Tuesday 25 February 2014

Have you been #Neknominated?

Neknomination (noun.) When you are nominated to "neck" a drink.

'Someone who is neknominated has 24 hours after nomination to mix together a variety of spirits (and whatever else they deem worthy/disgusting/difficult) and post a video of chugging it in one go. After necking your drink you then nominate at least one other person.'
The online community has yet again given birth to a new craze that one could be forgiven  for thinking that it was likely the brainchild of a bored university student that ached for some amusement to tear them away from their regular mundane bouts of inactivity or by a social president of some university/college sports team desperate for a new drinking game. The birthplace of this game however, was Perth in Australia! Nonetheless, the phenomenon has definitely become a frequently mentioned topic in current affairs.

The evolution of the Neknomination seems to have taken a sporadic and unpredictable form, from the simple downing of a pint while in a water slide to mixing vile concoctions which have included kitchen condiments as well as kitchen cleaners, or consuming lethal doses of alcohol, or committing outrageous stunts before finishing pints.

With the death Toll for Neknomination participants has now risen to 5 as of the 10th of February 2014, local councils are trying to put more pressure on social media to put warnings over Neknomination  participation. 

Love or hate it there is still a viable argument to be made for the alcohol industry experiencing a temporary stimulus boost in sales after the dip in revenue for many alcohol firms like Diageo were suffering from before the Christmas period. The development of the this trend. Could have been perceived as some warped form of Guerilla advertising that took advantage of the rising 'LAD' mentality in the UK. Whatever the case may be, as a marketing aficionado I am fully aware of how any publicity whether it be good or bad can be manipulated for promoting a brand. This hypothesis however would be typical of maybe conpiracy enthusiasts.

On a lighter note the Neknomination craze has received some competition. RAKnominations Which  involve nominations to people after committing  Random Acts of Kindness.  The most notable RAKnotmination has been by Brent Lindeque in South Africa.  To see what his RAKnotmination was, watch the clip below, his blog can also be found at razzlemonster.wordpress.com 
                                               I do not own this video

In addition to the RAKnomination, NIPnomination is another idea that took advantage of the Neknomination phenomenon. Michelle Kent, 31 came up with the idea after watching participants going to outrageous lengths in order to out do their challengers and wanted encourage a positive use for the trend. But there have been critics who disagree with the purposefulness of the campaign calling trivial and somewhat offensive to women who have no breast. I personally think that any cynics should take the time to understand the cause and refrain from nitpicking issues in a suggested solution. 

Thanks for reading and feel free to leave any thoughts you have in the comment box. PEACES.



Tuesday 18 February 2014

THE BRITS 2014 AWARDS ARE HERE!!!!

Established in 1977, The Brits launched, but not under their current name; the British Record Industry Britannia Centenary Awards were held in the Wembley Conference Centre. This event however was not solely launched to celebrated the various musical achievements it was very much to hallmark the Silver Jubilee (25 years as the monarch) of Her Royal Highness as well as a commemoration of Thomas Edison inventing the sound recording.

Hosted by Michael Aspel, OBE established TV host who I can only say I have seen from his time presenting 'THIS IS YOUR LIFE' the event boasted winners such as Shirley Bassey, Queen and The Beatles accompanied by a incredibly popular performance by Simon & Garfunkel which was repeatedly demanded by the audience ( I can only visualise an assembly of well dressed members of the gentry assuming the form of farm crop being brushed by a cool breeze to the 'Sounds of silence').

47 years on  The Brits are still going strong with James Corden  hosting tomorrow's show. A prestigious award by many accounts, an annual ceremony to celebrate not only British music but also International music breaking through in Britain with twelve awards up for grabs.

Performers for this years award show include Arctic Monkeys, Katy Perry and Bruno Mars. Collaborations will consist of Pharrell Williams and NIle Rodgers, pop sensation Lorde with Disclosure and Rudimental teaming up with Bastille. Rumours are afloat that Beyonce is tipped to perform, and if so will it top her spectacular Grammy performance earlier this year? All in all The Brits 2014 Awards promises to be a star studded event that cannot be missed. 

Nominations for each award for tomorrows show can be found on www.brits.co.uk