Google Docs

For the fourth edition of my blog for That's Melbourne, I tried to use a web-based program to format the look of the document. I will admit it was much harder to change the design elements, other than the templates that were provided. I can say that I prefer using iWork Pages to create documents, because I have unlimited control, however it was good (especially as part of a digital media course) to learn some techniques in an online format. Undoubtedly the program I used, Google Docs, will become more and more intuitive and user-friendly as technology continues to evolve, but for now I am satisfied. Please feel free to view my work here, and if you have any knowledge of online design programs, or ways to better utilise Google Docs, leave me a post! Cheers everyone, and I'll see you on your blog! And Happy Halloween!

Who knew you could coin a phrase like "innovation journalism". Something to think about University of Melbourne...

Here is the much anticipated (if only by myself) edition 3 of 4 of IN YOUR CITY: Melbourne. As always, I have included the fun part first, which is how I imagine the post will look in my ideal world. To reiterate, this is written for the blog section of Thats Melbourne, a great site which outlines some of the best things available at any given time in our awesome city.

And since the above images are completely unreadable, here is the content:

Hello my fellow Melbournians…hello Spring…hello SPRING RACING CARNIVAL! That’s right, it’s that time of year again when the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and the smell of manure is in the air. Women in ridiculous heels and hats, men dressed to a t in a tie, and money literally growing—and wilting—on trees. No matter how much coverage the races, and more importantly the fashion, get in the magazines, newspapers, and splashed on the bus sides…I just cant get enough. So this edition of In Your City is expanding from a week to a whole season, focusing on some great ways to get involved in the racing shenanigans!

You may know all about Caulfield Cup, Derby Day and Oaks Day, or as my Canadian friend calls them—Caulfield Crop, Dorby Day and Oats Day—but there is so much more! These is just my top picks, so as always, if I have missed anything, let me know: cmichel@inyourcity.com.au. This is the most exciting time of year to be in Melbourne, so don’t miss out on all the horsing around!

Friday 23 October

Got a Flare for Fashion?

Are you the kind of person that doesnt even realise there are horses at the races? Are you just a ‘fashions on the field’ goer? If that sounds like you, this event was tailor made for you! Melbourne’s GPO Racing in Style Fashion Luncheon has all of the clothes and fascinators, without the grass stains at the end of the day. The entertainment value is unrivalled, and you will be among the first to view the newest spring fashion looks from some of Australia’s most talented designers. The event includes drinks, three-course luncheon, fashion shows throughout the day, and a goodie bag. That’s right…a goodie bag! Dress in your racing best, and be ready for a delicious day of fashion and fun!

Moonee Valley Racecourse

Saturday 31 October, Tuesday 3 November, Thursday 5 November

(Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day)

MYER Fashions on the Field

This may not be considered an event in itself, but to those of us who appreciate a great dress, on an even better pair of heels, would argue otherwise! And what is stopping you from getting involved! Registration is free…F…R…E…E…Don’t you just love the way that word sounds? All you have to do is your natural prancing around the field like the fashionista you are, and that includes you too boys! The prizes are unreal; couldn’t we all use a brand new Lexus IS 250C Prestige convertible?

Flemington Racecourse

Sunday 8 November

Does your whole family love the races?

Well this one loves you all right back! I love Frankston Cup Day. Well, yes, I do too, but that’s the name of the race! You can hardly go wrong on a day that shows you so much love. This one comes complete with sand sculptures on display, as well as a heap of activities for the whole family. Live music, fun rides and all kinds of activities for the kids. Make sure you deck out the kids in fashionable, ice-cream proof attire!

Cranbourne Racecourse

All Season

Got a thoroughbred in your head?

So maybe you don’t go for the feathers and silk (not even a little bit?). Well then check out the midweek racing! Benalla, Pakenham, Hamilton, Bendigo, Seymour, Stawell, Ballarat, Kyneton, Colac, Kilmore, Sale…the list goes on! You may have a bit of a drive on your hands, but why not make a holiday of it? Pack up your family, friends, or special someone, pile into the car and take a road trip! You deserve a little time off. And hey, place your bets right, and the trip could pay for itself!

All racecourses

13, 20, 28 November

Make a night of it!

There is no experience like watching the valiant beasts stampeding around the course in the dark heat of the summer night…and the horses are pretty cool too! Go for the food, go for the drinks, go for the people, and go for the experience of a lifetime! No sunnies or block required!

Moonee Valley Racecourse

Crossword answer for Digital Meanderings: Disheartened.

Racism in comedy

In the wake of the recent ‘Hey Hey It’s Saturday’ debacle that rocked the whole world, apparently, and undeservedly put Golliwogs onto the back shelves, I started thinking: how much is too much? Comedy has always walked a fine line between what is humorous and what is blatantly inappropriate, but when does it cross that line?

I recently discovered a show on ABC that dangerously straddles that line…and I love it. It’s called Hungry Beast, and it combines news and entertainment into a new blend of just plain wrong. Take for example the show’s perspective on race, spurred of course by the controversy mentioned earlier. They basically take a serious and confronting issue, and rip it to shreds. They are in your face about it, and unapologetic. And freakin funny! And check out this clip, which should make you chuckle, until the last scene, when you realise (SPOILER ALERT) that it is not only being funny but making a serious statement about the Australian perspective. (Have a browse around this page because if these two clips dont reel you in, you are bound to find something you like, that is if you have a good sense of humour and appreciate some creativity on your tv and web)

Isn’t this comedy at its best? Doesn’t every comedian basically just point out the elements of the real world in a clever and witty way that will make us laugh? Take your Jerry Seinfelds, Dane Cooks and Roves. Who can turn the camera on ourselves better than these guys? And who better? I don’t want politicians telling me I’m racist, nor do I want teachers, policemen, or peers. I want these guys to wrap it up in a nice shiny, pretty package of humour and blast it across the nation. Then I’ll listen.

If comedy can’t push the boundaries of social acceptance, who can?

iJournalism2.0

Everyone seems to be talking about ‘citizen journalism’, as if it is a completely new phenomenon that has taken over news reporting. I know I mentioned it in an earlier post as a reason for the decline of newspaper popularity, but that is not to say that it doesn’t make a significant and quite relevant contribution to our understanding of current affairs. I don’t think that people picking up a camera or a pen (that one is purely metaphorical now because we all use computers for everything published) is damaging the ‘legitimacy’ of news. When it comes down to it, ‘professional’ journalists may have a more authoritative voice in certain things, but most things that other people are taking the time to write about are those that affect them personally, they are involved with in some way, or are extremely passionate about. It is that passion, which has traditionally been denounced in the pursuit of ‘objective’ reporting that makes these alternate, and often biased, sources of information desirable. The line between news and views in blogging is often blurred, and the result is an opinion driven perspective on the usually dry and repetitive news.

A prime example is a blog I found from an Afghani man writing from and about Afghanistan during the past few turbulent years. For 3 years he blogged consistently about the news and current affairs, some if which were in our news and some of which were omitted. Although his opinions may differ from those of our government (and the US and other governments) and media, and his self-expression and grammar may not be perfect, but he does provide a much needed, insider perspective on the issues. It is apparent from the amount of responses to each post that his voice is not only wanted, but needed, by interested parties around the world.

Another example is the very well-known and successful Obama campaign, which was predominantly online, viral, and 'grassroots' campaigning. A large contributor to the campaign was a variety of voices, unknown and celebrity, being heard through the power of non-professional publication, i.e. blogs, youtube, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Will I Am's video, A New Day, (cannot be embedded) which I'm sure you have all seen, gives a glimpse into the idea of social change in news, politics, and entertainment.

This shift from the traditional, top-down dispersion of news will hopefully foster a generation of non-complacent, more inquisitive and influential readers and writers. The availability of varied opinions and perspectives relieves ‘traditional’ journalists from their obligation as gate-keepers of the news, and no longer does any government or corporation ‘own the news’.

When I think of social networking like Facebook and Twitter, the first thing that comes to mind is pre-pubescent girls blasting what they had for breakfast, or how they hate studying, or even how sexy the newest star of the newest movie featuring the newest way to show off the newest Hollywood sex symbol’s boobs…is. And even John McCain’s well endowed and very un-shy daughter Meghan.

But wait! There’s more? According to The Hollywood Reporter, celebs (yes I am hip, and with it, and I use the shortened and inherently much cooler version of the word) are being banned from using certain forms of social media, including the reigning king of narcissism; Twitter. The legal action is spurred by the various SPOILER ALERT’s being posted around town. Paula Abdul dramatically resigned from American Idol on Twitter, Ryan Seacrest spilled the beans on Twitter about NBC's former co-chairman Ben Silverman’s resignation, and Greg Grunberg nearly caused an uproar with a few choice words about the future of Heroes 4^th season (read about it all here). Needless to say, Hollywood big wigs need to keep the talent under control, and have been enacting clauses to prevent such slips of the tongue, or type. Confidentiality is usually already written into contracts, but the new social mediums demand explicit forbidding. They have effectively taken out the middleman that used to be required to spill a story, and therefore must seem all too tempting to those privy to confidential information.

Marketing Mirroring Life

“Don’t worry,” says Mum, “there are more fish in the sea.” Oh crap, she’s right! As a fresh-faced, soon to be recent graduate, how do you make yourself stand out from the crowd? You have a run-of-the-mill degree (1 of 700 to be handed out at graduation), you were involved in this club and that society and the other organisation, and had a part time job at Prince Alfred Hotel that you rocked up to hungover most days. You have a few friends that graduated last year and are still looking for solid work, and others that dove back into postgraduate or honours study with their tail between their legs. But then how do you make yourself marketable?

In a way, we are all marketing students. Life is one big marketing ploy. We market ourselves to potential employers and partners; we market our choices to our parents and siblings; and we market our ideas and dreams to ourselves. We should all be experts at this, right?

So what’s the difference when it comes to large scale marketing? Shouldn’t it be easy to convince all of Melbourne to drink Sprite, or wear CK cologne? Against a wall of ‘fish in the sea’, how do you make your product stand out? Why doesn’t mass email work? Why are billboards ignored? Why do we channel surf during ads? Because they are boring! Advertising and marketing has to take a fresh approach to catch the eye of consumers, and that’s what L’Oreal has figured out...sort of.

If marketing is life, why cant it also be second life? This Second Life phenomenon, if it can even be called that, has presented new ways for brands to infiltrate their audience. The verdict is still out for me on this one. Not sure I am convinced that this game, which just reminds me of the Sims on overdrive, will ever really take off the way Facebook and Twitter have. And also not convinced that virtual makeup will convince me to buy real makeup. Or subscribe to ABC for that matter. Check out these glamorous videos that attempt to describe what exactly it is. Any thoughts?

Assignment 3- part 2

In all the excitement of my last blog, I didn't mention the website I'm writing for: the blog section of That's Melbourne. I already have something in mind for the third post, but before I get ahead of myself, here is post # 2, content and suggested layout.

Get Involved

In Your City: Melbourne

Hello again Melbourne residents, visitors and fans! After a successful first instalment of great events to attend in October, I am back with another ‘what’s on’ in Melbourne. This time I have scoured the city for not only great events to attend, but great ways to get involved and give back to this incredible city!

We all know that Melbourne is well known and loved for its vibrant lifestyle, dynamic cultural heritage, booming commercial ventures, funky and cool arts scene, and fantastic dining. But you may not be aware that Melbourne also hosts a variety of organisations that provide events and daily opportunities to lend a hand in the community. Know of any great causes to share? Email me @ cmichel@inyourcity.com.au

Why not spend this Saturday playing with orphans of the feline and canine variety, rallying for an important cause, or busting out your running shoes for the charity of your choice. With all these great ways to feel good about yourself, while helping keep Melbourne a happy and healthy place to live, what are you waiting for? A little time can go a long way!

Feeling Zen? Do the words “downward facing dog” mean anything to you? Then you could be a shoe in for a beginner’s yoga assistant! Make a difference to someone’s wellbeing, and feel the difference in your own temple of a body!

• Saturdays and Sundays in November

Bring out your wild side! Have a soft spot for a furry, slobbery face? Volunteer at the Lost Dogs Home, and spend all day hanging out with little pups and kittens. This one hits home for me, as all of my cats and dogs are adopted from homes, and I have spent many hours volunteering. Animal shelter volunteers are crucial to the survival of stray, abandoned, and abused animals, and the experience is extremely rewarding! All snuggles and slobbers are free!

• All the time!
• Lost Dogs Home

Brotherly love! Feel like a little kids play? Young people today are faced with many opportunities to make bad decisions, but you can be a positive influence in someone’s life. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Melbourne has been connecting role models with kids in their community since 1980. The kids aren’t the only ones who benefit!

• Anytime!
• Anywhere!

Rally the troops! Want to be heard? Get involved in the hot topic, civil rights movement of our generation, right on our doorstep! A rally for same-sex marriage rights is being held, and its got your name on it! Come out to show your support, learn something about different lifestyles, or just to see the power of the masses! Rallies are being held concurrently in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, and Brisbane! Lend a hand, or lend a voice!

• Saturday 28 November, 1pm
• State Library

Get in the spirit! Give yourself an early Christmas present! Everyone has a Santa costume somewhere in the house right? Well now is your chance to show it off! As if you need an excuse to get into the spirit, the Santa Fun Run is hosted by Variety, and will raise money for special children in need!

• Sunday 22 November
• Albert Park Lake

Assignment 3: Part 1

I will start by saying, I really enjoyed this assignment! I know that is probably a rare occasion when students admit that something they were forced to do for credit actually stimulated an interest in the topic or method. Perhaps thats a cynical view on the traditional education system, or even just the product of a former science undergraduate student, either way it put a smile on my face, and I would only be so lucky as to have that as the outcome every day of my life. I am also just realising as I write this, that listening to upbeat music while blogging helps the creative and honest juices flowing. And I am also realising that I hate that expression!

Moving on, I'll give you a bit of background on my assignment and why it perked up my little eyes and ears. I chose to write (put together) a piece which would give locals a bit of a what's what in Melbourne. Basically I browsed around to find a collection of free events around the CBD for the week of October 19-25, 2009. I know its been done before, and it doesn't contain any earth shattering wisdom, but in the writing and researching, I learned a heap about Melbourne, that as a resident for over a year, I found embarrassing that I didn't know! For example, the Vic Markets have been around for over 130 years! And there are about 20 various markets around the city and suburbs every week! And the Victoria Barracks, which are just around the corner from where I live, were the administrative headquarters for the Australian Army during WWII! So in the midst of my googling, I gave myself a history lesson, found some great images, as well as put together a sweet list of things to do next week: all free! But the best part, which is what got me so excited, is that I discovered that I really enjoy the designing part. I really took pride in putting everything together, fiddling with colors and images, sizes and orientations, etc.

Now that I've rambled on about the thing, I'd better put it up! Here is the way I imagine it will look on a webpage with the capabilities for design:

So thats how I imagine the layout might look. The blue stars are links to more information about each event. Of course its unreadable, so here's my best attempt to make it look good on the restrictions of a blog page:

IN YOUR CITY

Melbourne

19-25 October 2009

Good morning! And welcome to another sunny day in Melbourne! We all know its not that common this time of year, so that’s just another reason to get out of bed, off the sofa, and away from the computer, to get outside and experience your very own vibrant, beautiful and exciting city of Melbourne!

I have put together a list of some of the gems our city has on offer this week, so you can get out there and make the most of it. You will find everything from tongue twisting poetry, to body twisting salsa style, to twisting on the edge of your million dollar seat.

There are an infinite number of things to experience in our city, and these are just a few to get you started. Have any upcoming Melbourne gems of your own to share? Email me @ cmichel@inyourcity.com.au

Now lets go experience Melbourne! After all, it is the “world’s most livable city”, so lets get living!

Highlights of this week:

Monday 19th: Passionate Tongues Poetry

Get out of your comfort zone and head to Brunswick to join in with some traditional and contemporary voices as they rant, rave and rhyme!

• Noise Bar, 291 Albert St
  
• 7pm
  

Tuesday 20th: Free Tai Chi

Not to be confused with Chai Tea, this free session will have you hooked on the martial arts in no time!

• Federation Square
• 7:30am-8:30am

Wednesday 21st: Free Salsa

No, not that kind! Free salsa lessons for beginners provided by the Salsa Foundation. Drinks, fun, and new friends. Dress casual, bring yur dancing shoes, and expect to be swinging!

• Syn Bar, Level 1, 163 Russell St
• 5:30pm-7:30pm

Thursday 22nd: Millionaire Hotseat

Your 15 minutes of fortune and fame! Be part of the studio audience

• 22 Bendigo St, Richmond
• 12pm-5:30pm

Friday 23rd: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Your chance to experience the culture of our city through music. An unforgettable night!

• Town Hall
• 7:30pm

Sunday 25th: Car Club Showcase

Have a soft spot for great, old cars? Maybe you will be in the city and have a few minutes to kill? Either way, this Sunday check out the coolest collection of vintage models, presented by Triumph Sports Owners Association, and squished into Fed Square!

• Federation Square
  
• 11:00am-2:30pm
  

Don't Forget the Regulars!

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Check out a free performance on cultural diversity, enjoy a scone in the tea room, then browse as many as six exhibitions featuring international as well as local artists. Persuasion features fashion in the age of Jane Austin, open until 8 November 2009.

• 180 St. Kilda Rd.
  

Melbourne Zoo

Bring your kids, grandma, boyfriend, colleagues; the zoo is a fun-filled day for everyone! More than 300 different species for the animal lover inside each of us. you can go ‘behind the scenes‘ with the elephants, lions, reptiles, kangaroos and gorillas...and I dont mean your in-laws!

• Elliot Ave, Parkville
  

Parks and Gardens

Melbourne is one of the few cities in Australia to boast so many lush, green gardens in or around such a bustling and vibrant city lifestyle. Each is just a tram or a short walk, and with the summer months looming, what are you waiting for? Parks are the perfect place to get some exercise, have a picnic with friends, or catch up on some ‘me time’ with a good book. Check out some of the most (and least) popular at White Hat.

Melbourne Aquarium

Get up close and way too personal with sharks, turtles, and sting rays in the underwater tunnel experience! Look a shark in the eye as it devours a hand-fed meal at your fingertips!

• Flinders & King St
  
• 9:30am-6pm daily
  

Melbourne: A "Market Town"

Our city has on offer an overwhelming amount of markets to choose from, each providing a little something different; a tasty treat, a one-of-a-kind artifact, a unique, hand-crafted specimen, or something completely unexpected! Go explore and see what you can find!

Chapel Street Bazaar

It has been likened to Alladin's Cave, for its vast and varied amount of collectables, memorabilia and antiques. The largest bazaar of its kind in the CBD, it has over 80 independent dealers buying and selling for your benefit!

• 217 chapel St, Prahran
  
• 10am-6pm daily

Croydon Market

One of the few markets that still employs a traditional, 100-word a minute auctioneer to unload its treasures. You can find everything from fresh produce, furniture, tools, craft and other goodies.

• 515 Kent Avenue, Croyden
  
• 8am-3pm Sunday & Monday

Lost and Found Market

This indoor market features anything and everything vintage: furniture, lighting, art, posters, clothes, books, records and collectables.

• 12 Smith Street, Collingwood
  
• 10am-6pm daily

North Court Markets

Located in the heart of the MelbUni campus, this one sells mainly second hand goods and crafts under a large sail. A great place to find deals on funky, cool stuff!

• Tin Alley, Melbourne University
  
• 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday

Queen Victoria Market

You can’t call yourself a Melbournian without having visited the Vic markets! They have everything from Aussie souvenirs, to an overwhelming amount of fresh produce. This massive market has indoor and outdoor stalls, good finds and fun for tourists and locals alike!

• Corner of Elizabeth & Victoria St
  
• Closed Monday & Wednesday

The Rose Street Artists Market

Come and enjoy browsing genuine, individually hand-crafted items, a glass of wine, or a movie at the outdoor Junkyard Cinema.

• 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy
  
• 11am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday
  

Fact of the Week:

The Queen Victoria Markets opened in Melbourne in 1878, as a way to combine the many smaller markets in the city. The market is now a protected historic site!