Was #keyblessed

After a full week back at school it has finally occurred to me that SB2K16 is officially over. Like many, I was in denial that I had to go back to my normal routine of attending class, doing schoolwork, and not having fun every day. I was in Key West for a good five days, and while I was so happy to return to my own bed and shower, I was unprepared to return to school and reality.  

While I love how schools have different spring breaks, I hate it. I envy all of my high school friends and how they are on spring break this week. The constant snap chat stories, Facebook album uploads, and Instagram posts are a reminder that my spring break is history and theirs isn’t. Sure, while I was on spring break I’m sure others couldn't wait for the following week and were envy of us at the time, but I can’t help but wish I was back at the beach, in 70-80 degree weather, and not having any worries.

 

I am sure every social media user has seen at least one spring break post whether it be of the beach, a drink in a hand, or a group picture. It is probably one of the biggest months for social media sites like Facebook and Instagram due to the constant amount of attention and posts from users. Being one that doesn't post Instagram pictures frequently or put up photos on Facebook, I was “instagramming” throughout the week. It was hard for me to keep up with some days on these sites and I usually look at my phone every second of the day.

While SB2K16 was the best one yet (and thankfully I have one more) and am happy to be back in my bed, I still wish I were back in Key West joining in on the social media frenzy and being #keyblessed.

Vinyl -- The New Go-To Series

Yesterday I fell in love. With what? With the best new TV series ever. I fell in love so much that I watched it for eight hours yesterday … and now am patiently waiting for the rest of the season to come out. (And by patiently I mean dreading the wait). It is an HBO original series that is SO good the only show that can’t beat it is Entourage (but that’s a whole new story). With creators Mick Jagger, Martin Scorsese, Rich Cohen, and Terence Winter it is a must watch of the year.

Described as a rock-n-roll-induced euphoria, Vinyl is an American period drama set in the early/mid-1970s about the record executive, Richie Finestra, and his record company American Century. While the music scene in the 70s was still overflowing with sex and drugs, the story really focuses on the ups and downs of the industry, the company, and what rock music means to Richie. It recreates the bands Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and many other classic rock groups of the 70s. Its creators are about as rock-n-roll as you can get, so as you could imagine, it is a time traveling series that truly recreates the 70s music scene and what rock-n-roll meant back then.

Vinyl premiered on February 14, 2016 and currently has over 180,000 likes on Facebook, over 27,000 followers on Twitter, over 37,000 followers on Instagram, and continues to grow attention all over the Internet. Every series has some negative reviews, but who doesn't love the 70s rock era? Which is why it is a MUST SEE and has been talked about so much on social media sites and by journalists. It truly takes you back to that time period with the old set, the styling, the bell-bottom pants, Afros, and bright, patterned shirts you wouldn't dare wear today.

Basically if you love rock-n-roll and the 70s, watch it. Or if you love Martin Scorsese (who doesn't?), watch it, because you might fall in love like I did.

#Oscars2016

The biggest night in Hollywood has finally arrived and I could not be more excited! The Oscars are not just a big night for Hollywood, but also a VERY busy night for social media. Even though the Oscars is one of the most cliche awards night in existence, it has always been my favorite. I LOVE movies and I am so excited because there are so many awesome nominees this year.

Since the Golden Globes, there has been some social media discussion regarding the lack of ethnicity in the nominees for Best Actor and Actress. But there has also been a large amount of social media posts regarding the HIGH potential for Leonardo DiCapiro to FINALLY win an Oscar (after decades of great work) … which is pretty exciting. I can’t wait to see what The Revenant (great movie by the way) will take home, including possibly Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and many more.

There were definitely some great movies this past year including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Hateful Eight, The Big Short, and Room, all of which have been showcased on social media outlets including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and various news articles and journals. #Oscars2016 already exists on social media platforms (and has for weeks), but there is also an #OscarsSoWhite hashtag that was created for the boycotts lead by Jada Pickett Smith. But the highlight of social media has been the Revenant. It has been the talk on social media channels and, as of February 25^th, it has been mentioned OVER 11 million times on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

Aside from hashtags and fan posts on social media, these actors, actresses, and other contributing members to the films have gained hundreds of thousands of followers and Facebook fans, millions of social media mentions, and millions of YouTube views. But due to the amount of attention drawn to the main hits of the year, the independent films nominated aren’t getting much attention. However, keep in mind that social media popularity has no way of predicting which of the eight movies will take home Best Picture at the 88^th Oscars Ceremony. And the losers at this year’s ceremony wont be leaving empty handed. Instead this year’s gift bag will contain a record of $200,000 worth of “swag” including a year of unlimited Audi car rentals, free stays in hotels in Italy, and a $900 toilet paper dispenser.

I can’t wait to see social media blow up tonight as well as the aftermath – including the winners, the losers, and the hottest (and not so hot) looks worn by the celebrities. It will definitely be an event no one will want to miss!

Friends Reunion

The “Friends” reunion has finally arrived and people (including myself) couldn't be happier. After a long 12 years (yes … it was 2004 when they aired “The Last One”) a reunion of the gang is definitely needed. While Matthew Perry can’t make an appearance, the rest of the gang will be there and it should definitely satisfy the fans (and me) that have been DYING for a reunion over the years.

I have been a Friends fan ever since I watched the first episode, and (honestly) I don't know one person who doesn't enjoy the show. It is one of those shows that didn't have to end. Most shows end when there’s not much more you can add to the storyline, but Friends could’ve continued for years. It was (and still is) such an enjoyable show to watch that not having a reunion (at least once) was unthinkable. 

Fans and reporters are blowing up social media already for the TV Special. The first announcement got fans in a “Twitter frenzy” and it hasn't slowed down since. One blogger has even gone so far as to recreate the characters as Rugrats! Memes have been created from iconic episodes or lines such as “PIVOT” or “oh, my god!” and have been posted all over Twitter and Facebook.  The hashtag has been created on Instagram and has more than 20,000 posts ... which I’m sure will become very large in the next 24 hours. I cant wait to see how social media blows up tomorrow – surely the reunion will be a top trend on social media.

Make sure you tune into NBC tomorrow, February 21 at 9 pm for a TV special you won’t want to miss!

The GRAMMYs

With the Grammy Awards right around the corner, I can’t help but not write my blog about the award show. The Grammy’s has been one of my favorites since the first time I watched it. I love how it amplifies the creativity of the artists and shows a huge appreciation for all genres, all decades, and all musicians. This year, the Grammy Award show is upping its social media strategy and utilizing a various number of social media outlets to produce content and promote the show before and during the airing.

The Grammys have always done very well with trends on Twitter and Facebook. They are now incorporating Instagram, Vine, Snapchat, and so many more in order to attract the younger viewers and continue to attract those that watch the Grammys. There will be a Grammy Live Snapchat story, Connor Franta will be the “Twitter Reporter” at the Grammys, and artists such as Demi Lovato and Luke Bryan will be posting exclusive photos on Instagram.

Various celebrities, journalists, and college students have posted content related to the Grammy Awards, including daring looks worn throughout the years, who might win Album of the Year, past memorable moments such as when Kanye West stormed the stage, and the tributes that will be paid to the musicians we lost this past year. It will be exciting to see how social media might blow up on Monday, who might win the awards, and the aftermath on social media including fans reactions to the winners.

Iconic 70's Rock Stars

It has already been a devastating year for the music industry. From Maurice White, David Bowie, Glenn Frey, and Lemmy Kilmister, we have lost some of the most iconic 70’s rock stars. I am still taken aback by the death of Maurice White, who was the founder of Earth, Wind, and Fire and wrote one of my all time favorites, “September”, as well as the death of Glenn Frey, the lead singer in one of my favorite bands, The Eagles.

David Bowie and Glenn Frey’s death has been featured on various social media outlets through the mourning of fans and journalists (including the Los Angeles Times and Rolling Stones Magazine), as well as in increases in album sales. The other day my mom was even begging me to go to the record store in downtown Athens and buy her an Eagles album (even though she has multiple already).

Known celebrities such as Adrian Grenier, Madonna, Steve Martin, and Kanye West took part in the mourning process and paid a tribute to David Bowie and Glenn Frey. These celebrities were posting old photos of these musicians on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, reminiscing on old concerts and friendships. Even the U.K. Prime Minister joined in on the mourning of David Bowie, stating that he grew up listening and watching the pop genius. Besides celebrities, others have been posting Snapchat videos about the losses and posting on these social media outlets as well.

This year has not started out right for a lot of 70’s rock fans, such as myself. I continue to remember how my family was SO close to going to the Eagles concert last summer and we now, more than ever, regret it. But it has been comforting seeing tributes paid to these iconic rock stars by people from all over the world of different ages and backgrounds.