Welcome to SUPER SPECTRUMS | ISYS100

Who are we? Watch this video and find out!

Questions:

How will the video in the last post relate to your blog?

The aim of this video is to help our readers get a quick scope of who the Super Spectrums are and what the readers will expect from our blog. The video is structured to mimic the way in which the blog runs, with quick snapshots of what gets posted on each day starting with Monday right through to Saturday. Displaying the daily topics of Monday with travel, Tuesday with emotions/psychology, Wednesday with Characters, Thursday with Food, Friday with Science and lastly Saturday with Music.
In this way, you are also able to see the authors who post on those days, alongside some quick little colour facts relating to the day's topic to reinforce the basic concept of the blog, that of exploring a colour each week within various fields. For example, Monday displayed colours that can be found in locations, Tuesday presented emotions/psychology facts relating to colour and so on. 

 This video is also designed to be colourful, fun and factual just like how our blog is intended to feel and be, with the additional help of an uplifting background music that relates to our colour blog concept. Overall, the video sets an idea of what the blog Super Spectrums will encompass and the structure of the blog.

How will each member in your group contribute to the process of making the vlog?

Before putting the vlog together, each member thought of ideas of how we could reflect our blog in a video creatively. Various group discussions on different ideas led to our final video posted above.

In regards to the videos structure, the process of putting it all together first involved each member to find  one to four facts that were relevant to their topic in relation to colour to be added to the video. Secondly, each member were in charge of a particular aspect of the video, this comprised of Kylie, Vanessa and Isabella in filming and finding locations to film the video, Jack providing the background music, Amanda and Alison providing the arts and crafts to put our facts on. Moreover, collectively as a group during meetings, suggestions were given on the design, layout and structure of how the video will be presented relative to the blog, in which Kylie had edited and put the final video all together.
Working in this way allowed the process of making the vlog easier, fun and allowed each member's creativity and idea to be added to the video, so that it would eliminate any disagreements to the final vlog.

Black and Yellow!!

BY JOHN CHAN 

Coldplay – Yellow

One of cold plays all time classics. You will be hard pressed to find a person who grew up in the 90s/00s who hasn't heard this classic masterpiece.

The slow rock love song has captivated many star-crossed lovers and other hopelessly in love listeners worldwide and still does to this day. It is in some ways an anthem for people who are deeply in love or have previous been deeply in love. The song is able to quickly break down your emotional barriers causing you to get lost in the emotional vibe of the song.  This song is excellent for days when you feel like reflecting on a loved one, maybe a current partner? an ex? Or even a current crush of yours.

Look at the stars,

Look how they shine for you,

And everything you do,

Yeah, they were all yellow.

I came along,

I wrote a song for you,

And all the things you do,

And it was called "Yellow".

Counting Crows ft. Vanessa Carlton- Big Yellow Taxi 

Another popular song that best represents the sound of the 1990s. What many people may not know is that this song was actually written and first performed in 1970 by Joni Mitchell.  Counting Crows and Vanessa Carlton did a rendition of this popular 70s song in 2003 and has since stolen most of credit and thunder of the song.  The lyrics of the song, when first heard are confusing at first but are surprisingly about environmental concerns.  The 90s jam is able to take anyone back down memory lane, involuntarily causing you to flashback to the early 2000s.

They took all the trees, and put em in a tree museum
And they charged the people a dollar and a half to see them

Hey farmer, farmer, put away your DDT

I don't care about spots on my apples,

Leave me the birds and the bees

Please

Don't it always seem to go

That you don't know what you got 'til it's gone

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot

Wiz Khalifa - Black And Yellow

This song is best known for putting Wiz Khalifa on the map. The Pittsburgh rapper has this debut single to thank for his fame and fortune. The song is tremendously catchy, especially the chorus black and yellow which represents his car and his home city’s baseball team (Pittsburg Pirates) colours. Khalifia’s music video shows the rapper showing off various iconic locations around his beloved city Pittsburgh. This song is perfect song to sing along with to get your Saturday night started.

Yeah, uh huh, you know what it is
Everything I do, I do it big
Yeah, uh huh, screaming that's nothing
What I pulled off the lot, that's stunting
Repping my town when you see me you know everything
Black and yellow [4x]
I put it down from the whip to my diamonds, I'm in
Black and yellow [4x]

Some Sweet Science

By Kylie

Evidence has found to suggest that honey is a source of food, which at its raw form, can be preserved indefinitely in a state that is edible. 

What makes this food so special??

Source:http://oliviajenkins.com.au/3488/5-diy-uses-for-honey/

1. Sugars are naturally low in moisture – this means that if left in a sealed container, make it very difficult for bacteria or microorganisms to survive. Hence the chance for organisms to spoil honey is reduced due to low survival rates.

2. The acidity of honey also adds to this with it scaling at around 3-4.5 on the pH scale. Again, the high acidic environment does not make it an ideal home for organisms.

http://fitlife.tv/from-the-bees-two-simple-superfoods-youve-got-to-try_original/

3. BEES. BEES. BEES. In the end, it’s down to our little yellow stingy friends. 

To make honey, bees regurgitate nectar into the combs. Enzymes in the stomachs of bees, glucose oxidase, mix with the nectar when the bees regurgitate, creating hydrogen peroxide and gluconic acid. This is another barrier – due to its thick consistency.  

Check out the links below for more info!

Source:

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-science-behind-honeys-eternal-shelf-life-1218690/

http://www.sugarscience.org/the-sweet-science-behind-honey.html#.VhcEhROqqko

Happiness is found in Yellow Food - Three Golden Recipes

By Vanessa

You know it's true, not only does the colour yellow represent happiness and sunshine, it's also reflected in yellow colour food. How? Here are some examples: cheese, potatoes, pasta, bananas, egg omelette, mangoes, custard, lemon and the list can go on!

But to be serious, yellow coloured food and packaging stimulates the brain to release serotonin, that is, the happy hormone. That's why when we see potato fries, we scream "yes I'll get a large size please".

In today's post, another three dishes are shared for your delight and will want you grabbing seconds.

Three Golden Recipes of Happiness

Breakfast

Source:
http://www.lifetasteslikefood.com/2011/08/01/mango-pineapple-banana-orange-smoothie/

1. Sunshine Banana, Mango and Pineapple Smoothie

Let's start the morning happy, healthy and sweet, before we divulge ourselves into wholesome, a little cheesy, heart filling foods in the lunch and dinner recipes.

This smoothie does not only taste great but has the benefit of fat loss due to the rich fiber, high energy without fat from bananas, and the improvement of metabolism and prevention of constipation from mangos and pineapples.

What you will need:

- 1/2 cup of chopped or frozen pineapples

- 1/2 cup of chopped or frozen mangoes

- 3/4 of a banana

-1/3 cup of almond milk

Directions:

- Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend till there is a smooth consistency, it's that simple!

You can also add other ingredients to this smoothie to add extra flavour or texture, here are some ingredients you may want to add -

- Flax seeds    - Lemon    - Crushed Almonds    - Mint leaves

- Greek yogurt or regular yogurt    - Spinach    - Blueberries    - Apples

Source:
http://youandihg.blog.com/2012/12/17/this-grilled-cheese-sandwiches-recipe-is-really-perfect-for-everyone/

Lunch

2. Golden Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Get your taste buds ready because I have the perfect lunch for you, and making those around you want a bite of it!

A nice crispy, grilled and cheesy sandwich that melts in your mouth, filled with cheese, avocado, tomato and ham, what else could you ask for. 

What you will need:

- White or brown bread

- 4 thin slices of avocado (alternative: avocado spread)

- 2 to 3 slices of Roma tomatoes

- 2 slices of ham

- 2 slices of Mozzarella cheese

- Finely grated parmesan

Directions:

1. Butter the outside of the bread and sprinkle parmesan cheese generously on top.

2. Place the bread face down on the frying pan for a minute and remove from stove

3. With parmesan side face of bread face down, add 1 slice of Mozzarella cheese and the avocado on top. 

4. Place 1 slice of ham on top of the avocado, then add the sliced tomatoes.

4. On the second bread, add the other slice of Mozzarella and the other slice of ham. Ham side facing down, close the sandwich.

5. Place sandwich on a greased grill pan on low heat for 2 minutes. Then flip sandwich to the other side. Remove sandwich when cheese has melted and toast is golden brown.

You can also use a sandwich press, frypan or toastie maker.

Source:
http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/7555/cheesy+potato+bake

Dinner

3. Potato Macaroni Bake

You are in for a treat, with potato and cheese and double dose of happiness in one dish. Hopefully you don't have to share with many people or wear tight clothes soon, because you will be going for seconds and thirds.

What you will need:

- Shredded mozzarella cheese

- Shredded cheddar Cheese

- 3 Washed Sebago potatoes

- 1/2 Peeled and washed brown onion

- 1/3 pkg of KRAFT Deluxe Macaroni & Cheese Dinner

- 2 3/4 cup of milk

- 60g or 2 tblsp of butter

- 1/4 cup of flour

Directions:

1. Cut the brown onions into thin ringlets and slice the Sebago potatoes into thin even pieces, and place aside.

2. Prepare the Macaroni and cheese by following the packet instructions (using 1 cup of milk)

3. Preheat oven to 180°c, then grease the baking dish.

4. Melt butter in a saucepan on medium-high heat. Add flour. Stir constantly until bubbly and remove from heat. Add the remaining milk together and stir till combined. Return to heat and cook till sauce boils.

5. Place pieces of Sebago potatoes evenly around the base of the dish (do not use all of the pieces), creating only one layer of potatoes, then add a thin layer of the Macaroni and cheese on top (not the whole bowl). Crack some salt and pepper.

6. Place a thin layer of onions like the potatoes and spoon 1/3 of the sauce. Sprinkle Mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 till all ingredients are used in the same order and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

8. Place into oven and bake for 1 hr or until potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden.

* If potatoes are not ready but the top is golden, cover with aluminium foil.

Enjoy these recipes and hopefully it brings you happiness.

Fellows in Yellow

By Amanda

While we can't seem to see an end to the stream of blue and green characters that are introduced or rebooted these days, the colour yellow certainly has had its fair share of characters. The bright and sunshiny colour is used in a variety of characters from good to evil. Firstly, the bright colour highlights a character and makes them stand out to the viewing audience. Having at least one yellow character in a show, game or movie is great eye catching trick that many companies have used to attract an audience. (I just realised how racist this post sounds. Oh gosh. I'm sorry.) Secondly, the colour is also a mellow tone that is calming and elicits a cheerful response, as a result it is not uncommon for many children's characters to be dressed in yellow. As you've probably guessed by now, this week is all about the colour yellow! Today we'll be listing legendary yellow characters. These characters can be from movies, tv shows, games or musicals. As long as they're a recognisable yellow character they fit the list. With that said, let me know if I've missed any characters you expected to see on this list.

Tweety Bird

Source: http://www.comicvine.com/tweety-bird/4005-21104/

So recently I found out that people don't seem to know that Tweety Bird is a canary. I always thought it was common knowledge. I mean, there are only so many small yellow birds that people keep as pets. But anyway… Who can forget this lovable cute canary! You can't help but smile as the adorable little creature calls out "I taught I taw a puddy tat!" And laugh at his antics and adventures as he avoids Sylvester the cat. A random fact that I found out when I got older was that Tweety is actually a male.

Wolverine

Source: http://www.kdramastars.com/articles/25083/20140616/hugh-jackman-wolverine-costume.htm

Wolverine is a fictional Marvel superhero who is commonly associated with the X-men franchise. The original identity of the man behind the mask is James Howlette however after a series of incidences resulting in memory loss for one, majority of the other characters refer to him as Logan. Wolverine is a mutant with a healing ability, heightened animalistic senses and enhanced physical abilities. He is also known for his iconic adamantium claws that can slice through anything and anyone (with a few small exceptions). Wolverine is complex guy but he is definitely not dressed in yellow for his cheery and sunshiny charisma.

Magic School Bus

Source: http://terraraptor.deviantart.com/art/Prelude-Captain-Planet-VS-The-Magic-School-Bus-514204319

Who didn't want to ride on the magic school bus when they were a kid? School would have been so much cooler if we went on an excursion as often as Miss Frizzle's class did. The show made taught kids science in a fun and unique way. It covered a range of topics from physics and gravity to disease and digestion. Riding in this bus was every kids dream. I mean, it wasn't just a bus, it could turn into a plane, a submarine, it even turned into a freaking planet in one episode! Definitely one of the coolest buses out there.

Big Bird

Source: http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Radar

Big bird is a gigantic yellow feathered primrose bird from Sesame Street. The bird stands at 8 feet and 2 inches tall and lives in a massive birds nest next to the 123 Sesame Street sign. In 2000, Bid Bird was names a Living Legend by the US library of congress, so the big yellow bird has definitely earned his spot on our iconic yellow characters list.

The Simpsons

Source: http://comicbook.com/2015/01/04/judd-apatow-wrote-next-weeks-episode-of-the-simpsons/

The iconic yellow skinned family (oh gosh, I sound racist again). The Simpsons is an animated television series that has been running since 1989 and is still going strong. The show currently holds the title of longest running American animated program, longest running American sitcom and longest running American scripted primetime television series. It's not just the Simpsons family that have yellow skin, everyone else in Springfield does too! Well except for Apu. (Who's being racist now.) The whole show is a haven for yellow characters.

Professor Zoom

Source: http://www.blastr.com/2015-4-1/flashs-latest-addition-opens-about-shocking-reverse-flash-reveal

The reverse flash. Yellow is not exactly the opposite colour of red (it's actually green). While The Flash's costume is a vibrant red with a few yellow highlights, the reverse of that naturally has to be Professor Zooms bright yellow get up. Bright yellow spandex may not seem like the most intimidating outfit for a villain to wear, but hey, it worked for Wolverine.

Pikachu

Source: http://youtubepoop.wikia.com/wiki/Pikachu

An electric mouse type pokemon that has been popular for generations. He first appeared in 1996 and has since then become one of the most recognised pokemon due to his central roll in the Pokemon Anime series. He appears a range of media types from movies to tv shows, video games, and even trading cards.

Madeline

Source: http://blog.studyabroadusac.com/in-the-words-of-madeline-poo-poo/

"In an old house in Paris that was covered in vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines"

Madeline lived in a boarding house in France with her colleagues. Whenever the group of girls went out they always wore their bright yellow coats and their bright yellow hat. These outfits along with their distinct formation of two lines, became the signature of the show.

Pac-Man

Source: http://moviepilot.com/posts/2015/03/30/pacman-piercing-is-retro-awesome-2822322?lt_source=external,manual

Pac-Man is the Japanese arcade game that became an icon of 80s pop culture. Players control a yellow Pac-Man around a maze with the aim of eating all the pac-dots and avoiding the four ghosts that roam the maze.  The game was initially designed to be never ending as you move up from stage to stage however a software bug has made it impossible for players to complete the 256th level.

Spongebob Squarepants

Source: http://imgzz.info/2015/09/spongebob-2.html

Definitely one of the most iconic yellow characters since the late 90s. The show follows the adventures and tale of a cheerful yellow sponge and his friends in Bikini Bottom. The animation became the highest rated series to ever air on Nickelodeon and generated $8 billion of merchandising revenue for Nick. No matter what age group you are, there's no doubt that you have, at one point or other, heard of the friendly yellow sponge. With only just over 15 years on air, the character has had an extreme growth in popularity. Don't believe me? He even had a new species of mushroom named after him!

April O'Neil

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2319480/Megan-Fox-sips-coconut-water-hits-set-Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-movie-time.html

April is a close friend of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles known for her stylish bright yellow jumpsuit.

Winnie the Pooh

Source: http://turtlepedia.wikia.com/wiki/Winnie-the-Pooh

Pooh Bear is the lovable yellow teddy bear of Christopher Robin. The cuddly character was first introduce in 1926 and has touched the hearts of many generations since. Currently, there is even a live action film in the works that is said to centre around an adult Christopher Robin.

Minion

Source: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/minions/57938/main

Something about Gru's comical yellow Henchman captured the attention of billions of people around the world. Combined with the popularity of Pharell William's hit song Happy, Minions merchandise spread to every single nook and cranny. There isn't a single product that hasn't escaped getting at least one of these yellow henchmen plastered on it.

Be Mellow with Yellow

Be Mellow with Yellow 

By Alison

When I think of the colour yellow sunshine, daffodils and yellow emoticon smiley faces usually come to mind.

In colour psychology yellow is the lightest hue of the colour spectrum and resonates with the left side of the brain that relates to logic, mental agility and perception. 

Therefore in this sense yellow represents the mind and intellect, reason and logic, empowering one to see things for what they are. This prevents distortion and enables clarity of vision...

Being a bright, vivid and attention grabbing, the colour yellow echoes the word optimism, encouraging us to see the "bright" side of things even on the darkest days...

It is uplifting and stimulates an enthusiasm for everything life has to offer, awakening hope, confidence and happiness in ourselves. 

The sunshine that comes from each sunrise itself signals the dawn of a new day and therefore a new "me". New opportunities, awakenings and another shot at giving life all you have got.  

Yellow energises, grants awareness of who we are only to unveil the potential of who we can be.

 Yellow also signals communication of new ideas; the ability to express one's self by being who you truly are; you in your raw and natural authentic state. 

source:

http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/color-yellow.html

Hello Yellow

The Wave, Coyote Buttes, Arizona

In Arizona, there is a sandstone rock formation known as 'The Wave' that is famous among hikers and photographers for its colourful, undulating forms, and rugged, trackless hike required to reach it. Probably not the yellow-est landscape, but it's close, and way too sick to leave out!

http://beautifulplacestovisit.com/canyons/the-wave-coyote-buttes-arizona-united-states/

The Wave exposes large-scale, sets of cross-bedded eolian sandstone composed of rhythmic and cyclic alternating grainflow and windripple laminae of bright oranges and yellows. This formation represents periodic changes in the prevailing winds during the Jurassic as huge sand dunes migrated across a sandy desert. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wave,_Arizona 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/4512880348

Antelope Valley, California

The Antelope Vally located in Californa is home to a wide range of plants and animals, but is famously recognised for the California poppy, which is also known as the golden poppy, California sunlight or cup of gold. This beautiful flower adds a lovely pop of colour to the landscape, making it look truly golden. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antelope_Valley; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschscholzia_californica

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antelope_Valley

http://www.allposters.com/-sp/California-Golden-Poppies-Blooming-Antelope-Valley-California-Poppy-Reserve-Antelope-Valley-Posters_i6433702_.htm

North Dakota Sunflower Fields

Which state grows the most sunflowers in the world? - Well, North Dakota of course. These gorgeous fields show off bright, big, blooming yellow sunflowers as far as the eye can see. Since 1977, North Dakota has ranked first in sunflower production - producing nearly 51% of America's total sunflowers!? Source: http://prairiecalifornian.com/where-to-find-sunflowers/; http://www.dakota-north.com/sunflowers.html

http://outpostusa.org/Expeditions/Theodore%20Roosevelt/Getting%20There.html

http://entomology.unl.edu/extension/crops/sunflower

Green Light and Good Riddance!!

by John Chan 

John Legend - Green Light ft. André 3000

When you first think of John Legend, you think of the song “All of Me”.

In comparison this song steps away from his emotionally stirring love songs and shows his versatility as an artist, with an infectious beat and super catchy chorus.This song, in ways is both similar and different from his usual body of work.Creating a smooth POP/R&B vibe that is sure to get you ready for you Saturday.Especially if you are planning to have a little fun with someone tonight ;).

You got you one legend
Sometimes you gotta step from behind the piano
And let em know what's going on
Even stevie wonder got down sometimes
I'm ready to go

Give me the green light
Give me just one night
I'm ready to go right now
I'm ready to go right now

Beyoncé - Green Light

The queen of POP/R&B never fails to deliver. Beyoncé manages to always produce catchy songs and this is perfect example of that. The beat is addictive with a funky vibe. With the music video showing a whole lot of  skin and sex appeal.  The mention of green here, similar to the previous song by John Legend, is very sexual in nature. Regardless of the songs underlying meaning the upbeat-tempo and funky groove is sure to get you in a happier mood and have you moving and shaking about.

So if you want to (uh uh huh uh uh)
You got the green light (uh uh huh uh uh)

I'm immune, you can't get colder
You got the green light (whoa)
You're the king, right? (whoa)
You holding up traffic
Green means go!!

Green Day- Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)

Green Day is perhaps the most famous punk rock band of the 2000s and arguably of all time.  With 5 Grammy Awards and 7 of their albums reaching platinum/double platinum status the band continues to cement themselves in rock history.  The band has sold over 75 million records worldwide and still continues to generate hits.

Good Riddance is one of their most famous works. The song is a surprising change, as an acoustic song that completely differs from their usual loud, quick tempo, punk rock style.  The smooth sentiment mental feel will undoubtedly cause you to heavily reflect on your memories, some good and some bad, inevitably having you surrender your feelings to the song. Perfect for those Saturday nights where you just want to lie in bed and reflect how far you have come.

So take the photographs, and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time
Tattoos and memories and dead skin on trial
For what it's worth it was worth all the while
It's something unpredictable, but in the end is right,
I hope you had the time of your life.