Orange is probably the under-used color and most rejected of our time. At the mention of the color orange most, people think of prisoners overall when the color orange, but it is also the color of the astronaut’s suits, and that has a much better connotation.
Combining
the physical energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow, the
color orange radiates warmth and happiness.
Orange offers emotional strength in difficult times, something valuable during pandemics. It helps us to bounce back from disappointments and despair, assisting in recovery from grief.
The
color psychology of orange is optimistic and uplifting, rejuvenating our
spirit. In fact, orange is so upbeat and uplifting that we should all find ways
to use it in our everyday life, even if it is just an orange colored pen that
we use.
Orange
brings spontaneity and a positive outlook on life and is a great color to use
during tough economic times, keeping us motivated and helping us to look on the
bright side of life.
With its enthusiasm for life, the color orange relates to adventure and risk-taking, inspiring physical confidence, competition, and independence. Those inspired by orange are always on the go, full of energy.
The color orange relates to social communication, stimulating two-way conversations. A warm and inviting color, it is both physically and mentally stimulating, so it gets people thinking, talking and creating.
Orange aids in the creation of new ideas and frees the spirit of its limitations, giving us the freedom to be our creative selves.
When looking for color associations, orange and blue work well together because they are complementary colors. The orange and blue color palettes are commonly used for representations of play and summer fun, depicting both the hot, summer sun and the fresh, refreshing water.
Many restaurants use pastel versions of orange, such as apricot or peach or deeper versions such as terracotta, for their décor as they are more subtle than red. Yet still, increase the appetite and promote conversation and social interaction, which in turn encourages patrons to have a good time and to eat and drink more.
Consider adding a little (or a lot) of orange in your creative endeavors, you will be rewarded with great energy, and there are great chances that you will be original.
Making the Cut may not have expected the world-wide shutdown that the coronavirus pandemic has brought, but the show is certainly benefiting from the crisis. As fashion shows and red-carpet events are canceled and shops are closed, Making the Cut is providing a snapshot of the fashion industry’s future.
Historically, institutions of higher education have been seen as slow to adapt to change. However, in a matter of weeks, colleges and universities have been forced to make significant changes to their business models in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Seemingly overnight, university professors have moved all face-to-face classes online, events are being held via livestream and social platforms, students have gone home, and commencement ceremonies have been postponed.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues I found myself rewatching one of my favorite movies. After completing the 2018 movie Crazy Rich Asians I started to question why this movie was one of my favorite selections. It has your typical romantic comedy movie storyline of a modern Cinderella version. Did I like it because of the storyline or was there more to the movie than just your typical Cinderella story.
During the first month of the sanitary crisis that spread to
the United States and Europe in March 2020 a couple of month after the China
crisis had unfolded, academic writing in
Marketing communication was ignoring the existence of the pandemic. Most
students when writing and working out strategies, messages and creative
material ignored the impact of the viral pandemic on the way humans in most of
the world were and would be in larger and larger numbers being impacted. After
a few weeks of sheltering in place in most large cities around the world, while
the world was coming to terms with the health and sanitary impact of the crisis
on human relations and on the world economy, the students still did not shift
their mindset to new realities of the present altered state of societies and
the future state post crisis.
Today a month and a half into the crisis as Italy starts to
potentially see the crest of the devastation, China slowly getting out of strict
confinement, however with still and 70% of the world in confinement, things are
starting to change. Certain sectors of the economy are devastated, such as
restaurants and bars, world travel as a quasy-standstill, and records
unemployment and world economies shrinking due to all but essential industries
shut down, it is getting very difficult to ignore the realities that “something”
is happening that will have a long term impact on society.
Janet Bralis in the Harvard Business Review of April 6,
2020. https://hbr.org/2020/04/brand-marketing-through-the-coronavirus-crisis
has some good advice on how to approach brand marketing during this troubled
time. But the most important part that I saw was that at the end of the article
she mentions that one needs to have a plan for the “next and the beyond”. The
next is what is happening now, today, tomorrow as things evolve extremely fast.
The effect of social distancing on shopping, the impact on supply chains due to
panic buying, the effect of unemployment and decreased disposable income, the
number of deaths and their impact on society and the reality of those left
without their close family members or friends, the effect on mental health of
sheltering in place of people now stuck together 24/7 or stuck completely alone
and on more positive note the reduction in pollution worldwide, the return of
many wild spices now that we have less cars, ships and Airplanes around. This
is what is happening right now and what is “next” every day, as marketers we
need to be able to respond to those. But we also need to anticipate the “beyond”.
Beyond is beyond the sanitary crisis. How will the world have changed, will the
behaviors change or will we all return to exactly the same behaviors as before which
behaviors will have changed forever and which ones will return to or close to
the ones prior to the crisis? Will the crisis have an impact to the very
structure of our societies due to the way people will have been changed by a
long period of confinement and potentially economic hardship? These are
important aspect that we need to keep in mind, investigate, research and
potentially all marketers need to become futurists to a certain extend. This
future is not very far, it might be this summer or a bit later, but it is not
in 10 years. Next is now, beyond is very close.
Why do we [class] gaming as this niche platform, where anti-social people in their basements are playing games, when in fact there are billions of people playing casual games across the world?” – Greg Carroll, Activision Blizzard
Are you trying to find a sense of community, social community during the time of isolation? You wouldn’t be the only one! According to the latest App Annie report, as more people are spending time at home during COVID, there has been a significant increase of about 15% of time spent on apps (Hutchison, 2020; Venkatraman, 2020). The gaming category has been the largest driver of downloads MoM along with business apps, Zoom and Skype to name a couple (Venkatraman, 2020). Gaming sites of the world such as IGN, Gamespot, and Zynga have seen a 40% increase in site traffic! There has also been a surge in gaming console usage and Twitch, has seen a live streaming spike of about 15% (Taylor, 2020).
Here are a Few Facts About Gamers:
(Dobrilova, 2019)
Gaming includes mobile apps, console and desktop
The gaming industry is expected to reach $180.1 billion in revenue by 2021
There are more than 2.5 billion video gamers around the world
The average gamer is 34 years old
70% of gamers are age 18 or older
67% of parents play video games with their child at least once a week
60% of Americans play video games daily
45% of US gamers are women
70% of parents believe video games have a positive influence on their children’s lives
So, should brands think about expanding their target?
I believe there’s an opportunity that brands can capitalize and speak to their audience, or better yet, speak to a new audience they never knew they had. With site traffic increase and more people are spending time at home, brands can target these consumers.
Is there going to be a decline after COVID? Perhaps, but brands should learn to be reactive and adapt to new market trends, and quickly, to remain relevant.
With the increase in the COVID-19 pandemic and more and more businesses and movie theaters closing, Hollywood studios have nowhere to go. While some studios chose to delay their biggest feature films until the worst of the pandemic passes, a few studios decided to break the monotony of everyone’s self-isolation help keep adults and kids entertained by releasing their theatrical films on digital platforms early. Most films available to buy digitally about 3 to 6 months after they first arrive in theaters, but studios are breaking that tradition by releasing their films on Video on Demand weeks after, or even on the same day of, the theatrical debut.
Movie goers who are fans of Will Ferrell, if you
missed the release date of February 14th, his move Downhill
available for digital purchase. A movie your family can enjoy.
For those Vin Diesel fans
his new movie “Bloodshot” was released on March 24, instead of having a good
weekend at the box office, the moviegoers were at home in isolation.
The movie is available for digital purchase, Hollywood must find a way to keep
their cash flow going. Movies at home with your own Popcorn and Coca Cola or a
nice glass of wine.
Because of COVID-19, we can’t go out to the movie, we
can’t go out to a restaurant. It’s cheaper to do these things in the comfort of
your home. Let’s enjoy life!!!!
Free virtual background of some of the world’s most breathtaking locations make you and the people you’re interacting with on video calls feel like you’re actually on site
I enjoy exploring a life of multi-sensory experiences in the physical world, but now that social distancing measures have been put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve seamlessly switched to a virtual world, which can be just as fascinating. I’ve already full filled my criteria for the number of blog posts required for this class and have submitted them for grading, but I’m writing this additional post for those who might find some comfort, strength, light, entertainment, enthusiasm, joy and positivity as we all adjust to a new normal at least for the time being. Someone else blogged about how the happiest place on earth, Disneyland, has temporarily shut its doors, so with one bad news after another, some of us might be susceptible to falling into a downward spiral.
Another free virtual background best used with a green screen
For me, COVID-19 has had minimal impact on my life, even though I love meeting and getting close to tons of different people from all walks of life face-to-face. I also live in high-density cities, have an office space I look forward to going to every day, in a role that requires me to interact with coworkers, partners and many more during meetings. I was working out frequently at my luxury gym, traveling luxuriously, purposefully and frequently, trying out different Michelin Starred restaurants, enjoying public places, and going to popular events, etc.
With such an active life outside the house, how did I transition to one where I haven’t left the house in months? I’ve already been preparing for the robot revolution, so my work, higher education, passion projects, travel, events, relationships, shopping, exercise and dining all over the world already have a deeply embedded digital component to it. I merely transition whatever physical activities that I was already engaged in that I could into a digital universe, and I’ve found the entire process to be smooth and my new world still very enjoyable.
Virtual background of a beautiful apartment with floor-to-ceiling glass windows facing spectacular seaside views for those Zoom calls
While staying at home is never a challenge for me, and is in fact a much welcome reprieve and peaceful sanctuary from a world full of distractions that constantly vie for my attention, I understand self-isolation can be frustratingly boring to many, as evidenced by rants on how miserable it is to be quarantined.
Here’s what I’ve been doing in a self-created mini-alternate universe that shelters me from fear and sadness amidst this global crisis, while still staying keenly informed, keeping my spirits high and retaining my massive love for life.
High-energy KPOP choreography dances. I’m currently attempting the dances from the biggest boyband in the world. They’re like art. I wrote about BTS in another blog post. Since there There are many tutorials on their dances and I’ve also gone on to try modified cardio or Zumba workout ones. This is more effective than other home-based workouts provided by BodyBoss, GymShark, yoga studios, personal trainers or other fitness boutiques because it is high-intensity so physically demanding but also so fun and engaging because of the catchy music! I am able to stay focus throughout the session and thoroughly enjoy it! Apparently many have feedback that they are able to lose a lot of weight just from consistently doing these for a while. I read some comments where people are losing 30 lbs just from working out everyday for 30 mins using these videos for 3 months.
There are also other cardio/zumba workouts modified according to music from American artistes like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Billie Ellish, etc
Modified Workout Version of MIC Drop by BTS
The power of camaraderie and community through group exercises doesn’t have to be lost during this quarantine. I continue my fitness motivation and excitement by connecting with a worldwide community of BTS Army. Army is the name of the BTS fandom. I look for #trending dance challenges and upload videos of my dances on TikTok, which is currently the top social media app in 2020, which has an addictive built-in social media network that makes you feel connected to others. There are many who got together for public performances all over the world before the quarantine and I’m hoping to join them and feed off each other’s enthusiasm when the nightmarish pandemic is over.
BTS ON Music Video
While searching for this ON cover by BTS to show you guys, I came across a drums version of it as well by this vampire looking Brazilian guy who speaks fluent Korean, English and Brazilian as well! It is heartening to know that there is so much talent in this world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrHi8RrsLgc
2. Learning a New Language
I had another post on learning new languages. I’m currently picking up Norwegian even though it is not in the TOP 10 most important languages in the world due to Norway’s small population but I’m going ahead with it anyway precisely because of it as find it exclusive and exotic. Norwegian takes approximately 22 to 24 weeks for native English speakers to learn. Besides, I already know two of the most important languages fluently. (Mandarin and English).
Knowing two or more languages means your brain might look and work differently from monolingual friends
The reason why learning a new language during this time of isolation is a good idea, is because you get to find communities of people speaking that language instead of being forced to interact with people fluent in your native language. A new language opens up a whole new world to you!
The famed Northern Lights
3. Picking up AI/Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence has become so pervasive and will continue to even more so. Honing a tech skill is a solitary affair that requires mental focus, so again, this is a great time to learn a much-needed skillset, or at least eh basics (R, Python) or a subcategory (Data Science, Machine Learning).
The instructor teaching the course said that the number of recruiters that contact him asking if he knows any graduating machine learning students is far larger than the machine learning students they graduate each year.
I have started a Github portfolio as well to showcase my application of my new found skillsets.
4. Incubate or start new projects
I have published a London Travel Guide which hit the Amazon Hot New Release.
This is a good time to start publishing more books and other film ideas I have in mind.
5. Reading List
I have a whole collection of nonfiction books that I recommend that gives a lot of insights about the world we currently live in or will live in, that will impact us in one way or another:
Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow
Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of Human Era
War on Peace: The End of Diplomacy and the Decline of American Influence
Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood and the World
Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House
Kushner, Inc.: Greed. Ambition. Corruption. The Extraordinary Story of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump
The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google
The Nanny Diaries
Primates of Park Avenue: A Memoir
6. TV Show List
Here are TV shows with many Marvel superhero themes may be due to 2019 being the year with most movies of this kind. I also included a lot of themes about overpopulation, futuristic, utopian/dystopian, rich/poor divide themes that expose us to living in a society with advanced artificial intelligence, data science, robots, uploading our brains into the cloud and living forever, etc. There are some romantic comedy thrillers about over obsessive lovers using social media to stalk us.
Riverdale
The Great Hack
Ragnarok (Because I’m learning Norwegian)
Altered Carbon
The Punisher / DareDevil / Jessica Jones / The Defenders
3%
The 100
Legends of Tomorrow | Titans
Gotham
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Travelers
The Arrow | Flash
You
Are you human?
Travelers
7. Strengthen relationships
We live in a world of instant gratification, information and sensory overload with a constant stream of stimuli, which may make us more prone to multi-tasking and less mentally present when we’re in the presence of loved ones. Now, that we’re at home with lesser external distractions, we can take this opportunity to spend quality time with the people who are living in the same quarters as us and listen intently to them, have deep heart-to-heart talks and even come up with creative bonding activity sessions since we’re all gonna be staying indoors in such close proximity for a while anyway. This is also a great time to catch up with far-flung relationships scattered all over the world through the latest tech apps such as Telegram, Signal, YouTube, Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, Quora, TikTok, SnapChat, Zoom, email, etc. These social networking platforms have been invented and gained massive traction for a reason. They appeal to the human desire to connect with others and in times of great need like these, make us feel close to each other through a safety screen.
In conclusion, I’ve been so caught up in my little piece of heaven that the COVID-19 pandemic seems surreal. I don’t cook either so I’ve been completely dependent on food deliveries. There is no need to clean up afterward either.
I have so much faith in the human will and ability to adapt, evolve and emerge stronger through changes! I would love to hear what has been keeping you busy, productive, healthy and happy during this period!
Ever since the advent of the internet, there has been tidal waves of information available to anyone at any time. This technological advancement has in fact created a new faucet of life. Presently, we can execute a myriad of “chores” that would once necessitate us to get up and go to an office, whether it is to pay bills or to simply purchase goods. The internet has brought along convenience as well. A commodity that we all seek. However, these tidal waves of information come with such intensity that it has the capacity to hypnotize, incite and control masses. For example, this current situation the world is seeing with the Covid-19 spreading worldwide has made conspiracy theorists and advocates alike to come out and pontificate their truths as universal facts. These are media reports of fake news, misinformation and conspiracy theories that have real ramifications in real time, giving a veracious definition to the term “viral”.
“Iranian media reports that at least 44 people have died from alcohol poisoning and hundreds have been hospitalized after consuming bootleg alcohol in an effort to treat the corona virus.”
-www.usatoday.com
Viral posts on social media that have also shown up in email chains falsely claim there’s a way to self-test for the corona-virus that involves holding your breath — advice that purports to come from Stanford.
Mobile operators in the United Kingdom reported on April 5, 2020 that there have been at least five instances of vandals setting fire to towers in the United Kingdom in the past few days. These attacks are a result of viral YouTube videos claiming a connection between the virus and the new super-fast wireless technology have racked up hundreds of thousands of views.
Idris Elba revealed on Twitter his diagnosis of Covid-19 and shared his deep concern about the “myth” and “jokes” being spread about black people not being able to contract corona virus. On the onset of the virus there were many trending memes and post about the virus being an affliction for only white people.
These are only a few examples of how the access to information can prove to be detrimental to society. Perhaps reading these headlines, you may shrug and think that only uneducated people are at risk. However, I was approached by a work colleague, a Stanford graduate who was eager to tell me about a study revealing a self-test for Covid-19 by simply holding one’s breath. Instantly, I thought that didn’t seem too logical, but perhaps its true after all she went to Stanford. Proving that any caliber of society may fall prey to false information, especially the most vulnerable in our society. The elderly, children and impoverished are at greater risk when these information are being fed to them.
As academics we must be sure to empower ourselves and also help to educate those who are not as privileged. People must know how to differentiate between real information and fake news and we all have a part to play. Should they be more measures implemented to protect our communities from misinformation?
Gold, H. (2020,
April 6). YouTube tries to limit spread of false 5G coronavirus claims after
cellphone towers attacked. Retrieved from
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/06/tech/5g-coronavirus-conspiracy/index.html
Milanowski, A.
(2020, March 30). 5 Common COVID-19 Myths, Busted. Retrieved from
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-common-covid-19-myths-busted/
Vary, A. B.
(2020, March 18). Idris Elba Decries ‘Conspiracy Theories’ That Black People
Can’t Get COVID-19: ‘It’s Going to Get More People Sick’. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2020/film/news/idris-elba-conspiracy-theories-black-people-coronavirus-1203537477/
