Thursday, May 12, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Week 13 Homework
1) Squash and Stretch - As the ball is stepped on by Luxor Junior, it squashes and stretches according to the amount of force applied to it by him.
Principles of Animation 2-11 & how the principles find expression in “Luxor Junior”
2) Timing and Motion - The balls movement amongst the lamps. The ball bounces off of the lamp, showing that the lamp has more mass than the ball.
3) Anticipation - before jumping on top of the ball, he squats down to gain momentum to jump.
4) Staging - Luxor, the large lamp, is the main point of focus, then the focus switches to Luxor Jr. as he moves around.
5) Follow Through and Overlapping Action - As Luxor Jr. chases the ball, you see the chord's movement, following through with his hopping.
6) Straight Ahead Action and Pose-to-Pose Action - Pose-to-pose action is utilized because the anumator needed to control both the movement of both the lamps as well as the ball, simultaneously.
7) Slow In and Out - this is used when Luxor Jr builds up to chase the ball. He moves around and the speed of the animation changes.
8) Arcs - Arcs are seen throughout the film during the movement of the ball and when Luxor Jr. is hopping.
9) Exaggeration - There is exaggeration present whenever the point of focus changes between the lamp and ball. This includes the use of different staging/lighting as well as sounds.
10) Secondary Action - The trailing movement of Luxor Jr's chords when he is moving.
11) Appeal - There is appeal in this film because it is easy to understand and can relate to how people are in the real world. It also personifies the objects, giving them a human-like essence, such as emotions and physical capabilities.
Principles of Animation 2-11 & how the principles find expression in “Luxor Junior”
2) Timing and Motion - The balls movement amongst the lamps. The ball bounces off of the lamp, showing that the lamp has more mass than the ball.
3) Anticipation - before jumping on top of the ball, he squats down to gain momentum to jump.
4) Staging - Luxor, the large lamp, is the main point of focus, then the focus switches to Luxor Jr. as he moves around.
5) Follow Through and Overlapping Action - As Luxor Jr. chases the ball, you see the chord's movement, following through with his hopping.
6) Straight Ahead Action and Pose-to-Pose Action - Pose-to-pose action is utilized because the anumator needed to control both the movement of both the lamps as well as the ball, simultaneously.
7) Slow In and Out - this is used when Luxor Jr builds up to chase the ball. He moves around and the speed of the animation changes.
8) Arcs - Arcs are seen throughout the film during the movement of the ball and when Luxor Jr. is hopping.
9) Exaggeration - There is exaggeration present whenever the point of focus changes between the lamp and ball. This includes the use of different staging/lighting as well as sounds.
10) Secondary Action - The trailing movement of Luxor Jr's chords when he is moving.
11) Appeal - There is appeal in this film because it is easy to understand and can relate to how people are in the real world. It also personifies the objects, giving them a human-like essence, such as emotions and physical capabilities.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Week 12 hwk
1) What was the name of the film made by Edwin S Porter that made use of a double-exposure to show a train window view of passing landscape?
The Great Train Robbery
2) Who invented the traveling matte shot in 1916?
Frank Williams.
3) How many weeks did it take to animate the main character in 1933’s KING KONG?
It took 55 weeks to animate.
4) Which film made use of the ‘slit scan’ process in the 1960s?
2001: A Space Day
5) In his essay “Industrial Memory” theorist Mark Dery argues that the silver fluid T1000 cyborg character represents a ‘masculine recoil’ – but from what?
The ‘masculine recoil’ was from the feminine representation of technology from Terminator 2.
6) Tim Recuber in his essay “Immersion Cinema” describes the key idea – that of immersion cinema itself – what is it? What makes it unique?
Recuber describes immersion cinema as cinema in which the film and its message, visuals, and audio surround the entire audience. It is unique because it allows for the audience to be enveloped within the story and makes the audience become entirely immersed.
7) In the special effects history links, in the Time magazine history of special effects, there is a description of ‘motion control’ cameras developed for “Star Wars” in the 1970s. What is motion control?(1 paragraph)
Motion control is the use of cameras to track motions and be able to repeat the exact same motions. In the movie Star Wars, the camera crew was able to utilize this motion control in order to give the film it’s special effects sequences. At the time that Star Wars was filmed, the technological advancements in cinema caused the invention of motion control.
8) Out of the 14 minutes of Jurassic Park’s dinosaur footage, how many minutes were computer generated imagery or CGI?
6 minutes consisted of CGI.
9) In the ‘denofgeek’ website, what is the name of the film that features an army of sword fighting skeletons, made in 1963?
Jason and the Argonauts.
10) In the ‘denofgeek’ site, which 2005 film used a special effects shot to sell the idea of a remake of a famous science fiction story to Steven Spielberg?
War of the Worlds
The Great Train Robbery
2) Who invented the traveling matte shot in 1916?
Frank Williams.
3) How many weeks did it take to animate the main character in 1933’s KING KONG?
It took 55 weeks to animate.
4) Which film made use of the ‘slit scan’ process in the 1960s?
2001: A Space Day
5) In his essay “Industrial Memory” theorist Mark Dery argues that the silver fluid T1000 cyborg character represents a ‘masculine recoil’ – but from what?
The ‘masculine recoil’ was from the feminine representation of technology from Terminator 2.
6) Tim Recuber in his essay “Immersion Cinema” describes the key idea – that of immersion cinema itself – what is it? What makes it unique?
Recuber describes immersion cinema as cinema in which the film and its message, visuals, and audio surround the entire audience. It is unique because it allows for the audience to be enveloped within the story and makes the audience become entirely immersed.
7) In the special effects history links, in the Time magazine history of special effects, there is a description of ‘motion control’ cameras developed for “Star Wars” in the 1970s. What is motion control?(1 paragraph)
Motion control is the use of cameras to track motions and be able to repeat the exact same motions. In the movie Star Wars, the camera crew was able to utilize this motion control in order to give the film it’s special effects sequences. At the time that Star Wars was filmed, the technological advancements in cinema caused the invention of motion control.
8) Out of the 14 minutes of Jurassic Park’s dinosaur footage, how many minutes were computer generated imagery or CGI?
6 minutes consisted of CGI.
9) In the ‘denofgeek’ website, what is the name of the film that features an army of sword fighting skeletons, made in 1963?
Jason and the Argonauts.
10) In the ‘denofgeek’ site, which 2005 film used a special effects shot to sell the idea of a remake of a famous science fiction story to Steven Spielberg?
War of the Worlds
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Week 11 Homework
1.) In Margaret Crawford’s Essay “The World in a Shopping Mall,” She outlines that “the size and scale of a mall reflects “threshold demand” – what does this term mean?
Threshold demand is referring to the minimum number of customer potentials that are present within the geographical range of the retail item in order to make a profit.
2.)In the same article, she describes something called “spontaneous malling” – what does this term mean?
Spontaneous malling is referred to the notion that a mall can be constructed utilizing buildings that are already in place. It is the idea that a mall can be set up just about anywhere and that existing buildings that are vacant can easily be transformed into a shopping mall.
3.)According to Michael Sorkin in “See You In Disneyland,” how did Disneyland have its origins?
According to Sorkin, Disneyland's origins were when Walt Disney had gone to an existing theme park and was disappointed in the horrid conditions. With this notion, Walt Disney was spurred into creating what is now considered the Happiest Place on Earth, Walt Disneyland.
4.)Michael Sorkin writes that Disney’s EPCOT Center was motivated largely by frustrations Disney felt at his Anaheim CA park. What were those frustrations?
Walt Disney was frustrated with the sanitation conditions regarding his theme park, which was influenced by the surrounding hotels and restaurants. His distinction for the EPCOT Center was a central place in which he could control the entire environment of the theme park known as Disney World.
5.)In Umberto Eco’s “Travels in Hyperreality,” he describes Disneyland as “a place of total passivity.” What does this mean?
Eco explains that the visitors to Disneyland were in a passive-like mentality, similar to a robot with an embedded preset action process. Eco goes on to explain of how people that come to the park all venture through the park and are indulged and surrounded with sights and sounds from different attractions throughout the park.
Threshold demand is referring to the minimum number of customer potentials that are present within the geographical range of the retail item in order to make a profit.
2.)In the same article, she describes something called “spontaneous malling” – what does this term mean?
Spontaneous malling is referred to the notion that a mall can be constructed utilizing buildings that are already in place. It is the idea that a mall can be set up just about anywhere and that existing buildings that are vacant can easily be transformed into a shopping mall.
3.)According to Michael Sorkin in “See You In Disneyland,” how did Disneyland have its origins?
According to Sorkin, Disneyland's origins were when Walt Disney had gone to an existing theme park and was disappointed in the horrid conditions. With this notion, Walt Disney was spurred into creating what is now considered the Happiest Place on Earth, Walt Disneyland.
4.)Michael Sorkin writes that Disney’s EPCOT Center was motivated largely by frustrations Disney felt at his Anaheim CA park. What were those frustrations?
Walt Disney was frustrated with the sanitation conditions regarding his theme park, which was influenced by the surrounding hotels and restaurants. His distinction for the EPCOT Center was a central place in which he could control the entire environment of the theme park known as Disney World.
5.)In Umberto Eco’s “Travels in Hyperreality,” he describes Disneyland as “a place of total passivity.” What does this mean?
Eco explains that the visitors to Disneyland were in a passive-like mentality, similar to a robot with an embedded preset action process. Eco goes on to explain of how people that come to the park all venture through the park and are indulged and surrounded with sights and sounds from different attractions throughout the park.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Week 8 Hwk
1) In his introduction, Lovink quotes G.H. Mead who describes "Sociality" as what?
The ability of being multiple things at once.
2) Where did Silicon Valley find inspiration in the post 9/11 reconstruction period? (two things)
The start up of search engine sites such as Google and the emergence of blogs.
3) With tools to oversee national IP range, it is possible for countries to do two things with these technologies. What are they?
To prevent citizens from viewing foreign sites and to block outside users from viewing their sites.
4) Lovink argues top-down considerations with Web 2.0 are less interesting than 'bottom-up' ones. What does he mean by this?
Lovink argues that top-down considerations are already well known so it would be better to ask bottom-up questions such as how will the public begin to use Web 2.0 utilities.
5) What is the function of profiles abstracted from 'user generated content' - how is it then used?
The function of the abstracted profile is to provide marketing data which is then gathered and utilized for advertisements that cater towards the public’s interests.
6) What is 'massification'
The huge number of people that utilize the internet.
7) Geert Lovink describes the Internet as an 'indifferent bystander' as a revolutionary tool in the global recession. What does he mean by this?
Lovink states that the internet is not a revolutionary tool because it can be used as both a tool for use, or a neutral bystanding tool, in which the user is the actual decision maker.
8) Lovink says that power these days is not absolute but ________ ?
Dynamic
9) "Managing complexity" is the aim of authoritarian uses of the Internet such as the Great Chinese _______________?
Firewall
10) What are "organized networks"?
Organized networks are groups that consist of users and profiles that have the ability to make a difference in the world. The article states how an organized network can set events in motion and bring about change.
The ability of being multiple things at once.
2) Where did Silicon Valley find inspiration in the post 9/11 reconstruction period? (two things)
The start up of search engine sites such as Google and the emergence of blogs.
3) With tools to oversee national IP range, it is possible for countries to do two things with these technologies. What are they?
To prevent citizens from viewing foreign sites and to block outside users from viewing their sites.
4) Lovink argues top-down considerations with Web 2.0 are less interesting than 'bottom-up' ones. What does he mean by this?
Lovink argues that top-down considerations are already well known so it would be better to ask bottom-up questions such as how will the public begin to use Web 2.0 utilities.
5) What is the function of profiles abstracted from 'user generated content' - how is it then used?
The function of the abstracted profile is to provide marketing data which is then gathered and utilized for advertisements that cater towards the public’s interests.
6) What is 'massification'
The huge number of people that utilize the internet.
7) Geert Lovink describes the Internet as an 'indifferent bystander' as a revolutionary tool in the global recession. What does he mean by this?
Lovink states that the internet is not a revolutionary tool because it can be used as both a tool for use, or a neutral bystanding tool, in which the user is the actual decision maker.
8) Lovink says that power these days is not absolute but ________ ?
Dynamic
9) "Managing complexity" is the aim of authoritarian uses of the Internet such as the Great Chinese _______________?
Firewall
10) What are "organized networks"?
Organized networks are groups that consist of users and profiles that have the ability to make a difference in the world. The article states how an organized network can set events in motion and bring about change.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Week 7 Homework
1) Who invented the first computer game on the PDP1?
Steve Russell
2) What was the name of the game?
Space War
3) What was the name of Morton Helig's amusement device that let you smell, hear and see in 3D filmed experiences?
Sensorama Machine
4) What early 1970s movie does an arcade console machine of Spacewar appear?
Soylent Green
5) What was the name of the man who developed the first TV tennis game?
Ralph Baer
6) Who was the man whose company Atari commercialized the idea of the arcade computer tennis game?
Nolan Bushnell
7) What was the name of this version of the game?
Pong
8) What are vector graphics?
Vector graphics is the usage of mathematical equations and lines, curves, and geometric shapes utilized to represent pictures and images for graphics.
9) What types of games do vector graphics lend themselves to?
Typically, vector graphics lend themselves to games similar to Asteroid.
10) When home computers were first made available, how did owners load games into them?
Games would generally be downloaded to an emulator
11) What is the name of the 1985 film in which a young Matthew Broderick starts World War III with his home computer and modem?
War Games
12) From what sources did the designer of the Space Invaders aliens draw inspiration?
The War Of The Worlds, Star Wars, Breakout
13) What is the name given to the contemporary subculture of 8 bit music made with gameboys and other 80s game technology
Chiptunes
14) "Escape from Woomera" was a videogame which was used to draw attention to the plight of inmates at a remote detention center in desert town in what country?
Australia
Steve Russell
2) What was the name of the game?
Space War
3) What was the name of Morton Helig's amusement device that let you smell, hear and see in 3D filmed experiences?
Sensorama Machine
4) What early 1970s movie does an arcade console machine of Spacewar appear?
Soylent Green
5) What was the name of the man who developed the first TV tennis game?
Ralph Baer
6) Who was the man whose company Atari commercialized the idea of the arcade computer tennis game?
Nolan Bushnell
7) What was the name of this version of the game?
Pong
8) What are vector graphics?
Vector graphics is the usage of mathematical equations and lines, curves, and geometric shapes utilized to represent pictures and images for graphics.
9) What types of games do vector graphics lend themselves to?
Typically, vector graphics lend themselves to games similar to Asteroid.
10) When home computers were first made available, how did owners load games into them?
Games would generally be downloaded to an emulator
11) What is the name of the 1985 film in which a young Matthew Broderick starts World War III with his home computer and modem?
War Games
12) From what sources did the designer of the Space Invaders aliens draw inspiration?
The War Of The Worlds, Star Wars, Breakout
13) What is the name given to the contemporary subculture of 8 bit music made with gameboys and other 80s game technology
Chiptunes
14) "Escape from Woomera" was a videogame which was used to draw attention to the plight of inmates at a remote detention center in desert town in what country?
Australia
Thursday, March 10, 2011
week 6 homework
1) Steve Mann describes his wearable computer invention as a form of ________ for one person (fill in the blank)
a single-occupied space
2) Steve Mann's concept of opposing camera surveillance with "Sousveillance" is described as a form of “reflectionism”. What is meant by this?
(in ReadingsF)
a single-occupied space
2) Steve Mann's concept of opposing camera surveillance with "Sousveillance" is described as a form of “reflectionism”. What is meant by this?
(in ReadingsF)
Mann’s concept is in regard to allowing people to survey themselves and face their own lunacy. It allows for society to reflect upon itself.
3) In the section of "sousveillance" called "Performance Two" Steve Mann describes how wearing his concealed device becomes more complex when used in what type of spaces?
He describes how it may become more complex in highly populated, public areas.
4) The final paragraph sums up what Mann considers the benefits of "sousveillance" and "coveillance". What are they?
The benefits of sousveillance and coveillance are that it would allow communities to reinvent the surveillance of their neighborhoods and replace neighborhood watch programs.
5) In William J Mitchell's 1995 book "City of Bits" in the chapter "Cyborg Citizens", he puts forth the idea that electronic organs as they shrink and become more part of the body will eventually resemble what types of familiar items?
Mitchell states that electronic organs would eventually resemble clothing as they will shrink and conform to the user’s body.
6) From the same book/chapter, list two of the things that a vehicle that 'knows where it is' might afford the driver & passengers.
The knowledge of a vehicle that ‘knows where it is’ would offer the ability to provide points of interest that appeal to the passengers of the vehicle. It would also have the ability to research and look up the history and facts of its surroundings, such as buildings and monuments.
7) Mitchell tells the story of Samuel Morse's first Washington-to-Baltimore telegraph message. What was it?
“What hath God wrought”
8) Donna Harroway in "A Cyborg Manifesto" argues that women should take the "battle to the border". What does she say are the stakes in this border war?
She states that production, reproduction, and imagination are at stake in the border war.
9) Harroway posits the notion that:
"We require regeneration, not rebirth, and the possibilities for our reconstitution include the utopian dream"
What is this dream?
The dream of a world without genders.
10) Many have argued that 'we are already cyborgs' as we use devices such as glasses to improve our vision, bikes to extend the mobility function of our legs/bodies etc, computers and networks to extend the nervous system etc. What do you think? Are we cyborgs?
3) In the section of "sousveillance" called "Performance Two" Steve Mann describes how wearing his concealed device becomes more complex when used in what type of spaces?
He describes how it may become more complex in highly populated, public areas.
4) The final paragraph sums up what Mann considers the benefits of "sousveillance" and "coveillance". What are they?
The benefits of sousveillance and coveillance are that it would allow communities to reinvent the surveillance of their neighborhoods and replace neighborhood watch programs.
5) In William J Mitchell's 1995 book "City of Bits" in the chapter "Cyborg Citizens", he puts forth the idea that electronic organs as they shrink and become more part of the body will eventually resemble what types of familiar items?
Mitchell states that electronic organs would eventually resemble clothing as they will shrink and conform to the user’s body.
6) From the same book/chapter, list two of the things that a vehicle that 'knows where it is' might afford the driver & passengers.
The knowledge of a vehicle that ‘knows where it is’ would offer the ability to provide points of interest that appeal to the passengers of the vehicle. It would also have the ability to research and look up the history and facts of its surroundings, such as buildings and monuments.
7) Mitchell tells the story of Samuel Morse's first Washington-to-Baltimore telegraph message. What was it?
“What hath God wrought”
8) Donna Harroway in "A Cyborg Manifesto" argues that women should take the "battle to the border". What does she say are the stakes in this border war?
She states that production, reproduction, and imagination are at stake in the border war.
9) Harroway posits the notion that:
"We require regeneration, not rebirth, and the possibilities for our reconstitution include the utopian dream"
What is this dream?
The dream of a world without genders.
10) Many have argued that 'we are already cyborgs' as we use devices such as glasses to improve our vision, bikes to extend the mobility function of our legs/bodies etc, computers and networks to extend the nervous system etc. What do you think? Are we cyborgs?
In my opinion, I do not believe that humans are cyborgs. This is such because, although we utilize many various devices to improve ourselves, we only use these machines as tools for success and adaptation. In order to be considered a cyborg, we would have to integrate the machines into our physical being and run on an electronic process. Some may argue that we do, in fact, use these devices in the medical field to keep people alive, but these devices are controlled by a user who calibrates and sets the electronic machinery to perform under the users control. If we were to be cyborgs, then the entire human identity would be defined by an electronic program, and not by human thought or intellect.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Week 5 Homework
Student Name: Brian Lee
Today’s Date: March 1, 2011
Game Title Examined: Astroids
Year of Publication: 1979
Game Publisher: Focal Technology Code Mystics Inc.
Game Developer: Atari Inc.
1 - What is the game genre (e.g. shoot-em-up, racing, sports, puzzle, MMORPG, ‘sandbox’, music sequence following game (e.g. DDR, guitar hero)
Astroids would be considered a shooter game.
2 -What is the type of game ‘world’ or environment (e.g. flat environment, puzzle/maze space, 3D world?)
The environment consists of a plane, based in outer space.
3 - What is the perspective taken by player (e.g first person, third person perspective, top down, isometric) in relation to main player controlled character.
In the game, the perspective is a 2 dimensional vector display.
4 - What is the actual gameplay – what does the player have to do?
The gameplay consists of a user controlling a space ship, and you need to shoot lasers at asteroids that are flying around the plane to keep the objects from smashing into the space ship.
5 - Is the gameplay intuitive? (i.e. is it easy to understand what to do without instructions?) describe.
The game is quite easy to understand and pick up without instruction because it is fairly basic and human instinct already knows how to comprehend and understand that if an object is to smash into your ship that it will cause it to explode. It only took a few seconds to determine the controls of the game.
6 - Is the game play patterned (game does the same thing over & over) or is it random (happens differently every time?)
The game play consists of mainly patterned functions. The user is to perform the same act over and over and the objective is always the same, to keep from getting hit and losing.
7 - What does the type of graphic approach used as well as the audio tell you about the limits of the technology at the time the game was published?
The game shows the limits of technology at that era because the game is 2 dimensional and the graphics are basic. There is a triangle that you control, a blank canvas, and basic-shaped objects that you are to destroy and avoid. Also, the sound effects in the game show how basic technology was, since it only made noises when the space ship shot “beams.”
8 - Describe your views about the game from the point of view of
1. ease of play
The game was easy to play, which made it somewhat boring and repetitive.
Today’s Date: March 1, 2011
Game Title Examined: Astroids
Year of Publication: 1979
Game Publisher: Focal Technology Code Mystics Inc.
Game Developer: Atari Inc.
1 - What is the game genre (e.g. shoot-em-up, racing, sports, puzzle, MMORPG, ‘sandbox’, music sequence following game (e.g. DDR, guitar hero)
Astroids would be considered a shooter game.
2 -What is the type of game ‘world’ or environment (e.g. flat environment, puzzle/maze space, 3D world?)
The environment consists of a plane, based in outer space.
3 - What is the perspective taken by player (e.g first person, third person perspective, top down, isometric) in relation to main player controlled character.
In the game, the perspective is a 2 dimensional vector display.
4 - What is the actual gameplay – what does the player have to do?
The gameplay consists of a user controlling a space ship, and you need to shoot lasers at asteroids that are flying around the plane to keep the objects from smashing into the space ship.
5 - Is the gameplay intuitive? (i.e. is it easy to understand what to do without instructions?) describe.
The game is quite easy to understand and pick up without instruction because it is fairly basic and human instinct already knows how to comprehend and understand that if an object is to smash into your ship that it will cause it to explode. It only took a few seconds to determine the controls of the game.
6 - Is the game play patterned (game does the same thing over & over) or is it random (happens differently every time?)
The game play consists of mainly patterned functions. The user is to perform the same act over and over and the objective is always the same, to keep from getting hit and losing.
7 - What does the type of graphic approach used as well as the audio tell you about the limits of the technology at the time the game was published?
The game shows the limits of technology at that era because the game is 2 dimensional and the graphics are basic. There is a triangle that you control, a blank canvas, and basic-shaped objects that you are to destroy and avoid. Also, the sound effects in the game show how basic technology was, since it only made noises when the space ship shot “beams.”
8 - Describe your views about the game from the point of view of
1. ease of play
The game was easy to play, which made it somewhat boring and repetitive.
2. enjoyability
Being submersed and exposed to the games of today, the game was not enjoyable in any way.
c) level of engagement/immersion
There was a low level of immersion because the game was so simplistic and did not require much engagement to understand and play.
9 - Had you played this game prior to this time? If so, when?
Yes, but only in old school arcades.
10 - what does playing the game remind you of in terms of other games/media?
This game reminds me of older films regarding space and galactic wars, including Star Wars and Star Trek. There are newer reiterations of the astroids game available with newer technology, but based on the same gameplay.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Week 4 Homework Assignment
1) According to the text "Remediation" the author uses the phrase (in relation to Hollywood's use of computer graphics) "remediation operates in both directions" - what is meant by this?
Remediation is the recurrence of both forms of media (old and new) that make use of each other and re-create one another. In new digital media, old media is utilized to create new visual works; in comparison with older media utilizing new digital media to rewrite their films.
2) What does Michael Benedikt, author of "Cyberspace the First Steps" introduction argue had happened to modern city by the late 60s, having become more than 'a collection of buildings and streets'?
According to Benedikt, the city became a large scale center of various forms of media. He states that in the 60s, it had become an “immense node of communications” and a “messy nexus of messages.”
3) In his short story "Skinner's Room" William Gibson describes how Skinner watches a tiny portable 'pop-up' TV set. What can skinner no longer remember? (remediation in relation to television as an idea is neatly summed up in this sentence!)
Skinner can no longer remember if he is able to differentiate between television commercials and television programming.
4) Author of the famous pamphlet "Culture Jamming" Mark Dery paraphrases Umberto Eco and his phrase "semiological guerrilla warfare". What does this mean?
Umberto Eco’s idea of “semiological guerilla warfare” was the notion that those viewing media have the ability to conceive and understand the media’s message in accordance to their own interpretation of the message.
5) From Mark Dery's pamphlet, briefly describe "Subvertising".
According to Dery, subvertising is a form of anti-advertisement. They are a sort of spoof-advertisement that generally reveals a hidden truth of the said product. Dery states in his pamphlet of subvertising as the “production and dissemination of anti-ads.”
Google Sketchup Assignment
In my project, I decided to create a virtual garage that one could use to learn and practice their automotive skills on. This type of program would be useful to those in the professional business of servicing vehicles and/or building cars and trucks, as well as the individual who would like to learn how to work on their own vehicles. In my virtual garage, I have added various tools and machinery that one could use for a variety of tasks. I have also integrated a virtual computer (as seen in the pictures) that the individual could use to source out information or instructions for whatever task they may seek.
This type of world will play a role in the further development of virtual reality because it opens up a variety of different scenarios that one would not normally be able to be exposed to in one single place. By utilizing a virtual world for automotive technician garage training, one has all of the tools required at their fingertips. The simple click of a mouse of input of a command and a machine or tool, which may take a while to source in reality, will appear instantaneously. I believe that the virtual world will help in numerous ways towards the advancement of certain skilled trades, as well as the development of newer tools and machinery that could be explored in virtual reality.
This type of world will play a role in the further development of virtual reality because it opens up a variety of different scenarios that one would not normally be able to be exposed to in one single place. By utilizing a virtual world for automotive technician garage training, one has all of the tools required at their fingertips. The simple click of a mouse of input of a command and a machine or tool, which may take a while to source in reality, will appear instantaneously. I believe that the virtual world will help in numerous ways towards the advancement of certain skilled trades, as well as the development of newer tools and machinery that could be explored in virtual reality.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
1) In Paulina Boorsooks Book "Cyberselfish" she contrasts the development of technologies that were group efforts and thus stand in stark contrast to the myth of the lone 'hero' entrepreneur. Name two such more group-based technologies. (Under the heading "Closer to the Machine")
a) Wikileaks
b) World Wide Web Consortium
2) In the section labelled "Human, Too Human" Boorsook describes one type of technolibertarian - the "Extropians". What do extropians want or yearn for?
The extropians are a group that aim to maximize the human potential by utilizing machines or adapting machine-like traits, similar to that of a robot.
3) In her film BIT PLANE, Natalie Jeremijenko describes Doug Englebart as being a pioneer - of what? (view film via VIMEO link in separate post)
Natalie Jeremijenko describes Doug Englebart of being a pioneer of personal computing.
4) In "Silicon Valley Mystery House" writer Langdon Winner compares the Silicon Valley to the Winchester Mystery House. In what way does he consider them similar?
Winner compares the Silicon Valley as to that of the Winchester Mystery House due to the blending and combination of areas stretching from San Jose to Palo Alto. This ideology represents how the technology, business, and wealth around these areas allow the areas to transform and adapt to one another, similar to that of the winding doors and staircases that engulf the Winchester Mystery House.
5) In Langdon Winner's essay "Silicon Valley Mystery House" he describes East Palo Alto as a very different kind of place from areas such as upscale Stanford and downtown Palo Alto. What type of area is East Palo alto, "just across highway 101"?
East Palo Alto is an area with a high poverty rate and a generally lower standard of living. Winner explains this area as an area that stands in the shadows of the surrounding areas.
6) In her Processed World article "The Disappeared of Silicon Valley" Paulina Boorsook's "Deep Throat" (inside information source) describes some unpleasant realities of most Silicon Valley startups and how they end up. List two.
a) End up in debt and lose just about everything
b) Many do not make it and are bought out by larger companies
7) What is the Long Now foundation and why was it formed?
The Long Now Foundation is an organization that was developed for the sole purpose of establishing and growing long-term thinking.
8) In the documentary DOCUMENTARY - SILICON VALLEY - A HUNDRED YEAR RENAISSANCE (1997) Steve Jobs describes the joy of successfully making "blue boxes" which let he and his friends make free phone calls. What aspect of this experience does he say was so important to the creation of Apple computer?
This notion of creating blue boxes had taught Steve Jobs the sheer power of creativity, ideas, and the influence that they may have on the world.
9) List three aspects of the work of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) - (see the "Our Work" section of their website)
1. Free Speech
2. Intellectual Property
3. Privacy
10) According to Richard Stallman's website, what is his status in relation to the social media site Facebook?
Stallman says that he will never become a member of facebook or any other social media sites because they threaten your privacy and have the ability to record everything that you do.
a) Wikileaks
b) World Wide Web Consortium
2) In the section labelled "Human, Too Human" Boorsook describes one type of technolibertarian - the "Extropians". What do extropians want or yearn for?
The extropians are a group that aim to maximize the human potential by utilizing machines or adapting machine-like traits, similar to that of a robot.
3) In her film BIT PLANE, Natalie Jeremijenko describes Doug Englebart as being a pioneer - of what? (view film via VIMEO link in separate post)
Natalie Jeremijenko describes Doug Englebart of being a pioneer of personal computing.
4) In "Silicon Valley Mystery House" writer Langdon Winner compares the Silicon Valley to the Winchester Mystery House. In what way does he consider them similar?
Winner compares the Silicon Valley as to that of the Winchester Mystery House due to the blending and combination of areas stretching from San Jose to Palo Alto. This ideology represents how the technology, business, and wealth around these areas allow the areas to transform and adapt to one another, similar to that of the winding doors and staircases that engulf the Winchester Mystery House.
5) In Langdon Winner's essay "Silicon Valley Mystery House" he describes East Palo Alto as a very different kind of place from areas such as upscale Stanford and downtown Palo Alto. What type of area is East Palo alto, "just across highway 101"?
East Palo Alto is an area with a high poverty rate and a generally lower standard of living. Winner explains this area as an area that stands in the shadows of the surrounding areas.
6) In her Processed World article "The Disappeared of Silicon Valley" Paulina Boorsook's "Deep Throat" (inside information source) describes some unpleasant realities of most Silicon Valley startups and how they end up. List two.
a) End up in debt and lose just about everything
b) Many do not make it and are bought out by larger companies
7) What is the Long Now foundation and why was it formed?
The Long Now Foundation is an organization that was developed for the sole purpose of establishing and growing long-term thinking.
8) In the documentary DOCUMENTARY - SILICON VALLEY - A HUNDRED YEAR RENAISSANCE (1997) Steve Jobs describes the joy of successfully making "blue boxes" which let he and his friends make free phone calls. What aspect of this experience does he say was so important to the creation of Apple computer?
This notion of creating blue boxes had taught Steve Jobs the sheer power of creativity, ideas, and the influence that they may have on the world.
9) List three aspects of the work of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) - (see the "Our Work" section of their website)
1. Free Speech
2. Intellectual Property
3. Privacy
10) According to Richard Stallman's website, what is his status in relation to the social media site Facebook?
Stallman says that he will never become a member of facebook or any other social media sites because they threaten your privacy and have the ability to record everything that you do.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
1. Why was the period at the turn of the 20th century so important?
In this period of time, a lot of new inventions arose, including the lightbulb, the recording of sound, as well as new technologies in cinema. It was a time of innovation and advancement that encompassed not only the world of media, but science and socioeconomics as well.
2. What aspects of the Dada art movement are important from the point of view of the rise of the computers and digital visual media? (for example Marcel Duchamp's "readymades"?)
The establishment of the Dada movement brought forth new ideas and beliefs in the world of digital visual media. In the Dada movement, new movies were being made that were quite expirimental and utilized digital visual media in ways that were never brought forth before.
3. Name one aspect that links "The Man with a Movie Camera" with digital media according to Lev Manovich (ReadingsB).
One such aspect that links both the film and the readings is the expirimental combination of random images being used as an art form.
4. What was 'constructivism'?
Constructivism is the idea of wanting to constructing a new society
5. Read pages VI-XXII of "The Language of New Media" in ReadingsB:
What does Lev Manovich suggest are the 'three levels' of "The Man with a Movie Camera"?
What does Lev Manovich suggest are the 'three levels' of "The Man with a Movie Camera"?
The three levels consist of the man shooting the film, the audience watching the film, and the film itself.
6. Who first developed the idea of "Cybernetics"?
Norbert Weiner
7. In "Computer Lib" Ted Nelson describes Hypertext as "Non ___________" writing (fill in the blank)
7. In "Computer Lib" Ted Nelson describes Hypertext as "Non ___________" writing (fill in the blank)
sequential
8. Why were transistors, even though 100 times smaller than vacuum tubes considered impractical for building computers in the 1960s?
8. Why were transistors, even though 100 times smaller than vacuum tubes considered impractical for building computers in the 1960s?
They were incredibly expensive at that time to make and even more to purchase.
9. What was the name of the first commercial available computer (kit)?
The Altair 8800
10. Write a paragraph:
In your own words: What are things going to look like in 20 years from now in the average living room in terms of digital visual media? What types of digital media will your kids be using around 2030?
In your own words: What are things going to look like in 20 years from now in the average living room in terms of digital visual media? What types of digital media will your kids be using around 2030?
I think that in 20 years, we will have a whole entire new genre of digital visual media. We will have the technological advancements to not only be able to watch films in 3D, but maybe even in 4D. Holographic images and 3-dimensional figures will replace the media that we watch on television sets. We might even have the technology to utilize a special sort of table in which a film will be reproduced in small scale. We may also be able to utilize a newer version of surround sound which will be more clear, more crisp, and will directly replicate whatever form of media that is being televised. I am thinking of something similar to that of the holographic forms of communication used in Star Wars films.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
First week homework
1.) what was unique about Charles Babbage Analytical Engine, compared to his original Difference Engine?
The differences amongst the two engines was that the Difference Engine was designed to calculate the squared power of numbers whereas the Analytical Engine was able to lead to the further construction of computers with multiple-purposes that are designated by the user.
2.) what role did Ada Lovelace play in the development of the Analytical Engine?
Ada Lovelace was basically the first computer programmer and acted as a medium between Babbage and the public.
3.) how was the ENIAC computer reprogrammed?
Every time that users wanted to solve a problem, they would need to reset a set of wires connected to 6000 switches, which in turn were routed to hundreds of cables that made up the machine.
4.) name an innovation that helped make programming faster post ENIAC
Cobal, fortran, and other computer languages were developed to transfer human language into binary.
5.) what is it about binary counting that makes it so well suited for commuters?
The binary code only utilizes two numbers, 1 and 0.
6.) in what ways did UNIVAC influence the portrayal if computers in popular culture in the 1950s? Give an example.
Computers were portrayed as evil machines that took over the role of humans in the workplace. However, they were also portrayed as machines that were utilized to make life easier by performing minute tasks that most ordinary people didn't want to do.
7.) code breaking required the automatic manipulation of symbols to unscramble messages during WWII. What was the name of the rudimentary computer at Bletchley Park in England that unscrambles Nazi codes.
The name of the computer was Collosus.
8.) Alan Turing who understood the implications of such machines later went in to describe them as ________ machines.
Universal
9.) describe when you first used computers and what types of tasks you performed on them.
The first time I utilized a computer was back in the late 90s. I remember my uncle had one downstairs at his house and I was using it to play video games. I would play rudimentary video games on a small CRT monitor and I also remember using it when AOL online first came out.
My uncle helped me set up my own email account (dogbump1@aol.com) and i used it to send messages to my friends and family members. I also remember receiving emails with funny anecdotes and holiday greetings. Little did I know that this first form of online social networking would turn so huge later on.
10.) how restricted do you think computers are in terms of what they can do compared to how they are most often used?
I think that a very small niche of people actually utilize a computer to it's actual potential. These include master programmers and people who require a vast usage of computers to perform daily tasks at work. Computers hold an immense deal of information and knowledge that is now easily accessible via the world wide web. They are also able to compute mathematical functions in a split second that would take the average person forever to do by hand.
Most users utilize the computer for a set purpose or to access the internet. When i talk to people regarding what they use the computer for, the most general replies are for performing work tasks, social networking, accessing information via the internet, utilizing it for all sources of media, and the occasional gaming. I also believe that computers in the future will only become faster, smaller, and much more efficient.
The differences amongst the two engines was that the Difference Engine was designed to calculate the squared power of numbers whereas the Analytical Engine was able to lead to the further construction of computers with multiple-purposes that are designated by the user.
2.) what role did Ada Lovelace play in the development of the Analytical Engine?
Ada Lovelace was basically the first computer programmer and acted as a medium between Babbage and the public.
3.) how was the ENIAC computer reprogrammed?
Every time that users wanted to solve a problem, they would need to reset a set of wires connected to 6000 switches, which in turn were routed to hundreds of cables that made up the machine.
4.) name an innovation that helped make programming faster post ENIAC
Cobal, fortran, and other computer languages were developed to transfer human language into binary.
5.) what is it about binary counting that makes it so well suited for commuters?
The binary code only utilizes two numbers, 1 and 0.
6.) in what ways did UNIVAC influence the portrayal if computers in popular culture in the 1950s? Give an example.
Computers were portrayed as evil machines that took over the role of humans in the workplace. However, they were also portrayed as machines that were utilized to make life easier by performing minute tasks that most ordinary people didn't want to do.
7.) code breaking required the automatic manipulation of symbols to unscramble messages during WWII. What was the name of the rudimentary computer at Bletchley Park in England that unscrambles Nazi codes.
The name of the computer was Collosus.
8.) Alan Turing who understood the implications of such machines later went in to describe them as ________ machines.
Universal
9.) describe when you first used computers and what types of tasks you performed on them.
The first time I utilized a computer was back in the late 90s. I remember my uncle had one downstairs at his house and I was using it to play video games. I would play rudimentary video games on a small CRT monitor and I also remember using it when AOL online first came out.
My uncle helped me set up my own email account (dogbump1@aol.com) and i used it to send messages to my friends and family members. I also remember receiving emails with funny anecdotes and holiday greetings. Little did I know that this first form of online social networking would turn so huge later on.
10.) how restricted do you think computers are in terms of what they can do compared to how they are most often used?
I think that a very small niche of people actually utilize a computer to it's actual potential. These include master programmers and people who require a vast usage of computers to perform daily tasks at work. Computers hold an immense deal of information and knowledge that is now easily accessible via the world wide web. They are also able to compute mathematical functions in a split second that would take the average person forever to do by hand.
Most users utilize the computer for a set purpose or to access the internet. When i talk to people regarding what they use the computer for, the most general replies are for performing work tasks, social networking, accessing information via the internet, utilizing it for all sources of media, and the occasional gaming. I also believe that computers in the future will only become faster, smaller, and much more efficient.
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