Dan23

http://www.dan23.com/

Unfortunately my french isn't brilliant but this up and coming designer has some really interesting fresh work in his portfolio, take a look to see what you think. I particularly like his black and white images that he has used for 'al green'.

Fuel for Life

The new diesel fragrance has really strong branding. I first noticed the advert on television and decided to look into the new diesel fragrance further by going to their website. I was really impressed. The website reflects the urban image of diesel and trys to draw the viewer 'into the unknown' by spinning fortune wheels and answering questions to determine where you are navigated to. The snippets of film within the website also add to the feel of the product, there is also a small section where you are able to view the tv ads, which is unusual for clothing websites. They are usually more concerned about getting you to the checkout. The diesel website is updated with the seasons, therefore it stays in touch with the fashion and doesn't have a generic shopping website feel about it. http://www.diesel.com/ Diesel also host a competition: see the website for more information.

Hoax crisp packet collections

I was shocked when I read an article about hoax collections of weightless objects such as crisp packets and bottle tops. People were being encouraged to collect such items under the premise that companies such as Walkers would fund life saving operations or give valuable medical equipment to hospitals. This such collection hoax became so well known that it was parodied by Walkers in their Gary Lineker "No More Mr Nice Guy" series of ads. In the ad (ca. 2000) schoolteacher Lineker exhorted his class to bring in Walkers crisp packets - the catch being that the packets had to be full for the crisp-munching teacher. To read more about the hoaxes click on this link:

http://www.messybeast.com/dragonqueen/walkers-hoax.htm

This just shows how powerful word of mouth can be, nobody collecting the packets really knew where the hoaxes had come from, however they still believed them to be true.

Why do promoters use flyers?

As we approach a new term in Leeds, the thought of walking to uni can be a daunting thought. 'Flyer's' are everywhere! By the third year at university most people know whats on offer in terms of nightlife and stick to what they know, the real bait are first years.

Every promotional flyer is thrust towards you in the hope that you may consider visiting that particular bar or club on that certain night. It makes you wonder when you see so many flyer's on the floor whether this promotional tool really works. However after talking to nightclub owners and working for promotional companies (yes I admit that I might be thrusting a flyer in your direction in the next week or two!) I have found that even though there are many other avenues that club promoters can go down to encourage people to go to their nights, flyering is always the most effective. “With flyer's, people are actually able to talk with the flyer distributor, ask questions, and get responses that may be available through an e-mail blast,” says Sean Saladino, director of operations for PK Graphics.

This is targeting at its best, each promoter can asess who they would want to attend their night, and based on what people look like, can make a quick decision as to whether they would be likely to attend. These people can then ask questions about the night and develop a 'relationship' with the flyerer, they then hopefully remember more about the promotion and are then more likely to attend the night. This method is proven to be much more effective than sending an email or text. The other benefit of flyering is that more than one person can be targeted at once, giving one person in a group a flyer encourages conversation, and word of mouth advertising begins. So although it is a pain to receive handfuls of flyers when you don't have a hand spare, you could see it as a compliment that the promoters want you in their club!

Express v's Innocence

I recently went to Pizza Express to grab something to eat before going to the cinema, as I entered the restaurant I began to feel a little confused as the name no longer matches the style. I was expecting a quick easy fast-food style restaurant (much like Pizza Hut) however it has been refurbished to look more up market and contemporary. This is not a bad thing of course, but I got the impression that they were trying too hard to be something they're not. Sometimes you need somewhere you can just pop into to get something to eat without feeling that you need to be wearing your Sunday best! I got over the initial shock of my surroundings only to be more bemused by the menu. This has also been revamped, and is supposed to conjure up thoughts of Rome. Again I felt that I was being cheated into thinking something that the restaurant didn't actually live up to. For example there were only two traditional Italian style pizzas on the menu- they made a point of saying that these two pizzas were cooked in a particularly Italian fashion. (Thus implying that the others were typically English counterparts.)

The reason behind the title of this blog is that the menu and new attitude of pizza express is trying to go down the route of an honest approach with humour thrown in to keep people interested. Much like Innocence juice. However you just feel that it is so forced you can't believe that they really believe in what they have written.

For example in the passage above (featured on the menu) they suggests that their 'new menu comes from Rome. Not the Rome from postcards, but the real Rome.' They then go onto say that they have two 'Romana' pizzas on the menu - surely this doesn't justify initially saying that the whole menu is inspired by Rome. This passage is on a double page spread the facing page has a very 'touristy' picture of people enjoying themselves in Rome- not a gritty image of a true Italian going about their day to day business, as you may expect to see after such an 'honest' spiel. The whole place, including the menu contradicts itself. Unlike the innocent approach of the juice company. You just don't believe what they are saying. Even the typeface that they have used on the menu is unconvincing, it is very ridged, justified text that just doesn't fit with what they are trying to say to the consumer. They make bold statements such as 'Rome is Brash' but these are written in an odd typeface that bares no relation to anything else on the menu.

When I left Pizza Express I felt cheated. The food was fine, but the service was slow - not reflecting their name. I wanted a quick bite to eat, that was easy with no frills. They have obviously tried to go down the innocence approach to marketing but it just doesn't seem truthful. You really get the feeling that they are trying too hard to be something that they are not.

Gouranga

When I first went to Leeds I was puzzled by the appearance of 'Gouranga' on the M1 motorway bridges, I originally thought it might be advertising for a nightclub as there are flyer's and posters all around leeds for events etc, however I have done some investigating and apparently this is the reason for the repeated use of the word is as follows:

'Gauranga (Gouranga) was a nickname of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, a monk in India who 500 years ago founded the branch of Hinduism that during the 20th century was brought to the west by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness, better known as the "Hare Krishna" sect).
Years ago the name Gouranga appeared on motorway bridges in the North of England and on various stickers, causing people to wonder what it was all about. It has been rumoured that the Scottish branch of ISKCON has been trying to spread the name of their spiritual ancestor through a guerilla-type campaign.' (http://www.joewein.de/sw/spam-neateye-gouranga.htm)

As I researched more into the subject of 'Gouranga' it appears that 10 years ago in Scotland everywhere was plastered in posters saying 'Gouranga' they have gradually been removed, and even though everyone seems to know about them few realise what they actually mean. So I don't know whether this is considered to be a good marketing campaign or not, the interest is there but nobody knows what they are interested in!

Shadows

Shadows have many psychological connotations, they are used by interior designers concerned with lighting to created atmosphere, but to many they are eerie, as they suggest a sense of not knowing the full story, and not being able to see everything. Many artists overlook the possibility of using shadow to create art, often they unknowingly produce work that casts very unusual shadows (sometimes more successful than the work itself). Cornellia Parkers 'Cold Dark Matter' shows how shadow can change the meaning of an object, in her 'exploded shed' toy cars cast dramatic shadows giving them a unusual deeper sense of being, as well as an unnerving exaggeration of size. There is currently an exhibition at Compton Verney that showcases artists work (many of which are contemporary artists) who's primary concern is the effect and illusion of shadow. The exhibition includes painting, sculpture and video by international contemporary artists such as Doug Aitken, Laurie Anderson, Christian Boltanski, Ceal Floyer, Mona Hatoum, Gary Hill, Tracey Moffatt, Anri Sala, Fiona Tan, Andy Warhol, William Wegman and Francesca Woodman.

Compton Verney

Compton Verney is a Grade-1 listed mansion house designed by Robert Adam in the 1760s, set in more than 120 acres of classical parkland landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The first most striking thing is the huge man-made lake that surrounds the house, Capability wanted to ensure grandeur without loosing the unpredictability of nature. Building a man-made lake may seem like an unusual solution to such a problem, however it definitely gives a sense of a very grand unspoilt landscape. The house itself is in such immaculate condition that one could easily believe it was built during this century, this is partly true of course as the building itself has had much restoration work and interior reconstruction, however this really adds to its impressive nature.

Unlike many stately homes that showcase period rooms, the vast majority of rooms in Compton Verney are art galleries, home to works from around the world, there is also a more modern section where new young artists work, as well as well known recent artists works are hung.

The Compton Verney House Trust are keen to involve themselves in the local community, this in turn ensures that visitors return to the house and gardens. Events and learning seminars are held at the mansion, and the vast estate would be a wonderful place for a wedding or party.

I am yet to return to a stately home, perhaps because nothing ever changes, people are so concerned with keeping them 'as they were,' however I would definitely make a habit of returning to Compton Verney, they move with the times, and want to combine old with new. There truly is something to suit everyone.

Ben and Jerry's

I saw this advert in the cinema for the first time on friday, even though it is really purely stock frame imagery it captured everybodies attention, people were talking about it after they had seen it, it captures the essence of the brand and communicates clearly with the viewer.

'Ben & Jerry have launched a new cinema campaign in the UK to celebrate the brand’s heritage as it draws to the end of its third decade. The 30-second spot, screening in 2,300 cinemas in the UK and Ireland this week, is created in a rolling photo-album style and features Ben & Jerry’s own memorable moments – their early days in Vermont, attending ice-cream school and the first 'Free Cone Day'. The album scrolls right through to their infamous ‘Cowmobile’ spreading love and ice cream around the US and displaying the success that the brand now enjoys.
Produced by Fallon London, the film uses still images directly from the Ben & Jerry's archive and in-house editors and acts as a whistle-stop run-through of the brand's rich 29-year history. A comical US voiceover helps to bring to life the visuals. The spot marks a departure from established animated cinema advertising and is a chance for cinemagoers to peek at the brand behind the iconic ice-cream.Ben & Jerry’s and Fallon are discussing rolling out the heritage campaign across Europe later in the year.' http://www.utalkmarketing.com/ (to see advert)

Waitrose Food Illustrated

Waitrose Food Illustrated is a very well produced magazine about food, however it also relates to various cultures and offers exciting recipes. Each page is carefully considered in terms of layout, they are not afraid of using two very strong images on their own across a spread with no text. Their advertising (as above) reflects their bold outlook, no nonsense approach. I enjoy this magazine as it is not 'flowery' it tells you things that are useful and discards the rest. However it doesn't come across like a recipe book as the background culture is bought into the articles- which is seen to be an important element to consider when eating food. This is reflected in their photographic style, the food is definatly the main attraction ( much like Marks and Spencers new approach) and they show that it can hold its own, by displaying photographs as they are, on their own.

National Geographic

The National Geographic is a magazine that as a child was seen to be 'geeky' however as a young adult you begin to realise that the articles featured in the magazine offer an insight into a world undiscovered by most, and brings issues to light that may directly affect areas in which we live. The articles are informative, offering a basic scientific insight into our world, this combined with fantastic photography makes the magazine a gripping read. There are also unusual adverts featured in the magazines by companies such as Shell promoting their eco friendly products, - showing specific advertising and marketing to the target group.

La Haine (1995) dir. Mathieu Kassovitz

Kassovitz uses powerful editing and shots in this black and white French film film, the use of black and white highlights the bleak lives of those living in suburban Paris during the political and racial trouble occurring at the time. Kassovitz uses interesting camera techniques such as slow zooms to bring the viewer into their world. I particularly enjoyed the break dance scene in which the camera remained static at a low angle, jump cutting between various dancers. This film is a definite must for all those interested in cinematography.

Paint Advert Spoof

After finding out that Sony actually created this ad and didnt just do it on a computer this spoof is pretty funny.

Transformers

Transformers wasn't a film that I was looking forward to seeing, however when Hairspray had sold out, my boyfriend turned the tables on me and dragged me to see Transformers. Although the story left a lot to be desired as the length of the film could easily have been cut by a third, the graphics were incredible. I'm sure any young children coming out of the film will be wondering what transformer their family car is! The most spectacular scenes were when the cars were speeding along and then would turn into transformers whilst moving. The sound track was also carefully put together, especially in instances where the cars could speak through the radio. Although I wouldn't necessarily recommend this film to people (other than 10 year old boys!) . For people interested in using computer graphics its a must see as the scenes flow seamlessly from one to another making each step that the transformers take seem realistic.

Swanage Regatta and Carnival

I wasnt expecting much activity when I went to stay with family in the seaside town of Swanage, however I was pleasntly surprised when I realised my stay was during Carnival week. I can honestly say that for a small town I have never seen anything like it, there were activities for all ages all week, some more quaint than others! Including dog shows, Red Devils landing, bands, yard of ale contests, treasure hunts, a fair, three firework displays...the list goes on. It was the fireworks that attracted the largest crowds, they were put on on the Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday, they were truley spectacular, and with each performance they seemed to get better, they out the Leeds firework display by miles. What amzed me was all of this entertainment was put on for free, there were people collecting money but you didnt have to contribute a certan amount, the atmosphere was unbeatable, I would say to anyone in the area next year that it is well worth travelling to the usually sleepy town to get involved with the fun!

When Will a Game Not Be A Game

With every subsequent iteration of games console comes the promise from game developers of ever more life like experiences and platforms. The actual reality is that getting us humans to believe that what we are seeing is real is exceptionally complicated. Any deviation in what we refer to as 'normal behaviour' causes our brains to reject the object.

Programers and game developers have a real battle on their hands to convince and draw us into the latest games, increasing computer speeds, memory levels and polygons is all very well but creating a non linear believable game will be the big seller .

Eye Candy

Eye Candy is an illustration agency offering various styles of illustration. Stuart Mckenzie particularly caught my eye as line drawing is very fashionable at the moment. It has been used in magazine suppliments and for book covers, it has a feel of city chic as it reflects fashion illustration. Sugar Power is a more recent designer to join Eye Candy, she is already recognised as a unique designer by artists around the globe and has designed for Saatchi and Saatchi amongst others. She uses linear drawings combined with layering dreamlike ideas to produce admirable colourful pieces.

Enamul Hoque

Enamule Hoque is a photographer and film maker, many of his recent photographs are fashion based, however he often includes unusual objects such as road signs and strong metal objects. This combined with the fluidity of the fabrics creates striking images. His clients include The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Sony and the NHS. He also keeps an online photographic blog that can be found at his website: http://web.mac.com/enamul/iWeb/www.enamul.co.uk/Welcome.html

Philip Bishop

Philip Bishop has created illustrations for clients such as Oxfam, the BBC and Waitrose. His unique style is far removed from his photographic work, however each illustration has character of its own. He utalises spikey lines combined with splashes of colour to create eyecatching images. His work can be viewed from his website: http://www.illustrationweb.com/PhilipBishop/

Gambling For The World

On Tuesday 7th August, Camelot were granted the 3rd consecutive Lottery license to control the game through to the end of the next decade. Theres no denying that the lottery has generated vast amounts of money for 'good causes' such as raising £2.2bn for the 2012 Olympic games. However the underlying issue is the increase in publicity and access points Camelot aims to employ to boost sales and ultimately lead to the successful introduction of the worlds first global lottery.

With gambling addiction increasing throughout the UK and the rest of the world, watchdog campaigners are angered at the new proposals to further increase advertising. Next Month Gambling sites such as 888.com are to be banned from displaying advertising banners on websites to online British browsers. Despite this Camelot have been given apparent Cart Blanche to advertise and promote through some of the World Wide Webs biggest company's such as EBay.

Mr Scruffs

This DJ has used flash really simply but very effectively and timed well to the rhythm of the music. There are some great examples of his style on his website. As a student trying to grasp how to use flash this is a good simple style that produces outcomes that are very effective.

Custard Factory

When people visit Birmingham for a spot of retail therapy, they are unlikely to visit the old Custard factory. However it is a hidden treasure surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city. It is currently under further development however it is set to become the home to an eclectic mix of young creative work in all fields of the arts. The key aspect to the success of this project is whether the council can keep the rent costs low enough for up and coming artists to house their work and retail outlets. At the moment the Custard factory is a place of retro beauty, you can find anything from old Vespas to quirky crockery, its a stylish place for all those who are intersted in current and past trends. Well worth a visit, as it makes a change from looking at shops that are all the same with similar layouts etc, the public art on show such as the 40ft high Green Man sculpture makes shopping a memorable cultural experience.

Irreversible

Dir: Gasper Noe

This is a 2002 French film that shows the violent abuse of Marcus' (the main character) girlfriend. Although at times it is incredibly difficult to watch, each scene is very cleverly put together and all components are necessary to grasp the shocking nature of each scene. The film is filmed in reverse (hence the title) thus the viewer is slow to grasp what is happening, this reflects the nature of what is happening. The filming is some what deliberately erratic, cleverly and carefully representing the characters states of mind. The rape scene itself is horrifyingly graphic, and unbearably difficult to watch, however it seems infinitely important in the context of the film, without it the film would be pointless. For the cinematography this is an inspiring film, the use of sound is used to startling effect. However some scenes are so difficult to watch, maybe because they appear to be so close to what could be an unthinkable reality, and incidences are portrayed so graphically. However it is a film that makes you think, and in a strange way celebrates life.

thesartorialist.com

http://www.thesartorialist.com/ is a blog for those who obsess with style, this blog doesn't just look at what someone is wearing they scrutinise every single element of a persons carefully constructed outfit, its both intriguing but a little disturbing that people can be so enthousiastic about the details of what other people are wearing - even to how the wind has swept someones hair! (see the post named 'At Hermes')

Secret Garden in the Sky

When the freight trains stopped going into Manhatten in 1980's, the tracks began to decay. There were plans to demolish them and build tower blocks however officials decided that an idea bought to them by Elizabeth Diller, Ricardo Scofidio and James Corner was a much more inventive idea. A park in the sky. The idea is that visitors will be able to read the historical layers of the piece of land as there will be elements of the railway tracks encorporated into the unusual landscape. The team have created many inspirational pieces of architecture including buildings based on ribbon and ones that seem to breathe steam! Their website is worth a visit: http://www.dillerscofidio.com/

Up and coming music artists websites

There are some really interesting official websites linked to artists such as Soulwax and Amy Winehouse, there seems to be more and more pressure for muscians to have elaborate sites not only to showcase their music but also to encourage people to take an interest in the artists themselves, thus building up a residual fanbase who are unlikely to turn to less reputable sources to download music.

http://www.soulwax.com/

Zandra Rhodes

I have been intrigued by Zandra Rhodes since visiting her exhibition in London three years ago, she combines soft floaty fabrics with bold prints to create feminine yet eye catching designs that have influenced many other fashion designers. The timelessness of her designs inspire me to think about creating designs that have impact but will also not date too quickly. She has been at the forefront of British fashion design since the 1970's and continues to have a cult following whilst knowledgeably inspiring creative students in her academy.

For more information on Zandra Rhodes: http://www.zandrarhodes.com/

Guide to Etiquette and Modern Manners

The Debrett's indispensable guide to etiquette and modern manners is a book that has been in my house for years, and is occasionally bought out by my mother to correct mistakes made at supper or to satisfy particularly snobbish guests. However I had never considered reading it all the way through until yesterday, it offers some very intriguing advice about marriage, children, parties, and general household activity. The chapter on 'social kissing' was of particular interest as it seems to be the 'in' thing to do when greeting someone- to kiss on both cheeks. 'Some people - skilled practitioners of the air kiss - manage to do without any physical contact whatsoever, but making the stagey mwah mwah sounds social lift-off. Others gently bump cheeks like dainty dolphins.' (pg 216) So other than how to socially kiss someone, the book illustrates how to conduct oneself when others are present. This book is a fascinating and humerous read, although the ideas in some cases are very traditional, it would benefit many people to take heed from what this book suggests.

Bullring Beach

65 tonnes of sand have recently been put in the centre of Birmingham to create a Birmingham beach! Mad yes! However it is certainly attracting the crowds, as we are the city furthest from the sea, now with our own beach. At first I thought it was ridiculous, however it is not purely a pile of sand, events throughout the summer will be hosted here such as Brazilian dancing, volleyball tournaments and musical events. The sandy beach was finished at the start of June, however I am guessing after all of the rain its probably been washed away like the rest of town! Next time I venture into the centre i'll go to see whether we still have our own beach, but I expect that it has been a washout and a waste of money rather than a sunny entertainment venue.

Krispy Kreams

I recently went to Selfridges in Birmingham with a friend. She insisted that we got some Krispy Kream doughnuts. Im not a big fan of doughnuts, however when we got there it was like a doughnut museum. The little rings of dough are travelling along a conveyer belt of activity until they arrive in a box ready for you to eat, although this is obviously how all doughnuts are made it was fascinating to see it in action. Before I new it I was buying 12! It just shows how good basic advertising and marketing can draw in origonally untempted consumers! The image also reminded me of the recent skoda advert.

Underwater Sculpture

Jason Taylor has recently completed his underwater sculpture project off the coast of Greneda. He has explored the changing environments that sculptures can be placed in, and is now concentrating on perhaps the most changeable environment; the ocean. His sculptures when seen on land are interesting but not attention grabbing, and lack emotion. However when they are seemingly immortalised underwater their eerie prescence really makes these pieces intriguing. Although the Grenadian government obviously has a vested interest in this project, (this can be seen in some of the pieces such as the 'Lost Correspondent') overall the 'installation' is fascinating and can be enjoyed by anyone who can hold their breath for long enough!
Website: www.underwatersculpture.com

Chelsea Flower Show 2007- '600 Days with Bradstone'

Although I didn't manage to get tickets for Chelsea this year I did tune into some of the live coverage from the show. One of the gardens that captured my attention was the Bradstone Show Garden. My initial reason for liking the garden was the large spherical sculpture in one corner. It utalises hexagonal structures to create a shape that reflects structures in nature such as honeycombs. I then realised the concept behind the garden, '600 Days with Bradstone has been inspired by the Millennium and a new era in scientific and design idioms. The garden has been researched for eight years with input from the European Space Agency (ESA), which is researching the psychological effects of spending long periods in space, and the British Science Museum.' (Royal Horticultural Society) I thought that some areas of the garden were overconcerned with replicating Mars's surface and ecosystem, such as the large crator for relaxing and enjoying the planting- slightly unrealistic on Mars or in the average garden. However I was very impressed with how Sarah Eberle the garden designer selected the plants in the garden for their contribution to biomass and the carbon oxygen cycle, and researched into which plants and foods could be grown on Mars.

A fine line between being interested and stalking!

Bliin is a new site said to be threatening the social network sites MySpace, Bibo and Facebook. It was set up in January in the Netherlands and this week has come to Britian. It is based on satellite tracking so that you can track your friends wherever they are in the world on google maps. The only requirement is that you have GPS on your phone or computer. My initial response to this new type of social interaction was that of nervousness, will this mean that everyone will know where I am all the time? Thus meaning I have no privacy. However as with all such sites there are degrees of privacy settings that can be employed. So maybe this is the future, instantly messaging people around the world, sending photos and letting them know where you are all the time.However for the moment I will be sticking to facebook, at least then I can choose to tell people im avoiding them!
Website: http://www.bliin.com/

Dale Chihuly

Chihuly creates amazing sculpture out of glass, he writes so passionatly about each piece that without even seeing his work one can find themself inspired by his enthousiastic nature. The majority of his work has been in America, however the Kew Botanical Gardens is now the home of some of these fabulous sculptures. I remember about two years ago when I first came across Chilhuly, being mesmorised by his orgainic glass structures, they somehow blend into their surroundings whilst standing out at the same time. I watched a documentary about how he makes and transports his work, this alone seems to be a remarkable feat, as few of his pieces are regular shapes that can be packed into boxes! The colours, forms, positioning and even shadows created by Chilhuly are inspiration for all in the art and design world.
Website: http://www.chihuly.com/

Sony apologises over violent video game.

This story on the news was baffling. Sony has based one of its most violent video games, 'Resistance: Fall of Man' in Manchester Cathedral. Against the back drop of a beautiful old Cathedral, aliens invade and have to be quickly gunned down! Im not a religious person however I can see how this would cause an uproar within the Anglican community. Although Sony have "sincerely apologised" they also added that they believed they had "sought all necessary permisions." To me I would asume that anyone within the Church of England community would say that to base such a game in any kind of religious place would be distasteful. But maybe the bigger issue here is whether any setting for a viloent video game is considered to be in good taste.

The Ashmolean

The Ashmolean museam in Oxford really fascinated me, it was unlike any art gallery or museam I had been to before. Initially I thought that it was much like the Natural History Museam in London, with large open rooms containing fossils and stuffed animals. However at the rear of the museam is a large door with huge locks to secure it, as you walk through the door it is like entering a time capsule. There are mazes of glass cases with artifacts from around the world stored inside, some are quite shocking but intriguing, such as the shrunken heads from Ecuador and Peru. All of these rather spooky and unusual pieces add to the unsettling feeling that the museam breathes into its visitors. I truley recommend a visit to this museam, the whole atmosphere is not sterile like some art galleries, allowing you to enter into the feeling of being and intrepid explorer rather than purely the viewer of someone elses discovery.

'I see everything.'

I was initially reluctant to read this book, as my mother teaches children with autism and therefore keeps a stash of 'biography type' books on the subject. Some are narrowly more interesting than others. However this book recieved so much hype when it was published in 2003 that I felt now would be the time to see what the fuss was all about. I began to realise as I read through the fascinating life of Christopher that perhaps we as designers can associate with his 'emotionally dissociated mind' and the struggle to predict the emotions of others. As designers we attempt to go beyond predicting the emotions of a single person to predict the impact of design on the emotions of a population - especially in the case of commercial advertising. Also we often become fixated on a subject wanting to know all about a single subject to develop it futher than others have done before, this is comparable to Christophers knowledge of prime numbers or names of countries. Overall the book was a very entertaining read and shows how everybody views things differently. As designers we are encouraged to think 'outside the box', this book perhaps encourages us to look at things literally first. 'I see everything.' ( pg 174)