Facebook: A Life Saver?

It comes by no surprise to readers that if Facebook was a country it would be the third largest in the world after China and India with over 500 million active users. And like every country it too has its share of virtues and vices.

Being the largest social network site, Facebook has become one of the most pervasive mediums making it unavoidable for anyone to not take interest in it. But it is more than just a place to meet and connect with ‘friends’.

Facebook is so powerful that it not only gets people hitched but also breaks them up. It has the ability to trigger protests and stop wars; save lives while becoming a point of contact for someone contemplating death. Facebook has groups where users can shed grief and remorse but can also resort to online bullying and hatred.

With millions of users are exposed to this and more, “Facebook is under increasing pressure unlike other social networks to be a bit more responsible on what happens on their site,” said Rory-Cellan Johnes, Technology correspondent on BBC.

Johnes added that the social network are currently under pressure by regulators from all over the world, particularly the UK to do more, to look after users that are vulnerable and young.

Simone Back, 42, of Brighton, UK, updated her status that read, "Took all my pills be dead soon bye bye everyone." at 10:53PM on Christmas Day 2010.

On January 6th 2011, The Daily Mail reported the story of Back's suicide. The charity worker had a history of depression. The paper spoke to her mother, Jennifer Langridge, who pointed out that her daughter had 1082 Facebook friends but not one of them responded to her cry for help in-person or contacted her mother.

Back's last status update was, in fact, seen by a number of her Facebook friends. Some responded with nasty comments but no one took her threat seriously enough, cared enough, felt comfortable intervening, or knew what to do.

According to the Daily Mail report, "Facebook friends from out of town begged online for her address and telephone number so they could get help, none of those who lived closer did anything to help."

This is just one among several incidents on Facebook that acted as a catalyst for the social network to adopt and launch a system that allows users to 'report' friends who they think may be contemplating suicide.

Anyone worried about a friend can fill out a form, detailing their concerns, which is passed to the site's moderators. It follows reports of several cases where Facebook users announced their intention to commit suicide online.

The reporting page asks for the address (URL) of the Facebook page where the messages are posted, the full name of the user and details of any networks they are members of.

Suicide-related alerts will be escalated to the highest level, for attention by Facebook's user operations team.

This feature has become active since the beginning of March 2011 and is being run in conjunction with the Samaritans, which said several people had used it during a test phase. So far the system had been operating in a trial mode, without publicity for three months, during which it received several genuine reports and no hoaxes, according to Samaritans.

It is hoped that the new reporting mechanism will help prevent cases like that of Simone Back, who died on Christmas day after taking a drug overdose.

Samaritans added that the new system was not launched in relation to one specific case, but to raise awareness of the ways in which people could get help.

“Some Facebook friendships are very distant acquaintances, at best.” said Dr. Irene S. Levine on PsychologyToday.com. 

Levine, a psychology professor added that we live in the same virtual community, we are neighbours. When you have any suspicion that someone's health or safety may be compromised, it's always better to say something than regret doing nothing.

With this in light, it’s obvious how a range of industries have started using Facebook and social networks to their advantage. 

"Organisations now understand the value of collaborating using public consumer tools like Facebook," said David Lavenda, WorkLight's vice president of marketing and product strategy.

Media stations, advertisers, public relations, marketing and event agencies are some markets desperately trying to gain the consumers attention by using Facebook as a promotional tool. Police and Forensics implement Facebook into their work by finding and identifying suspects and criminals. 

On a medical front, patients share their symptoms on Facebook only to be helped by friendly doctors and advised by friends. 

Not a medical forum but Facebook saved Kate Robb's life 

And this isn’t quarter of the list. With all this in mind, one can’t help but wonder what Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook must be thinking, bet he never thought his site would help people in such a manner and extent.

Hall Pass Movie Review

Director: Peter Farrelly, Bobby Farrelly

Starring:  Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Jenna Fischer, Christina Applegate, Nicky Whelan, Richard Jenkins

The Farrelly Brothers are back, the ones who brought you those classic unforgettable comedies like ‘Dumb and Dumber’,’ There’s something about Mary’,’ Shallow Hal’ and ‘Me, myself and Irene’.

Similar to their previous works, Hallpass will be Farrelly’s eleventh comedy film only this one will be brimming with sexual humour, embarrassing pick-up lines and enough “No they didn’t!” moments, that could make you go ‘ewww’ or ‘awww’ all in a span of two hours.

Hallpass tells the story of Rick (Wilson) and his best friend Fred (Sudeikis) both happily married for years but unable to leave their lusty single ways completely in the past. Their wives decide to test them by giving them a week off their marriage, a ‘hall pass’ to live out their sexual dreams. But they're less than happy when their wives (Fischer and Applegate) are also tempted to let loose. So can the couples work it out? Watch to find out!

Undoubtedly, the movies secret weapon has to be Saturday Night Live's, Jason Sudeikis who plays his first major movie role. Sudeikis has an agreeably dorky, bootlicking officiousness making this film funnier than it had any right to be, largely due to the way he delivers his lines and facial expressions.

If you like the Farrelly brothers then in all likelihood you’ll love Hallpass. Although, if you do wish to enjoy this movie to its maximum, not only should you watch it with a group of friends but try not to predict the thin plot, for not knowing will guarantee a lot of great laughs.

In other words, stay away from spoilers. For you will remember the car arrest, the spa rescue and the girl with appendicitis. You'll tell your friends about them. You'll enjoy Hallpass and may even watch it again because of the story. Or not.

Rating: 6/10

Have you done something amazing this Christmas?

Christmas is not all about presents it’s about charity, sharing, love and spreading that Christmas spirit. There may be a lot of presents with your name on them under the Christmas tree, but there are many people in our Preston community who have never received gifts because they are victims of war, poverty, disease and natural disasters. ‘Do something amazing this Christmas’ is one such project that strives to make a difference this year. 

Jane Taylor, brainchild of this project says that this is her way of giving back and helping our local community. ‘Do something amazing this Christmas’ is a project that strives to pack essential requirements in over 50 shoeboxes for various centres across Preston, including Parkinson House (a mum and baby unit for disadvantaged families), Fox Street Homeless Shelter and Merriweather Care Home (for 16-25 year olds experiencing times of hardship). 

Shoeboxes filled unwanted clothes, toys, toiletries and anything else of good quality. 

“We researched online the different charities doing it such as Samaritans, but decided that we'd like to have a more hands on approach and have control over where the presents went, so I researched centres in our local area that could use our help and chose three that catered to women, men and children. This meant we were helping a more diverse group and having a bigger impact,” said Jane Taylor.  

The shoe box donation will have ended by 17^th December as the items will be put into shoe box style presents and are planned to be delivered to them on Christmas Eve, all wrapped up.

Organizers urged everyone to make a difference during Christmas, “Everyone at this university is fortunate to be working or have access to university education. There are plenty of people in our local community who have nothing. Let's make a difference.”  

When asked what memories she takes from this experience, Taylor replied that hardest time was going in to visit the different centres and seeing what an amazing job the staff were doing, but how much help they still needed. “I suppose you feel like whatever you do it won't be enough, but if everyone thought the same nothing would get done! So we just have to do what we can.”

While her special moment yet was coming into university to find over 30 emails in one day responding to her requests for donations which were quite touching.

“But I'm sure the best bit is going to be giving out the presents.” she added.

The shoe boxes will be displayed at Preston North Premier Inn until Christmas.  

Are you going home for Christmas?

Have you thought about what you will be doing over Christmas?  Will you be going home?  Or are you planning to stay in the UK? 

There are over two thousand international students who represent 100 countries at University of Central Lancashire.

True, not all of us celebrate Christmas, some come from cultures that celebrate Christmas in different ways while for others Christmas is not celebrated at all. Whatever it maybe it is hard not to experience some element of Christmas as the holidays approach.

Shopping windows filled with Christmas decorations and unbelievably attractive sales find students queuing up to buy their presents for Christmas or something special for their loved ones back home.

But some students aren’t as fortunate to return home for the holidays. Students who can’t go home at Christmas can find themselves in a difficult place without friends or support structures around.

Thirty three year old Jude Nwagbara, who is pursuing his postgraduate studies in Human Resource Management said he won’t be going back home in Nigeria this Christmas due to financial constraints.

“Home is far from here, it isn’t easy going back and forth whenever you want to. I will be spending my holidays in Preston. I think it should be fun as long as I my friends to celebrate with.” he said.

But most of the international students have agreed that they would love to know and experience how Christmas is celebrated in Britain.

First year International Journalism students, Pang Yanrong and Kerstin Tschernigg excitedly quip that they love learning about the culture here as it is wonderful how various people celebrate Christmas differently.

“I am going to buy a plastic Christmas tree and decorate it and sing carols in different languages!” said Kerstin.

They plan to have a mini Christmas celebration in advance before they part ways for the holidays.

Kerstin Tschernigg said she will spend ‘actual Christmas’ back home in Austria. “I am going back to my home country and plan to celebrate Christmas traditionally with my family. I will go to church at 10pm. Before that we'll exchange gifts, sing under the Christmas tree and have dinner together.” she entailed.

While, Pang Yanrong won’t be going back home to Singapore but instead will be heading to Munich for Christmas to visit her cousin who is studying there. “I don’t think it is worth the price of the flight to fly back to Singapore for a week or so and back again.”

Uzondu Izidoro, Business student from Nigeria said he is most likely to stay back in Preston as well. But he did go on to add that no matter where they celebrate it Christmas is a time for families and friends to celebrate the holidays and share memories of warm celebrations and delicious food.

If you wish to experience a traditional Christmas with an English family, you can. Christmas Hospitality is an organization that allows you to spend the festivity with a Christian family who are willing to share their traditional Christmas day: a time of festivity, celebration, family times, and the remembrance of a very special birth.

This is open to all international students of any or no religion and there is no charge involved. The scheme has been running since 2004 and the feedback from students has all been positive. To register log on www.christmashospitality.com. Although, numbers may be limited by the numbers of host families available and the places will be allocated in the order in which registrations are made.

If you are planning on staying on-campus over Christmas then you must look at the recommended list of events lined up for you this Christmas.

But no matter where you are, here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous year. 

(This feature was originally published in PR1 Magazine on 29th November 2010)

PR1 is University of Central Lancashire's Student Magazine.

To read issue: http://issuu.com/jamesbutlin/docs/pr1issue61

Film Review: MegaMind - "I Make Bad, Look So Good"

Directed By: Tom McGrath , Cameron Hood

Cast: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Brad Pitt, David Cross, Justin Theroux

We have all seen a clichéd hero-villain plot where the good guy always beats the bad guy and of course gets the girl. Have you ever wondered what would happen if the super-villain won for a change?

That’s exactly what screenwriters Alan Schoolcraft and Brent Simons asked themselves when they came up with the initial concept for Megamind, the animated adventure from DreamWorks being released on December 5th.

Megamind is a satirical take on the superhero genre focusing on a down-and-out super villain (voiced by Will Ferrell) who finally destroys his arch nemesis, Metro Man (Brad Pitt) during one of his many botched hostage plots involving news reporter Roxanne (Tina Fey), who may remind you of Lois Lane from Superman.

Lost and depressed without an enemy, he creates a nemesis, turning to Roxanne's lonely cameraman Hal (Jonah Hill) into Metro City's next big superhero, Tighten.

Unfortunately for Megamind, Tighten turns into one of the biggest villains who decide to utilize his new power against humanity as revenge for the lifetime of rejection he has endured for years. Megamind is left undecided; can he defeat his own diabolical creation? Will the evil genius become the unlikely hero of his own story? Will the super villain get the girl, this once?

Besides the noticeably A-list voice cast, Megamind is written by Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons who take in their dexterous plotting that guarantees there’s never a dull moment while director, McGrath takes good care that the action doesn’t cross the line from the energetic to the simply exhausting.
Overall, the film stands as one of the best arguments in favor of 3D over the past couple of years that feels like mature, restrained, even natural use of the technique.

Moreover, if Megamind lives up to expectations, audiences can be sure that there will be a follow-up adventure. “I think Megamind creates a world that has a lot of possibilities story wise,” said McGrath in his interview with comicbookmovie.com.

“There are a lot of stories you can tell from the point of view of the villain other than just the relationship between good and evil.”

(This article was originally published in PR1 Magazine, Entertainment Section on 29th November 2010)

PR1 is University of Central Lancashire's Student Magazine.

To read issue: http://issuu.com/jamesbutlin/docs/pr1issue61

Film Review: Gulliver’s Travel

Directed By: Rob Letterman

Starring: Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Catherine Tate

5/10

Gulliver’s Travels is yet another remake of the classic tale based on the 18^th century novel by Jonathan Swift of a man who ends up on an island, and he’s HUGE!  So what sets this latest version new Gulliver’s Travels apart from the rest? For one, it stars our ever so talented Jack Black who will be playing the big guy.

In this epic and modern tale Gulliver (Black), a mailroom clerk at a New York newspaper bluffs his way into an assignment about the secrets of the Bermuda Triangle, he is then hurtled to an undiscovered land, Lilliput, where hilarity will no doubt ensue! At first enslaved by the diminutive and industrious Liliputians and later declared their hero but soon learns that it’s how big you are on the inside that counts.

This 20^th Century Fox film is set to hit the big screens this Christmas of 2010. There’s a mixed response when it comes to its release, some critics say that if you’re a Jack Black fan or care for some live-action family adventure, you should definitely give this flick. While, others say that judging from the posters and trailers it looks like a fake movie similar to Funny People or Tropic Thunder, leaving room for disappointment.  

(This article was originally published in PR1 Magazine, Entertainment Section on 29th November 2010)

PR1 is University of Central Lancashire's Student Magazine.

To read issue: http://issuu.com/jamesbutlin/docs/pr1issue61

Contemporary Art, Museums and Galleries, Who Cares?

As you approach Preston's Market Square, it’s hard to miss the stunning Neo-classical building which was designed by James Hibbert (1833-1903) to house the Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library. 

As you walk into the grand 117 year old building, it is quiet, comfortable and engulfed in a history of its own. You're greeted with smiles from the art shop which leads to a cafe that is surrounds itself with exquisite artefacts. As you ascend the two storeys of the Museum, you will experience the story of Preston unfold before your eyes.

Harris Museum and Gallery is a host to several community engagement projects that strive to intrigue Preston’s diverse community through a wide range of local organisations on creative, tailor made workshops, projects, talks and tours. These projects are funded by Renaissance North West and are in association with six hub museums and galleries namely Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum, Whitworth Gallery, Bolton Museum, Tullyhouse Museum and Harris Museum and Gallery.

A constant proportion of 16 million adults in England alone, visit museums on a yearly basis, said The National Survey of Culture, Leisure and Sport, Annual Report (2006).

Who Cares? is one such community project which explores the positive impact that museums and galleries can have on our lives. The research will be completed by 2011 but ongoing outcomes of this project can be seen in and around the museum.

“Who Cares? is a project that targets young adults and working people thereby trying to gauge how museums and galleries affects their well being,” said Kyra Milnes, Access and Inclusion Manager at Harris Art Gallery and Museum.

It includes several workshops and exhibitions such as Sharing and Learning: A Touching Experience, Fun, Food and Fabric, Stories of the World and Reminiscence sessions.

Sharing and Learning: A Touching Experience is a ceramics project in partnership with Galloway’s Society for the Blind and Coppull Parish Church School. 

“This project works towards educating the community in understanding that visual impairment is a disability and not an inability. Often, people with visual impairments are excluded from the making of art, so during this project young people were educated through working collaboratively with visually impaired adults to create ceramic artefacts,” said Viv Booth, Project Manager from Galloway’s.

Fun, Food and Fabric, a creative textile project in partnership with Sahara Preston’s African Caribbean Women’s Group, featured in the Embellished: the Art of Fabulous Fabrics exhibition in Harris.

Stories of the World is a graffiti project in collaboration with young people at Beneast Training Ltd, this will be featured as a part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad project for young people.

While, Reminiscence sessions involve a specialist team of volunteers, trained to facilitate reminiscence sessions on a monthly service to local care and rest homes. They take them themed boxes of Harris objects and artefacts out into the community and use them to trigger memories. 

Harris Museum and Library

Student opportunities to gain some experience

There’s a wide range of volunteering opportunities at the Harris, in all departments of the museum. “At the Harris, we always need volunteers to help the team develop the program, assist curators, aid with talks and tours and get involved in several projects,” said Milnes.

If you are student aged below 25 years, you could get involved in the ‘Young Harris-Youth Arts Group’ where you get to meet at least once a month and work on creative projects relating to the Harris using art, performance, poetry, animation and music.

For more information you can visit www.harrismuseum.org.uk or contact 01772 905 412.