Podcasts- who needs the music?

For those who don't know what podcasts are, they are pretty much radio without the music. They are perfect to listen to in the car, sat on the train or just lying in bed. Some make you laugh, some teach you things you didn't know and some are awful. I've compiled a list of my favourite podcasts that are definitely worth a listen.

Desert Island Discs

The Desert Island Discs podcast archives are simply brilliant. Years of well known people choosing their eight favourite songs, a book and a luxury item. It is fascinating to hear the songs chosen by celebrities. For instance, Simon Cowell believes Bobby Darin's 'Mack the Knife' is one of the greatest songs ever sung and Jewish comedian, Jackie Mason was captivated by Susan Boyle's 'I dreamed a dream'. These podcasts play little snippets of the songs due to legal reasons but that's perfect, especially if you don't like the song. Kirsty Young is fantastic interviewer and brings out the incredibly interesting stories of the castaways. James Corden, Emma Thompson, Alan Ahlberg, Whoopi Goldberg and Betty Driver are just a few of the exceptional podcasts. One learns about depression, troubled childhoods and heartwarming stories. My Dad even adapted the Desert Island Discs format into a dinner party, where people choose their eight favourite songs. These are then put on in the background and people can discuss the songs if they wish. These podcasts invite you into the lives of the rich and famous, intriguing and interesting. Download a few of your favourite celebs and see what they like to listen to.

Photo from Times Literary Supplement

Frank Skinner on Absolute Radio

I think Frank Skinner to be one of the funniest and quickest comedians there is. Skinner is part of trio that makes for a hilarious twice-weekly podcast. Emily Dean joins Skinner and provides a snobbish but often humorous outlook on life. Describing her obscure crushes, such as the son of John Darwin, the canoe man who faked his death or comedian, Miles Jupp. The final cog in the trio is comedian, Alun Cochrane. I've seen him do stand up several times and he's very funny so I was thrilled when he joined the show. Providing grumpy observations, Cochrane is great addition to the show. The three of them discuss their experiences in the week, what's annoying them and what's happening on TV. Full of puns, sharp wit and often brutally honest chat, I always look forward to its release.

Podcast Directory

Scott Mills Daily

I often find it hard to keep up with these podcast as they are release on every weekday but they are always worth a listen. Scott Mills is for me the best dj on Radio One and works well with his sidekick Beccy and Chris. Regular interviews with popstars, funny games and silly chat can see time pass away very quickly. The game Innuendo Bingo is also great fun, where listeners send in innuendo from TV and radio. Chris and Beccy have to fill their mouths with water and try not to laugh at the innuendos. Great fun and easy to listen to.

Radio Four News Quiz

Host Sandi Toksvig chairs are topical news quiz with some of the best comedians around. Jeremy Hardy and Andy Hamilton are regulars, who provide arguably a radio version of 'Have I Got News For You'. Only half an hour long, this provides a brilliant witty view of the weeks news.

BBC Podcasts

Mountains, Wine and Paradise

As my previous posts have shown, Sydney is a fantastic, vibrant city but there is so much more to Australia. In the past I've been lucky enough to visit all the major Australian cities and sights such as the Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock and even Ramsey Street. This time I had the pleasure of visiting three very different places: mountains, vineyards and paradise.

Blue Mountains

The first time I visited the Blue Mountains I cracked my head open. I stuck my head between two railings and forgot there was one above me. I lifted my head and bam cracked my head open on the metal bar. Luckily I came away injury free this time. Located a couple hours outside of Sydney, the Blue Mountains provide a perfect escape from the bustling city. Breathtaking vistas, such as the Three sisters, forests and waterfalls provide an awe inspiring landscape. There are also  quaint towns such as Blackheath and Leura, with traditional high streets, it really felt like I'd travelled back in time. Any visitor to Sydney should seriously consider a day trip to the mountains. The fresh air, the spectacular views and homely towns provide a refreshing alternative to the urban jungle of Sydney.

The Hunter Valley

This was a real treat. Again a two hour bus ride from Sydney, North to a beautiful area of vineyards and kangaroos. We enjoyed an organised tour around some of boutique vineyards of the Hunter Valley. Tasting at least five wines at each of the wineries, you could easily feel a little drunk if you drank every single one. Luckily for those you didn't like you can pour it away in the spitoon. Semillion and Shiraz were consumed an awful lot as the Hunter Valley is renowned for these two wines. Kangaroos were seen. One sommelier even gave us a rendition of Gershwin's 'Summertime'.  A fantastic day out whether you like wine or not. 

Hamilton Island, The Whitsunday Islands

Hamilton Island is the closest place to paradise I've been to. I went to the Thai islands last summer and I much prefer Hamilton. Not Gap Year trodden. Full of exotic birds, sandy beaches and a marina, dotted with restaurants and small shops. Another bonus, this is purely a golf cart island. Two and half hour flight from Sydney you arrive to your own golf buggy and zip around the roads like your in a real life version of Mario Karts. Flight and boat trips take you to the Great Barrier Reef or as we did to the stunning Whitehaven Beach. Always in the top ten beaches in the world, the whitest purest sand. If I was on desert island I hope it would have a beach like this. 7km of unspoilt beauty. One drawback: we had to wear stinger suits in the sea. Subsequently, we looked more like power rangers than tourists. Nevertheless, I didn't want to get stung by a jellyfish so I donned the tight, bright yellow suit and resembled a dishevelled teletubby. The view from our apartment was one of the best I've ever seen and we even had cockatoo who dropped in many times to squawk "hello". I can live with that.  I've seen paradise and I like it. 

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Sydney- a city like no other

Back in England. It's cold. It's raining. I've got the holiday blues. Sydney provided so many memories and photos, I really feel there is no city like it anywhere in the world. Amazing food, boundless entertainment opportunities and a stunning harbour, Sydney is a city I cannot wait to visit again. This article explores some of things I did whilst in the city, including a few of my own snaps.

Spit Bridge to Manly walk

Sydney is full of beautiful walks and this is supposedly one of the best. It didn't disappoint. Starting at Spit Bridge, which joins the North Shore area of Sydney to the Northern Beaches, including Manly, Curl Curl and Dee Why. Snaking along the coast, the trail takes you around quiet inlets with crystal clear waters and bobbing yachts. The walk then ventures into the bush and you'd have no idea you are so close to a city. Views across the to Balmoral, Watson's Bay and the city are with you for a lot of the walk, meaning there are plenty of photo opportunities. The final stretch of the walk offers a view of Manly, a buzzing town with a long sandy beach. Back to the city on the famous Manly Ferry. This is a fantastic walk and takes around three and a half fours. It offers a different scenic route to the well known tourist traps closer to the city.

La Traviata

Now I've always been a bit skeptical of Opera. Not now. Verdi's tragic La Traviata was performed in Sydney Harbour with astounding views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Under the stars, with an iconic backdrop, it would be an understatement to say the Opera was atmospheric. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs MacQuaries Chair and the waters of Syndey Harbour provided a captivating outdoor theatre. Familiar melodies and even subtitles provided a fantastic experience. A tragic story, phenomenal singing and stunning fireworks made La Traviata a true spectacle. This was the first Opera put on in the harbour by HANDA and I hope it isn't the last.

Coogee Beach

I was told by someone that Coogee was "interesting". They said it a way that wasn't good, a euphemism for awful perhaps. Well this person clearly hadn't beent there or was too quick to judge. Full of coffee shops, fashionable restaurants and a stunning sandy beach. Just a few bays south of Bondi Beach, I feel that Coogee is the best beach I came across. Bondi itself is arguably quite tacky and thronged with people. Coogee has the perfect balance, a great atmosphere but not too busy, close to restaurants and easy to get too. A walk from Coogee to Bondi showed the power of the sea as several of the beaches prohibited swimming, including Bondi. Coogee is relatively safe, with fun but often powerful waves. My final day included a visit to Coogee Beach, the waters were ridiculously clear, the water refreshing and the beach buzzing with families. There was even a sea swimming competition around Wedding Cake Island. Underrated Coogee is certainly interesting, in a good way.

Sydney Fish Market

This may seem odd but I don't particularly like fish but the fish market is a must. A bustling experience, admiring the catches of the day. Oysters everywhere, calamari, crabs, lobsters and sea urchin roe. An assault on the senses.

The centre of Syndey is fantastic, whether shopping in the Queen Victoria Building, catching a ferry from Circular Quay or enjoying some seafood in Darling Habour. Explore further from the CBD and you''ll find even more exciting experiences.

My next post will look at places further afield from Sydney, so make sure you visit soon.

Sydney- the best city in the world? Part One

It's hot. There is a beach five minutes walk away. It's beautiful. It's littered with iconic landmarks. It's Sydney. I am currently on holiday visiting my sister in Sydney, Australia and what a city it is. I have been several times before and have come to the conclusion that Sydney is a serious contender for the greatest city in the world. What makes it so special? Here are few suggestions and some pictures I have taken that I feel show off one of the greatest city in the world.

Beaches


I cannot think of a city anywhere in the world that has such quick access to so many wonderful beaches.The other day I walked several of the Eastern suburb beaches, from Coogee to the infamous Bondi Beach. A dramatic coastline, with plunging cliffs and crystal blue water make for an idyllic walk. Nonetheless, one can also see mother nature's power as waves kept pushing a lady against a rock or marooning people away from the beach with lifeguards continually shouting, "Swim round to Bronte mate". This trip has certainly taught me that the sea can be scary. That aside, the beaches her are amazing, golden sands and of course a paradise for surfers. Further up the coast, Manly, Curl Curl and Dee Why are also fantastic beaches so Sydney residents are spoilt for choice. If you favour smaller waves there are also calm beaches within Sydney Harbour, such as Balmoral. The choices for sunbathing and swimming spots are endless.

Bronte and Tamarama Beach

Views

Sydney is full of iconic scenes and of course at the top of the list is the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. When one first thinks of Sydney it is these two sights you think of the most. Whilst they are amazing and everytime I see them I am still in awe, there are so many more sights to see. Sydney's skyline itself is incredibly impressive, with the Syndey Tower standing tall. Arguably, the skyscrapers are a little dated and don't have the modern feel of London's Gherkin or the stylish Chrysler Building in New York.

Taken from near Watson's Bay

Nonetheless, with the skyline in the same view of Sydney harbour,  alongside the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, this view is unbelievable. It seems wherever you look there is a view to be admired.

Taken from Blue Point on the North Shore

There are stunning sights to see away from the city centre, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour. These include the Pine lined, Manly Beach, the former fishing village of Watson's Bay and the nature reserve of Gordon's Bay. Nature alone or combined with man work to create some of the best views I have ever seen.

I'll be writing several more posts on why Sydney is such a brilliant city, so make sure to visit soon. For now follow me on Twitter by clicking here.

Social Media and Newspapers- A twist on a tale

Newspapers have certain stigmas attached to them. The Daily Mail perceived to be bemoaning everything wrong with Britain. The Sun renowned for page 3. The News of the World obviously destroyed its reputation with the phone hacking scandal. Murdoch subsequently launched The Sun on Sunday but this could arguably be perceived as a rebranding of The News of the World, and thus have a negative stigma still attached. I was watching the TV the other day and was intrigued by the new Guardian advert. Incredibly peculiar but also very clever, this is an advert that shows off the various facets of a modern day  Guardian newspaper. An invitation for the public to interact with the news.



This advert highlights the mutli-scalar brand of the Guardian but it does this through the use of a well known children's story. The advert depicts the "Three Little Pigs' as if their plight is a news story. Not only is this quite funny and clever but it is very different. Created by BBH London, this invites the audience into a familiar childhood story but told in a modern setting. Nonetheless, it doesn't simply raise a smile, it educates its audience and urges them to get involved. Open journalism.

Newspaper Headline

There is no doubt that technology has completely revolutionised the way we see the news. Social media and smartphones have created the notion of citizenship journalism, allowing normal members of the public to get involved. The Guardian advert takes the audience on a journey of a news story. Starting with  the police raiding the pig's house whilst shouting, "Little pig, little pig let us in", this creates an incredibly surreal scene and thus immediately grabs the viewers attention. The advert then cuts to a woman in her home watching the news story unfold on her laptop. Subsequently, this illuminates the ability to access news online through The Guardian website. Newspapers aren't just something that are delivered every morning.

The woman then interacts with the news story using the comments page found at the bottom of most articles but also other people's voices are then heard. This shows that any member of the public can have their say on the matter, also advocating the use of twitter, using the tag #opennews.  French and American voices are heard commenting on this news story, suggesting that this open journalism is a international matter as well. This cacophony of voices illustrates how the Guardian interacts with so many people, it's a two way relationship between the newspaper and the public. Text graphics continue to show the public's opinions and there is even reference to a poll. 

The Three Little Pigs

This emphasis on sites such as Youtube and Twitter show how important social media has become in the world of news and the Guardian are recognising this. The advert then twists the traditional three little pigs story suggesting they framed the wolf. Video simulations of the Guardian website suggest the big bad wold had asthma and thus couldn't blow the houses down. Not only is there an education on how viewers can interact with the news but the advert creates a plot that is different and thus intrigues viewers. It then arguably relates this back to the modern day credit crunch stating that the pigs framed the wolf to get insurance money as they were in debt.

Pig arrested

I have read that some believe that this parody is patronising and not serious. I would challenge this, it is different and they've used a familiar tale to relate to the everyday person, including those who are not Guardian readers. So often adverts are too serious, they don't engage with the audience. Humour can so often be a great way to make an advert memorable. Simply look at McCann Manchester's Aldi tea advert, winning various advertising awards.

 Clever, different and funny, the Guardian advert shows the important relationship between the news and social media nowadays and how easy it is for the public to interact. The website, an iPad, Twitter, Youtube and the newspaper itself, all displayed, to show how The Guardian provides, in their words, the "whole picture'.

The Power of Literature

Some people see reading as boring. A chore. A waste of time. I believe in the antithesis. Reading has the power to educate, illuminate and excite. It can teach people lessons and morals without them even realising. There is something for everyone inviting us to let our imaginations run wild. Books can stay with you for a long time providing an escape to another world from the stresses of everyday life. I have always loved reading and can rely on books to cheer me up, taking me away from the stress of university work. I recently encountered a wonderful charity, The Reader Organisation who aim to bring about a reading revolution. The organisation have numerous 'get into reading' projects across the world, in which they bring reading aloud into hospitals, schools, mental health centres and various other locations.  Their ethos and philosophy sets out to:

"...promote reading literature as a vital life skill, to give everyone the confidence and ability to find pleasure in reading to bring attention to the power of reading in contributing to personal and social wellbeing."

Everything about their mission is positive, using reading to bring about happiness. Visit their website to learn even more about the reading revolution and their phenomenal projects involving reading aloud: The Reader Organisation

The Reader Organisation

Their passion about the power of books led me share a few of my favourite books. They aren't necessarily all classics but they are all captivating in a different way.

1: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

For me there has never been a book that beats this. I studied it at GCSE and so often studying a book in such depth can ruin it. Certainly not in this case. Lee creates the greatest fictional hero in Atticus Finch, a man with some of the wisest words ever spoken. Set in the segregated Deep South of the USA, Atticus defends a black man accused of rape. He raises his children Jem and Scout who are intrigued by the mysterious figure of their neighbour, Boo Radley. This novel shows one man's bravery to go against the norm, who shows you "Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand". Lee perfects the innocence of childhood as the whole story is told through the eyes of 6 year old, Scout Finch and delivers one of my favourite lines in literature:

I don't want to give away anymore if you haven't read this book. If you haven't read it, go out and get it. Full of morals, laughter and emotion, this is literature at its finest.

2. Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer

I bought this book from a charity shop as I heard someone say it was very good. It sat on my shelf in my room untouched whilst I read other books. One day I noticed it was missing and it turns out my friend had taken it. This friend isn't one known for reading but he picked this book up and was engrossed. Archer is a wonderful storyteller flitting between the stories of two men, William Kane and Abel Rosnovksi. Both men lead separate lives but their paths cross various times. Captivating throughout, full of interesting historic events such as the Great Depression and World War Two, this was one of those books that I couldn't put down.

Kane and Abel

3. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

I know turn my attention to teen fiction. People may judge simply because it is aimed at young adults but The Hunger Games trilogy is one of my favourite series I ever read. Suzanne Collins creates a hellish dystopian North America where 24 teenagers are placed in an arena and have to fight it out to the death. Full of believable characters, a love triangle and various inventions such as Mockingjays and Tracker Jackers. These books are exhilarating. What's around the next corner? Who becomes the victor? Not many of my I know have read this series and now it has been made into a brilliant film. Pick them up. You'll read them in no time.

4. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I am big fan of novels about the Deep South and I actually saw the film of 'The Help' before I'd read the book. Both are exceptional. The novel by Kathryn Stockett tells the story of a young female, white journalist who forms a friendship with two black maids. Together, the three of them collate the stories of the maids working for white households. The books reveal the dreadful attitude of some white women in segregated America but display the change that can be created through the courage of just a few individuals.

Penguin Group

5. Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling

Who hasn't heard of Harry Potter? These books and subsequent films have become a worldwide phenomenon and I even studied the world's first ever Harry Potter module at Durham University. They are full of important life lessons and morals. You can't learn everything in Harry Potter but these books are rich with friendship, courage, loyalty, family and humour. Not only do people read for pleasure but these themes educate and illuminate important issues in a more exciting way than being taught explicitly. Rowling has created a timeless series that  through the Wizarding world will always delight its readers.

These are just a small selection of my favourite books. Nonetheless, they all offer a way to escape, abundant with loveable characters, exciting or heartwarming plots but also have ability to educate. Try any of them, I would be surprised if you don't find one that you like.

"There is no friend as loyal as a book"
Ernest Hemingway

The Hunger Games- From book to film

So many movies fail to translate the magic of the book onto the big screen. Having just seen The Hunger Games at the cinema I certainly feel the gripping book has been brilliantly captured by all those involved. The setting, the characters and even the music create a fantastic captivating picture that will excite those who haven't read the books.

Adapted from Suzanne Collins novel

Suzanne Collins' dystopian North America, where twenty four teenagers are "randomly" selected across twelve different districts. They are then put in an huge outdoor arena and have to kill each other till the last one is standing. This endurance test is then watched across this dystopian land, reminiscent of the reality shows one sees on TV today. Across Panem people gamble on the competitors, known as tributes and survival gifts are parachuted in thanks to rich sponsors outside the arena. It may sound rather grim but it is unbelievably gripping and has become hugely popular. So how and why does director, Gary Ross get it so right? 

Characters

Often a problem with adapting novels is casting the right people for the beloved characters. For instance, not all would agree that Daniel Radcliffe was suitable for the role of Harry Potter. Nonetheless, I feel the casting for all the lead roles in The Hunger Games was nye on perfect. The lead protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, was played exceptionally by 'Winter's Bone' actress, Jennifer Lawrence. She portrayed the heroic, determined and often moody figure Suzanne Collins created in her novels. Lawrence manage to play the role that invites audiences to will her on and share her emotions. It was key that Lawrence played Katniss in a way that didn't irritate or depress the audience, much like Kristen Stewart playing Bella in the 'Twlight' series.

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss

 Liam Hemsworth's role  as Gale was fine but he wasn't in it awful lot so it is difficult to comment but his love rival, Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson was excellent. Hutcherson created an innocent, if not a little awkward but immediately likeable figure. His relationship with Katniss provoked 'oohs' and 'aahhs' in the audience. This is where "The Hunger Games' can be compared to Twlight, asking the audience to be either 'Team Gale' or 'Team Peeta'.

Woody Harrelson was ideal for the role of drunken Haymtich, providing some much needed humour in a very dark film. Likewise, Elizabeth Bank's portrayal as the annoying, self-centred Effie Trinket was a fantastic performance, aggravating the audience but also making them laugh.

Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket

Stylist, Cinna was played well by Lenny Kravitz and Stanley Tucci was sublime as the lively, cheeky and ever smiling chat show host Caesar Flickerman.

The baddy in all of this chaos, President Snow, wasn't a major part of the film but Donald Sutherland did evil well and you can see the way his mind is working in the final part of the film. You simply know he's got more to give in the following two films.

My only drawback and it is minor was the casting of Kato, who looked too much like Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. This often led to confusing scenes in which one didn't know who was getting attacked or who was in which pack.

Peeta- source:2dayfm

Panem

The dystopian world was wonderfully detailed from the dazzling Capitol to the dank, District 12. The arena was controlled with fascinating touch screen 3D monitors, the landscapes rich with forests and lakes. All it took was a swipe by a Capitol employee to change the arena, create a fire that would sweep across the tributes and leave the audience wanting to know what will they subject the teenagers to next.

My only gripe would be with some of the camera shots. There were a lot of shaky and wobbly shots which can be useful in creating a greater sense of realism but at times it just made me dizzy. This is only a minor issu.,

The world created by Suzanne Collins has been translated perfectly, the Mockingjays, the trackers jackers, the arrow through the apple in the pig's mouth. The majority of it is all there. Obviously, there are some bits missing, simply because you cannot fit them all in. From the casting to the costumes and the music to the set, this movie will please those who have or haven't read the book. It is exhilarating, emotional and definitely worthy of five stars. Already it has broken records taking a whopping $19.7 million at its midnight showings. Go and see it, it really is fantastic and of course:

"May the Odds be Ever in your Favour"

Blackburn Rovers-A club ripped apart?

Last night walking to Ewood Park I stopped to look at the Jack Walker statue. Blackburn Rovers is a club steeped in tradition and heritage. A football league founder. Only one of four winners of the current Premier League. However, it now is a club ripped apart. A sinking if not lilting ship. Bought by Indian chicken farmers in 2010, Blackburn Rovers has changed so much, and not for the better.

Nouse.co.uk

When Venkys bought Blackburn Rovers fans were excited with all the promises of big name players and the talk of Champions League Football. Nonetheless, it became apparent over time that this wasn't a realistic target with the new owners in charge. They ridiculously disposed of Sam Allardyce as they wanted a better brand of football. Granted Allardyce's tactics aren't the most attractive but Rovers could always bank of him keeping them up and getting results when it mattered. Some Rovers fan greeted the dismissal with excitement on which manager would take over. Step forward, Steve Kean. The first team coach at the club got promoted to temporary manager and then permanent. Seems a bit odd, replacing a respected and solid manager with a rookie who had arguably failed as Chris Coleman's number two. Rovers fans were willing to give Kean a chance and they certainly did, despite the media thinking otherwise.

The Guardian

It was January 2011 that Blackburn Rovers became a laughing stock within football. Venkys attempting to sign Ronaldinho and David Beckham, whilst Rovers started to creep towards the relegation zone. Signings in the January included Mauro Formica from Argentina and Ruben Rochina from Barcelona. Not exactly players you'd need in a relegation dogfight. Jermaine Jones was signed from Schalke a proved pivotal in the scrap but Roque Santa Cruz never managed to recreate the form he found in his first spell at Rovers. If it wasn't for the points Allardyce gained in the earlier part of the season, Rovers would most likely have gone down. It went down to the final day of the season and Rovers saved themselves from the drop. They shouldn't have been dicing with relegation in the first place but Rovers fans looked forward to the summer in the hope of seeing the Indian owners spend big.

The Guardian

Steve Kean said Blackburn Rovers have had the biggest transfer budget they have ever had and were ready to spend. Instead they sold Phil Jones to Manchester United for over 16 million. At the end of the transfer window Rovers had spent less than they had sold. Kean's promises of spending big never materialised. Bruno Ribeiro was bought, a player whom Kean compared to Dennis Irwin, but has never ever played for the first team. Dundee United player David Goodwillie arrived with Kean saying he is a young Wayne Rooney. Again, he has hardly featured. Early results in August were not great and fans became agitated after all the broken promises and Kean's cringing comments. Nonetheless, Kean asked Rovers fans to judge him aftertransfer deadline day. The fans did. It didn't look good. March has seen Kean's team keep two clean sheets and win two games in a row. This lead to some journalists suggesting he should win manager of the season. Bemused? I am. This man has taken Rovers into two relegation fights. He promised Rovers' fans on the summer transfer deadline day that Hoilett was on the verge of signing a new contract. It's March and fans are still waiting for Hoilett to sign. As far as fans are concerned, Kean is part of Venkys, he's part of their disastrous regime and until they both leave, there will always be unrest between fans and the club.

Metro.co.uk

Social Media- educator on current affairs?

Many people would assume that social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are primarily for social interactions with other people. Spending hours looking at your friends' latest photos and scrolling through a feed of mundane statuses. Nonetheless, social media now provides the perfect platform for news organisations to present their articles to a new audience.

Retro Facebook

Facebook has seen a boom in news applications with online newspaper sites such as 'The Guardian' and the 'Washington Post' realising they can reach Facebook users. Personal Facebook feeds are filled with articles your friends have been reading. They install the application, read the articles and these then appear on you profile and other people's feeds. People then see these interesting articles and click on the link themselves. This means that so many people get to a greater grasp of current affairs. Facebook is arguably the 'go-to' site for procrastination and people spend so much time on social media, news has integrated itself brilliantly with various platforms. The articles range in topic and seriousness,  for instance, looking at my Facebook feed, one friend is reading 'Ten illegal baby names' and another "How one man escaped from a North Korean Prison'. Perhaps this can be seen a positive procrastination, so much time can be wasted trawling Facebook but now news applications educate users on current affairs. 

There is no doubt Twitter provides a similar platform, one can follow news organisations, journalists, celebrities and friends. These Twitter users tweet articles or simply statuses updating one on issues including politics, sports and showbiz. Additionally, smartphones mean one is never disconnected from this news stream.

Retro Twitter

Pinterest could also signal the next social media platform to educate on current affairs. Pinners can pin images or videos that represent or link to news events. BBC news now has a Pinterest account, although they are yet to pin, the visual eye catching twitter can draw in users to interesting articles and thus educate them on current affairs.

People may see social media as a waste of time, a distraction, but it has the ability to educate its users on current affairs. Whether this is through Facebook applications, a pin on Pinterest or a tweet, social media provides a new way to see the news.

Pinterest- A passing fad or here to stay?

It started with MySpace and Bebo. Facebook then arrived. Twitter flew in, followed by various other social media sites. Nonetheless, Pinterest seems to be the new form of social media that is grabbing people's interests, literally.

Pinterest

So what is Pinterest? Put simply, it is a online series of pin boards. You can virtually pin your favourite photos or videos to categorised pin boards. For instance, say you like a film that you've just seen, you can search for a photo or video of it online and using the special pin it button,  put it on your board. You can also add a caption to it to help describe to other pinners what it is. Arguably, it is like a picture/video version of Twitter, people can repin, like and comment on your pins. It is really easy to do and simple to navigate. Here is a picture of my Pinterest below:

You can then follow other people's boards, looking at their pictures. You might see a recipe you like, a film you want to see or a book you've never heard of but now want to read. The visual aspect is very good and incredibly addictive. Nonetheless, I've had Pinterest for a while now and at first it was like playing with a new toy, pinning everything in sight. Now I don't pin as much but still use it, to use a cliché, a picture tells a thousand words, and thus it is very eye catching, spending ages scrolling looking at all the different pins.

A repin on my Pinterest

A new side to Pinterest allows you to "Pin A Quote", highlighting any text on the internet you like the look of and it turns it into an image for your pin board. This is a great function as it allows you to see some of the best quotes from everyone using Pinterest. Like Twitter has trends, Pinterest has popular pins and of course there is a smartphone app. Is it another way for businesses to interact with consumers? Perhaps it could be. New products could be pinned. Companies could pin their new advertising campaigns. For instance, Universal have been pinning scenes from their hit movies, reminding people like me to watch films or buy products. 

Pinterest Logo

Arguably, it is Twitter for pictures but it is easy to use and you do see so many pictures that make you laugh, offer helpful advice, leave you in awe and inspire you to watch a film or pick up a book. Surely, these are not bad things, its a tool to show people what makes you happy? For businesses to visually show their products and campaigns. Whether it is will stay only time will tell but for now I'm having great fun pinning and viewing all the photos, videos and quotes from around world.