Turning science fiction into science fact

In 1977, Carrie Fisher appeared as Princess Leia in cinemas as a small light projection asking Obi-Wan for help. After that moment, holograms have appeared in no less than eight television series, 18 video game franchises and 21 film franchises.

Since the first hologram appeared in film in the 1956 film Forbidden Planet, sci-fi fans and physicists alike have become fixated on the idea of making them a reality. In the last 20 years, there has been somewhat of a technological revolution resulting in huge steps forward to making that area of Star Wars at least, a reality.

What is a hologram?

Simply put, holograms are light patterns which have been captured so that when they are moved, or looked at from a different angle, they appear 3D – much like those seen in sci-fi. The simplest holograms are more common than you would think, holograms can be seen everywhere, including in a wallet. On all credit and debit cards, there is a small silver image, usually of a bird, which when looked at from different angles, appears to move. This is what a hologram is in its simplest form.

Do you need a droid to make a hologram?

Despite what Star Wars would have the audience believe, you do not need your own R2D2 or C-3PO to make a hologram. Basic holograms like those mentioned above, are actually relatively simple to form. They can be made by anyone with just a light source, special photographic material and laboratory conditions. The world may be a ways off from a “make your own permanent hologram” kit but in terms of holograms in the real world, it is a start.

Can I be a hologram like Princess Leia?

In terms of a free standing hologram, projected out a droid, the answer is no. However, this does not mean moving holograms are impossible. For anyone who remembers the 2012 BBC Children in Need special, you will recall Chris Moyles reuniting Morecambe and Wise in the form of holograms on stage. During the show, two 3D images of the comedy duo appeared on stage dancing beside the comedian and radio presenter, which looked very similar to the one you saw on Star Wars of Princess Leia. You may have noticed the background was completely black though, this was to allow the holograms to be projected onto the screen. These holograms would have had to have been made by making a series of still holograms and running them after one another to make it appear they were moving. Much like how rudimental films were made - expect with more impressive technology.

Are we anywhere near making Star Wars holograms?

In short, as of yet, we cannot produce holograms like the ones you may see on Star Wars, simply because free standing holograms are an impossibility. However, the BBC did begin to develop technology which creates the illusion of a free standing hologram and there is constantly more and more research being done into the subject. Although the traditional idea of a hologram may be a while away for us mere humans, we are still surrounded by holographic imaging all the time – credit cards, head up displays and even barcode scanners all use holographic technology. So, sci-fi fans don’t lose hope just yet, soon you too will be able to ask Obi-Wan for help as a small blue figure. It’s just a shame we can’t all look like Carrie Fisher.

I made a YouTube video about holograms too! 

Watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE7w6_7xil4

Am I a bad feminist?

I am a feminist. I declare this pretty regularly, not because I need to show off how "woke" I am but because I believe in it. I believe in equal pay for equal work, I see that the gender gap in STEM industry is real and needs changing and I feel myself physically fill with rage everytime Ross does anything on F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Despite this, I ask myself the question "Am I a bad feminist?" every Friday night.

This is because in my household, Friday night is Grand Tour night. At the end of the week, I sit down with my parents, switch on Amazon Prime and enjoy watching The Grand Tour. The reason for this is that the show is headed up by perhaps the epitome of the anti-feminist himself - Jeremy Clarkson. Yet, I find myself unangrily, unironically, unconcernedly laughing at loud at the antics and things that Clarkson, Hammond and May say. Occasionally, one of them will say something that is a blatant middle finger to what they would call 'politically correct culture' and I won't laugh, but I also won't get angry about it. I may tut, but I will forgive them - leading me to the golden question posed earlier.

A little voice in the back of my head will say "You are a bad feminist because you forgive these unforgiveable jokes!". This little voice will soon after be drowned out by the more logical part of my brain and I realise I forgive them, not because I am a bad feminist, but because in my heart I know these men are dinosaurs with outdated views on society and probably don't accept the changing times because they are stuck in their ways.

It is no longer 'political correctness' but simply 'being a decent human being'. But it's ok, because I just watch them on TV, I don't have to interact with them, or work with them - instead I surround myself with people who have the same views as me, and the same hope for the future. These three dinosaurs destroying cars are simply entertainment.

No, I am not a perfect feminist. Sometimes I wear makeup so boys will look at me, I shave my armpits and my legs when I have a shower because I like the way it looks - things for which, in the past, I would have told myself off; but not now. In the wake of the downfall of the male Hollywood elite and the joy of Oprah Winfrey and Emma Watson - I have had an epiphany. In my mere humble opinion, the most important thing about feminism today is the big picture: the right for women to make their own choices without pressure, impediment or expectation from anyone else. That is what makes a good feminist, not the TV you enjoy. So, I may not be the perfect feminist, but I am the best version I can be.

Of course, there is one more question which I shall answer for you now:

No, I am not going to burn my bra - I need the support.

Welcome to the YouTube culture

Logan Paul is a shit. That's it, that's all you need to know. The video he posted in the Japanese suicide forest was inexcusible, offensive and not a reflection of the YouTube culture at all - but you know that. You've read the articles and watched the videos telling you that; you don't need yet another voice yelling into the void.

I have been watching YouTube consistently since the age of about 15 and have been making videos myself for about two years and in my time have found some wonderful and talented people. So, instead of simply another vague opinion piece on why what Logan Paul did was bad, here is my (hardly) comprehensive list of the YouTubers you should be watching instead.

1. Dodie Clark/dodie - dodie is a musician, YouTuber and all around lovely person. She posts original songs and the occasional cover on her main channel (doddleoddle), and music covers, relaxing vlogs and anything else you can think of on her second channel (doddlevloggle). She speaks openly about her struggles with mental health and is there for people who feel like they are the only one, and those who just want to watch YouTube and have a nice relaxing time.

2. Dan Howell and Phil Lester - I have been consistently watching these two for the longest. Yes, I am aware their early content can seem juvenile and immature, but then again, when I started watching them - so was I. That's the thing about Dan and Phil, I feel like I have grown up with them, I have changed as their content has changed - so I have continually found them funny and entertaining. They may have their own channels, but their friendship and chemistry makes their collab videos the most fun to watch - particularly on their gaming channel.

3. Markiplier - Speaking of gaming, Markiplier is easily my favourite gaming YouTuber. As someone who is truly terrible at playing video games, but really enjoys them regardless, watching Mark play and commentate his way through games is really very enjoyable. He also posts music, sketches and other funny content. People may wonder why you would want to watch someone else play video games, but I think the same about sport. If you want to start watching a gaming YouTuber, give Mark a go. He also seems to be the least controversial, and least annoying, of that group (remember Pewdiepie?).

4. Safiya Nygaard - You may recognise her as a Buzzfeed alum, but don't let this put you off. In fact, it should encourage you. She has an insane amount of experience in the YouTube industry. She makes predominantly fashion and makeup videos, with challenges being her favourites. That being said, I am not normally one for fashion and makeup, but there is something incredibly appealing about her videos - they are funny, informative and just a joy to watch.

5. Jack and Dean - A pair of British guys making dumb sketches for the internet, who have since moved on to producing a successful mini-series for Fullscreen. These two are hilarious, they started over seven years ago making silly sketches from their homes on zero budget. Now, they write, direct, act in, produce and edit their own incredibly impressive videos - that are entertaining to boot. Fac-e-book anyone?

6. Binging with Babish - He makes food from movies and TV shows and has the voice of an angel. What else do you need?

HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Bertie Gilbert for lovely short films
Sammy Paul for short films, music videos and sketches
TomSka for sketches and the (in)famous asdfmovies
KickthePJ for lovely wholesome, artsy content
Just Between Us for bad advice and great sketches
AsapSCIENCE if you're feeling academic
Paint (aka Jon Cozart) for fun musical videos (remember Harry Potter in 99 seconds?)
Buzzfeed (HEAR ME OUT) for Unsolved, Worth It, the Try Guys and Ladylike

If you want to read a great article about Logan Paul and why you should not base your opinion of YouTube on him, read Allison Raskin's (of Just Between Us) article on NBC here.