MEAGAN'S WORLD

Its all over!!...

2009-12-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

The relief of finally finishing our website is brilliant. We were getting pretty stressed out by the end of it. The finished product is deadly if i do say so myself! The links all work, the images all open up in thier own window and our monkeys are zoomifyable!! The design is basic enough but someday Id hope to design a website like this one http://www.loadedsmoothies.co.za/. Its a website for a south african based smoothie. I came across it the other day and i was blown away by its design. The background is a field with a moving sun in the top left hand corner. When you hover over the sun, its eyes wiggle about. To view the menu you must hover over a little bee who then drops the menu down for you. When you hover over the bee he smiles at you! There is lots of movement and bright colours on the page which make it very enjoyable to view. I clicked on all the menu buttons just to see what would come up next! I think the design of this website is something all web designers should aspire to. Its fun and easy to navigate and really gives us a good feel of the type of company they are.

Wana Get High Now?!?

2009-11-29T14:55:00.001-08:00

While Ive been thinking about the design and effects of our website, I have been paying close attention to the design, layout, effects and applications on other websites. While surfing the net I came across this website http://www.gethighnow.com/. It is a page full of amazing visual and audio "highs" IE illusions.

The first thing about the home page that struck me was the design and layout. It consists of a yellow background with pink stripes down the middle. The name of the site is in large black letters at the top of the page in a simple font. The buttons are in a blue tab under the websites name and are very easy to use. The site has a very uncomplicated feel to it and is easy to navigate through.
I think the site design was simplified so as not to overshadow the numerous illusions that appear on the other pages. Seeing as in our website we will be showing lots of Banksys artwork I think we should follow suit and keep the background and buttons simple, clear and easy to use. We want the pictures and info about Banksy to stand out so we should keep everything else simple like Banksy does on his own web page.
The colour scheme we have decided to go with is black and neon blue. I feel that this is understated yet eye-catching at the same time.

Banksy - The best artist of our generation??

2009-11-28T05:35:00.000-08:00

Julie and I have decided to create a website about the street artist "Banksy", as I am a huge fan of his. Banksy is a graffiti artist from Bristol, UK, whose artwork has appeared throughout London and other locations around the world. Despite this he manages to keep his real name from the media.

Some believe that his graffiti provides a voice for those living in urban environments that could not otherwise express themselves, and that his work is also something which improves the scenery of urban surroundings. Other people disagree arguing that his art is simply vandelism which should be stopped. His work has become recognised across the world as his pieces are often humerous yet controversial. He uses only spray cans and stencils to complete his work which is currently selling for record amounts of money at art auctions. He is also a ‘guerrilla artist’ because his activities are illegal and some local authorities have removed his work from buildings and walls.

On Bankys official website, http://www.banksy.co.uk/, the background visuals are kept to a minimum. There is a white background with his name spray painted in black over it. There are 3 buttons on the side - Outside, Inside and Shop.

When you click on the Outside button you are presented with a variety of Banksys artwork which he has created outside on public buildings and areas. this piece was painted onto the side of a sexual health clinic in Bristol.

When you click on the Inside button you are presented with a selection of his artwork whick he has created for inside viewings.

We have decided to follow his simple colour scheme by using just black and blue colours. We also want to give the viewer more information about Banksy so we plan to add extra buttons such as biography, career, quotes etc.

Digital Marketing

2008-12-01T02:33:00.000-08:00

Digital Marketing is the practice of promoting products and services using digital distribution channels to reach consumers in a timely, relevant, personal and cost-effective manner. (Wikipedia)

It includes Banner advertising, search engine optimization (SEO) and pay per click, RSS, voice broadcast, fax broadcast, blogging, podcasting, video streams, wireless text messaging, and instant messaging? You get the idea.
Through learning about digital marketing with Colin in Online PR Ive learned that online now accounts for 12% of UK consumers' media time. Since we are all studying for a degree in PR, some of the advice for PR professionals in digital marketing was invaluable.
Such as:

Running higher share in online improves overall campaign results
more reach in online can greatly increase brand awareness
online reaches younger audiences
online is more cost effective than other forms of media.

I found this video on Digital Marketing and I feel that it really pushes the point that digital marketing is the way of the future

News Release

2008-11-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

News Release

For Immediate Release

Meagan Keenan

Keenan PR
Dublin 4
1st December 2008

Irish Dragons Den to air on RTE1 in Spring 2009

RTE announced today (1.12.2008) that they will comission an 8 part seris of the hit BBC show, Dragons Den.

Screentime ShinAwil, makers of "The Apprentice" and "You're A Star" will produce it. The seris will air on Rte1 in spring 2009 and will be presented by Deputy Editor of the Sunday Business Post, Richard Curran.

The Irish Dragons are Gavin Duff, Media Entrepreneur; Bobby Kerr, CEO of Insomnia Coffee chain; Sean Gallagher, MD of Smarthomes; Niall O'Farrell, the businessman behind Black Tie; and Sarah Newman, director of Newman Equity.

It will be the Dragons own money on the table and they will have to decide who they want to invest their money in.

Larry Bass, CEO of Screentime ShinAwil said : "Dragons Den is one of the most successful formats on TV worldwide and we are delighted to be bringing Irish viewers the opportunity to see their own version of the series."

Claire Duignan, Director of Programmes, RTE Television said: " We are delighted to bring this successful series to Irish viewers. Dragons Den has a natural appeal for Ireland, given the high percentage of entrepreneurs in this country. The RTE series will have fierce Irish Dragons with proven business acumen and astuteness, We believe it will be an RTE 'must see'".

The UK version of the show has been a huge success for the BBC, drawing in almost as many viewers as Eastenders.

About to go into production, the series is currently seeking would-be entrepreneurs to pitch and take part. Anyone interseted in applying to take part in the show can download an application form from www.rte.ie/dragonsden

For futher information-
Contact:
Meagan Keenan
Keenan PR
Tel:0871234567
E-mail:mkpr@gmail.com

Achmed the Dead Terrorist

2008-11-29T05:41:00.000-08:00

This is Achmed the Dead Terrorist. You have to see this. So so so funny!!!

Googles #1...

2008-11-29T02:54:00.000-08:00

PageRank is one of the methods Google uses to determine a page’s relevance or importance. A high Page Rank makes you look like your site is an "expert" in it's field.

Any business worth their salt will want to be high on the google rank but this is not an easy feat. Some companies employ people whose whole job is to keep their company high on the google rank. The whole idea of being in the top 3 is that you are way more likely to get clicked on and attract attention and possible customers to your page. Some companies arnt up to the challenge so they pay Google to insert their ad on the page of a relevant search. These ads appear above and to the side of the "organic" or free listings. Google will be paid a small sum of money any time these paid listings are clicked on. I don't know about anyone else but I for one have never clicked on a paid listing. For some reason I just don't trust them. If their company or product is so great then should it not be able to make it onto the organic listings???

The Online Sex Industry

2008-11-26T08:00:00.001-08:00

(CNN) -- Gone are the furtive visits to seedy theaters and the fear of being outed as some perverted purchaser of porn. Now, all you need to indulge anonymously in the "XXX" world is your trusty personal computer and a good connection to the Internet.

Never has this statement been more true than today when the online sex industry has a $12 billion revenue worldwide. $12 BILLION!!!!! OK instead of maybe feeding Africa or something why dont you all have a good wank??!! Crazy!!

Here are some "Fun Facts" about the online sex industry.

25% of total search engine requests are porn-related.
8% of total emails are porn-related
20% of men admit accessing pornography at work
13% of women admit accessing pornography at work
12% of total websites are pornographic
10% of adults admit having internet sexual addiction

Now that all well and good if it is consenting adults partaking in it but when children can be involved so easily it becomes very very scary.

100,000 websites offer illegal child pornography

Child pornography generates $3 billion annually in America

90% of 8-16 year olds have viewed porn online (most while doing homework)

I find these stats to be very disturbing and i really think that more should be done to deal with this issue.

In other ways though, the online sex industry can be heaven for those people who would be too embarrassed to visit sex shops for kinky toys and costumes. Some of us wouldnt give a damn if we were to be seen browsing through sex shops (sure why not?!??!!) but a lot of people would be too afraid to take the risk of getting spotted buying a cock ring, a dildo or even a pair of handcuffs to take the chance. The stigma of sex shopping is still very evident in Ireland today. Through the net all people with a shy disposition can indulge in their fetishes too!.. Fair is Fair!!

MY BELIEFS..............

2008-11-20T03:03:00.000-08:00

I believe that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change

I believe that you can keep going long after you think you can't

I believe that either you control your attitude or it controls you

I believe that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up

I believe that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have

I believe that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are but we are responsible for who we become

I believe that just because two people argue it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because two people don't argue, it doesn't mean they do

I believe that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different

I believe that when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help

I believe you should live your life to the limit and love it

N-Dubz

2008-11-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

N-Dubz have to be one of the greatest UK acts ever! I absolutly love them and their songs are the only things that really get me and the girls going on the way to college every morning!! Although they are only starting to make a name for themselves recently, they have been about for 7 years now.

N-DUBZ are Dappy, Tulisa and Fazer. They are based in Camden in London.

Dappy is a singer, song writer and producer. Tulisa is Dappy's cousin. She is a singer/songwriter and the brains behind N-DUBZ. And, in my opinion, she has the absolute best dress sense!!.. deadly tracksuits and class dresses!! completely my style.. Fazer started 'spittin' and writing songs together with Dappy when he was 11. Now 18, he co-produces and writes.

Their new album is called Uncle B and is dedicated to Dappys dad, who died last year. Their new song Papa is also about him.

My favourite N-Dubz songs would have to be Defeat You, Papa, Ouch and I Swear.. They are just deadly in my opinion and nobody else can make music like them. I honestly hope that they get to number 1 in the charts with their new album and become hugely successful. They completely deserve it.

2008-11-17T02:56:00.000-08:00

Had to share this!! So so true!! I'm so going to go find somebody to play rock, paper, scissors with now!!

The X-Factor.....

2008-11-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

Finally justice has been done and Daniel has been voted off the x-factor... I was really beginning to worry that he might keep surviving each week and in doing so sacrifice one of my favourites. Personally I don’t see why they put him through in the first place as the judges, namely Louis and Simon, never had anything nice to say to him. He is too old-fashioned and even if he had won, he most certainly would have flopped in the charts.

I was glad to see Rachel in the bottom 2 too. She really does my head in. At first I actually really liked her but come on get over your whole big sob story and move on. Everyone else has. The auditions are the place for sob stories not the live shows pet! I feel that the judges pity her and put her through even though so far she hasn’t, in my opinion, shown any real talent. I have a sneaking suspicion that she actually may be a man?!?!?

Speaking of talent I have to mention Diana Vickers. If this girl doesn’t win then I will never watch x-factor again... (Ok, maybe that’s a bit extreme but I will be very very angry...) what talent!! I've never heard a voice like hers. She is such a unique individual and she deserves to win 100%. Anyone who thinks that she cheated last week is just pathetic. The poor girl had laryngitis and couldn’t even speak...This girl has amazing talent and is such a breath of fresh air. DIANA ALL THE WAY!!!!!!

my day so far!

2008-11-15T04:56:00.001-08:00

Ok well today started off as a very bad one this morning. My freak of a boyfriend, Scotty decided to wake me up really early so he could go to the gym! Like who does that? Who gets up early on a lovely, cosy Saturday morning to go and get all sweaty in the gym? He is crazy. I’m not complaining about the effects of all this training though!
Yum Yum!! hahaha

But anyway, I come home check my e-mails and find out that I'm finished college for Christmas on Wednesday the 17th!! How class is that?!?! That news really improved my mood!! A whole month and 2 days off for Christmas. Bet it’s going to fly though. I can’t believe its only 6 weeks until Christmas though. This must have been the quickest year of my life. I don’t even want to start thinking about Christmas shopping yet as I'm stone broke! I have to be the worst person with money in the world!
So with my mood greatly improved, I'm going to light a lovely fire, get into my pj’s and flop on the couch all day watching the football!! COME ON CHELSEA!!! The day is defiantly looking up!!! All I need now is for Liverpool and United to lose miserably and then I'll be truly happy!!

virtual communities

2008-11-14T05:48:00.000-08:00

I personally feel that virtual communities are a great asset in today’s world. I've noticed their importance even more so now that I have started college. Take Bebo for example. I had a Bebo page when I was about 15/16 but I soon lost interest in the whole thing. Since I’ve started college though, it’s become a necessity to keep in touch with all of my school friends. My friends have moved to college in different parts of Ireland and one of my best friends has even moved to Wales. Without Bebo I know that we would all find it harder to keep in touch so in a way virtual communities don’t only bring people together, they keep people together too.

Your Bebo page can be customised to suit your personality, play your favourite songs, show your pictures, and express your views and opinions in new and more exciting ways than ever before. I think virtual communities can be a good outlet for some people as long as they don’t become dependent on them and lose all their social skills. Roger Scruton has recently said that"shy people used to go trembling into society, hand in mouth; now they can go boldly into virtual society, hand on mouse."

Personally I have no interest in MySpace or Facebook or Second Life (creepy stuff!) but everyone to their own. I think any site which allows people to come together to talk about common interests is a site well worth running....

So a 12 is fat???

2008-11-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

Ok I'm absolutely raging. I was looking through the questionnaires my group in study, research handed out and so far I've come across 2 different ones with girls claiming that a size 12 was overweight!! WHAT?!? The world is going absolutely crazy. The title of our project is “does celebrity culture have a negative impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing in young adults?”
While doing some research on it I found out some amazing things. Did you know that if shop mannequins were real people they would be too skinny to have children? And if Barbie was a real woman she would have to walk on all fours due to her proportions!!
Marilyn Monroe one of the most beautiful women that ever lived was a size 14, the average size of women in Ireland and the U.K. I think that the world’s obsession with achieving the perfect appearance has gotten way out of hand. The fact that there even is a size 0 amazes me!! Size 0 is a UK size 4!! A 4?!!? One of my legs wouldn’t even fit into a size that small!!

If somebody can show me 1 hetrosexual man who could actually be attracted to a bag of bones I will be amazed because I for one have never encountered one!!

Models 20 years ago weighed 8% less than the average women, these days they weigh 22% less. I think that a lot of people think thin = beautiful when in fact it doesn’t. Beauty is so so much more.

Which do you find most attractive???

Size 0.............. ................Size 12........................... Size ?!?

This is one of my favourite poems ever. Its by Maya Angelou and I think it really captures the idea of a womans beauty...

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies

I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size

But when I start to tell them They think I'm telling lies.

I say It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips

The stride of my steps

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman That's me.

I walk into a room Just as cool as you please

And to a man The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees

Then they swarm around me A hive of honey bees.

I say It's the fire in my eyes

And the flash of my teeth

The swing of my waist

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman That's me.

Men themselves have wondered What they see in me

They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery.

When I try to show them They say they still can't see.

I say It's in the arch of my back

The sun of my smile

The ride of my breasts

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman That's me.

Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed

I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud

When you see me passing It ought to make you proud.

I say It's in the click of my heels

The bend of my hair

The palm of my hand

The need for my care. '

Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman That's me.

My 1st ever blog post!!

2008-11-03T02:49:00.000-08:00

The name's Meagan and welcome to my blog! As part of my online PR class @ DKIT (which i love!) we have to create a blog spot and post stuff regularly. Not really my cup of tea to be honest! I can't understand these people who kept diaries and journals and so on and so forth.. Sounds like too much work for me and imagine the hassle trying to decipher my thoughts and feelings!! MISSIONS!

So where to start then? how about how I feel this rainy, terrible Monday morning...DEPRESSION!! Monday morning back to college after a week off and I find out I have an exam at 3pm. agghh!! why don't I listen when we are told these things?!?

Not only that but I'm walking around with my head held down all day due to the fact that i overindulged myself with vodka last Thursday and might have made a wee bit of a fool out of myself at the Halloween ball?!?!

don't remember much to be honest but from what Dee has told me I don't think I want too!! Great fun dressing up though! I was a naughty policewoman and i swear i must have arrested almost everyone in Silence!!

Shame now that I think back on it! HA ha ah well.. Shit Happens.. that has become my motto recently!

OK peeps well that's all for now. Check back later for another insight into Meagan's World..... see ya...