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Wieners to Wunderbar: How Germany got cool


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Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has won plaudits for his intelligent musings on football. You can speak about spirit -- or you can live it, he told the Guardian newspaper this week.Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has won plaudits for his intelligent musings on football. “You can speak about spirit — or you can live it,” he told the Guardian newspaper this week.

The Bratwurst, a traditional German sausage, is renowned all over the world and is a big favorite with football fans.The Bratwurst, a traditional German sausage, is renowned all over the world and is a big favorite with football fans.

Kim Kardashian is just one of a whole host of celebrities to have visited Munich's Oktoberfest -- a beer festival which is held in the city every year.Kim Kardashian is just one of a whole host of celebrities to have visited Munich’s Oktoberfest — a beer festival which is held in the city every year.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is a huge football fan and will be a keen spectator at the Champions League final.German Chancellor Angela Merkel is a huge football fan and will be a keen spectator at the Champions League final.

While Dortmund's players have produced on the pitch, its fans have done likewise in the stands with a number of outstanding montages on the famous Sudtribune terrace.While Dortmund’s players have produced on the pitch, its fans have done likewise in the stands with a number of outstanding montages on the famous Sudtribune terrace.

Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira have become an integral part of Germany's new multicultural team under manager Joachim Low. The pair have established themselves as stars on the world stage with the national team and Spanish club side Real Madrid.Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira have become an integral part of Germany’s new multicultural team under manager Joachim Low. The pair have established themselves as stars on the world stage with the national team and Spanish club side Real Madrid.

Six-time grand slam tennis champion Boris Becker, who once sat on the Bayern board, believes hosting the 2006 World Cup transformed his country's image.Six-time grand slam tennis champion Boris Becker, who once sat on the Bayern board, believes hosting the 2006 World Cup transformed his country’s image.

Sebastian Vettel, Formula One's treble world champion, is one of Germany's most famous faces and is revered across the sporting world.Sebastian Vettel, Formula One’s treble world champion, is one of Germany’s most famous faces and is revered across the sporting world.

Christoph Waltz has become a leading name in Hollywood since winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Quentin Tarantino's film Django Unchained. Waltz is the son of a German father and Austrian mother.Christoph Waltz has become a leading name in Hollywood since winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Django Unchained.” Waltz is the son of a German father and Austrian mother.


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(CNN) — The Germans are coming — and this time London cannot wait.

Germany suddenly finds itself in the unusual position of being uber cool, and that is in no small part thanks to the first all-German European Champions League final on Saturday, when Bayern Munich takes on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, the home of English soccer.

From triple world champion Sebastian Vettel revving up as the poster boy of Formula One, to Oscar-winning actor Christoph Waltz, — who is the son of a German father and Austrian mother — starring on the big screen, Germany has a newfound confidence about itself.

And yet, some stereotypes just won’t disappear.

Within minutes of Dortmund’s semifinal victory over Real Madrid, the first “jokes” began to emerge with the UK’s tabloid papers jesting that “fans had their towels on the seats already” — a reference to German holidaymakers’ apparent habit of claiming sun loungers at beach resorts.

Traditionally the British have had a particularly testing relationship with Germany, and it has much to do with the two World Wars of the 20th Century.


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As recently as a decade ago, stereotypical images of Germans decked out in Lederhosen, socks and sandals goosestepping to the beat of the Oompah Band armed with a Bratwurst and quaffing a Weissbier were not uncommon in British red-top tabloids.

On the terraces, England fans would taunt their German opponents with songs about World War II and the infamous “Ten German Bombers song” where the victory of the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain is recounted.

Peep Show, one of the most popular British TV sitcoms of recent years, is one of the more contemporary programs to reference the “Sausage-munching Bosch” and “Fritz, the Bratwurst Guzzler.”

But former tennis star Boris Becker believes his country’s successful hosting of the World Cup in 2006 has helped transformed Germany’s image.

“I think we have shown the world how diverse and multicultural Germany has become,” says the six-time grand slam champion, who has been hugely popular in Britain since winning Wimbledon at the age of 17 in 1985.

“We did a great job with the visiting fans,” he told CNN. “And whoever was there seven years ago has seen a different side of Germany and have realized that the new Germans are much ‘cooler.’

“I wouldn’t say that the English are falling in love with Germany, but I think they have respect for what Germany has achieved in the sporting world.

“There is a new multicultural wave coming from Germany, which is very international and very cosmopolitan.”

Swashbuckling style

Britain, too, has come a long way in its perception of Germany since John Cleese famously goosestepped his way around Fawlty Towers as hotel owner Basil Fawlty in one of the country’s most beloved TV comedies during the 1970s.


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It’s not just the swashbuckling style personified by Bayern and Dortmund that has helped reinvent attitudes to Germany — it’s also been reinforced by the nation’s football team under the guidance of ultra-cool Joachim Low.

Comprised of players from the German, Polish, Turkish, Tunisian and African communities, Low’s squad produced the kind of exhilarating and vibrant football which helped the team reach the final of the 2008 European Championships, as well as the semifinals of the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros.

Behind the scenes, the Bundesliga, with its low ticket prices, safe standing areas and stylish infrastructure, has eclipsed the English Premier League and Spain’s La Liga as the hipsters’ choice.

These days fans from all over Europe flock to stand on Dortmund’s famous Sudtribune terrace, to catch a glimpse of Bayern or venture further to the likes of St. Pauli in Hamburg, a favorite with many foreign supporters.

“The weather is good and the beer is better,” quipped the Bundesliga’s chief executive Christian Seifert after being asked why German football attracts so many tourists.

“But I think it’s more to do with safe standing, the relatively low ticket prices in relation to very attractive games and a good atmosphere at the stadium,” he told CNN.

“In 2006, more English tourists were in Germany than ever before and in those four weeks we had great marketing and great weather. It was the best summer I can remember.

“After the World Cup, a lot of investment was made in stadium infrastructure, so it was really easy to get there.

“We have a relatively low amount of season tickets, so it’s possible to get a ticket in the ‘free’ sale at a fair price. If then, somebody says they want to see a Bundesliga game, then that’s great.”


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Football fans are also attracted to the Oktoberfest, a 16-day celebration of beer held in Munich each year, with its clubs and bars making it a popular destination for bachelor parties and weekends away.

Jingoistic stereotypes

Matthias Krug, an author and journalist, says he heard and witnessed anti-German chants and rhetoric when he lived in England between 2004 and 2007.

The nations’ footballing rivalry stems back to the 1966 World Cup final, when England controversially beat West Germany in extra time at Wembley as Geoff Hurst scored a goal that is still debated to this day.

West Germany got revenge in Mexico four years later, while the English have since suffered heartbreak against “Die Mannschaft” in several high-profile tournaments since — though 2001′s 5-1 triumph in a World Cup qualifier in Munich provided some respite.

“I once traveled on a train in northern England which was completely packed and then people suddenly began singing a vivid song about one English victory in football and two in wars,” says Krug, who lived in Nottingham between 2004 and 2007, but now works in Qatar.

“I think fighter pilots from the RAF were also mentioned. It must have been my looks which sparked them. I don’t remember having said a word, either pre- or post-singing,” he told CNN.

“Obviously stereotypes related to Germany, both positive and negative, that have been very strong as a result of history and also our sporting history.

“They also vary greatly; others in England showed a strong sense of respect for the achievements and consistency of German football.”

In 1996, before England hosted a semifinal clash with Germany at the European Championships, the tabloid Daily Mirror published a front page with the words, “Achtung, surrender, for you Fritz, ze Euro 96 Championship is over.”

Ten years later, The Sun newspaper provoked fury from German Chancellor Angela Merkel after publishing an unflattering photo of her from behind while she changed into a swimming costume with a headline of: “I’m bigger than the Bumdestag.”

That incident provoked fury in Germany and no shortage of embarrassment in the UK.


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Bayern vs. Dortmund in numbersBayern vs. Dortmund in numbers

New York Yankees president Randy Levine, MLS chief Don Garber and Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano revealed the new franchise plans. New York Yankees president Randy Levine, MLS chief Don Garber and Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano revealed the new franchise plans.

Former Manchester City star Patrick Vieira threw a ceremonial pitch at a recent New York Yankees game against Toronto.Former Manchester City star Patrick Vieira threw a ceremonial pitch at a recent New York Yankees game against Toronto.

Former French international star Thierry Henry is the star player at the only current MLS franchise in the Big Apple, the New York Red Bulls. Former French international star Thierry Henry is the star player at the only current MLS franchise in the Big Apple, the New York Red Bulls.

David Beckham played for six seasons with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS and helped popularize football in the United States. He helped them to the last two MLS titles.David Beckham played for six seasons with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS and helped popularize football in the United States. He helped them to the last two MLS titles.


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Man City and Yankees partner in MLS expansion side New York City FCMan City and Yankees partner in MLS expansion side New York City FC

David Beckham waves after his team Paris St. Germain played Brest in his final home match in Paris on Saturday, May 18. Beckham signed on with the team just a few months ago, and now he is retiring. Click through for a look back at Beckham through the years. David Beckham waves after his team Paris St. Germain played Brest in his final home match in Paris on Saturday, May 18. Beckham signed on with the team just a few months ago, and now he is retiring. Click through for a look back at Beckham through the years.

Beckham poses with Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, and PSG sports director Leonardo during a press conference announcing his new gig in January 2013.Beckham poses with Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, and PSG sports director Leonardo during a press conference announcing his new gig in January 2013.

Beckham makes his England debut at a World Cup Europe Qualifying Round Group 2 match against Moldova in 1996.Beckham makes his England debut at a World Cup Europe Qualifying Round Group 2 match against Moldova in 1996.

Beckham celebrates his goal in the 1998 World Cup Finals versus Colombia in 1998.Beckham celebrates his goal in the 1998 World Cup Finals versus Colombia in 1998.

Becks as a member of Manchester United cools down during the FA Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London in 1998.Becks as a member of Manchester United cools down during the FA Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London in 1998.

At the 1998 World Cup in France, in a second-round match against Argentina, Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England lost the match on penalties and was eliminated, with Beckham becoming a hate figure for some fans.At the 1998 World Cup in France, in a second-round match against Argentina, Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England lost the match on penalties and was eliminated, with Beckham becoming a hate figure for some fans.

Beckham poses after a press conference in Awaji-shima Island, Japan, in 2002.Beckham poses after a press conference in Awaji-shima Island, Japan, in 2002.

Beckham poses with Beyonce, left, and Jennifer Lopez during a presentation of the new Pepsi Samourai in Madrid in 2004.Beckham poses with Beyonce, left, and Jennifer Lopez during a presentation of the new Pepsi “Samourai” in Madrid in 2004.

Becks waves after a la Liga match between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna in Madrid in 2007.Becks waves after a la Liga match between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna in Madrid in 2007.

The midfielder celebrates with his sons in 2007 after Real Madrid won the Spanish League title by beating Mallorca.The midfielder celebrates with his sons in 2007 after Real Madrid won the Spanish League title by beating Mallorca.

Beckham makes an appearance to promote his fragrance David Beckham Intimately Night in Sydney in 2007.Beckham makes an appearance to promote his fragrance “David Beckham Intimately Night” in Sydney in 2007.

Beckham reveals his new No. 32 Adidas jersey as part of an announcement of the start of his loan move to AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2008.Beckham reveals his new No. 32 Adidas jersey as part of an announcement of the start of his loan move to AC Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2008.

Beckham controls the ball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European Group 6.Beckham controls the ball during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European Group 6.

Beckham unveils the new Emporio Armani underwear ad campaign for the fall/winter of 2009-2010.Beckham unveils the new Emporio Armani underwear ad campaign for the fall/winter of 2009-2010.

Beckham, No. 23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, walks toward the line judge to have a chat during Game 1 of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals against Chivas USA in 2009.Beckham, No. 23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, walks toward the line judge to have a chat during Game 1 of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals against Chivas USA in 2009.

Becks arrives at Sydney International Airport in 2010.Becks arrives at Sydney International Airport in 2010.

David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011.David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011.

The Beckhams attend the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California, in 2012.

Beckham celebrated his second MLS Cup success with the Los Angeles Galaxy in December 2012, when he decided to leave with a year left on his contract as he sought one final career challenge in Europe.Beckham celebrated his second MLS Cup success with the Los Angeles Galaxy in December 2012, when he decided to leave with a year left on his contract as he sought one final career challenge in Europe.

Beckham passes under Tower Bridge in a speedboat which carries the Olympic Torch and its torchbearer in 2012.Beckham passes under Tower Bridge in a speedboat which carries the Olympic Torch and its torchbearer in 2012.

Beckham acts as England's captain during the 2004 European Nations Championship football match against Croatia in Lisbon, Portugal.Beckham acts as England’s captain during the 2004 European Nations Championship football match against Croatia in Lisbon, Portugal.


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David Beckham through the yearsDavid Beckham through the years

Philipp Lahm, left, of the German football team Bayern Munchen attends the Oktoberfest beer festival with his teammate Thomas Mueller in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, October 7, the last day of the world's biggest beer festival. See more of CNN's best photography.Philipp Lahm, left, of the German football team Bayern Munchen attends the Oktoberfest beer festival with his teammate Thomas Mueller in Munich, Germany, on Sunday, October 7, the last day of the world’s biggest beer festival. See more of CNN’s best photography.

People in traditional Bavarian garb fire a salute Sunday on the steps of the Bavaria monument.People in traditional Bavarian garb fire a salute Sunday on the steps of the Bavaria monument.

A Bavarian riflewoman waits before the salute on Sunday.A Bavarian riflewoman waits before the salute on Sunday.

Visitors and the giant bronze sculpture 'Bavaria' are reflected in the brass players' instruments on Sunday.Visitors and the giant bronze sculpture ‘Bavaria’ are reflected in the brass players’ instruments on Sunday.

Christian Ude, Munich's lord mayor, attends the traditional Boellerschiessen salute on the last day of Oktoberfest on Sunday.Christian Ude, Munich’s lord mayor, attends the traditional Boellerschiessen salute on the last day of Oktoberfest on Sunday.

Visitors drink beer while rain falls on the Oktoberfest festival fairground on Sunday.Visitors drink beer while rain falls on the Oktoberfest festival fairground on Sunday.

Bayern Munchen football club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, from left, head coach Jupp Heynckes, Bundesliga league board member Karl Hopfner and sporting director Matthias Sammer clink steins on Sunday.Bayern Munchen football club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, from left, head coach Jupp Heynckes, Bundesliga league board member Karl Hopfner and sporting director Matthias Sammer clink steins on Sunday.

Young people, some dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, wait outside a duck roast beer tent at the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, October 6. Young people, some dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing, wait outside a duck roast beer tent at the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, October 6.

Decked-out attendeees chat on Friday, October 5. Decked-out attendeees chat on Friday, October 5.

A father and son dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride in a bumper car on Friday.A father and son dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride in a bumper car on Friday.

People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride swings during Friday's festivities.People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing ride swings during Friday’s festivities.

Oktoberfest visitors get into the spirit in a festival tent at the Theresienwiese on Friday.Oktoberfest visitors get into the spirit in a festival tent at the Theresienwiese on Friday.

An Oktoberfest visitor has a rest on the lawn at the Theresienwiese.An Oktoberfest visitor has a rest on the lawn at the Theresienwiese.

It's standing-room only at Oktoberfest in Munich on Wednesday, October 3. It’s standing-room only at Oktoberfest in Munich on Wednesday, October 3.

Festivalgoers enjoy a ride at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in Munich, Germany, at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Tuesday, October 2. Festivalgoers enjoy a ride at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds in Munich, Germany, at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Tuesday, October 2.

A booth sells gingerbread hearts at Oktoberfest on Tuesday.A booth sells gingerbread hearts at Oktoberfest on Tuesday.

Grigoris Makos of the football team TSV 1860 Munich and his wife, Athena, enjoy some suds Tuesday.Grigoris Makos of the football team TSV 1860 Munich and his wife, Athena, enjoy some suds Tuesday.

Musicians perform in front of the Bavaria statue during the Oktoberfest concert in Munich on Sunday, September 30.Musicians perform in front of the Bavaria statue during the Oktoberfest concert in Munich on Sunday, September 30.

Musicians perform Sunday at the Theresienwiese in Munich.Musicians perform Sunday at the Theresienwiese in Munich.

A girl holds balloons during Sunday's concert.A girl holds balloons during Sunday’s concert.

Alphorn musicians play at the foot of the Bavaria monument Sunday.Alphorn musicians play at the foot of the Bavaria monument Sunday.

A waiter carries beer mugs through the Braeurosl beer tent during day seven of Oktoberfest 2012 on Friday, September 28, in Munich. A waiter carries beer mugs through the Braeurosl beer tent during day seven of Oktoberfest 2012 on Friday, September 28, in Munich.

A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing eats fried calamari on Friday. A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing eats fried calamari on Friday.

People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attend the beer festival.People dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attend the beer festival.

Revelers enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Braeurosl beer tent Friday.Revelers enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Braeurosl beer tent Friday.

A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing rests.A man dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing rests.

A girl wearing a Bavarian Dirndl dress fires a rifle at a shooting range at Oktoberfest.A girl wearing a Bavarian Dirndl dress fires a rifle at a shooting range at Oktoberfest.

A waitress carries mugs of beer to customers at the Braeurosl beer tent.A waitress carries mugs of beer to customers at the Braeurosl beer tent.

People enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Lowenbrau beer tent.People enjoy themselves as they drink beer outside the Lowenbrau beer tent.

A woman dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attends day seven of Oktoberfest on Friday.A woman dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing attends day seven of Oktoberfest on Friday.

People sit on benches under a tent on Thursday, September 27. People sit on benches under a tent on Thursday, September 27.

A woman stands in front of gingerbread hearts on Wednesday, September 26, the fifth day of the festival.A woman stands in front of gingerbread hearts on Wednesday, September 26, the fifth day of the festival.

Michael Schifferl decorates a gingerbread cookie at his stand on Tuesday, September 25. Michael Schifferl decorates a gingerbread cookie at his stand on Tuesday, September 25.

A colorful swing ride turns on Tuesday, the fourth day of the festival.A colorful swing ride turns on Tuesday, the fourth day of the festival.

A young woman drinks beer at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Monday, September 24. A young woman drinks beer at the Oktoberfest beer festival on Monday, September 24.

A woman serves Hendl at the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest fairgrounds on Monday.A woman serves Hendl at the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest fairgrounds on Monday.

Revelers fill an Oktoberfest tent at the Theresienwiese festival grounds on Sunday, September 23.Revelers fill an Oktoberfest tent at the Theresienwiese festival grounds on Sunday, September 23.

Two men wearing traditional Bavarian clothes take part in the costumes and riflemen parade on Sunday.Two men wearing traditional Bavarian clothes take part in the costumes and riflemen parade on Sunday.

Visitors rest on the grass on Sunday.Visitors rest on the grass on Sunday.

Revelers dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes celebrate at Schottenhamel beer tent on Saturday, September 22.Revelers dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes celebrate at Schottenhamel beer tent on Saturday, September 22.

The attractions light up the fairgrounds on the first night of the festival on Saturday. The attractions light up the fairgrounds on the first night of the festival on Saturday.

A booth selling fried nuts attracts people evening on Saturday evening.A booth selling fried nuts attracts people evening on Saturday evening.

German actor Axel Milberg and his wife, Judith, cheer with beer mugs on Saturday.German actor Axel Milberg and his wife, Judith, cheer with beer mugs on Saturday.

Revelers wearing different types of mock lederhosen walk at the festival.Revelers wearing different types of mock lederhosen walk at the festival.

Waitresses prepare for the opening day of Oktoberfest 2012.Waitresses prepare for the opening day of Oktoberfest 2012.

Typical Oktoberfest heart badges are seen at a beer tent.Typical Oktoberfest heart badges are seen at a beer tent.

Police officers wait for the opening parade to begin.Police officers wait for the opening parade to begin.

A woman wearing a traditional Bavarian Dirndl dress drinks beer.A woman wearing a traditional Bavarian Dirndl dress drinks beer.

Visitors hold umbrellas as they wait in front of a beer tent.Visitors hold umbrellas as they wait in front of a beer tent.

A waiter brings beer mugs to participants.A waiter brings beer mugs to participants.

Horses pulling a beer coach march in the parade. Horses pulling a beer coach march in the parade.

A tuba player performs as a parade kicks off the festival.A tuba player performs as a parade kicks off the festival.

A man in traditional Bavarian clothes and his dogs wait for the opening parade.A man in traditional Bavarian clothes and his dogs wait for the opening parade.

Waitresses of the Spaten brewery wave with beer mugs. See more of CNN's best photography.Waitresses of the Spaten brewery wave with beer mugs. See more of CNN’s best photography.


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Photos: Oktoberfest 2012 beer festivalPhotos: Oktoberfest 2012 beer festival

But it’s not just in Britain, where this deep-rooted hostility towards Germany is alive and kicking.

Most recently, Merkel has suffered from having her economic policies compared to those of the Nazis by the Hungarian Prime Minister, while the the German leader has also been lampooned by the Greek press.

Media perception

According to the 2011 UK census, there are 274,000 Germans living on British shores.

“At the moment it is really cool to read all the very well-informed and positive articles about German football in the British press,” says Karl Pfeiffer, the director of educational links at London’s Goethe-Institut.

“Since the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the media perception of German football and Germany in general has dramatically changed,” added Pfeiffer, who has lived in England since 1986.

“Personally I never encountered stereotypical comments or remarks, but parts of the press here before 2006 were a different matter.

“In my job I work on a German football project with Arsenal, which has two great and popular German players, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker.

“The project is for school children and it is great to see how interested they are in in German football, too.”

Dortmund’s success in reaching the final has particularly struck a chord with neutral fans given the club almost went out of business eight years ago.

Under the guidance of charismatic coach Jurgen Klopp, whose popularity has seen a pop song written about him, Dortmund’s run to the final has left even the most hard-hearted of seasoned aficionados willing on the men in yellow and black.

“It is really nice to see how well Dortmund and Klopp are liked all over Europe,” Sandra Goldschmidt, a devoted follower of the club, told CNN.

“Everyone loves a little fairytale story like ours from nearly having to go into administration to being in a Champions League final, and that is really all thanks to Klopp.

“I guess that people in England also really admire it that we have done this without making big-money signings but by finding talents.”

So as Bayern and Dortmund fans walk down Wembley Way, originally constructed by German prisoners of war in the 1940s, it will provoke a timely reminder of how the world has moved on.

And it is Krug’s hope that Saturday’s showpiece will galvanize further change in attitudes towards Germans.

“This year’s Champions League final may well prove to be a temporary culmination of changing perceptions towards Germany,” he said.

“Football has the power to change worldwide stereotypes and perceptions. It’s done so in the past and it will do so again.”


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/24/sport/football/champions-league-bayern-dortmund-football/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/sp4FiuxP1NU/wieners-to-wunderbar-how-germany-got-cool

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PointGrab software looks to take on Leap Motion

PointGrab software looks to take on Leap Motion

PointGrab’s gesture-tracking software works with no more complex hardware than a medium-resolution webcam, such as those already built in to most laptops.


Microsoft’s push to a touch-centric user experience in Windows 8, inspired in part by the tile-based Metro UI developed for its Windows Phone operating system, may not be driving the sale of touch-screens for desktops – but it’s certainly making developers think about other ways to deal with human-machine interaction.

Earlier this week Leap Motion demonstrated its eponymous finger-tracking technology being used on a Windows 8 machine to great effect. While the company may have missed every deadline it has ever set itself, indications are that the device is going to be hitting the market very soon – but when it does, it won’t be alone.

PointGrab looks to offer similar technology to Leap Motion, but in a software-only system that allows for gesture recognition using nothing more than a cheap, medium-resolution webcam – such as those already built into the vast majority of laptops on the market today. While not reaching anywhere near the sub-millimetre precision of Leap Motion – the system is designed to track hands, rather than individual fingers, at a range of up to five metres from the device – it does have the advantage of being accessible without the need to buy any dedicated hardware.

Founded in 2008, Isreali PointGrab has enjoyed niche success with its product: compatible with Android, Linux, Windows 7 and now Windows 8 and Windows RT, the software has already been picked up by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs.) First hitting the market in 2010, one of the company’s biggest partners is Samsung which uses PointGrab’s technology to bring gesture recognition – or what the company itself terms ‘Natural User Interface’ technology – to its most recent range of Smart TVs.

Since the launch of Windows 8, however, the company has been heavily pushing for users to experience the Modern UI in a finger-friendly fashion without the need to splash out on a touch-screen. The company’s self-promotional video demonstrates its capabilities, running on Intel’s Ultrabook platform devices, and while cheesy in the extreme it certainly helps make sense of Microsoft’s tile-based Start Screen while also introducing a few tricks of its own – like allowing the user to mute a video simply by making a ‘shush’ gesture towards the camera.

The company already boasts of almost 10 million consumer devices in its roster, from the aforementioned Samsung TVs to products from Acer and Fujitsu – but, strangely, will not be releasing its software as a stand-alone product. Instead, the company has indicated its desire to continue to work with OEMs to integrate PointGrab technology into their devices – meaning those who want to retrofit gesture control into existing PCs will be left splashing out on a hardware-based solution like Leap Motion.

What PointGrab’s success does show, however, is that there is increasing interest in gesture control – and the low cost of entry for the software-based system means that it’s likely we’ll be seeing an increasing number of devices launching with the technology in the near future, despite Microsoft’s promise to improve the mouse-based experience in Windows 8.1.

If you’re curious as to how the system performance, PointGrab’s video is below – but before settling down to watch it, you may want to grab some wine to go with the copious volume of cheese on offer.

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bit-tech/news/~3/EAOfeCY8miI/1

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GamingRipplesWeb/~3/2i8OQMtMA0s/

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Electric paint


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The Bare Conductive paint pen contains a non-toxic electrically conductive paint. The pens work the same way as glitter glue pens, and are designed to help people explore elecronics, and learn about circuit making.The Bare Conductive paint pen contains a non-toxic electrically conductive paint. The pens work the same way as glitter glue pens, and are designed to help people explore elecronics, and learn about circuit making.

Bare Conductive's House Kit contains two paper houses, wired with conductive paint, which light up in the dark.Bare Conductive’s House Kit contains two paper houses, wired with conductive paint, which light up in the dark.

Rather than hiring an electrician to install switches, conductive paint could be used to send power across the surface of your wall. Indeed, a whole wall could feasibly be coated with conductive paint to make fumbling for a light switch a thing of the past.Rather than hiring an electrician to install switches, conductive paint could be used to send power across the surface of your wall. Indeed, a whole wall could feasibly be coated with conductive paint to make fumbling for a light switch a thing of the past.

Designer Patrick Stevenson-Keating developed a conductive paint-powered lamp for the 2012 Milan Furniture Fair. The lamp consists of a layer of liquid paint suspended in oil. When standing vertically two electrodes make contact with the conductive paint sending power to the bulb. By rotating the lamp horizontally, the contact is broken and the light goes off.Designer Patrick Stevenson-Keating developed a conductive paint-powered lamp for the 2012 Milan Furniture Fair. The lamp consists of a layer of liquid paint suspended in oil. When standing vertically two electrodes make contact with the conductive paint sending power to the bulb. By rotating the lamp horizontally, the contact is broken and the light goes off.

Bare Conductive's Matt Johnson travelled to Budapest Design Week and ran a workshop with University students at the Bloodmountain Foundation.Bare Conductive’s Matt Johnson travelled to Budapest Design Week and ran a workshop with University students at the Bloodmountain Foundation.

The company has created a collection of prototype posters that respond to touch. When activated, the posters play audio, which they hope might be used in poster campaigns promoting festivals, music, TV shows and film.The company has created a collection of prototype posters that respond to touch. When activated, the posters play audio, which they hope might be used in poster campaigns promoting festivals, music, TV shows and film.

Last year, conductive paint was used in a collection of interactive postcards created by Liverpool-based design agency a href='http://www.uniform.net/)' target='_blank'Uniform/a. When inserted into a bespoke dock, buttons on the postcard trigger music. The cards were shown at last year's South By South West festival in Austin, Texas, and were finalists at this year's Designs of the Year Awards at the Design Museum in London.Last year, conductive paint was used in a collection of interactive postcards created by Liverpool-based design agency Uniform. When inserted into a bespoke dock, buttons on the postcard trigger music. The cards were shown at last year’s South By South West festival in Austin, Texas, and were finalists at this year’s Designs of the Year Awards at the Design Museum in London.

DJ and producer Calvin Harris mounted a project with Bare Conductive, with painted dancers whose movements triggered loops from Harris's hit song Ready for the Weekend.DJ and producer Calvin Harris mounted a project with Bare Conductive, with painted dancers whose movements triggered loops from Harris’s hit song Ready for the Weekend.

Dundee University printed invitations to their 2011 product design MSc launch party with conductive paint. When plugged in to a system at the show, the invitation turned into a musical instrument. Users could control pitch by hovering one hand over a large circle of conductive paint, and frequency by pressing buttons with the other. Dundee University printed invitations to their 2011 product design MSc launch party with conductive paint. When plugged in to a system at the show, the invitation turned into a musical instrument. Users could control pitch by hovering one hand over a large circle of conductive paint, and frequency by pressing buttons with the other.


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London (CNN) — Imagine if you could paint a working light switch directly onto your wall, without any need for sockets, cables or wiring.

A group of students from the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London has made that possible by creating electrically conductive paint.

The paint acts as a form of liquid wiring. Unlike conventional wires, it can be applied to almost any surface, including paper, plastic, metal and even fabric.

The product has the appearance and consistency of runny marmite, but dries quickly when exposed to the air. Its inventors, RCA graduates Isabel Lizardi, Matt Johnson, Bibi Nelson and Becky Pilditch, call their creation “Bare Paint.” While they don’t claim to be the first group to have invented a conductive ink, they are pioneering new ways it can be used.

Read: Off-road chair that changes lives

“We started this project in earnest in 2009,” says Matt Johnson. “We were originally interested in trying to apply electronics to the skin … so we arrived at this idea of applying them as a coating and eventually we got this idea of a conductive paint.”

The team began by investigating how electronics were being used in the body.

“In 2008 — and probably still today — there was a lot of work around electronic textiles,” says Johnson. “And though we really liked the idea of having a jumper (a piece of clothing) that has some intelligence in it, we didn’t like that it was so bulky and that once you took it off the functionality disappeared.”

Around the same time there was a lot of “extreme work” being done by people who were injecting electronics beneath the skin. For their final project, the RCA students began work on making something less intrusive, looking for a substance that could be painted onto the body. Eventually, says Johnson, “that idea transformed into the material we have now, which is very safe though it’s not specifically intended for the body anymore.”

Read: Designs that will define our future

After graduating from college, the team collaborated on a video for DJ and producer Calvin Harris. The resulting project was the “Humanthesizer,” a performance which literally brought the paint to life, with dancers whose movements triggered audio loops from Harris’s song “Ready for the Weekend.”

“Making a new material was a bit daunting for four designers,” says Johnson. The team’s solution was not to return to school to study chemistry for four years. Instead, they simply went on Wikipedia. According to Johnson, the online encyclopedia provided them with almost everything they needed to know about crafting conductive materials.

Once the paint’s formula was finalized, co-creator Isabel Lizardi says the team began to consider how it might be applied to real-world products. The first thing they launched was the paint in its raw form, which they made available to other garden-shed inventors.

Today, Bare Paint jars and pens are sold on the Internet and stocked by Radio Shack electronics stores across the United States. Projects being done by Bare Paint users include everything from interactive color wheels to homemade electric toys.

Johnson says that conductive paint opens up an enormous range of creative opportunities. As conductive paint becomes increasingly common, we can look forward to a future where billboards talk back, walls are interactive, and greeting cards come to life in our very hands.

“Devices no longer have to look high tech to be high tech,” Johnson says. “Our goal is to put interactivity onto objects you don’t expect.”


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/23/tech/innovation/bare-electrically-conductive-paint/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/cdgDxNTw-LE/electric-paint

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Rare tech in big money auction


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A rare Apple 1 computer is to be auctioned for up to $400,000. The original Apple was the first computer to be built by the California-based technology company. Up for auction is one of only six surviving Apple 1 computers still in working order. A rare Apple 1 computer is to be auctioned for up to $400,000. The original Apple was the first computer to be built by the California-based technology company. Up for auction is one of only six surviving “Apple 1″ computers still in working order.

The Apple Lisa, from 1983, was produced for only one year, and was one of the world's first mouse-controlled computers. It is now extremely rare.The Apple Lisa, from 1983, was produced for only one year, and was one of the world’s first mouse-controlled computers. It is now extremely rare.

The Scelbi-8H was built around the first Intel 8-Bit microprocessor, and fell within the budget of an average person. It was available either assembled or in kit form. It was regarded as one of the first truly 'personal computers'.The Scelbi-8H was built around the first Intel 8-Bit microprocessor, and fell within the budget of an average person. It was available either assembled or in kit form. It was regarded as one of the first truly ‘personal computers’.

Three hundred years before the birth of Steve Jobs, the French philosopher, physicist and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, was designing the world's first mechanical calculator, the 'Pascaline'.Three hundred years before the birth of Steve Jobs, the French philosopher, physicist and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, was designing the world’s first mechanical calculator, the ‘Pascaline’.

Like many experimental technologies, though, the Pascaline was expensive and rather unreliable.Like many experimental technologies, though, the Pascaline was expensive and rather unreliable.

An 1895 Ford typewriter with filigree copper grille. The invention of typewriters in the mid 19th century changed the face of professional writing. The QWERTY keyboard is still the most common modern-day keyboard layout.An 1895 Ford typewriter with filigree copper grille. The invention of typewriters in the mid 19th century changed the face of professional writing. The QWERTY keyboard is still the most common modern-day keyboard layout.

This portable copying press was devised by legendary English steam-engine inventor James Watt. The copying apparatus, consisting of metal damping box, pressure plate and special moistened copying paper, was housed in an elegant brass-bound mahogany box.This portable copying press was devised by legendary English steam-engine inventor James Watt. The copying apparatus, consisting of metal damping box, pressure plate and special moistened copying paper, was housed in an elegant brass-bound mahogany box.

A 1905 L.M. Ericsson amp; Co. desk telephone known as the 'coffee grinder' for its circular shape and distinctive lithographed decoration.A 1905 L.M. Ericsson Co. desk telephone known as the ‘coffee grinder’ for its circular shape and distinctive lithographed decoration.


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(CNN) — In this era of ever-accelerating technological development, we all tend to be so fixated on the gizmos of the future that we rarely take the time to think about the glorious technology of the past.

Fortunately, a treasure trove of rarities, oddities and tech “firsts” has been brought together — including an experimental 17th century mechanical calculator, a hundred-year-old telephone and an incredibly rare, headline-grabbing Apple 1 computer — to be sold at auction Saturday in Cologne, Germany.

While they may look dated today, the objects gathered by Auction Team Breker trace an evolution of technological thinking that stretches from the dawn of the industrial revolution through to the present day. It is a story of cutting edge tinkering; an inventors’ hall of fame.

Basking in the limelight at the auction will be one of just six surviving functional Apple 1 computers — a tech superstar which is likely to sell for a small fortune — an estimated $400,000 — propelled by bids from collectors, museums and Macolytes.


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Read: Ex-cop builds robot from household goods

The Apple 1 was the first computer built by the California technology company. The computer was hand-assembled by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who, according to legend, financed the device’s construction by selling his HP-65 calculator (co-founder Steve Jobs also sold his VW campervan).

Approximately 200 of the devices were made, of which fewer than 50 are thought to remain — and only six in working order.

Company founder Uwe Breker said the sale is “unique in presenting masterpieces from the spectrum of antique technology, from the 17th century to the 21st.”

Long before the current era of computers, the inventor Blaise Pascal designed a mechanical calculator in 1642 — regarded by many as the first decisive step toward modern microprocessors.

The “Pascaline” was operated with a stylus to turn digit-wheels. These wheels connected to a “display” on the top of the device which showed the result after each equation. A sliding rule could be shifted to change the function of the device from addition to subtraction. Multiplication and division were also possible (though very difficult to execute).

The Pascaline was a significant breakthrough at the time of its invention, demonstrating, as it did, how complex arithmetic could be carried out by a machine. Its introduction led to the development of mechanical calculators across Europe.

Only a handful of the original Pascaline machines still exist today — most of which are held in museums. At auction Saturday will be a 20th-century reproduction, valued between $30,000 and $50,000.

Read: How USB turned engineer into ‘rock star’

Alongside the Apple 1 and the Pascaline will be an original Apple Lisa, one of the earliest computers to feature a graphical interface and mouse — technologies which paved the way for desktop computing as we know it today. The Lisa was a commercial failure, in part due to its inordinately high price. Retailing at $10,000, it was significantly more expensive than rival IBM PCs.

Apple, for its part, owes much of its success to some of the early pioneering personal computers such as the SCELBI-8H — a kit computer which was released in 1973. Its 8-bit Intel microprocessor was incredibly powerful at the time (though only a tiny fraction of contemporary processor power).

Just 200 or so SCELBI-8Hs were made, making them quite valuable. The SCELBI-8H up for auction tomorrow is expected to go for $20,000 to $25,000.

As well as early artefacts from computing’s prehistory, the auction will feature a number of historical typewriters. A patent was lodged by Henry Mill for a typing device as early as 1714, but typewriters didn’t go into mass production until the 1860s. Today it is difficult to see them as anything but antiquated, yet the invention of typewriters caused a revolution in writing.

A range of early typewriters will be sold, including an extremely rare 1895 Ford typewriter with a filigree copper grille valued between $13,000 and $20,000, an 1879 Crandall with gold-gilt highlights and mother-of-pearl inlay, and a rather more functional-looking 1994 Crown, with an unusual keyless design, which is expected to fetch between $11,000 and $15,000.

Another “first” to go under the hammer is a portable copying press devised by the legendary English inventor of the steam-engine, James Watt. The laptop-sized invention allowed multiple copies of a document to be produced, something like a photocopier, with ink transferred from the original to moistened copying paper below via a pressure plate. The portable device was said to be a favourite of U.S. president Thomas Jefferson.

Read: Hacking the world’s cheapest computer

Of even greater significance to communication was the invention of the telephone in the mid-19th century. From its early experimental incarnations in the workshops of a number of inventors including Alexander Graham Bell, the telephone was in broad use by the beginning of the 20th century.

Could Bell have predicted how contemporary telephony, with cell phones, texting and Skype would look today? It’s unlikely. But if you fancy picking up the low-tech progenitor of your iPhone 5 you could bid on a 1905 L. M. Ericson Co desk telephone, known as the “coffee grinder” due to its circular shape and unusual lithographed decoration. It is expected to sell for up $13,000.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/23/tech/innovation/apple-1-up-for-auction/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/06GIzPO44kw/rare-tech-in-big-money-auction

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Ai Weiwei rocks against detention

Hong Kong (CNN) — Ai Weiwei is at it again. This time, the controversial Chinese artist-activist has taken his first venture into music, releasing a heavy metal single and music video inspired by his harrowing detention by the government two years ago.

A perpetual thorn in the Chinese government’s side, Ai, whose projects have spanned art installations, film, photography, writing, and architecture, was en route to Hong Kong in April 2011 when he was taken into custody at Beijing’s international airport.

He was detained for 81 days amid a government crackdown on political activists, widely believed to stem from government fears of a potential uprising inspired by the Arab Spring. Upon his release, Ai was subjected to severe restrictions on his movements and later accused of tax evasion — charges which he rejected and unsuccessfully challenged in court.

Entitled “Dumbass,” the five-minute music video features the burly, bearded artist recreating his time in jail to expletive-laden lyrics denouncing government repression.


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“The idea (for this song) first came to me while I was in detention and the guards watching me quietly inquired if I could sing,” Ai told CNN. “That was when I realized that both the guards and I were being detained; in their three years in the army, they had never been allowed to leave this place.”

“For young people around the ages of 19-20, music can spark their imagination and passion, and this small incident moved me. After I was released, I thought I should write my own song,” he added.

Ai penned the lyrics to “Dumbass,” while rock musician Zuoxiao Zuzhou composed the music and Australia’s Christopher Doyle directed the video’s cinematography.

Ai said the dark visuals, from the artist being taken into jail with a black hood to being perpetually accompanied by two guards while eating, sleeping, and using the bathroom, mirrored his ordeal.

Some of his jabs at government repression in the video materialize in defiant fantastical elements, such as the river crabs scampering over the toilet (“hexie” is a pun for “harmonization” — a government euphemism for societal repression) and the horse sitting in for the artist bound to a chair (“caonima” is a pun for cursing someone’s mother).

Ai said the “dumbasses” and “f**kers” he denounced in his lyrics also refer to scholars and intellectuals in China who “don’t have a clear understanding of China. Despite going through so many disasters, they are still deluded. I find this ridiculous.”

In one scene, the artist’s head is shaved by a child — a reference to his two-year-old son whom Ai said he constantly thought of during his detention and whom he feared would no longer recognize him by the time he was released.

He said the song may help him overcome the trauma of his detention, which he described as “extremely difficult.” At the same time, he said he has no regrets over his actions, believing that people have a responsibility to bring hope and warmth into the world — and that as an artist, he has certain platforms of expressions that he should use to this end.

“Many people are still imprisoned, many for much longer (than me) because we all expressed a difference of opinion and were accused of incitement to subvert state power,” he added. “So I have to speak out for them.”

Meanwhile, the artist addressed another pressing problem in China — mainland Chinese, spooked by a scandal over melamine-tainted baby milk formula, have snapped up tins in Hong Kong, leading to a public outcry over the resulting shortage and the institution of a two-can (1.8 kg) cross-border limit in March by the city’s authorities.

“Milk Formula” debuted at a Hong Kong exhibition Friday — a 10 meter by 8 meter map of China created with 1,815 tins of various brands of baby formula.

“Although China’s economy is developing, China’s food products and the environment have already been completely sacrificed because of deteriorating ethic,” Ai said. He described the situation of people needing to seek milk formula outside their own country to feed their children as “absurd.”

While Ai professed no solutions, saying that the purpose of art is raise questions, he said the problem of milk formula should be resolved by the people rather than through harsh legal measures. “It shows that the ‘one country, two system’ [policy] is extremely contradictory and difficult to coordinate,” he added.

“Dumbass” is one of six songs on the topic of Ai’s detention — the rest will be released next month as part of an album based on his personal experiences.

CNN’s Beijing bureau contributed reporting.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/23/world/asia/china-ai-weiwei-music-defiance/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/q8SqBHR53Hw/ai-weiwei-rocks-against-detention

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Electric paint could light up your life


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The Bare Conductive paint pen contains a non-toxic electrically conductive paint. The pens work the same way as glitter glue pens, and are designed to help people explore elecronics, and learn about circuit making.The Bare Conductive paint pen contains a non-toxic electrically conductive paint. The pens work the same way as glitter glue pens, and are designed to help people explore elecronics, and learn about circuit making.

Bare Conductive's House Kit contains two paper houses, wired with conductive paint, which light up in the dark.Bare Conductive’s House Kit contains two paper houses, wired with conductive paint, which light up in the dark.

Rather than hiring an electrician to install switches, conductive paint could be used to send power across the surface of your wall. Indeed, a whole wall could feasibly be coated with conductive paint to make fumbling for a light switch a thing of the past.Rather than hiring an electrician to install switches, conductive paint could be used to send power across the surface of your wall. Indeed, a whole wall could feasibly be coated with conductive paint to make fumbling for a light switch a thing of the past.

Designer Patrick Stevenson-Keating developed a conductive paint-powered lamp for the 2012 Milan Furniture Fair. The lamp consists of a layer of liquid paint suspended in oil. When standing vertically two electrodes make contact with the conductive paint sending power to the bulb. By rotating the lamp horizontally, the contact is broken and the light goes off.Designer Patrick Stevenson-Keating developed a conductive paint-powered lamp for the 2012 Milan Furniture Fair. The lamp consists of a layer of liquid paint suspended in oil. When standing vertically two electrodes make contact with the conductive paint sending power to the bulb. By rotating the lamp horizontally, the contact is broken and the light goes off.

Bare Conductive's Matt Johnson travelled to Budapest Design Week and ran a workshop with University students at the Bloodmountain Foundation.Bare Conductive’s Matt Johnson travelled to Budapest Design Week and ran a workshop with University students at the Bloodmountain Foundation.

The company has created a collection of prototype posters that respond to touch. When activated, the posters play audio, which they hope might be used in poster campaigns promoting festivals, music, TV shows and film.The company has created a collection of prototype posters that respond to touch. When activated, the posters play audio, which they hope might be used in poster campaigns promoting festivals, music, TV shows and film.

Last year, conductive paint was used in a collection of interactive postcards created by Liverpool-based design agency a href='http://www.uniform.net/)' target='_blank'Uniform/a. When inserted into a bespoke dock, buttons on the postcard trigger music. The cards were shown at last year's South By South West festival in Austin, Texas, and were finalists at this year's Designs of the Year Awards at the Design Museum in London.Last year, conductive paint was used in a collection of interactive postcards created by Liverpool-based design agency Uniform. When inserted into a bespoke dock, buttons on the postcard trigger music. The cards were shown at last year’s South By South West festival in Austin, Texas, and were finalists at this year’s Designs of the Year Awards at the Design Museum in London.

DJ and producer Calvin Harris mounted a project with Bare Conductive, with painted dancers whose movements triggered loops from Harris's hit song Ready for the Weekend.DJ and producer Calvin Harris mounted a project with Bare Conductive, with painted dancers whose movements triggered loops from Harris’s hit song Ready for the Weekend.

Dundee University printed invitations to their 2011 product design MSc launch party with conductive paint. When plugged in to a system at the show, the invitation turned into a musical instrument. Users could control pitch by hovering one hand over a large circle of conductive paint, and frequency by pressing buttons with the other. Dundee University printed invitations to their 2011 product design MSc launch party with conductive paint. When plugged in to a system at the show, the invitation turned into a musical instrument. Users could control pitch by hovering one hand over a large circle of conductive paint, and frequency by pressing buttons with the other.


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London (CNN) — Imagine if you could paint a working light switch directly onto your wall, without any need for sockets, cables or wiring.

A group of students from the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London has made that possible by creating electrically conductive paint.

The paint acts as a form of liquid wiring. Unlike conventional wires, it can be applied to almost any surface, including paper, plastic, metal and even fabric.

The product has the appearance and consistency of runny marmite, but dries quickly when exposed to the air. Its inventors, RCA graduates Isabel Lizardi, Matt Johnson, Bibi Nelson and Becky Pilditch, call their creation “Bare Paint.” While they don’t claim to be the first group to have invented a conductive ink, they are pioneering new ways it can be used.

Read: Off-road chair that changes lives

“We started this project in earnest in 2009,” says Matt Johnson. “We were originally interested in trying to apply electronics to the skin … so we arrived at this idea of applying them as a coating and eventually we got this idea of a conductive paint.”

The team began by investigating how electronics were being used in the body.

“In 2008 — and probably still today — there was a lot of work around electronic textiles,” says Johnson. “And though we really liked the idea of having a jumper (a piece of clothing) that has some intelligence in it, we didn’t like that it was so bulky and that once you took it off the functionality disappeared.”

Around the same time there was a lot of “extreme work” being done by people who were injecting electronics beneath the skin. For their final project, the RCA students began work on making something less intrusive, looking for a substance that could be painted onto the body. Eventually, says Johnson, “that idea transformed into the material we have now, which is very safe though it’s not specifically intended for the body anymore.”

Read: Designs that will define our future

After graduating from college, the team collaborated on a video for DJ and producer Calvin Harris. The resulting project was the “Humanthesizer,” a performance which literally brought the paint to life, with dancers whose movements triggered audio loops from Harris’s song “Ready for the Weekend.”

“Making a new material was a bit daunting for four designers,” says Johnson. The team’s solution was not to return to school to study chemistry for four years. Instead, they simply went on Wikipedia. According to Johnson, the online encyclopedia provided them with almost everything they needed to know about crafting conductive materials.

Once the paint’s formula was finalized, co-creator Isabel Lizardi says the team began to consider how it might be applied to real-world products. The first thing they launched was the paint in its raw form, which they made available to other garden-shed inventors.

Today, Bare Paint jars and pens are sold on the Internet and stocked by Radio Shack electronics stores across the United States. Projects being done by Bare Paint users include everything from interactive color wheels to homemade electric toys.

Johnson says that conductive paint opens up an enormous range of creative opportunities. As conductive paint becomes increasingly common, we can look forward to a future where billboards talk back, walls are interactive, and greeting cards come to life in our very hands.

“Devices no longer have to look high tech to be high tech,” Johnson says. “Our goal is to put interactivity onto objects you don’t expect.”


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/23/tech/innovation/bare-electrically-conductive-paint/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/UylOwP1-0pc/electric-paint-could-light-up-your-life

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Rare tech curiosities in big money auction


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A rare Apple 1 computer is to be auctioned for up to $400,000. The original Apple was the first computer to be built by the California-based technology company. Up for auction is one of only six surviving Apple 1 computers still in working order. A rare Apple 1 computer is to be auctioned for up to $400,000. The original Apple was the first computer to be built by the California-based technology company. Up for auction is one of only six surviving “Apple 1″ computers still in working order.

The Apple Lisa, from 1983, was produced for only one year, and was one of the world's first mouse-controlled computers. It is now extremely rare.The Apple Lisa, from 1983, was produced for only one year, and was one of the world’s first mouse-controlled computers. It is now extremely rare.

The Scelbi-8H was built around the first Intel 8-Bit microprocessor, and fell within the budget of an average person. It was available either assembled or in kit form. It was regarded as one of the first truly 'personal computers'.The Scelbi-8H was built around the first Intel 8-Bit microprocessor, and fell within the budget of an average person. It was available either assembled or in kit form. It was regarded as one of the first truly ‘personal computers’.

Three hundred years before the birth of Steve Jobs, the French philosopher, physicist and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, was designing the world's first mechanical calculator, the 'Pascaline'.Three hundred years before the birth of Steve Jobs, the French philosopher, physicist and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, was designing the world’s first mechanical calculator, the ‘Pascaline’.

Like many experimental technologies, though, the Pascaline was expensive and rather unreliable.Like many experimental technologies, though, the Pascaline was expensive and rather unreliable.

An 1895 Ford typewriter with filigree copper grille. The invention of typewriters in the mid 19th century changed the face of professional writing. The QWERTY keyboard is still the most common modern-day keyboard layout.An 1895 Ford typewriter with filigree copper grille. The invention of typewriters in the mid 19th century changed the face of professional writing. The QWERTY keyboard is still the most common modern-day keyboard layout.

This portable copying press was devised by legendary English steam-engine inventor James Watt. The copying apparatus, consisting of metal damping box, pressure plate and special moistened copying paper, was housed in an elegant brass-bound mahogany box.This portable copying press was devised by legendary English steam-engine inventor James Watt. The copying apparatus, consisting of metal damping box, pressure plate and special moistened copying paper, was housed in an elegant brass-bound mahogany box.

A 1905 L.M. Ericsson amp; Co. desk telephone known as the 'coffee grinder' for its circular shape and distinctive lithographed decoration.A 1905 L.M. Ericsson Co. desk telephone known as the ‘coffee grinder’ for its circular shape and distinctive lithographed decoration.


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(CNN) — In this era of ever-accelerating technological development, we all tend to be so fixated on the gizmos of the future that we rarely take the time to think about the glorious technology of the past.

Fortunately, a treasure trove of rarities, oddities and tech “firsts” has been brought together — including an experimental 17th century mechanical calculator, a hundred-year-old telephone and an incredibly rare, headline-grabbing Apple 1 computer — to be sold at auction Saturday in Cologne, Germany.

While they may look dated today, the objects gathered by Auction Team Breker trace an evolution of technological thinking that stretches from the dawn of the industrial revolution through to the present day. It is a story of cutting edge tinkering; an inventors’ hall of fame.

Basking in the limelight at the auction will be one of just six surviving functional Apple 1 computers — a tech superstar which is likely to sell for a small fortune — an estimated $400,000 — propelled by bids from collectors, museums and Macolytes.


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The Apple 1 was the first computer built by the California technology company. The computer was hand-assembled by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who, according to legend, financed the device’s construction by selling his HP-65 calculator (co-founder Steve Jobs also sold his VW campervan).

Approximately 200 of the devices were made, of which fewer than 50 are thought to remain — and only six in working order.

Company founder Uwe Breker said the sale is “unique in presenting masterpieces from the spectrum of antique technology, from the 17th century to the 21st.”

Long before the current era of computers, the inventor Blaise Pascal designed a mechanical calculator in 1642 — regarded by many as the first decisive step toward modern microprocessors.

The “Pascaline” was operated with a stylus to turn digit-wheels. These wheels connected to a “display” on the top of the device which showed the result after each equation. A sliding rule could be shifted to change the function of the device from addition to subtraction. Multiplication and division were also possible (though very difficult to execute).

The Pascaline was a significant breakthrough at the time of its invention, demonstrating, as it did, how complex arithmetic could be carried out by a machine. Its introduction led to the development of mechanical calculators across Europe.

Only a handful of the original Pascaline machines still exist today — most of which are held in museums. At auction Saturday will be a 20th-century reproduction, valued between $30,000 and $50,000.

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Alongside the Apple 1 and the Pascaline will be an original Apple Lisa, one of the earliest computers to feature a graphical interface and mouse — technologies which paved the way for desktop computing as we know it today. The Lisa was a commercial failure, in part due to its inordinately high price. Retailing at $10,000, it was significantly more expensive than rival IBM PCs.

Apple, for its part, owes much of its success to some of the early pioneering personal computers such as the SCELBI-8H — a kit computer which was released in 1973. Its 8-bit Intel microprocessor was incredibly powerful at the time (though only a tiny fraction of contemporary processor power).

Just 200 or so SCELBI-8Hs were made, making them quite valuable. The SCELBI-8H up for auction tomorrow is expected to go for $20,000 to $25,000.

As well as early artefacts from computing’s prehistory, the auction will feature a number of historical typewriters. A patent was lodged by Henry Mill for a typing device as early as 1714, but typewriters didn’t go into mass production until the 1860s. Today it is difficult to see them as anything but antiquated, yet the invention of typewriters caused a revolution in writing.

A range of early typewriters will be sold, including an extremely rare 1895 Ford typewriter with a filigree copper grille valued between $13,000 and $20,000, an 1879 Crandall with gold-gilt highlights and mother-of-pearl inlay, and a rather more functional-looking 1994 Crown, with an unusual keyless design, which is expected to fetch between $11,000 and $15,000.

Another “first” to go under the hammer is a portable copying press devised by the legendary English inventor of the steam-engine, James Watt. The laptop-sized invention allowed multiple copies of a document to be produced, something like a photocopier, with ink transferred from the original to moistened copying paper below via a pressure plate. The portable device was said to be a favourite of U.S. president Thomas Jefferson.

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Of even greater significance to communication was the invention of the telephone in the mid-19th century. From its early experimental incarnations in the workshops of a number of inventors including Alexander Graham Bell, the telephone was in broad use by the beginning of the 20th century.

Could Bell have predicted how contemporary telephony, with cell phones, texting and Skype would look today? It’s unlikely. But if you fancy picking up the low-tech progenitor of your iPhone 5 you could bid on a 1905 L. M. Ericson Co desk telephone, known as the “coffee grinder” due to its circular shape and unusual lithographed decoration. It is expected to sell for up $13,000.


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Ai Weiwei rocks out ‘Dumbass’ video

Hong Kong (CNN) — Ai Weiwei is at it again. This time, the controversial Chinese artist-activist has taken his first venture into music, releasing a heavy metal single and music video inspired by his harrowing detention by the government two years ago.

A perpetual thorn in the Chinese government’s side, Ai, whose projects have spanned art installations, film, photography, writing, and architecture, was en route to Hong Kong in April 2011 when he was taken into custody at Beijing’s international airport.

He was detained for 81 days amid a government crackdown on political activists, widely believed to stem from government fears of a potential uprising inspired by the Arab Spring. Upon his release, Ai was subjected to severe restrictions on his movements and later accused of tax evasion — charges which he rejected and unsuccessfully challenged in court.

Entitled “Dumbass,” the five-minute music video features the burly, bearded artist recreating his time in jail to expletive-laden lyrics denouncing government repression.


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“The idea (for this song) first came to me while I was in detention and the guards watching me quietly inquired if I could sing,” Ai told CNN. “That was when I realized that both the guards and I were being detained; in their three years in the army, they had never been allowed to leave this place.”

“For young people around the ages of 19-20, music can spark their imagination and passion, and this small incident moved me. After I was released, I thought I should write my own song,” he added.

Ai penned the lyrics to “Dumbass,” while rock musician Zuoxiao Zuzhou composed the music and Australia’s Christopher Doyle directed the video’s cinematography.

Ai said the dark visuals, from the artist being taken into jail with a black hood to being perpetually accompanied by two guards while eating, sleeping, and using the bathroom, mirrored his ordeal.

Some of his jabs at government repression in the video materialize in defiant fantastical elements, such as the river crabs scampering over the toilet (“hexie” is a pun for “harmonization” — a government euphemism for societal repression) and the horse sitting in for the artist bound to a chair (“caonima” is a pun for cursing someone’s mother).

Ai said the “dumbasses” and “f**kers” he denounced in his lyrics also refer to scholars and intellectuals in China who “don’t have a clear understanding of China. Despite going through so many disasters, they are still deluded. I find this ridiculous.”

In one scene, the artist’s head is shaved by a child — a reference to his two-year-old son whom Ai said he constantly thought of during his detention and whom he feared would no longer recognize him by the time he was released.

He said the song may help him overcome the trauma of his detention, which he described as “extremely difficult.” At the same time, he said he has no regrets over his actions, believing that people have a responsibility to bring hope and warmth into the world — and that as an artist, he has certain platforms of expressions that he should use to this end.

“Many people are still imprisoned, many for much longer (than me) because we all expressed a difference of opinion and were accused of incitement to subvert state power,” he added. “So I have to speak out for them.”

Meanwhile, the artist addressed another pressing problem in China — mainland Chinese, spooked by a scandal over melamine-tainted baby milk formula, have snapped up tins in Hong Kong, leading to a public outcry over the resulting shortage and the institution of a two-can (1.8 kg) cross-border limit in March by the city’s authorities.

“Milk Formula” debuted at a Hong Kong exhibition Friday — a 10 meter by 8 meter map of China created with 1,815 tins of various brands of baby formula.

“Although China’s economy is developing, China’s food products and the environment have already been completely sacrificed because of deteriorating ethic,” Ai said. He described the situation of people needing to seek milk formula outside their own country to feed their children as “absurd.”

While Ai professed no solutions, saying that the purpose of art is raise questions, he said the problem of milk formula should be resolved by the people rather than through harsh legal measures. “It shows that the ‘one country, two system’ [policy] is extremely contradictory and difficult to coordinate,” he added.

“Dumbass” is one of six songs on the topic of Ai’s detention — the rest will be released next month as part of an album based on his personal experiences.

CNN’s Beijing bureau contributed reporting.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/23/world/asia/china-ai-weiwei-music-defiance/index.html?eref=edition

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AMD launches Temash, Richland and Kabini mobile APUs

AMD launches Temash, Richland and Kabini mobile APUs

AMD’s new mobile-oriented APUs include tablet-targeted system-on-chip parts as well as the company’s answer to Intel’s Ultrabook success.


AMD has announced its 2013 accelerated processor unit (APU) ranges targeting mobile devices, finally giving real product designations for what has previously been known as Temash, Kabini and Richland – and has indicated that it has no intention of leaving the burgeoning tablet market to Intel and ARM.

Announced at an event last night, the three product families target three distinct areas of mobile computing: Temash, now known as the 2013 AMD Elite Mobility APU range, looks at giving the company a presence in tablets, ultra-portable laptops, and hybrid devices of 13″ or smaller screen size; Kabini, or the 2013 AMD Mainstream APU, looks to find a home in entry-level and small form factor touch-screen laptops; and Richland, the 2013 AMD Elite Performance APU, is AMD’s answer to Intel’s Ultrabook-targeted components.

The client market has evolved – with greater diversity in the types of mobile form factors and higher performance demands from the software – and AMD is uniquely positioned to deliver the best processors to meet the needs of mobile device users today,‘ claimed Lisa Su, AMD senior vice president, of the launch. ‘As computing becomes more visual and the graphics processor can be leveraged to do other types of processing, our dedication to the software community and the APU architecture sets us apart from the competition and enables us to deliver the best user experience whether on a tablet, a hybrid device or a notebook.

First, Temash. A true system-on-chip (SoC) design, combining components normally left to a companion chipset onto the same package as the APU itself, the chip is claimed to be the first quad-core x86 SoC based on a 28nm process technology. Designed for low-power devices, including tablets, the chip will be available in dual-core A4 and quad-core A6 versions, both of which are based on the same ‘Jaguar’ processing cores as used for the semi-custom processors in the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One games consoles. The graphics portion of the APU, meanwhile, is based on AMD Radeon HD 8000 Series Graphics Core Next (GCN) hardware, boasting a claimed 212 per cent improvement in graphics performance compared to AMD’s last-generation APUs. Overall performance-per-watt, meanwhile, is up 172 per cent compared to the last generation.

Kabini, meanwhile, is designed for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on a budget. Based on the same Jaguar cores and GCN graphics as Temash, Kabini will be available A-series quad-core SoC designs as well as dual-core E1 and E2 models for the embedded market. Graphics performance is claimed to be up by 132 per cent and performance per watt by 127 per cent compared to previous-generation parts.

Finally, the Elite Performance Richland parts. Designed to sit at the very top end of AMD’s APU family, the A8 and A10 APUs ditch the system-on-chip design ethos for raw performance. Designed for ultra-thin laptops – competition for Intel’s Ultrabook programme, in other words – the Richland chips offer a claimed 12 per cent boost in general-purpose performance and between 20 and 40 per cent improvement in graphics performance compared to current-generation APUs. More impressively, however, is the claim of a 51 per cent boost in energy efficiency during HD video playback and claims of 13 hours battery life – albeit running the CPU at idle for that period.

In terms of actual product announcements, AMD has confirmed 2013 APU parts as per the following table.

While it’s a strong line-up, AMD will have to work hard to catch up to Intel. The company’s new chief executive has already indicated his desire to concentrate harder on mobile and embedded products, and Intel’s latest Atom chips boast some impressive low-power performance for tablet and smartphone customers. Combined with the company’s Ultrabook project, it’s clear AMD is gunning to beat Intel – after which it will have the much harder task of convincing mobile OEMs to ditch Cambridge-based ARM’s low-power designs for x86 chips.

The company also confirmed the following desktop APUs:

Key features of the new generation of both desktop and mobile APUs include power efficiency improvements through increased power gating, new DDR P-states for reduced power consumption, and improved Turbo Core technology which uses up to 16 independent temperature sensors built into the APU to detect when to enable or disable the clock-speed boosting mode as well as new algorithms for detecting and preventing bottlenecks. SoC APUs also come with wireless display support, the ability to use up to 10 USB 2.0 and two USB 3.0 ports without the need for a separate PHY, and support for AMD’s Turbo Dock technology.

With AMD concentrating on products aimed at OEMs for now, pricing information has not been provided.

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The real ‘Gatsby’ women


Actresses (L-R) Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher and Elizabeth Debicki as they arrive for the screening of

Leading Women connects you to extraordinary women of our time — remarkable professionals who have made it to the top in all areas of business, the arts, sport, culture, science and more.

(CNN) — The Great Gatsby, the film based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, shows the glamorous and decadent lifestyles of fashionable, high society Americans of the Roaring Twenties.

Set in the prosperous Long Island in the summer of 1922, the novel portrays the so-called “flapper” culture, fun-loving young women who wore their hair and their skirts short, listened to jazz music, drank and smoked in public, and were far more sexually liberated than previous generations.

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But who were the real women of the Great Gatsby era? CNN asked actresses Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher and Elizabeth Debicki, the female stars of Baz Luhrmann’s film, to tell us who gave them inspiration for their characters.

Ginevra King

A wealthy debutante and Fitzgerald’s first love, Ginevra King is widely believed to be the inspiration for Daisy Buchanan, James Gatsby’s love interest.

Fitzgerald met King in 1915 in his hometown of St Paul, Minnesota, when he was a 19-year-old Princeton student home for Christmas vacation and she was a 16-year-old boarding school pupil.

Though they dated for two years before both going on to marry other people, Fitzgerald never forgot his first love, who is often described as his muse.

In 2003, Princeton University acquired the letters to Fitzgerald from King’s family, allowing biographers to learn details of their relationship for the first time.

Carey Mulligan, who played Daisy Buchanan in “The Great Gatsby” film, went to Princeton to study the letters while researching her character.

“The way that she writes is absolutely incredible,” Mulligan told CNN. “Her way with language is so reminiscent of the way that Daisy speaks. She came from a very wealthy family and shared so many biographical [details].”

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Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald

Letters between Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald also provided rich material for Mulligan’s research.


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“One of my favorite parts of the whole experience was the time just before we started shooting when I got to look at the people who inspired Fitzgerald,” said Mulligan. “It was amazing to go to Princeton and to get to read letters between Zelda and Scott, and between Ginerva King and Scott, and see where he’d directly drawn parts of Daisy to put her together.”

Zelda, a Southern belle, met Fitzgerald at a country club dance, but was unimpressed with his wealth and status and refused to marry him until his first novel, “The Side of Paradise”, was published in 1920.

The newly-wed Fitzgeralds became a celebrity couple, known for their partying lifestyle.

However, the party was short-lived and in 1930 — with their marriage crumbling and Fitzgerald suffering from alcoholism — Zelda was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and admitted to hospital, where she wrote a semi-biographical novel, “Save Me the Waltz”.

Clara Bow

Silent film actress Clara Bow was known as the “it” girl of the Roaring Twenties, after her most famous movie “It” of 1927. Despite a poor and unhappy childhood, Bow starred in 38 silent movies.


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Bow provided inspiration for Gatsby actress Isla Fisher, for her character Myrtle, who has an extramarital affair with Daisy Buchanan’s husband, Tom.

“I was inspired by Clara Bow for Myrtle because I think that’s who she would have wanted to be,” Fisher told CNN. “Myrtle would (have) loved to have been an actress and she would never have [had] the opportunity because of her status.

“I feel like Myrtle is living in her own theatrical world where she’s the star when she is with Tom Buchanan, even though her life is so sad without him.”

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Louise Brooks

Louise Brooks was another great actress of the silent movie era, best known for her films “Pandora’s Box” and “Diary of a Lost Girl”, both filmed in Germany in 1929.

Among the first to sport a bobbed haircut, it was Brooks who inspired the Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki, playing “The Great Gatsby” character Jordan Baker in the film.

“She is just fierce, wonderful, intelligent, and I read a lot about her,” said Debicki. “She really typified that woman who appeared in the 1920s, completely independent and, like Gatsby, she built herself up, created the image she wanted.

“I had photos of her in my kitchen, everywhere. When I woke up in the morning I would look at Louise Brooks.”


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/22/showbiz/carey-mulligan-gatsby-era/index.html?eref=edition

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