Trendspotting Week 5

Weddings, Parties, and their Extravagance

Long ago were the days when I watched A Wedding Story in the mornings on TLC. Now, wedding shows are EVERYWHERE and not just on the style. network. Ranging from Rock The Reception about couples who coreograph their first dance, Bridezillas about the obvious evil Bride, Say Yes to The Dress dedicated solely to the bride fashionista/family drama lover, Masters of Reception about a party planning team, and even Cake Boss the show about the worlds most extreme cake maker, wedded bliss via reality TV has reached our college campus. ABC also had a succsessful first season on Wedding Day, an Extreme Makeover Home Edition type show for the couple to be. I think this trend has caught on because it is more than just reality TV, it lets the viewer live in a fantasy world. Its more than just seven strangers living in a house, the shows are about celebrations and extravagance, which many people cannot afford to experience. This trend will fade fast, as even the most grand or dramatic parties get boring. 

Gigolos

On a totally opposite note from all the vampires in the media, Gigolo's are appearing on both the big and small screen and CU students are taking notice. HBO's new show, Hung, which features a male prostitute or gigolo. With the popularity of risque HBO shows like entourage and the growing popularity of the racy show, True Blood, Hung is starting to catch on as well with its sex based plots and dialogue. On the big screen, the movie Extract which has one rave reviews by CU students, also features a male prostitute. Unlike Hung which is about using prostitution as a means of living, Extract's gigolo lures a wife away from her marriage. Either way, hooking isn't just for guys any more. Hopefully this trend stays only in the media.

Youtube Video Reactions

We have all seen our fair share of funny Youtube Videos. Now their sequels are emerging--Youtube video reactions. Though CU students are not the prime candidates to record their reactions to funny Youtube videos, they are definitely talking about them and watching them. Much like how Youtube videos are adapted by users, the reaction videos are posted alongside the original video. This trend has caught on because it is just another way for people to look at themselves. Not only are we interested in sharing our thoughts via comments, but now our reactions which are much more personal and dynamic. From a viewers standpoint, this trend has caught on because we are inately curious beings and interested in other peoples behaviors and tendencies. Though the reaction videos aren't nearly as funny as the actual videos, they are fairly entertaining. Still, they will loose their popularity pretty fast. 

Power Balance Bracelets

Call it the "evil Eye" of sports, Power Balance wristbands are suddenly making all guys on campus, stronger, more "in tune with their chi" (actual quote), and helping them perform better on the field. Obviously, professional athletes have served as free advertising for this wristband with Power Balance technology that helps tune and improve your body's cell to cell communication. The company claims that "when cells communicate better, the body performs better, which improves balance, flexibility, strength, endurance, focus and overall wellness." Even though the bracelet was originally created for surfing, all athletes are sporting them now. I know a few CU Football players who wear the accessory and their are published photos of athletes from other schools that wear it as well. My boyfriend, who only plays adult league hockey, swears by it. He has scored at least one goal in every game he has played since he started wearing the wrist band. If this trend turns out to be a fraud, it will be outta here soon. But if not, if the technology persists, I can see it sticking around.