Madlen Nicolaus's Posts
Take Action! Kodak supports German WWF Climate Vision Video Contest
What will a climate friendly future look like: Washing machines that don't need water? Solar powered cars all around the globe? An asylum for polar bears? The renowned international non-governmental conservation organization World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) wanted to find out and teamed up with Kodak Germany to launch a Climate Visionary Video Contest:
Global warming, dry spells, melting polar caps - climate change has become a red hot topic. But the topic is not only discussed in Copenhagen by politicians and experts - a lot of people around the globe are getting involved in climate protection and agree that it's time to take action. WWF Germany recently introduced a 'future study' that shows ways to considerably reduce CO2 emissions. However, they didn't only want to present their ideas, but were also interested in people's personal vision of a climate friendly future:
The WWF Climate Vision Video Contest
In a video message German actor and environmentalist Daniel Bruehl invited Germany's youth to get involved in climate protection.
The announcement was spread via numerous social media channels, e.g. German Kodak Facebook Fanpage, Twitter, Kodak Germany YouTube Channel as well as WWF YouTube channels and also Twitter.
The contest in a nutshell:
Germans were invited to become a WWF "Climate Visionary". Participants had to develop a short video script for their own climate 2050 video. Kodak provided useful video filming tips for the young videographers for even more impressive results. A jury decided on twelve lucky finalists who received a brand new Kodak Zi8 Pocket video camera to turn their inspirational ideas into a full HD video. The cameras where sent out end of November, but you can already check out some of the very creative Zi8 videos online at the WWF Germany YouTube channel:
From all the visionary videos, WWF will choose the best five and present them on their official website - hoping to inspire much more people to start thinking about climate change and act more responsible.
Global warming, dry spells, melting polar caps - climate change has become a red hot topic. But the topic is not only discussed in Copenhagen by politicians and experts - a lot of people around the globe are getting involved in climate protection and agree that it's time to take action. WWF Germany recently introduced a 'future study' that shows ways to considerably reduce CO2 emissions. However, they didn't only want to present their ideas, but were also interested in people's personal vision of a climate friendly future:
The WWF Climate Vision Video Contest
In a video message German actor and environmentalist Daniel Bruehl invited Germany's youth to get involved in climate protection.
The announcement was spread via numerous social media channels, e.g. German Kodak Facebook Fanpage, Twitter, Kodak Germany YouTube Channel as well as WWF YouTube channels and also Twitter.
The contest in a nutshell:
Germans were invited to become a WWF "Climate Visionary". Participants had to develop a short video script for their own climate 2050 video. Kodak provided useful video filming tips for the young videographers for even more impressive results. A jury decided on twelve lucky finalists who received a brand new Kodak Zi8 Pocket video camera to turn their inspirational ideas into a full HD video. The cameras where sent out end of November, but you can already check out some of the very creative Zi8 videos online at the WWF Germany YouTube channel:
From all the visionary videos, WWF will choose the best five and present them on their official website - hoping to inspire much more people to start thinking about climate change and act more responsible.
German Traditions and Festivals - No 4: Christmas time in Germany
Have you ever thought of visiting Germany during the pre-Christmas season? Maybe you should! It is a magical time of year, full of charming traditions and breathtaking sceneries, all worth capturing on photo or even HD video with the Kodak Zi8 Digital Video Camera. Be it a family gathering for a Christmas cookie baking session or a meet up with friends at one of the famous 'Christkindl' markets for a glass of moulded wine or punch. The "Dresden Striezelmarkt" is one of the most famous ones in Germany. I have just been there last Saturday with my family.
The advent season is also a time to reunite or reconnect with family members and friends from all over the world. Instead of writing an email, why not do some handicraft and make your own personalized Christmas cards this year? If you have a Kodak inkjet printer at home its all the easier. In Germany, we created a special website where we assembled additional ideas on home-made presents or a special photo card.
In Germany, Christmas is celebrated on the evening of the 24th and, depending on the region, it's either Father Christmas or the 'Christkind' - a winged figure dressed in white robes and a golden crown, who delivers the presents. The following two holidays are mostly spent in the family circle with lots of delicious food (Christmas Goose still being a favorite), time for walks in the snow and a church visit.
For children one highlight of the weeks prior to Christmas Eve is St. Nicholas' Day (Nikolaustag) on December, 6th. And yet again it depends on the part of Germany you live in: in Southern Germany St. Nicholas, a reverend gray-haired figure with flowing beard knocks on doors and enquires about the behavior of the children - the well-behaved kids are rewarded with sweets and little gifts...(as are the naughty ones after promising to try harder next year). In Eastern Germany however, where I grew up, it is common for children to put a freshly polished (!!!) pair of shoes outside their door at night. The next day, the boots are either filled with sweets and toys or black coals - depending on the kids' behavior throughout the year.
Here's to a peaceful Christmas 2009! And a bit of snow would be nice, too, thank you.
2009 - 575th "Dresdner Striezelmarkt"
Historical Christmas Market at "Dresden Castle"
At the historical Christmas Market the people even dress like hundreds of years ago
"Weihnachtsmarkt" at the famous Church of our Lady in Dresden
The advent season is also a time to reunite or reconnect with family members and friends from all over the world. Instead of writing an email, why not do some handicraft and make your own personalized Christmas cards this year? If you have a Kodak inkjet printer at home its all the easier. In Germany, we created a special website where we assembled additional ideas on home-made presents or a special photo card.
Handmade individual Christmas cards
Self made picture tea light candle holder
In Germany, Christmas is celebrated on the evening of the 24th and, depending on the region, it's either Father Christmas or the 'Christkind' - a winged figure dressed in white robes and a golden crown, who delivers the presents. The following two holidays are mostly spent in the family circle with lots of delicious food (Christmas Goose still being a favorite), time for walks in the snow and a church visit.
For children one highlight of the weeks prior to Christmas Eve is St. Nicholas' Day (Nikolaustag) on December, 6th. And yet again it depends on the part of Germany you live in: in Southern Germany St. Nicholas, a reverend gray-haired figure with flowing beard knocks on doors and enquires about the behavior of the children - the well-behaved kids are rewarded with sweets and little gifts...(as are the naughty ones after promising to try harder next year). In Eastern Germany however, where I grew up, it is common for children to put a freshly polished (!!!) pair of shoes outside their door at night. The next day, the boots are either filled with sweets and toys or black coals - depending on the kids' behavior throughout the year.
Shoes of some brave kids ;-)
Here's to a peaceful Christmas 2009! And a bit of snow would be nice, too, thank you.
German Traditions and Festivals - No2: St. Martins Day - Switch to night mode on your cam!
Around the world, November 11th is a very special day. But while people in North America commemorate Veterans Day, Austrian and German Catholics celebrate quite a different kind of holiday: St. Martin's Day (St. Martinstag). Every year thousands of children all over Germany are crafting candle-lit lanterns, and join a jolly procession through the dark, singing traditional German songs. Parents and family are watching from the roadside - it's a perfect picture moment with a very special atmosphere.
This is also reflected by Google picture search - with more than 32 Million St. Martins photos.
Although there are countless results on Google, it was next to impossible to persuade my family and friends to share some of their St. Martins Day night photos. "They are not good really, you can not see much. It was too dark", was the most common explanation. I understand it is not so easy to capture great photos of your children walking through the night with their lanterns.
However, on most compact digital cameras you can switch to night mode to make the most of available light. Night mode adjusts the camera settings for low-light conditions, allowing for a slightly longer exposure. When photographing in low light, images are prone to camera shake. To avoid blur, press the shutter button gently and smoothly or use a tripod for these shots. If you don't have a tripod handy, no problem, brace your camera on a railing, or against a column or tree. This helps keeping the camera from moving and blurring the pictures.
Because of my picture finding problem, this blog post looks now quite empty of pictures - very unusual. So to make it look more colorful I need your help! Does anyone want to share pretty St. Martin photos? You can win a Kodak Z950 Digital Camera - with the night mode feature!
If you have great St. Martin's Day photos you would like to share, please post them on the wall of the German Facebook Fanpage: I can not wait to see your great lantern photos with your family!
About the tradition of St. Martin's Day
The tradition of St. Martin's Day started hundreds of years ago, based on the legend of St. Martin, who once met a starving beggar at the city gates. He took his sword and divided his red, woolen cloak in two parts to share it with the old man. Since then Christians all over Europe celebrate this act of compassion on November 11th, the day he was buried.
In every kindergarten in Germany children enjoy crafting their very own paper-lanterns. They are curved or round and made out of paper in the kids' favorite color. Why not add a special touch by printing out small photos of all family members to put on this years lantern?
In some places, the procession closes with a big fire called the "Martinsfeuer" bringing all people together and enjoying the moment before they head home for a traditional feast of roast goose with dumplings and red cabbage.
This is also reflected by Google picture search - with more than 32 Million St. Martins photos.
Although there are countless results on Google, it was next to impossible to persuade my family and friends to share some of their St. Martins Day night photos. "They are not good really, you can not see much. It was too dark", was the most common explanation. I understand it is not so easy to capture great photos of your children walking through the night with their lanterns.
However, on most compact digital cameras you can switch to night mode to make the most of available light. Night mode adjusts the camera settings for low-light conditions, allowing for a slightly longer exposure. When photographing in low light, images are prone to camera shake. To avoid blur, press the shutter button gently and smoothly or use a tripod for these shots. If you don't have a tripod handy, no problem, brace your camera on a railing, or against a column or tree. This helps keeping the camera from moving and blurring the pictures.
Because of my picture finding problem, this blog post looks now quite empty of pictures - very unusual. So to make it look more colorful I need your help! Does anyone want to share pretty St. Martin photos? You can win a Kodak Z950 Digital Camera - with the night mode feature!
If you have great St. Martin's Day photos you would like to share, please post them on the wall of the German Facebook Fanpage: I can not wait to see your great lantern photos with your family!
About the tradition of St. Martin's Day
The tradition of St. Martin's Day started hundreds of years ago, based on the legend of St. Martin, who once met a starving beggar at the city gates. He took his sword and divided his red, woolen cloak in two parts to share it with the old man. Since then Christians all over Europe celebrate this act of compassion on November 11th, the day he was buried.
In every kindergarten in Germany children enjoy crafting their very own paper-lanterns. They are curved or round and made out of paper in the kids' favorite color. Why not add a special touch by printing out small photos of all family members to put on this years lantern?
In some places, the procession closes with a big fire called the "Martinsfeuer" bringing all people together and enjoying the moment before they head home for a traditional feast of roast goose with dumplings and red cabbage.
5 international Kodak Social Media teams at the London 140Conf
Yesterday, November 17th, Jeff Pulver brought his 140 Characters conference to Europe for the first time; the third of its kind, the event took place at the O2 Arena in London.
Kodak co-hosted the event again. Jeff and Jenny both spoke, with Jenny speaking on the panel "twitter and brands".
However, this was the first time international Kodak Social Media teams from US, UK, Germany, France and Italy attended. Weeks in advance, the social media teams worked together to invite the top bloggers from their regions. Each EAMER country brought around 15 local bloggers with them to London, who spread the word about discussions from the 140Conf to their local audience via twitter, YouTube and their own blogs.
The impact of this international gathering was proven by the fact that #140Conf was the first and second top trending topics on twitter on that same day.
The German blogger Alexander Franz Köllner aka @iFranz has already uploaded a video of Johnny Häusler's "YEAH-Flashmop" on his video blog "iFranznation".
The international bloggers not only sought the "takeaways" from the different panels and speeches, but also used the opportunity for interviews about Kodak's Social Media activities with Jeff Hayzlett, who again was invited to help host part of the conference with Jeff Pulver.
The Italian blogger Marco Zamperini interviewing Jeff
In the conference room itself, Kodak presented its latest consumer products to the audience on a big demo table pod. At this pod, visitors learned all about Kodak products and about the company's social media activities.
As in L.A., In London a Smile Cam was set up where attendees could record "what makes them smile" and were being shared on 12 Second Video.
We collected some conference photos our international team members captured throughout the day on the Kodak flickr photostream.
The success of this great EAMER conference is just the beginning of events of this type, involving many international Kodak social media teams. We will keep you posted and hope you will join us at the next one...
To follow the international Kodak tweets and Facebook fan pages visit kodak.com/go/followus!
Kodak co-hosted the event again. Jeff and Jenny both spoke, with Jenny speaking on the panel "twitter and brands".
However, this was the first time international Kodak Social Media teams from US, UK, Germany, France and Italy attended. Weeks in advance, the social media teams worked together to invite the top bloggers from their regions. Each EAMER country brought around 15 local bloggers with them to London, who spread the word about discussions from the 140Conf to their local audience via twitter, YouTube and their own blogs.
The impact of this international gathering was proven by the fact that #140Conf was the first and second top trending topics on twitter on that same day.
The German blogger Alexander Franz Köllner aka @iFranz has already uploaded a video of Johnny Häusler's "YEAH-Flashmop" on his video blog "iFranznation".
The international bloggers not only sought the "takeaways" from the different panels and speeches, but also used the opportunity for interviews about Kodak's Social Media activities with Jeff Hayzlett, who again was invited to help host part of the conference with Jeff Pulver.
The Italian blogger Marco Zamperini interviewing Jeff
In the conference room itself, Kodak presented its latest consumer products to the audience on a big demo table pod. At this pod, visitors learned all about Kodak products and about the company's social media activities.
As in L.A., In London a Smile Cam was set up where attendees could record "what makes them smile" and were being shared on 12 Second Video.
We collected some conference photos our international team members captured throughout the day on the Kodak flickr photostream.
The success of this great EAMER conference is just the beginning of events of this type, involving many international Kodak social media teams. We will keep you posted and hope you will join us at the next one...
To follow the international Kodak tweets and Facebook fan pages visit kodak.com/go/followus!
A tale of Heroes: Kodak Germany partners with Guitar Hero Rock Challenge & DJ Hero Club Tour
Long gone are the times when gamers were seen as supposedly reclusive loners - on the contrary, party games nowadays are all the rage. A perfect backdrop to present the best features of the Kodak Zi8 Digital Video Camera in a lifestyle environment: thus, Kodak Germany teamed up with Activision for the launch of the party games Guitar Hero and DJ Hero.
The Guitar Hero Rock Challenge is a national competition, on the lookout for the next air guitar talent in Germany. Here's how it works: Until Mid-December a mobile stage is touring Media Markt stores across Germany (Media Markt is one of the biggest German consumer electronics store chains - similar to BestBuy), looking for fresh talent be it single artists or a boy group in waiting. Supported by a sound system, a light-show and a video screen, participants perform their favourite Guitar Hero song and act it out live on stage. Every act is filmed by Kodak promoters with the new Kodak Zi8 Digital Video Camera and the video is then uploaded to a special Media Markt website for all to see.
On this website viewers can vote their favorite performance and every week a winner is chosen. The finalists will gather in Berlin in February to compete in the Grand final. People who are not looking to become the next big Guitar Hero talent are of course also invited to experience and test the Kodak Zi8 in action.
Zi8 captures the DJ-heroes of the night in Full-HD
The second event series sponsored by Kodak Germany is the DJ Hero Club Tour. „DJ Flashdance aka Jan Delay", a well known German DJ and musician will heat up the vibe at five of the hippest clubs across Germany. The photo below shows Jan Delay at the official DJ kick-off of the DJ Hero Club Tour at the Universal After Show Party of the MTV European Music Awards 2009 in Berlin:
Again the new Zi8 video camera comes in handy for a special video contest: Guests will have the opportunity to take videos while they are playing DJ Hero at a "Video-Area" sponsored by MySpace und Kodak. The videos will be uploaded on MySpace and the best video will be established at the end of the DJ Hero Club Tour to win the grand price: a goody bag including a Kodak Zi8 Digital Video Camera, a DJ Hero-Set and a Xbox 360 Elite Console.
It's like Shakespeare said "All the world's a stage"!
The Guitar Hero Rock Challenge is a national competition, on the lookout for the next air guitar talent in Germany. Here's how it works: Until Mid-December a mobile stage is touring Media Markt stores across Germany (Media Markt is one of the biggest German consumer electronics store chains - similar to BestBuy), looking for fresh talent be it single artists or a boy group in waiting. Supported by a sound system, a light-show and a video screen, participants perform their favourite Guitar Hero song and act it out live on stage. Every act is filmed by Kodak promoters with the new Kodak Zi8 Digital Video Camera and the video is then uploaded to a special Media Markt website for all to see.
On this website viewers can vote their favorite performance and every week a winner is chosen. The finalists will gather in Berlin in February to compete in the Grand final. People who are not looking to become the next big Guitar Hero talent are of course also invited to experience and test the Kodak Zi8 in action.
Zi8 captures the DJ-heroes of the night in Full-HD
The second event series sponsored by Kodak Germany is the DJ Hero Club Tour. „DJ Flashdance aka Jan Delay", a well known German DJ and musician will heat up the vibe at five of the hippest clubs across Germany. The photo below shows Jan Delay at the official DJ kick-off of the DJ Hero Club Tour at the Universal After Show Party of the MTV European Music Awards 2009 in Berlin:
Again the new Zi8 video camera comes in handy for a special video contest: Guests will have the opportunity to take videos while they are playing DJ Hero at a "Video-Area" sponsored by MySpace und Kodak. The videos will be uploaded on MySpace and the best video will be established at the end of the DJ Hero Club Tour to win the grand price: a goody bag including a Kodak Zi8 Digital Video Camera, a DJ Hero-Set and a Xbox 360 Elite Console.
It's like Shakespeare said "All the world's a stage"!
German Traditions and Festivals - No3: Carnival Germany's fifth and foolish season
Alaaf! In my series on German traditions I cannot possibly overlook Cologne Carnival. The Brazilian one might be the best-known celebration worldwide, but carnival in the Rhineland is legendary. Party people from all over Germany (and increasingly our European neighbours are making an appearance, too) gather in Cologne to celebrate the foolish season. Crazy costumes, fancy parades and the happiest crowd of people - it's an event not to be missed. And a perfect stomping ground for your very own photo safari!
Today, the 11th of November, is the official kick-off for this 'festive and foolish' season: at 11.11h on the dot the new season is declared open. But the real heydays, the Street carnival, also called "the crazy days", take place between Thursday (Women's Carnival Day) before Rose Monday and ends on Ash Wednesday. For a full program please visit www.koelnerkarneval.de
But of course Carnival is not only celebrated in Cologne - all over Germany people are dressing up for regional festivities. In parts of East and South Germany the carnival is called "Fasching", whereas in some other parts it is called "Fastnacht". In the region around Dresden, where I come from, Fasching is one of the biggest festivities of the year, too. Several cities such as Koenigsbrueck or Radeburg have their own carnival clubs that organize big carnival parades on carnival Saturday right before Rose Monday with a special theme each year. Here you can see some photos of the Koenigsbrueck parade February 21st 2009.
My brother Hendrik and his friends celebrating carnival
It's worth joining one of the committees just for the jolly planning process alone - some people like my brother are thinking about their yearly costume months in advance, and some of these hilarious creations definitely deserve to be photographed and shared with the world. Numerous groups on Facebook also document the funny season.
Now, here are some final facts and funny figures to get you in the party mood:
Keep a lookout for special Kodak activities to capture the foolish season!
Today, the 11th of November, is the official kick-off for this 'festive and foolish' season: at 11.11h on the dot the new season is declared open. But the real heydays, the Street carnival, also called "the crazy days", take place between Thursday (Women's Carnival Day) before Rose Monday and ends on Ash Wednesday. For a full program please visit www.koelnerkarneval.de
But of course Carnival is not only celebrated in Cologne - all over Germany people are dressing up for regional festivities. In parts of East and South Germany the carnival is called "Fasching", whereas in some other parts it is called "Fastnacht". In the region around Dresden, where I come from, Fasching is one of the biggest festivities of the year, too. Several cities such as Koenigsbrueck or Radeburg have their own carnival clubs that organize big carnival parades on carnival Saturday right before Rose Monday with a special theme each year. Here you can see some photos of the Koenigsbrueck parade February 21st 2009.
My brother Hendrik and his friends celebrating carnival
It's worth joining one of the committees just for the jolly planning process alone - some people like my brother are thinking about their yearly costume months in advance, and some of these hilarious creations definitely deserve to be photographed and shared with the world. Numerous groups on Facebook also document the funny season.
Now, here are some final facts and funny figures to get you in the party mood:
- Business men visiting Germany on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday beware, "wild" women roam the streets in places, cutting men's ties wherever they get hold of them. Also, as a tradition, women are allowed to kiss every man who passes their way...
- Everyone with a sweet tooth: Rejoice! Every year more than 300 tons of sweets (700.000 chocolate bars!) are thrown into the audience.
- Almost every town has a special carnival cry, the most famous being Alaaf! (Cologne) and Helau! (Dusseldorf and Mainz).
Keep a lookout for special Kodak activities to capture the foolish season!
