Apple's Blue Busters Ad

Youtube Video of Apple's 1984 Blue Busters Ad 

(Courtesy: Network World)

Wired Article: Bluebusters Ad

The link above directs to Wired.com where readers can learn more about the 1984 Blue Busters ad released by Apple.

Apple's original corporate philosophy was nonconformist and untraditional to the standard set at the time by IBM. This commercial had sent the message to viewers that the new Apple computer would rid away with the suit and tie IBM salesmen promoting their generic computers. What was especially great about this commercial was that it was sung by Ray Parker, Jr., the same guy who voiced the original ghostbusters theme song. At the time ghostbusters was such a hit that anything associated with the film was almost guaranteed to be successful. Watching both the Ghostbusters and this Blue Busters ad, there are plenty of similarities that viewers can pick up on, bringing authenticity to the commercial. Years later, this commercial is just as nostalgic as it was when it was first released. It is truly a blend of both art and technology.

The Dawn of Macintosh Computer

Steve Jobs With Macintosh Computers (Courtesy: pcmag.com)

Wired Article: Dawn of the Mac

The link above directs to wired.com where readers can learn about Apple's introduction of the Mac.

In 1984, Apple had taken a brazen approach at marketing their newest product the Macintosh computer. With IBM was competing heavily against Apple at the time, the marketing team along with Steve Wozniak had launched a TV commercial that would air during the Super Bowl. Thanks to this decision, this commercial has earned the title "Commercial of the Decade". According to the article, the commercial impacted thousands of people despite only being aired once.

Now considered one of the highest performing computers made, the Mac product line offers users the ability to conduct their business with ease and simplicity. For those who have used or own a Mac, can testify to its ease of use paired with fast processing. With Windows computers still being the majority of computers around the world, Macintosh has established itself as expensive, high performance computer that meets all users' needs. By looking back at the origin of the Mac, one can easily identify how far the product line has come and the evolutionary stages it has gone through since its release in 1984. Surely it has done a significant job with marketing as it has won the battle over the IBM's computer line. 

The History of The Telephone

Alexander Graham Bell (Courtesy: amazonaws.com)

PBS Article: Alexander Graham Bell and The Telephone

The link above directs you to pbs.org where readers can learn about the history of the telephone.

After reading this article, I was astonished at how involved Alexander Graham Bell was after inventing the telephone and creating a new industry. I found it interesting that doctors and pharmacists became the early adopters of this new product while it was no surprise to learn that the wealthy were among the first to acquire the telephone as well. History has shown that the wealthy have always tried to stay concurrent with all the newest trends. Even more so today as social status is greatly dictated by the number of assets one has in their possession and how expensive it is. 

The telephone is one of mankind's greatest inventions. It revolutionized the way people communicate across long distances and increased the chances of a recipient receiving a message. Without Alexander Graham Bell's invention, widely successful companies such as AT&T and Verizon may never have existed. I would imagine that a world without cellphones would be less exciting and much more inconvenient. From the perspective of social interaction, people would not be able to communicate as easy throughout the day, talking less frequently than with a phone. From the perspective of commerce, people would lose the option of paying with their phone, restricting the maximum profits made by businesses. Overall, the world should recognize Bell's contribution to society and appreciate his great invention. 

How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Youtube Clip from "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" by Rob Ashford

(Courtesy: CountessKarma)

This blog post is a response to the post made by Ángel at http://angel-stagedoor.blogspot.com.

The cast of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" performs 'Brotherhood of Men' at the 85th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. After watching this clip, I was rather shocked to see Daniel Radcliffe take the lead role for a musical. I am not particularly a fan of Daniel Radcliffe, but this performance was well done and was a great showcase for the Frank Loesser adaptation. Despite being known for his role as Harry Potter in the Harry Potter movie series, he does a good job taking on the role of J Pierrepont Finch. He definitely has talent after working his way into the hearts of audiences with eight movies, and does a fair job with this performance. As adored as he is with fans, his singing needs improvement. As this is his first major musical, I am sure he will fine tune his voice for future performances. Aside from the criticism I believe this is a great opportunity for Radcliffe to put his hidden talents on display.

Having only seen a few Broadway musicals in my lifetime, I am not as qualified as others to fully critique the clip. The last show I saw was Larry David's "A Fish In The Dark" this past summer. What made it enjoyable was the cast, the underlying humor, and well developed plot. It was a show that I have recommended to others before and will continue to do so as I enjoyed it. So long as Ashford's new adaptation of the 1961 musical can meet similar standard, I am sure it can do well. Overall, I wish Radcliffe, Ashford and the rest of the "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" crew the best and hope they can exceed critics expectations.

Source: http://angel-stagedoor.blogspot.com/2016/01/another-opening-another-show-una.html

The Evolution Of Stage Entertainment

Youtube Video Of Various Vaudeville Performances 

(Courtesy: Galloping Alligator's Muck Pond)

After watching the video shown above, it is fascinating to see how Broadway has evolved from vaudeville, burlesque, and cabaret.

I was particularly impressed with the woman who could pick up a chair with her teeth and swing it around effortlessly. This is impressive by today's standards, as many people would usually break their teeth or be sent to the dentist expecting a hefty bill. It certainly holds weight against some acts seen on the television show America's Got Talent. This burlesque dancer could have made quite a living if she were born in the 21st century. 

Surprisingly, I enjoyed the footage and the various acts despite being from 1898 to 1910. The acrobat in particular is worth noting. She was able to fully exercise her talent and skill without any limitations or safety nets, making her performance exquisite and enthralling. Nowadays almost every professional performance artist has a manager who advises against many of the death-defying acts for the purposes of safety. In many cases, some acts do not get clearance and force the performer to limit their routine. This puts a damper on many performers who do not get a chance to fully express themselves. This as opposed to freelance exhibitionists, who seem to hold a reputation for doing whatever they feel inspired by and can pull off to draw a crowd, make headlines, or leave a lasting message.

Broadway is now reserved for large feature productions yet has deeply ingrained roots within vaudeville, burlesque, and cabaret. It is difficult to recognize a Broadway show for its brilliance without paying homage to the three performance styles that it has stemmed from. Today's Broadway shows are so elaborate and feature performance art, digital imaging, and an ensemble. Talent is just as good as it was as the art form developed over the years.

Wayang Kulit & Theatrical Performance

Wayang Kulit 's History Explained Video 

(Courtesy: Khatulistiwa.info at Vimeo.com)

Wayang Kulit, the Indonesian theatrical performance of shadow puppets, is deeply ingrained in the country's culture, history, and livelihood. It is so important that there are three specific regions where it has become infamous for this art form. Careers, theaters, and pass times have been created as a result of this cultural performance. Wayang Kulit can be used to describe the current social structure of Indonesia, give out sermons, and a medium of education as mentioned in the video. It can also be used as a medium for dispersing information to the people. It is seen as an ingenious cultural heritage of Indonesia and the world to many Indonesians, often synonymous with the identity of the country. 

In the video a man who now works as a Dalang, a shadow puppeteer, was taught since the age of three to master Wayang Kulit. As a Dalang he is expected to orchestrate the puppet movements in synchronization with the music and dialogue, as well as play instruments at the same time. According to the video, a single performance can use up to 400 different Wayangs, each with their own characteristics and distinct features that contribute to the storyline. 

Much like Wayang Kulit, American theater has shared its history with storytelling and performances. Puppet shows, marionettes, and films have been used to achieve many similar goals that the Indonesians seek with Wayang Kulit. Despite the low technological integration that the Indonesian theatrical performance has, it still requires a great amount of skill and has remained true to its origins. American theater unless specified as solely one type of show has evolved to a more contemporary style. This change has developed in order to satisfy the ever-changing interests of the American public. Adaptations from classic performances have now become common and most of the old styles are performed for a sense of nostalgia or urge for avant-garde trends. 

The Microchip

Image Of A Modern Day Microchip
(Courtesy: thereelnetwork.net)

PBS Article: History Of The Microchip

The link above directs you to PBS.org where readers can learn about the history of the microchip.

The microchip, an invention that has spurred so many others that it can be considered a building block for most future technologies. Most commonly, it serves to be used as a personal computing device. Due to Moore's law, microchip technology is advancing, reaching greater computing power at cheaper costs. Due to this defined law, the average smartphone in 2016 has more computing power than Apollo 11 in 1969 when it ventured to the moon, says Time magazine. As described in a 2012 NASA post, "smartphones have more than 100 times the computing power of the average satellite, with fast processors, high resolution cameras, GPS receivers and several radios and sensors built in". With such vast capabilities and advanced technology, the power to create increases exponentially.

The reality, however, is that the average smartphone owner will not use their phone to develop anything useful, but remain a consumer only to download applications or send text messages. For those who have contributed to the advancement of society with life improving products or services, the world thanks you and hopes to see more inspiring people like yourself.

Stengel, Richard. "Making Sense of Our Wireless World." Time. Time Inc., 27 Aug. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2016. 

Yost, Bruce. "This Week @ NASA, November 23, 2012." NASA. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 23 Nov. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.