffin, a couple of weeks ago.

If you want to know more about the cause in English...
Click the 'I'm a loser' button.
I'm a loser

Magic mouse

2009-11-16T15:22:00.004Z

I may have been ignoring this for a long time, but it actually looks quite good:

You can read apple blowing themselves over the concept here.

"Then you touch it and instantly appreciate how good it feels in your hand."

In short, these are the functionality the new age of robot rodent possesses:

* Complete Multi-Touch cover.
* The mouse itself is the button.
* Scroll in any direction with one finger.
* Swipe through web pages and photos with two.
* Click and double-click anywhere.
* 360° scroll.
* Zoom options.
* Hand rest recognition.
* Any surface suitable laser-tracking.
* Wireless bluetooth connection.
* Easy optional and auto power conservation.
* And all the above is adjustable.

Remember remember when you did Movember

2009-11-16T11:21:00.006Z

Ever wanted to be remembered as mustached menace???

WELL NOW YOU CAN!!!

If you took part in this years Movember, then you could be immortalised in Rockstar's new game, Red Dead Redemption.

Just log in to the Movember Website.

And upload your follicle faced photo's .here

Soon it could be you that takes down this Eastwood wannabe:

Mascot mastery

2009-11-16T10:54:00.003Z

This guy really knows how to entertain a crowd.

Awesome Mascot Dance - watch more funny videos

Brilliant, just Brilliant!

Schwepped the board

2009-11-16T09:38:00.006Z

Just saw these new Schweppes idents from Mother, and I defy anyone to watch more than 3 seconds without the following thoughts swirling round your head:
- Simplicity is always the key
- Genius
- I wish I'd thought of that
- Tra le lal le lah, le lah lahh lahhhh.

Voiced by The Office star Martin Freeman and Smack the Pony's Doon Mackichan. This new set of ads from Mother London is so simple yet awesomely effective.

I painfully can't find any video to embed and don't want to leave you gasping, so here's a link to the campaign live site where you can see 7 of their 10 festive idents.

Campaignlive.co.uk

Good work you Mother!..

When does water bounce?

2009-11-13T14:25:00.002Z

Apparently every time it rains.

Check out these slow motion water droplets and find out why:

Pretty cool huh?

A short exchange with the French

2009-11-13T11:25:00.012Z

These letters were leaked showing a major breakdown in communication between the French Government and the Irish over the upcoming World Cup qualifying play-off. There’s now a full-blown diplomatic row brewing.

Thank you @irishsoccerinsider

DIY Augmentation

2009-11-12T15:17:00.004Z

This video is inspiration in AR.

Now I've just got to keep it away from my cock cartoonist friend, otherwise...
(shudder shudder)I wouldn't like to consider the consequences.

(I'm going to stop blogging about AR stuff for a while)

Multi-touch AR

2009-11-12T10:43:00.004Z

If you love Augmented Reality, get ready to blow your load!

Oh yes, 'any interaction'!!!
You can touch...
You can play...
If you say, I'm always yours!

Oh shit, I've slipped into 'Barbie Girl' by 'Aqua' (God I miss them!).

But seriously (randumb), what this touch tech AR means is unmeasurable at the moment.
Lets just hope people don't get too bored of it before it reaches it's full potential.

Find out more from TechnoTecture and SSTT Touch.

The CLOUD

2009-11-11T13:34:00.002Z

"The CLOUD proposes an entirely new form of observation deck,connecting visitors to both the whole of London and the whole of the world, immersing them in euphoric gusts of weather and digital data. Each individual footstep on the ascent to the CLOUD participates in a vast collective energy-harvesting effort. Everyone around the world can contribute to the Cloud - whether by visiting or by sponsoring an LED, helping to keep the London lamp aflame."

theCLOUD

Wi-fries

2009-11-05T15:10:00.002Z

Thank you hellokinsella for such a sweet Tweet!

Now that's advertising!!!

Guinness brings their new slogan to life

2009-11-05T14:45:00.004Z

I thought I should post this.
I, like many, am as impressed as I am disappointed.

Agency: AMV BBDO, London
Client: Guinness
Executive Creative Director: Paul Brazier
Creative: Paul Brazier

But that's not all: "Director Johnny Green recruited an elite team including Oscar winning set designer Grant Major and Oscar nominated Director of Photography Wally Pfister."

In all honesty I like it. It is well shot, well directed and it looks... well, Pretty damn cool.
I do think Guinness has been stumbling around for a while now, since the car dominoes we've seen 'Out of the darkness comes light', '17:59 It's Guinness time' and now 'Bring It To Life'. It seems confused and unfocused unlike... Yeah I don't need to say it, you'll probably be more rewarded if you wait anyway.

Happy hat or DIE!!!!

2009-11-03T11:50:00.005Z

This is just cool.

A project from Lauren McCarthy which she describes as:
"A wearable conditioning device that detects if you're smiling and provides pain feedback if you're not. Frowning creates intense pain but a full smile leaves you pain free! The first in a series of Tools for Improved Social Inter-Acting."

happiness hat from Lauren McCarthy on Vimeo.

I love this theory: "Through repeated use of this conditioning device you can train your brain to smile all the time."

More here

It's a big post!!!!

2009-11-03T10:56:00.007Z

Because it feels like I haven't posted something for a while, I'm going to make this my multi-post.
I am going to cover a few of the best bits that have passed me over the last couple of weeks.

To begin what has popped up, I'll start with Popping out!

So... Top of the pops is this amazing time lapsed/stop motion/post production grafitti technique:

Serge Gainsbourg - animation des graffitis sur 5 ans du mur rue de Verneuil from Arnaud Jourdain on Vimeo.

Over a period of five years, designer Arnaud Jourdain took thousands of photos of the graffiti on the facade of Serge Gainsbourg's last home adress, at 5a Rue de Verneuil, in the fifth arrondissement of Paris. He then converted his images into a wonderful animated 3D sequence of colors and collages. Impressive!
Copy by Frogsmoke

Gainsbourg, mur rue de Verneuil, partie droite. from Arnaud Jourdain on Vimeo.

Although this has faced some unnecessary harsh critics, I believe this Kasabian promotion is spot on!

The freestyle footballers are: Paul Wood, Paul Klein, Darryl Stewart, Tom Pett, Lewis Foster & Harry Adcroft - see http://bit.ly/3fxLoK for more info.

If it's not real I take it all back (although in the true spirit of a viral, it was lose enough to get me thinking, and that's all you need). So from me - good job!

Now what else have we...

There was that Augmented Reality projection mapping, if you missed it you can see it here.
Pretty, pretty, pretty... pretty, pretty cool!

AND THIS JUST IN...

Big Head Halloween costumes:

Courtesy of the_defiance

It took 370 triangles to create his own head:

"The head was modeled in 3ds Max based off of photos I had Jen take. The final triangle count was 370. I designed it so it could fit over my head, sit on my shoulders and then be held down by a jacket."

More here.

Well, I hope that keeps you busy for a while.
Soon!

Vi-fail

2009-10-29T17:19:00.004Z

This new 'Viral' from the aptly named 'Try' agency in Oslo thinks it knows what it takes to make a viral, they're solution (like many before them) film a YouTube superstar!!!!

This time they've used Danny MacAskill the excellent BMX stunt dude. I remember this video cropping up over 4 years ago:

But now he is the victim, yes, VICTIM, of the Volkswagen Golf Estate ad:

Advertiser: Volkswagen
Brand: VW Golf Estate
Advertising agency: Try Oslo
Creative Directors: Petter Bryde, Thorbjørn Ruud
Art Director: Thorbjørn Ruud
Copywriter: Petter Bryde

It makes me physically sick that there's no idea behind this monstrosity of awesome skill. The line that attempts to pull it altogether 'suits every side of you', unlike Barclaycard's 'Life flows better' with Bill 'CRUTCH' Shannon's ad, has no frikkin relevance.

The two things we know about our protagonist is that he likes bikes but hates flies. And yes, the new roomy estate does easily fit Danny's BMX, but his aversion to flies is not considered at all when discerning his... 'sides'.

This ad has angered me so much I have created a new tag...

Badvertising!

Dead Fly Art

2009-10-29T13:46:00.005Z

This stuff is amazing!!!!
What is more amazing is how little every one knows about the artist, it's seems to be a Jeremy Clarkson style intro as they say he lives in Sweden and he makes art out of dead flies, all we know is... His name is Flychelangelo!

Well you're wrong Jeremy!!!
His name is Magnus Muhr (probably)
more here

Told you it was brilliant!

Pop-up Art

2009-10-27T15:30:00.002Z

If anyone has a small galleries worth of stuff to exhibit or a cool concept they can't wait to enact on an open space, look no further than our own back door:
Pop up opportunity on Old Street

Apply for the space available for the next 2.5 months!
Be there or Hoxton Square! (or something like that)

Slap Nick Griffin

2009-10-26T10:54:00.002Z

Anyone that saw question time the other day would agree that Nick Griffin (Chairman of the BNP) is not the most popular person in the world, in fact, I expect most people would probably want to give him a slap... Well they can!

This quick, quirky and clever little site allows users to back hand the bigot as many times as they like. There are all ready well over 6 MILLION slaps and I don't think it's quietening down.

So go on, give him a slap. You know you want to!

Slap Nick Griffin - Vote with the back of your hand

Augmented Reality: Cover story

2009-10-23T15:29:00.003+01:00

In this day and age of techno-wizardry it's hard not to see the bare essentials and mere basics as mundane. So, why not slap an AR code on every piece of paper, now that's A4.0!

Augmented Reality. from Moving Brands on Vimeo.

Check out the latest from the site and download the interactive front cover here.

SWEATSHOPPE, video painting

2009-10-23T12:38:00.002+01:00

As geek becomes more chic, art turns to technology.
Here's two guys who have discovered how to paint in video!

See below for the explanation on Vimeo and more links:

SWEATSHOPPE, 4spots, the landing extras from SWEATSHOPPE on Vimeo.

"In an effort to establish new platforms for public art and performance, the
multimedia duo SWEATSHOPPE has developed a new interactive technology that enables
them to explore the relationship between video, mark making and architecture. Dubbed
"video painting", this technology allows them to essentially "paint" video onto any
surface. Shooting in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, the duo spent weeks
documenting their work in urban settings to create "The Landing" the first in a
series of episodes that showcases their work as artist, technologist and performers.
This video shows 4 full uncut extra clips form the landing."

Sweatshoppe
MySpace
Bruno Levy

Incredible Cardboard

2009-10-19T18:12:00.003+01:00

Don't you just love it when new animators come onto the scene?

No? Well go and read another blog!

We're here to celebrate the coming of age of Sjors Vervoort a dutch artist that animates in stop motion, on pieces of card, in real surroundings.
Obviously people may cry Blu murder (if you'll pardon the pun), but every artist is influenced somehow and this is only his graduation piece.

So... Without further ado, I bring you... (Who said 'fire'???)

...CARDBOARD

Animation by Sjors Vervoort
Sound by Steven Aerts

As I'm sure you'll agree it is awesome!
I can't wait to see what other surprises he has on board.

The Expendables

2009-10-19T10:44:00.008+01:00

Here is the action movie of 2010! Bruce, Brad and Vin will have to take a back seat because next year belongs to these guys:

Oh, and I think Arnie may do a cameo.

The trailer wreaks of Stallone with obvious comparisons to the latest Rocky and Rambo films. But in all honesty I thought he has been doing a great job as a director and could well follow in the footsteps of Clint Eastwood and Mel Gibson.

The question is, can the human race cope with so much action in a single movie?

...I can't wait to find out!

Keep up to date with all the arse (sorry, ass) kicking action with this dedicated blogspot. Until then enjoy some more behind the scenes action!
What heroes!!!

Interactive projection

2009-10-16T15:06:00.002+01:00

This is amazing, I've just come across it and know nearly nothing about it, except...

It is an interactive projection that can judge your intentions from your mere movement and then react accordingly.

Sniff from karolina sobecka on Vimeo.

If anyone knows more please tell me!!!
I'm going hunting now.

The Edi-tours

2009-10-15T13:22:00.002+01:00

I've been following the editors for a long time now. But now you can follow them in a digital sense, on Google Street View.

Your browser does not support IFrames

I love it when bands get digital and now it's great to see one of my favourite bands joining the likes of Arcade fire, Gorillaz, Radiohead and the rest of the forward thinking elite.

Geek-Hop

2009-10-15T12:09:00.003+01:00

This Man:

And this instrument:

Equal a rappers delight!!!

Here's his website: Brett Domino

Free Beats

2009-10-14T17:12:00.001+01:00

I frikkin love this, so I don't care if you've seen it.
Peel back your eyes and watch it again!

Ahhh, now don't you feel better about life?

Assassi-mate

2009-10-14T16:04:00.001+01:00

Japan make an old idea a HIT!

I think Beadles about to turn in his grave.

Say CHEESE!!!! No it was a font!

2009-10-14T14:38:00.003+01:00

Now what was the web made for if not to waste time.
Oh no, I'm not talking porno nor techno (It is very rare we get to use the near extinct 'nor' so I hope you all enjoy it!), for this post we are merely talking fun!
Un-feta'd fromage fun!

See if you are the font of all knowledge!
See if you've got what it takes to be the big cheese!
See if you know your Typ-o-graphy to your type-o-brie!
See if... sorry, I'll stop:

Play 'Cheese or Font'

Might as well face it your addicted to Apps

2009-10-14T12:40:00.003+01:00

After the completion of over 600 levels on unblock-me I think it would be hypocritical not to put some credence into this report:

If you can't see it, click here.

I would stay and talk more about how iPhones and iPhone apps are improving our mobile tool kit and whether the benefits outweigh the social retardation that these devices might be causing. But I've just downloaded a new lighter, and I can't wait to see how it's improved!!!

Michael Jackson: This is it

2009-10-12T17:11:00.002+01:00

Michael Jackson released his latest single 'This is it' today for online users only. I hear it will soon be spread to Radio's throughout the globe. It is a soft return to what sounds similar to the early years, but all in all I think I like it.
(Although it does remind me of 3T's 'why', which was wet)

Can't wait to hear his next single!!!
What's that?
No he's not!

Really?
Oh...

VIDEOGIOCO

2009-10-12T15:10:00.002+01:00

You should full screen this for maximum viewing pleasure, but regardless whether you do or not, it's gonna be massive!

animation and concept by Donato Sansone
sound design by Enrico Ascoli

I love this animation, it's clearly becoming harder to invent something original and I think this smashes the nail on the head.
Awesome work, now we just wait for GoGurt to rip it off!

Retro retro Maan!

2009-10-12T15:02:00.002+01:00

The world continues to celebrate what is essentially old...

Well if you can't beat them, join them!
I've recently bored out my old pet turtle and am attempting to attach my new cat to the inner shell. I see why they tend to do these things with technology and not animals.

VW: Very Wholsome

2009-10-12T10:07:00.004+01:00

Last week someone showed me an initiative from Volkswagen involving some stairs and and a lino piano. I hear many of you screaming 'Big' at me, WELL BACK OFF MAAN! This is not an isolated bit of genius!
This morning I visited their hosting site The fun theory, and discovered the fun had just begun.

This was the musical staircase that got 66% more people choosing the stairs:

The bottomless dustbin that just made me have to blog it all:

And last, but I am sure not to be least...

A taste of things to come; The Empty Bottle Arcade:

So keep a keen eye on the site to see what the future has in store (Yes, that was meant in the double entendre VW are saving the world kinda way. Baby steps!).

The dog, the grape and the onion

2009-10-12T09:13:00.005+01:00

Here's two awesome videos that have uplifted my weekend:

The Onion compile irrefutable evidence to prove that smoking really does make you gay:

New Anti-Smoking Ads Warn Teens 'It's Gay To Smoke'

This Beefy Bulldog may have met his match as his attempts to devour a grape:

There was more, but I don't think y'all deserve it!

O.K. A late entry, but worth every agonising inch...

Fry does Jay Z:

a bit of fry and jay z from defyingdarwin on Vimeo.

New from Blu

2009-10-05T18:30:00.002+01:00

COMBO a collaborative animation by Blu and David Ellis (2 times loop) from blu on Vimeo.

A collaborative animation by Blu and David Ellis
year 2009
blublu.org
davidellis.org
produced by studio cromie
studiocromie.org
music by Roberto Lange
robertolange.com
made at Fame festival 2009
famefestival.it

Personally, I still prefer last years Muto by Blu. I think David Ellis's precisely crafted and vibrantly coloured designs, stand out too much from Blu's rough and almost eerie style.

Two YouTube videos and a motherfucking crossfader

2009-10-05T11:14:00.003+01:00

There are many reason s why I love this:
1) I can watch 2 of my favourite YouTube videos.
2) I can remix 2 of my favourite music videos.
3) I can remix 80's classic cartoons. (e.g. Teenage Mutant Ninja Care Bears)
4) I can fade Boris Johnsson's bumbling comments smoothly into one another.
5) And I can endure Sarah Silverman shorts by replacing the sound of her voice with a braying mule.

'Two YouTube videos and a motherfucking crossfader', the possibilities are endless.

Give it ago.
You know you want to!

AR-vatar

2009-10-05T10:06:00.004+01:00

I think it's easy to get complacent over technology whilst we sitting in a digital tower. Augmented Reality for many, and indeed the general public, is a new and exciting development, yet every digital head seems to poo poo and turn as if just having been presented with a turd on a platter when presented with a new AR idea.

Mattel have launched forward through this digital snobbery and released the first ever AR enhanced toys. It's a bit like Visionaries for us a children, someone always has to put the latest tech in a toy:

Remember these Nights of the Magical Light?

And so it has come to pass; Mattel have released a set of Avatar toys all with their own AR 'i-Tags'.

It looks pretty limited, but it's just a start.

Block-busters

2009-10-02T16:42:00.004+01:00

I recently saw this article in The Coolist about lego characters.

All created by 'Cube dudes' there are now over 120 of the little block heads on their Flickr page, have a Flickr through and let us know what your favourite is. With Aliens, Predators, Optimus, Nightcrawler, Batman, Boba and more, it is very hard to decide.

Superbad Cartoon

2009-10-02T16:09:00.001+01:00

My favourite scene in one of the funniest films of the last few years has been animated for your pleasure.

Animated by Steve Falzone using Flash CS3.

Superbad was produced by Judd Apatow and written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. THANKS for making the movie!

AI: Artificial insects

2009-10-02T13:56:00.002+01:00

Well the insects aren't artificial, but ironically the intelligence is.

Some mad scientist has wired up a beetle to enable controlled flight from the comfort of his personal computer.
Chucking pulses down 3 electrodes, implanted in the poor creatures brain and either wing, allows the user to control height and direction. Want to turn right? Just electrocute his left wing. It's kinda like rowing a boat, but instead of oars you've got a miniature cattle prod and instead of a boat, you've got a beetle.

Don't worry, the DIY kit (Direct Insects Yourself) will be available in all good toy stores before Christmas.

Find out more here.

New News Scientists?

2009-09-30T14:21:00.002+01:00

In a recent New Scientist article, more demonstrations of sewing flickr images together, wow! (NOT SARCASTIC! actual awe, well at least a little)
O.K. this may not be new, but f'ing love Photosynth and this is just another push at the boundaries of what could be possible.
Sameer Agarwal's team from the University of Washington in Seattle have created (among other things) a simulation of Rome.
Check out this short video, and then we'll talk some more:

Yeah, so that didn't tell you that much but here's a link!
Discover more @ New Scientist

There is one quote I'd like to pull out of the article that I think is a little eye opening:
"They hope the work will help us preserve and remember the beauty of today's cities for future generations to enjoy."

The Ronseal post

2009-09-30T11:55:00.001+01:00

Yup, this IS Seriously Randumb!

Enjoy!

Augmented My Box!

2009-09-29T20:37:00.003+01:00

If this doesn't make you week at the knees then you are officially not a geek. Congratulations!
For the rest of you...

Augmented Reality Texture Extraction Experiment from Lee Felarca on Vimeo.

It's crazy what they are doing these days, yesterday I heard a man used a computer as a sex doll and consequently died. It's a funny old world!

Transforming bipedal battlebots

2009-09-29T10:24:00.003+01:00

Meet OmniZero.9 the new bitch slapping robot set to defeat all other Robots at this years Robo one competition. (Yes a real robot face-off without the annoying Scouser!)

But this self praising Robot could not scratch his nuts without raising his arms for a round of applause. GET OVER YOUR SELF!

But what could be better than having your very own Transformer...

Having 2 and making them fight!!!

GO GO!!!!
I feel it's a little unfair towards the little dude who's only transformation seems to be from a standing to a crouched position.

Sent from my iPhone

2009-09-28T12:03:00.002+01:00

Just checking out the jazz with some latest pics.

The Psychic showdown was won by my Sky box, who correctly predicted Derren's outcome.

An ambient art piece by Robert Simpkins joins his 'keep Britain foolish' collection.

O.K. That works!

Sent from my iPhone

Vocoding

2009-09-25T18:04:00.006+01:00

OK, now this is wicked.
In short, it re-tunes your vocals.
In more depth watch this:

(don't, it's boring)

But when you have mastered the art, look what you can do:

Schmoyoho have a few of these and their quite good.

I've already seen this used in a commercial sense, but God damn it, it was so spot on, I can't be mad.
Check out 'Jigsaw your voice' :

Are you for real?

2009-09-21T18:38:00.006+01:00

This month, a lot of amazing artists have sprung up with one thing in common... Realism!

After I went mental for pencil thanks to Paul Lungs feline phenomenons, people couldn't help but offer me other near realistic artistic interpretations.

Here's a compilation of cats by Paul Lung:

Then followed a range artistic techniques from brushes to biro's.
But the artist that really stopped me in my tracks was Alyssa Monks.
Her combination of oil on linen would have been breathtaking enough, but a she managed to take it a stage further when she turned on the water works.

Pause 16x20, oil on panel, 2009

Smirk 48x64, oil on linen, 2009

Weight 42x56, oil on linen, 2007

Immersion 42x56, oil on linen, 2006

The Race 72x96, oil on linen, 2007

Tug of War 64x86, oil on linen, 2007

Told you it was amazing!

Sensitive business cards

2009-09-17T15:38:00.003+01:00

In this over crowded, over creative world, it becomes constantly harder to stand out from th crowd.
Whether you are the next apprentice or a graphic designer, you'll now be expected to go that extra mile.
This truth has always been, and probably always will, but it has never been more obvious than in business cards. I remember the scene from American Psycho when one colleague silences a room by revealing his card to be 'eggshell with romalian type', yup you all know what I'm talking about.
Well... just look how the game has stepped up:

Heat sensitive cards that reset with a flick of the wrist.
Suck on that Patrick Bateman!

Kanya interrupts your website

2009-09-17T14:55:00.005+01:00

The now famed phrase 'imma let you finished' has gone hugely viral since Kanye's outburst at the MTV awards.

Now there are many Kanye parodies, one of my favourites being the declaration of independance:

Along side these has appeared a website, allowing users to interrupt any web page they like, to point out their shortcomings in comparison with a superior site. E.g.

Times are card

2009-09-16T13:36:00.005+01:00

In these financially troubling times... how the hell is everyone buying up iPhones as if they were half priced hot cakes.
Bearing this in mind, case mate were fully aware accessories may have to take a back seat. So they came up with this!

The Case-Mate iPhone 3G/3Gs recession case

"Tough times call for tough cases and that's where the recession case comes in! The recession case lets you keep cash in your pocket without sacrificing on unique design for your beloved iPhone! But just in case one isn't enough we have the BAILOUT BUNDLE - 10 cases for $7.99! We are now offering FREE “Sharpie Script “personalization on the recession case! Just leave “Albertus Medium” selected and you will get your very own personalized recession case! If ordering a bundle we will personalize the first case."

Comedy gold, and if you go to the site you read their fun and informative Q&A's, including:
"Q) Can I use this case to microwave my frozen pizzas?
A) I dont see why not, although we cant insure quality taste"

Augmenting Google Maps

2009-09-16T11:46:00.003+01:00

Augmenting Google Maps | Dom O'Brien | Innovation Scrapbook
Academics at the Georgia Institute of Technology have created an ‘as live’ version of Google Earth in which cars travel on motorways, people play in parks and shops and offices are open for business.

The technology (displayed in this video which manages to make something exciting seem rather dull) could herald a wave of new marketing opportunities for companies looking to promote their range of services.

Shopping centres, theme parks, high street shops and car manufacturers could potentially use the technology to showcase their wares in a life-like scenario.

The technology is still at an early stage but will be the subject of a thesis by academics of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Shared via AddThis

INCREDIBOX

2009-09-16T11:13:00.004+01:00

Create your own tunes with this incredible beatboxing website!

Hmm, incredible... beatbox... OH I GET IT NOW!

Enjoy
Incredibox

The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus

2009-09-15T14:35:00.003+01:00

The film Heath Ledger was making during his death is soon to be released, 'The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus':

Nearly doomed by the death of the star, 3 friends stepped up to fill in for the rest of his role.
We miss you Heath!!!!

THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS, starring Heath Ledger, Christopher Plummer, Verne Troyer, Andrew Garfield, Lily Cole and Tom Waits, with Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law. Directed by Terry Gilliam, the film is written by Terry Gilliam and Charles McKeown.

Nike Pro Combat TV Ad

2009-09-15T11:23:00.003+01:00

David Fincher's latest ad.
I'm unsure, I mean it looks cool but WTF?

Agency: Wieden + Kennedy, Portland
Client: Nike
Creative Director: Jeff Williams
Creative Director: Alberto Ponte
Art Director: James Moslander
Producer: Jeff Selis
Executive Creative Director: Mark Fitzloff
Executive Creative Director: Susan Hoffman
Agency Executive Producer: Ben Grylewicz
Production Company: Anonymous Content
Director: David Fincher

News at a glance

2009-09-14T14:41:00.002+01:00

Some amazing art direction for the Moscow news, such a shame about the weak line.

Google Monopoly

2009-09-14T14:24:00.003+01:00

Hasbro brings Monopoly into the digital age!

Monopoly City Streets

Rubik's cool: TV ad

2009-09-14T11:57:00.002+01:00

Agency: Kempertrautmann gmbh
Client: Audi AG
Brand: Audi A4 2.0 TDI
Production: Markenfilm
Director: Carl Erik Rinsch
Copywriter: Willy Kaussen
Art Director: Frank Bannöhr
Creative Director: Tobias Ahrens
Creative Director: Willy Kaussen
Creative Director: Frank Bannöhr

Misney Mash-ups

2009-09-04T11:13:00.006+01:00

The recent merger of Disney and Marvel has meant a lot of things to a lot of people (Thankfully Stan Lee seems pleased). To me... it meant Mash-up Mania!!!!
I haven't found as many as I'd hoped, but here are some of my faves:

More to be found at Screen Junkies.

You Jessops!

2009-09-03T15:04:00.005+01:00

Jessops sees the singular most Viral photo of the year as a horrid mistake!

We all like to be the first to the latest viral, news story or gadgetry, but how damning is not understanding your audience?
As the world fell in love with this opportunist rodent, the 'ermm' clever people at TBWA in Manchester were already planning how to turn it in their favour. Their solution, label it as a mistake that the world could do without. Their headline reads 'If only they'd gone to Jessops', if only the fucking creatives had gone to fucking Specsavers, they would have seen what a charming little chap they were about to condemn.

BOO JESSOPS!
YAY QUEEN!

The Joined Up Company

2009-09-03T13:37:00.003+01:00

I've just been a talk given by Jan and Julian from The Joined Up Company. It was a truly inspirational talk full of some great creative. Here are just some of the things they showed us:

Puma - X-ray players

Check out 'My Cock'

2009-09-03T11:13:00.003+01:00

Courtesy of Fail Blog

The Gerenuk

2009-09-03T10:25:00.003+01:00

This strange but instantly amusing creature was posted today on 'Fuck you Penguin'. A hilarious blog that shines the cold light of day on any image that the public may deem as 'cute'. If you haven't read it, you must check it out! If you've already been there a done that, get the FU T-shirt.

Sports Pong

2009-09-03T10:05:00.004+01:00

Absolutely loving this!

Place a couple of sticks on your feet and you could be a paddle. Oh, that doesn't sound too great, but LOOK!!!

3 vs 2 Rorschach kids… from Sportpong on Vimeo.

Every time someone has a new method of interactive gaming, we experience the return of pong. But of course it is simply awesome and I can't wait to see how this project projects itself into the future. HA!
Bring on Tetris, Frogger, (Snake may not translate this time).

sportspong.ch

BMW Concept Car

2009-09-02T16:06:00.007+01:00

The Vision EfficientDynamics Concept
(Catchy title!)

I'm not going to pretend I know the first thing about cars, but look how fecking cool this fucker is!

You can even stand by it!

I also think they've been using these cars in the Tron remake...

Look at those FX!!!

Was ist die Story

2009-09-02T11:58:00.003+01:00

That clever little Hitler is so quick with his Virals. He has already made a video about the very sad but well over due Oasis split.

Luckily I got to see Oasis this year, I know I said I don't like them, but I don't.
Although it was good seeing them at Heaton Park in their hometown Manchester, but it were the fans that really carried the performance. The entire place erupted in swinging arms, dragging knuckles and 20,000 people slurring the horrible drone that is any Oasis record (please, it has been playing since '91).
What can I say... it was AMAZING!

Back to the point, good work Hitler!

Paul Lung

2009-09-02T09:20:00.008+01:00

Words can not describe the graphite realism that is betrayed in Paul Lungs art. But if they did they'd probably say Walrus! I told you they couldn't describe it, what were you expecting?
Just look on in wonder as we browse a selection of his impossible not photo's.

The London Metro quotes:
'Each one will take about 40 to 60 hours and I will draw when I get back from the office after work for about three to four hours a day.

'Most of my drawing size are A2 size and all done using a 0.5mm technical pencil. I like graphite realism drawing because I can use just one single pencil to create millions of different textures.'

http://www.mdolla.com/2009/04/illustrations-by-paul-lung-42-pc.html

A Marvellous tag game

2009-09-01T15:53:00.003+01:00

I've been waiting for such an application since these clever young inventors did this:

Both amazing... I want to play!

Old Spice: Scents for Gents

2009-09-01T09:16:00.003+01:00

This intelligently instructed ad really works at getting to know their target audience. An audience of MEN!

AGENCY: Wieden + Kennedy, Portland
CLIENT: Old Spice
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Mark Fitzloff
EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Susan Hoffman
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Jason Bagley
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Eric Baldwin
ART DIRECTOR: Craig Allen
COPYWRITER: Eric Kallman

Cool Play: Strawberry Swing

2009-08-28T13:05:00.007+01:00

Yes, it is Coldplay. No, I'm not a big fan, but I thought this video was really clever, some great perspective and intricate animation. It does beg the question... How much was post-production?

Also, it made me wonder what would be possible if we just incorporated some of the outstanding work by Julian Beever:

More work by Beever

I just called to say 'where are you?'

2009-08-28T11:27:00.003+01:00

Stevie's Twitter

This has made my morning!

The Descent 2

2009-08-27T17:37:00.003+01:00

I loved the first film, written and directed by our very own Neil Marshall. But this new, down with the kids, text speak version... 'The De2cent', has got a lot to prove.

This is Jon Harris's first directorial outing as far as I know, although he has had a hand in a couple of my past film favourites (Editor on Snatch, Layer Cake and of course The Descent). I am reliably informed that Mr Marshall will keep a keen eye over the production and also throw in a few ideas, but it's not his film.
Shame.

Ong Bak 2

2009-08-27T15:48:00.002+01:00

I LOVED the first film and can't wait!

ONG BAK 2 - Premieres on VOD Sept. 25th and In Theatres Oct 23rd

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

2009-08-27T15:18:00.004+01:00

BBC have started their twisted nature series 'Walk on the Wild Side'. Jason Manford and a host load of others lend their vocal talents to vast array of different animal species. It's as if Nick Park and David Attenborough had somehow mated and produced a TV series instead of a child.

Here's a taster. (not of the conception)

Enjoy!!!
Personally, I haven't stopped laughing.

"ALAN!!!"
"ALAN!!"
"AL!!!"
"ALAN!!"
"ALAN!"

Things I loved today!!!

2009-08-26T18:05:00.003+01:00

There were so many:

BEER... OK, just beer and these:
SAS Globe of Fortune
Objects in my house
And
Net Buzz

Inglourious Plummer

2009-08-26T17:36:00.003+01:00

I don't think that this is the best movie mash-up or piss-take trailer, but I'd like to see you try it!

Please send your mash-up attempts to www.youtube.com.
If they're any good, I'm sure we'll see them.

Now... lets-a-go!