LATEST ACCESSORY THE iPad? PLUS iPad ACCESSORIES?
With much light shed on the recent release of Apple's iPad, I've come to question how revolutionary the tool is. So far, we've gone from desktops, to laptops, to smartphones or other hand held devices.
With the idea of technology only getting smaller, I wonder how this step up in size affects the direction in technology. Sure, it's revolutionary, and the uses for the iPad are probably endless. I wouldn't know, I mean I've been reluctant to give in to the Apple brand until as of late so looking up the perks hasn't been a priority. But the flat, thin, barely-10-inch device does not appeal to me.
The evolution of technology is amazing, and I just find having to sell and addition keyboard or an addition stand/protector is back tracking a little bit. (I just had an awkward thought of the iPad having one of those attached fold-out stands you find in traditional picture frames... That was awkward and embarrassing.)
Am I being a little green? Hesistant? Closed minded? Let me know, I'm open to your opinions!
Labels: accessories, Apple, iPad, technology
MEETING POSTPONED... I MEAN CANCELLED
If anyone knows me, and how much I love the perks of my job, they'd know that Aritzia graciously hosts general staff meetings twice a year to inform their staff of the season's productivity, the upcoming plans for the year, and the upcoming season's fashion (through a very entertaining fashion show). They also present awards for workmanship, style and high sales.
Above is a picture of a few of my store at the GSM this past summer in Vancouver. My store belongs to the WEST district, in which we fly a number of our staff to Vancouver overnight to participate in the meeting. Since working at Aritzia, I have been given the privliege to attend every meeting since we've opened.Due to our company's dedication to the Olympics, our meeting has been cancelled. At first I was completely upset and aggrivated, and I voiced my opinions quite vocally to my store manager. Then I realized how rude I was being. Our company is an active part in something so historical. It is rare to be able to take part in such an opportunity. In addition, in times of a recovery from the economic recession, it only makes sense to be weary of our budgets.
Aritzia is a Canadian company, and has been very successful from this point. They've even generously invited me to work for them during the Olympics - covering my air, hotel and food expenses. I realize that I've been way to greedy, and in terms of any job or career for that matter, you have to support the decisions of what you're working for. Nothing else would make me more upset then going day by day at a job you truly dislike.
So if you hear me complaining about my job at all, tell me to shut up. Remind me that I should be grateful. Inform me about my greedyness. I can take it. Thanks.
Labels: Aritzia, The Olympics, Vancouver
FROM CREATIVE WRITING TO CREATIVE THINKING
Just recently, in Creative Writing class, my fellow CreComm students and myself were given a survey to fill that mainly focused on creative outlets and what we've experienced lately. Questions ranged from the last books we've read, to the last video games we've played, to the last movies we've watched and so on and so forth.
The survey made me feel, for lack of a better word, embarrassed. Although I see myself as a person who regularly "ingests" creativity, I haven't found myself doing it lately.
The survey got me thinking, and I believe it helped make me realize that to be able to explore your own creative thinking, you have to explore creativity on its own. I've noticed that especially in my Creative Writing class, I will litterally be on a writer's block for hours upon hours or even days upon days, due to the lack of creative stimulation.
Lately, I've been so busy, the last book I was in the process of reading now lays dust-ridden on my bed-side table (And I haven't read it in so long, I'll need to start from the beginning to remind myself of the actual story). I haven't watched a new movie in months, and my classic favorites are usually on repeat and in the background if I need some "T.V. music" while doing homework. T.V. itself has been a loss for me, as I consume mindless reality television, like Jersey Shore, or The Real World only, once again, as a background filler late at night when I have to stay up late and do homework. If anything, my only newest T.V. exploration has been that of glee, in which now I want to include a musical twist into everything I compose. Lastly, I never realized but I've only liked video games I know I'm good at - that'd be the beat-stricken type games where "musicality" and timing coming into play. I've never really taken the opportunity to explore and learn a completely new concept video game.
I write this as a promise to myself: to experience more creative things. With being so busy, I never thought that missing out on these things would affect me, but it definitely has. Already, I've made time to see a movie this Sunday! Who knew that refreshing the creative thinking process would be so fun?
Labels: Creative Writing, glee, Jersey Shore, The Real World, writer's block
IN THE CHAMBER 2010: LAST MEN
Upon entering the Rachel Browne Theatre, I was a little hesitant about the play we were assigned to watch last Friday. The play, entitled In The Chamber 2010: Last Men, is the fifth of a collective series. It was made up of two separate monologues, each lasting about an hour. Although the settings and characters are different between the two, the context is relatively the same. Both focus on the Human Factor Analysis, and the inner struggle with one's self.The first half was titled Last Man in Krakendorf, performed by Gordon Tanner. This would have to be the one I enjoyed the most. Tanner depicts a man fed up wit his current life, and the position he currently holds, being a complete bystander (and even in some ways accomplice) to a hog barn fire. The monologue develops, first, as a video presentation to his boss in order to reflect change in his company. With each slide, however, he discovers more and more about himself. Each slide of his presentation becomes a revelation of his true identity.
I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. Tanner successfully captures the audience's attention, performing a monologue with various points of struggle and tension. I believe I enjoyed this more for the sole purpose that it seemed more relatable. I'm pretty sure we've all had a moment where we've looked back and haven't been proud of our behaviours. You don't need to necessarily go out of your way to participate in "bad" acts, but does it help if all we do is stand by? Tanner realises this, and in effort to produce change, he makes the video - and beats a guy up to a bloody pulp. Regardless, I found the first half completely entertaining.
The second half, Last Man in Puntarenas was performed by Steven Ratzlaff. Ratzlaff is accompanied by Tanner on stage, although he doesn't talk until nearly the end. Ratzlaff, however, entertains his guests at his retirement party (symbolized by balloons). He discusses the loss of his son, the end of his marriage, and his involvement in the sex trade industry. With each disturbing revelation, the balloons were comically untied off the chairs and walked off stage.
Although, also, a piece of self reflection and struggle, I failed to receive the piece as I did Tanner's. Ratzlaff is a brilliant actor, able to even bring the balloons to life solely with his interaction, but due to a lot of the context of his speech and personal experiences, I was unable to relate. It did, however, make me feel like one of his guests. Uncomfortable and awkward, and all I wanted to do was be taken away. I say this in the most respectable way, of course. The piece was supposed to make someone open their eyes and feel disturbed by the actions of even the people we think we know. Ratzlaff's example would be, for one, feeling sexually attracted to a few of his high school students.
Regardless, the actors were brilliant. They successfully told their stories, and were able to reveal an extensive background leading up to their scenes. What's additionally impressive is the fact that each of the actors had 3 weeks to produce this performance. Cheers to Tanner and Ratzlaff - they were great.
OBAMA FOR WEATHERPROOF
Obama is the new face of Weatherproof outerwear... too bad he didn't know it! In a recent article from The Associated Press, President Barack Obama became a presidential pitchman Wednesday on a Times Square billboard for the line, but his photo was used without permission. A spokesperson of The White House said Wednesday that it will ask Weatherproof to remove the billboard. This is because the ad misleads by suggesting it was approved by Obama or the White House, which has a long-standing policy disapproving of the use of Obama's name and likeness for commercial purposes.
Read the complete article here, President as pitchman: Obama image used in ad.Labels: advertising, President Barack Obama, Weatherproof
PARKLIFE FOR ARITZIA
Requested by the Olympic Committee, Aritzia's product and design team was selected to design certain uniforms for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Although small, the Canadian-born company has designed the uniforms for the "flower presenters" - the ones who hold the medals and present the flowers to the event winners on the podium.
As part of this effort, Aritzia developed the brand PARKLIFE, a line completely dedicated to the 2010 Olympics. The line has been exclusive to Aritzia stores for a few years now, and with the Olympics right around the corner, product and brand development has grown.
Sadly, there was one snag to a specific item featured in the brand. Visit your local Aritzia and you will see that the PARKLIFE brand has a dedication to the history of the Olympics. One way this is displayed is by the many designs of knee-high gym socks. Each individually sold pair is a different colour and has a different design dedicated to different Olympic Games ie. Calgary, Salt Lake City, and of course, Vancouver.
If you didn't notice, YES, there it is. An auto-fail spelling error, in which the "U" was left out of "VANCOUVER." The admirable and surprising thing that the company has done was immediately changed the production of the socks, but they have not decided to pull the specific pair of gym socks off the floor. So if you're on the look for an even more of a special purchase to commemorate the 2010 Olympic Games grab a pair of discontinued socks! They sure are special!