Let Them Search Cake

Google's Annual Year in Search has been published and once again, it's a fascinating exploration of what captured our attention throughout the year. From missing planes to deadly diseases, ice buckets to comedians that have left us too soon. Injustice from South Africa to America. Comets to cake.
Being reminded of the news that was trending in 2014 makes me re-live the roller coaster of emotions again. Although not directly affected by any of these events, they certainly shaped who I am today at the end of 2014. In these events we see ourselves. We place ourselves on the moral scale. We examine our point of view. In some cases we are driven to take action. Next year it will most likely be a whole other host of things that will test and build our character.
For a whole pile of people in the UK, a passion for making cakes emerged. One of the most searched for phrases was "Cake Recipes"  Most likely inspired by the popularity of the BBC series "The Great Bakeoff"
Among stories of hope and despair, there will always be cake.

Before There Was An Internet To Break

Before there was an Internet to break, there was this. I'm sure if there was a means of mass distribution of this image back in the day it would have been just as newsworthy as Kim's ample behind. The main difference being that this model most likely was not controlling the income generated from it.  

I don't often stray from my standard websites, but this morning I went on a great journey looking for samples of Daguerreotypes. The Daguerreotype had a short lifespan. Popular in the 1840's, by the 1860's new techniques had rendered it practically obsolete. Not that dissimilar to the Polaroid camera, which seems to be popular and novel once again for teens.

I'm a casual collector of vintage photography. I have Daguerreotypes, tin types, glass plates, experimental photos and old family albums. I collect them in flea markets whenever I get the chance. I'm fascinated as to why anyone would just throw away a photo and curious about the story behind the image. I once went for a 16km run and halfway through found a box of slides from someone's trip to Montreal for Expo '67. Just sitting there on the curb -ready for the garbage. I took as many photos as I could and ran the final 8k with a significant part of history (and pics of their dog) jiggling in my pockets. 

Just the other day I discovered the Burns Archive, an incredible compilation of medical curiosities and post mortem images. 

I don't know why I'm fascinated by all this, but it is a wonderful reminder that the copious amounts of Instagram, Pinterest, selfies and digital photos we have today will at some point be looked at by future generations in the same way. 

Best Branded Content For 2014

This is a nice round up of the best branded content produced in 2014. Entertainment and innovation continue to rule.
Best Branded Content 2014

Mobile Academy App Wins Best Consumer Service at the World Communication Awards

Happy to announce that the Mobile Academy - the m-learning app I have been Creative Directing and leading content development for, just won the Best Consumer Service Award at the World Communication Awards in London.

Mobile Academy is the first premium all-you-can-learn service whose content has been specifically created for mobile use. Available in more than 15 languages and live in more than 40 countries it is used by over 200,000 subscribers.  The interactive service provides a fast and easy way to learn and offers a huge range of cutting-edge courses appealing to any audience; from languages to personal and professional development and special interest. 

The judges were so impressed with this service that one considered Mobile Academy would
“positively impact national and global economics with new access to education”.

Click here for the app store version