M A D E I N H I S T O R Y :
M A D E A G E N C Y P R O F I L E P I C T U R E S
A selection of my favourite personal contributions. Enjoy ♥
12 April: Genetically Modified Mice
C o p y : S I M A C L E N N A N
Since its dawn science has remained a revolutionary tool to humanity. And in 1988 it gave the world a little creation designed to save millions of lives. It didn't have a theme song you could sing along to, bulging muscles or two brothers named Vinnie and Modo. No bionic arm or flares and a laser to smite its enemies. Nor did it ride a motorcycle like Evel Knievel.
But for scientists around the world, the fluffy little genetically modified Oncomouse was a true breakthrough. Going on to revolutionise cancer research day by day. And that's as close to being a Biker Mouse from Mars as it gets.
But for scientists around the world, the fluffy little genetically modified Oncomouse was a true breakthrough. Going on to revolutionise cancer research day by day. And that's as close to being a Biker Mouse from Mars as it gets.
6 April : CTEMF Weekend
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
Tonight, we dive into the wormhole of electronic excellence once again. Round seven of Cape Town Electronic Music Festival - CTEMF. Talented upstarts showing the city what they can do. Established icons showing the world what they’ve been doing. We’re a bit nervous, to be honest. Every year is bigger and better and last year nearly killed us. But no more thinking. Time to dance.
9 March : Genetically Modified Mice
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
We’re not the centre of the universe. We’re not even the centre of our own solar system. And it would have taken us a lot longer to figure this out if it weren’t for Nicolaus Copernicus, who peered through a telescope and made his first astronomical observation on this day in 1497.
His findings were controversial, to put it mildly. Humans, being the hubris-driven creatures that we are, couldn’t fathom the idea that some things don’t revolve around us. So when presented with a bold new truth, our 15th-century equivalents stuck their heads in the sand.
We can honour Big Nic by staying teachable. He was a pioneer that adapted his worldviews to suit the most compelling evidence. As insignificant as we are in the grand scheme, our little brains have more than enough power to appreciate the magnificence all around us and evolve our opinions accordingly. And that’s a beautiful thing.
His findings were controversial, to put it mildly. Humans, being the hubris-driven creatures that we are, couldn’t fathom the idea that some things don’t revolve around us. So when presented with a bold new truth, our 15th-century equivalents stuck their heads in the sand.
We can honour Big Nic by staying teachable. He was a pioneer that adapted his worldviews to suit the most compelling evidence. As insignificant as we are in the grand scheme, our little brains have more than enough power to appreciate the magnificence all around us and evolve our opinions accordingly. And that’s a beautiful thing.
21 February: Sophie Turner
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
Some fires burn slowly and softly; never warmer than embers. Others ignite with a brilliant flash, disappearing as quickly as they sparked. In between lies the true hotspot – the flame that gradually grows bigger and brighter, engulfing everything around it in a beautiful, terrible inferno.
Sophie Turner may not have the destructive properties of a fynbos fire, but her career is certainly on the same trajectory. She was just 15 when she flickered onto screens as Sansa Stark in ‘Game Of Thrones’. Fast forward seven years, Turner is taking centre stage as the titular character in the 2018 blockbuster ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’.
She’s 22 today and her flame grows more dazzling with each passing moment. Happy nameday, m’lady.
Sophie Turner may not have the destructive properties of a fynbos fire, but her career is certainly on the same trajectory. She was just 15 when she flickered onto screens as Sansa Stark in ‘Game Of Thrones’. Fast forward seven years, Turner is taking centre stage as the titular character in the 2018 blockbuster ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’.
She’s 22 today and her flame grows more dazzling with each passing moment. Happy nameday, m’lady.
16 February : Black Panther
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
The world is changing. Slowly but surely. And for the better.
2017 saw the release of a superhero blockbuster not only starring a woman in the lead role, but directed by a woman as well. And amongst the mess that is the DC Cinematic Universe right now, Wonder Woman was a breath of fresh air; critically, commercially and consciously.
Today, another genuine game changer is unleashed. Black Panther is upon us.
The importance of this movie cannot be overstated. Marvel have produced a progressive film that could catapult the genre to new heights. Black Panther boasts a cast brimming with pride and power, with an alluring, afro-futuristic setting and a soundtrack from Kendrick Lamar. A little-known hero is about to become a worldwide legend.
It’s about damn time.
Original artist credit – Lazare Gvimradze.
17 January : Hardware Freedom Day
C o p y : D A N I E L F A B R E
Protecting one’s intellectual property is important. Unless doing so prevents millions of people from being empowered.
Democratising innovation drives it further and faster than any one person or company could alone. An accelerated rate of distribution means that more people have access to tools and tech that can level-up their lives. Today is Hardware Freedom Day and we’re celebrating open source hardware. If almost anyone can improve and redistribute designs, almost everyone’s a winner.
10 January : Houseplant Day
C o p y : R I C H A R D P A Y N T E R
Nature’s natural beauty makes life abundantly better. It turns any space into a sight for sore eyes with a splash of brilliant colour. All over our office you can find it, with different plants hanging from the walls. Some scientists believe that keeping plants indoors may be good for our health. Purifying indoor air by absorbing and degrading the pollutants trapped within. As far as we’re concerned, that’s more than enough reason to buy a bunch more. Today's the day to celebrate them, each luscious leaf and spiky thorn. Happy Houseplant Appreciation Day.
17 October : Playing Card Day
C o p y : S I M A C L E N N A N
Playing cards have been around for over 800 years. Over the centuries cards have been used for games, gambling, education, advertising, fortune telling, magic tricks and procrastinating. They come in all shapes and sizes, except that of the pyramade. So today on World Playing Card Collection Day we thought we'd introduce our own imaginary suit to the pack. Here's the Ace of MADE.
3 October : Mickey Mouse Club Premiers
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
The world has changed since Mickey Mouse Club premiered on this day in 1955. Kids still watch stuff on the TV but they don’t watch actual TV. Disney knows this, so a 2017 edition of the beloved series is airing exclusively on social media.
We can only see one problem - how will today’s youths scroll through Facebook while watching MMC 2017 if they’re watching MMC 2017 on Facebook?
We can only see one problem - how will today’s youths scroll through Facebook while watching MMC 2017 if they’re watching MMC 2017 on Facebook?
15 September : The Discovery of Penicillin
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
Every so often, humans make a quantum leap forward. Not too long ago there was no effective treatment for infections like pneumonia, gonorrhea or rheumatic fever. Hospitals were full of people suffering from the above afflictions, plus kak like blood poisoning. Doctors could do little but wait and hope.
Then came one of the greatest advancements in the history of medicine: the era of antibiotics. Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928, and its introduction to the mass market in the 1940s, has saved millions of lives. Except for the 10% of people that are allergic. Sorry for y’all.
Then came one of the greatest advancements in the history of medicine: the era of antibiotics. Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928, and its introduction to the mass market in the 1940s, has saved millions of lives. Except for the 10% of people that are allergic. Sorry for y’all.
17 July : The Hoffs Birthday
C o p y : S I M A C L E N N A N
We’re halfway through the Hoff’s birthday today and already looking forward to the next one. We have a clip of the Hoff running along the beach in super slow motion which should last until next year. It’s a glorious sight. We have moments when we realise the Hoff may one day leave us but then we play the Baywatch theme song and feel much better.
Sing along with us:
I’ll be there,
I’ll be ready,
Never your fear,
Now don't you fear,
I’ll be there,
Forever and always I’m always here!
(Instrumental break)
Because I’m always ready,
I wont let you out of my sight
Ooh
Sing along with us:
I’ll be there,
I’ll be ready,
Never your fear,
Now don't you fear,
I’ll be there,
Forever and always I’m always here!
(Instrumental break)
Because I’m always ready,
I wont let you out of my sight
Ooh
21 June: Red Roses Day
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
Skateboarding is an extreme sport that involves riding and doing tricks on a skateboard. Like anything, if you’re super talented and work hard, it could be your job. If that sounds too hectic, skating is also a recreational activity. If that sounds too chilled, it can be a method of transport. If that’s too useful, it’s an artform. Simply put, skating can be anything to anyone and it’s everything to some of us at MADE. We’re stoked AF that today is Go Skateboarding Day.
12 June: Red Roses Day
29 May : Compost Day
C o p y : c r a i g W a l f o r d
Shit happens. Good shit. Bad shit. Medium shit. It’s an unavoidable part of life. The only real solution is to figure out how to make the most of it; International Learn-About-Composting Day reminds us that, whether we put up with shit, get in shit or feel like shit, all it takes is for someone to plant a little seed, and every one of us is capable of creating our own uniquely beautiful, unimaginably spectacular shit.
So, don’t let shit get you down. There will always be shitty people in the world, never forget that you are the shit. It’s amazing to see the shit that comes to the surface with a little daily nurturing, sunshine and watering. Use today to give a shit about someone else, because we’re not measured as people by the shit we have to do, we’re measured by the shit we choose to do. It’s simple really - don’t be shit
27 March : Typhoid Mary
C o p y : c r a i g W a l f o r d
Names get hella boring. Unless you’re recognised for something like conquering most of the known world (we’re looking at you, Alexander) yours will probably remain forgettable.Mary Mallon, placed in quarantine on this day in 1915, surely wasn’t planning on being remembered as Typhoid Mary. But, as the first asymptomatic carrier of the pathogen associated with Typhoid Fever, the moniker kind of stuck. It’s been said that, once you’re famous, there’s no way to get un-famous, only infamous. For Mallon, 26 years in isolation surely did the trick.
6 March 2017: The Almighty Space Cat
C o p y : A D A M H O L T R O P
If you have no skaam you really can get away with quite a lot. For example, you could make up an entire belief system, then recruit thousands of people and score yourself a sweet spot on the throne or whatever type of pedestal you design for yourself. The trick is to make your ideas so out there that nobody can prove them wrong. Proof is a funny thing that way, especially when combined with belief. It seems our desire to believe in stuff is so strong that it can overpower logic easily.
Cue L.Ron Hubbard, born today and kinda reborn through his invention of Scientology. Can't knock him though; he stuck to his guns and made Scientology a part of the world today. Hats off. We're thinking about the Church of Space Cat. There's a huge cat out there, in control of your destiny. Meow once a day and you'll see how your life improves. Meow.
Cue L.Ron Hubbard, born today and kinda reborn through his invention of Scientology. Can't knock him though; he stuck to his guns and made Scientology a part of the world today. Hats off. We're thinking about the Church of Space Cat. There's a huge cat out there, in control of your destiny. Meow once a day and you'll see how your life improves. Meow.
6 March 2017: Waiting for Goddot
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
Humans are impatient. You’d think that with exponential tech advancements streamlining our lives and all that, the odd bit of waiting wouldn’t be a problem. You’d be wrong.
Waiting For Godot premiered this day in 1955. We could learn a lot from Samuel Beckett’s famous play, but we won’t. And yet, impatient audiences around the world glue themselves to their seats watching a play in which nothing happens, totally aware that nothing is going happen. Irony at its triumphant best. Well played, Mr Beckett.
Waiting For Godot premiered this day in 1955. We could learn a lot from Samuel Beckett’s famous play, but we won’t. And yet, impatient audiences around the world glue themselves to their seats watching a play in which nothing happens, totally aware that nothing is going happen. Irony at its triumphant best. Well played, Mr Beckett.
13 February 2017: Tiger
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
Humans are very good at telling stories and, as Gandalf the Grey noted so eloquently, all good stories deserve embellishment. A very poignant observation from one of fiction’s greatest characters. Sometimes, though, reality serves up some scary stuff and, on this day in 1970, a man-eating tiger was reported to have killed 48 people in India.
Many of us humans were frightened and outraged and understandably so. But our most pressing question is this: how many of his striped brethren did we kill before he embraced his inner Shere Khan? More than 48. Much more.
02 February 2017: Old Ages Homes
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
They say you can’t stay young forever. But you can be immature your whole life. Eventually, you’ll reach a point where you stop lying about your age and start bragging. Your secrets will be safe with your friends because they’ll have forgotten them. Or they’ll be dead. At that moment, you’ll probably be grateful that, on this day in 1911, the world’s first old age home opened in Prescott, Arizona. That’s if you’re not dancing with dementia. We have no idea what you’ll be thinking then.
30 January 2017: Gandhi
C o p y : c r a i g W a l f o r d
Today is Martyr’s Day in India, marking the anniversary of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Apart from the lessons he taught about the dangers of materialism, his passive resistance showed the world that you don’t need violence or anger to overcome your oppressors.
It can be tough in the moment, but next time someone gets loud, rise above it. Speak back with love, hug it out, or just put on your best cotton undies and sit on the ground until they go away. As his chillness, Mahatma, once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
23 January 2017: Chemiluminescence Pyramid
C o p y : c r a i g W a l f o r d
With billions of people relying on electricity to function, the energy crisis has become one of the biggest challenges we face as a species, which is interesting considering the abundance of natural energy around us. We get about 5 trillion watt-hours of solar energy per square km per year, that’s enough energy to run 120 trillion 60w lightbulbs for 24 hours, every hour. And yet the powers that be continue to wage wars over unsustainable resources because scarcity increases value.
People like Nobel Prize winner, John Polanyi, who was born on this day in 1929, are our only real hope. His research into chemiluminescence helped to reveal the massive amounts of energy readily available in the world around us. We guess the problem is no longer finding energy, it’s safely harnessing and storing it that’s the real challenge. Thankfully, there will always be people like John out there giving us new sources of renewable energy and glowsticks just in case it all goes tits up.
18 October 2016: Cocktail Pyramade // Intern
C o p y : d a n f a b r e
The hero of today’s story is a barmaid from 18th-century New York called Betsy Flanagan. On this day in 1776, an old man shuffled into her bar and requested ‘the usual’. Whatever ‘the usual’ was. After knocking back several ‘usuals’, he noticed a stuffed rooster mounted on the wall.
Ripe from fermentation and awed by the specimen’s kaleidoscopic plumage, he did something a bit unusual. “I’ll have one of those!” Betsy, bless her, plucked the fowl’s finest feather and placed it in the geyser's glass. Thus, the world’s first cocktail was served and we’ll drink to that.
TO BETSY!
Ripe from fermentation and awed by the specimen’s kaleidoscopic plumage, he did something a bit unusual. “I’ll have one of those!” Betsy, bless her, plucked the fowl’s finest feather and placed it in the geyser's glass. Thus, the world’s first cocktail was served and we’ll drink to that.
TO BETSY!
13 October 2016 : Planet Earth II Pyramade // Intern
C o p y: d a n f a b r e
Watching documentaries is as close to going outside as staying inside gets.
You learn that, with mammals, tusks are actually teeth and horns are actually hair. Chameleons change colour to reflect their mood, not to camouflage. Unless they’re in the mood to avoid being lunch. Also, insects are ultra rad. Consider the water boatman; an aquatic bug that makes a noise as loud as a motorcycle by rubbing its Johnson against its belly.
The BBC’s Planet Earth knocked us onto our collective backsides in 2006. David Attenborough, with his velvety voice like a buttermilk rusk dipped in vanilla tea, found a cockroach that only eats bat droppings and made it sound like it’s the only way to live. The prodigal grandpa returns ten years on, just as nature intended. Six episodes will never be enough but we’ll make do because it’s shot in glorious 4K.
Planet Earth II will be the great man’s final contribution. We're itching to join him for his last adventure. And for the BBC to confirm an official release date. Bastards.
You learn that, with mammals, tusks are actually teeth and horns are actually hair. Chameleons change colour to reflect their mood, not to camouflage. Unless they’re in the mood to avoid being lunch. Also, insects are ultra rad. Consider the water boatman; an aquatic bug that makes a noise as loud as a motorcycle by rubbing its Johnson against its belly.
The BBC’s Planet Earth knocked us onto our collective backsides in 2006. David Attenborough, with his velvety voice like a buttermilk rusk dipped in vanilla tea, found a cockroach that only eats bat droppings and made it sound like it’s the only way to live. The prodigal grandpa returns ten years on, just as nature intended. Six episodes will never be enough but we’ll make do because it’s shot in glorious 4K.
Planet Earth II will be the great man’s final contribution. We're itching to join him for his last adventure. And for the BBC to confirm an official release date. Bastards.
x. thanks for looking. x
