Ohio State vs Michigan

Well as the quarter winds down I realize we should probably post a blog. So I thought it would be interesting to look at the Ohio State Michigan rivalry. After this year's contest ended, much to our dismay, the first ever Facebook posts and Tweets about Michigan defeating the school we all love were posted. Contrary to popular belief this is not because in previous years Michigan students, alums, and fans alike were too ignorant to know how to use these social medias; rather, it is because prior to 2011 Michigan had not defeated OSU since 2003. Why would this hinder statuses and tweets you ask, well in the year 2003 Facebook and Twitter had not even been invented. This is tough for us to rap our minds around because most people today have a Facebook account and a Twitter account, and if you don't you are probably either old or living under a rock. 2003 doesn't seem like that long ago or does it? Most people were playing around on their flip phones trying to figure out what a text message was. It's crazy to think how far technology has come in a matter of 8 years. We can now share our thoughts and ideas with people all over the world via a status or a tweet. I don't know, I found this interesting to think about I hope you all will as well.

Thrive,

Connor Clay

Emily McGuire

Melissa Clement

Chris Meyers

Bailey Denzy

Apple iPhone 4 FaceTime Commercial by Sam Mendes

This commercial focuses on video communication through FaceTime for the iPhone 4. I think that the makers of this commercial dod a great job of advertising the product and creating an atmosphere for their product. They really focus on the video the whole time by not having any vocal conversations that are able to be heard by the viewer. The only thing that is heard is the song "When Your Smiling" by Louis Armstrong. This was a very smart decision because it makes the viewer watch how the people interact with their bodies and their emotions while being able to see the people that they are communicating with rather than just being able to hear them.

The commercial also shows a lot of families that are communicating long distance. The dad that is away on a business trip uses FaceTime to communicate with his wife and kids back home and to check on them to SEE that they are okay. The company really plays up the emotion in this commercial by using a song like this and showing families that are separated sharing special moments such as high school graduation and an ultra sound, moment that would like to be shared but because of certain circumstances are not able to be.

Apple wants the viewers to believe that by getting the iPhone 4 with FaceTime app, that you too can share these special moments and be as happy as the people in the commercial. They choose to target family relationships to imply that this app will better your relationships with your family, and friends.

Running Monks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--sJnZmvJis&feature=relmfu

Nike is probably one of the biggest names in the world. Founded in America, it now has roots everywhere, even in the most isolated places.  If i were to say monks, what is the first thing you think of? The first word for me is discipline.  The ad shows the traditional monk living areas and what people think of old japan.  The white painted kimono lady or geisha, the beds on the floor, the temple/ dojo style housing.  Most distinctly their robes, i think loose fitting red and yellow, white, or brown robes; not what is shown in the ad.  Three monks decked out in the newest of nike's running technology.  Technology bring specialization.  Nike has shoes, clothing, and almost lifestyles for each and every sport.  Monks run, so why not give them the best of running clothing.
They start the ad showing the moss on the ground, the wetness of the flora, the chirping of looming creatures; all to create a sense of isolation from modern culture. Why is it that nike has to spread its tentacles into the most peaceful of places? These monks do represent themselves well- complete discipline.  The only sound is an aura of light sounds or tones, the ominous trickle of rain, and their footsteps.

Things i noticed were:
synchronization
the color red
the shining sun, but the ad looks dark


Matt Noonan, Larry Ross, Alex Elchert, Kevin Duke

Conveniency is a Scary Thing!

This link Short Article describes the long and the short of where our life style is heading. Sure it must be pretty cool to have a remote that controls a big portion of your house for the article does say...

Teletouch, a program that...

• Runs on a smartphone
• Can dim the lights
• Turn off an alarm
• Or Double as a television remote.

But just think about the problematic issues that may occur in the long run. With the thought of a remote, one may think it's just a small little contraption and the question may be "So what is the problem?". For starters it's quite funny for this article displaying a little girl holding the device and the article starting off with "IT'S a couch potato's dream come true."

Hello! I see major neon signs flashing the word "warning". By commenting on both the article and the photo, a little child around her age shouldn't be thinking about the couch and holding a remote in her hand. At the time of day that's illustrated, she should be outside during soccer practice or in a sandbox playing pat-e-cake with her next door friend outside. Children shouldn't be effected by technological changes such as this and their child hood is at stake, risking health and possibly social problems. It's also a dangerous thought to know what children can now control in the palm of their hands.

Best Buy- Outdated World Commercial

This commercial shows how quickly technology is advancing. We don't have time to get used to something because a new one is already on the market. The guy getting the tv slaps himself in the face which gives the idea that new technology is a "slap in the face" because society can't keep up with technological advances. They run out of words to describe the new items because everything seems to be "new" nowadays. It was smart for Best Buy to come out with this program of buying back old products. This helps people not feel so bad about buying new things because they can still get some money for the old ones. Technology goes along with wealth too in this aspect. The wealthier people are able to keep up with the rapidly advancing technologies where as the people with a tighter budget find it wasteful to keep buying new products.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W3kP6jaTXk

VW the force

I think that in the advertising market, the car companies produce the best commercials.  I mean, they have to. The economy does not push the sale of cars right now, and with the government bailouts for that sector these companies really have to try to sell their vehicles. Anyway, THE FORCE, is the Volkswagen new commercial for the 2012 VW Passat.  They show this kid, dressed up as Darth Vader, trying to control anything and everything in his house.  When he tries at the treadmill, the dog, washing machine, doll, and sandwich, and fails the true test arrives.  His own mother-ship, the 2012 Passat, comes into the drive way.  He focuses and the VW starts.  This technology, remote start, is what separates VW from other car makers.  Another way for people to be lazy, fend off cold, and be Americans.  That is the power of Das Auto.  These commercials push humor to appeal to the family in all of us.  The Passat is a true family vehicle and i'm pretty sure Darth Vader would agree, the force is strong in Volkswagen.

Thanks <3
Matt Noonan

Kia Soul Commercial

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zJWA3Vo6TU
In the commercial for the Kia Soul we are first shown a scene of a futuristic war with warrior robots and flying warships. Death and destruction is imminent and everything is generally grey. then a bright green Kia Soul arrives and brightly dressed dancing hamsters get out of the car. music begins to play and dancing ensues. The warriors also begin to partake in the dance, and everyone seems to be having a good time. The creaotors of the add were trying to get the point acrpps to us that if we buy the Kia Soul it will bring new life to a depressing world, and you can escape the tragedies of your life when you ride around and bump music in your brand new Kia Soul.

Love,
Connor Clay, Emily McGuire, Taylor Craver, Chris Myers, and last but not least Melissa Clement

Team iLuminate

This possible primary source is a YouTube video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5YSsbU75y0, about the dance group Team iLuminate. It is a clip about one of their performances on the show 'America's Got Talent', a competitive reality show about different talents in the United States. This source focuses on the use of technology in performance, dance, and choreography.

There are nine dancers in this group who work together to create shapes and patterns wearing iLuminate suites (wearable wireless lighting systems) in the dark. They partake in complicated partner work and tumbling as well as contemporary hip-hop choreography. Most times they are dancing in unison, however not all dancers can be seen at once. Their suits are being lit up and turned off at different times and in different places. The aspects of lighting, dancing, and darkness are repeated throughout the work. This could be symbolize the choreographer's struggle with cancer. Her strength (the lighting and dancing) prevailing through her sickness and therapy (the darkness). Another thing these repetitions might serve to represent could be her passion for dance despite the challenges it brought about later in her life (again the lighting and dancing vs. the darkness). The inspiration of the repetition of light vs. dark may even be unrelated to her sickness and dancing and could have a connection with something that happened in her childhood or to her family.

The themes of precision and teamwork are both apparent in this piece. The theme of precision is seen in the movements. All movements must be precise though out the dance, as much of the work is in unison with the down beat in the music. All of the dancers must be attentive to details including rhythms, counts, and sharpness. Teamwork plays a major role in the choreography as well. Relaying on one another to be there for spotting and partnering is essential to the success of the performance. It is also extremely important for the dancers to be aware of their spacing and formations, even though they are in the dark. The entire piece depends on the awareness that the dancers have of one another on stage so that the big picture comes together.

Another thing that stuck out in the video was the use of technology not only on the stage, but off. The computers and computer program used to choreograph for Team iLuminate was fascinating. It would be interesting to learn more about the computer programming system and how it works to make everything come together. I also noticed binary opposites in the clip. The use of the flashlight to introduce the group seemed out of place. With the theme of advanced lighting design running throughout the video (not only in the dance but in the theater and during the interviews) the traditional "flashlight under the chin" move stood out as an elementary source of lighting in the clip. The host of the show, Nick Cannon, may just be poking fun at himself, humoring the audience about how he is not as technologically savvy as Team iLuminate. This could, however, literally be "shining a light" on how quickly technology is advancing and sparks the audience's interest to wonder what could be coming next.

Finally, this video raised the following questions: How is technology affecting the art of choreography and dance? And why might the choreographer, Miral Kotb, have been inspired to choose lighting design as the major visual detail in her work?

Bailey Denzy

Alex McGee

Brianna Lockridge

Os'Sad Shaheer

Emily McGuire

Reversing ALS

http://gizmodo.com/5844786/deadly-progression-of-als-reversed-in-an-amazing-stem-cell-first?tag=science

Whenever someone is diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease) it is essentially a death sentence. With most people with ALS dying in 2 to 3 years from when they were diagnosed, if it possibly the worst diagnosis that someone could receive. Though through medical advances and the use of controversial stem cell use, doctors have reversed the effects of ALS.

Stem cell research has and will continue to be a hot topic. Though if stem cells are able to reverse effects of one of the deadliest diseases, then what else could it cure?

Finally on a semi-related note Lou Gehrig might not have had ALS, the disease which bears his name. Brain trauma can mimic the symptoms of ALS and Gehrig was known to suffer multiple concussions.

Google Maps

In today's world, huge paper, folding maps aren't very convenient when you are trying to find your way quickly and not draw attention to yourself by holding a giant piece of wrinkled paper in front of your face. Google maps has made it easy to get directions. By simply typing in your starting place, your final destination and clicking "Enter" Google Maps is able to provide you with turn by turn directions and even tell you the mileage and estimated time of arrival. The ability to get internet access on smart phones increases the use of Google Maps by allowing people to use them not only on their computer but on their mobile devices as well.

I have never been good with directions, so Google Maps is a very useful tool for me. Though I don't have a smart phone I often find myself using Google Maps to get around whether I am using it on my computer before I go somewhere or when I am in a group of people trying to find our way using someone's phone. After coming to a new city and a new campus that I am not completely comfortable with yet I realized how much maps are a part of my everyday life and how technology makes it easy and convenient to use almost anywhere.

SportsCenter on Twitter

http://twitter.com/#!/SportsCenter

Twitter is advancing technology in so many new ways. It allows access to information and is a means of communication at all times from many different places. Twitter is an outlet for major corporations, organizations, companies, and businesses to expand. SportsCenter took advantage of this opportunity.

SportsCenter on twitter gives individuals a way to follow games, teams, and players even if they don't have access to a television. With over 1,400,000 followers, it is apparent that many sports fans depend on this means of communication to stay updated on what is happening in the sports world. This large number of followers also shows how popular twitter is in general and how social media really is a major part of many lives in this generation.

Chris Brown's Performance At The VMAs 2011

http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/684909/yeah-3x-protect-ya-neck-teen-spirit-beautiful-people-live.jhtml#id=1668981

This video stood out to me because it was very technical, which in turn, made it pretty entertaining. If it wasn't for all of the different color lights, the mixture of music, and Chris Brown flying the video wouldn't have been as intriguing.

Take an old video performance, like The Temptations, for example. If you watch their video it is pretty basic. They're standing there in front of mics, singing and dancing. There is no color changing lights, no flying over the audience, and nothing really technical at all.

Not only is technology taking over phones and other electronics, it is taking over the music industry. For example, a DJ is no longer needed to mix music because they have computers for that. Another popular form of technology in music is autotone. Most rappers or singers use autotone in their songs now. Technology has definitely taken over music performances. Take Chris Brown's performance for example. A majority of people said he had the best performance and his was also the most technical.

Technology is taking over, slowly but surely.

Really Funny Cell Phone Commercial!

In this commercial, almost every person shown is distracted by their cell phone. They are paying more attention to their phone than what is going on around them, causing them to have accidents. This commercial seems to be showing how distracting cell phones really are in one's every day life, which is true. However, they advertise for a phone that they believe will cut back one's time spent on their cell phone. We notice that people that have iPhones are usually seen using them a lot more than people that don't have smartphones. The reason for this is because they have so many applications and implications. Therefore, if this company is claiming that this new phone will make people spend less time on their phone, it is highly unbelievable since people tend to spend more time on a technologically advanced phone than an older model. What these phones are doing though, is distracting people from reality, the natural world, and processes around them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHlN21ebeak

Bailey Denzy

Alex McGee

Brianna Lockridge

Os'Sad Shaheer

Emily McGuire

Iphone 4 connecting the world

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Iphone 4 technology

Since 2007, the iphone has been leading the smartphone technologies. Now three generations later, the iphone 4 is focusing on the connectibility on people. Phones have been gradually advancing altogether. From calling, to texting, to sending pictures, then facebook and twitter, and now the ability to see people face to face in the palm of your hand. Sure you have always been able to talk face-to-face, but now I can see my baby cousin who lives across the country for my first time- anytime I want to. They have seen the problems with previous phones, smart or not, and adjusted to fit the new desires of the population. The iphone is trying to become a new, long lasting, vitually indestructable, social media tool.  Replacing the typical glass screen with a crystal glass 30 times harder than plastic along with the stainless steel frame holding it all together.  The connection idea, bringing people together all across the world, with facetime.  Now people do not even have to go outside socialize. The iphone 4 makes the world smaller. We are all just a video call away, and to the phone we are just a phone number.

Matt Noonan, Larry Ross, Alex Elchert, Kevin Duke

Franz v. Anti-Franz

Franz Ferdinand- Take Me Out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijk4j-r7qPA&ob=av2e

In this video Franz Ferdinand appears to be in contrast throughout this video. Conflicting styles of art (classical and steampunk), color, and physical conflict used throughout the song. These conflicting styles mixed with some good old bareknuckle boxing are used to create a world of Franz v. Anti-Franz. All of this is done while singing a song with a double meaning. While images show a message of a crosshairs ready to "take me out" another message is being conveyed. Images show men and women together implying a romantic tension that brings a whole new meaning to "take me out." In a genius use of a metaphor, Franz Ferdinand creates two different worlds with 3 words.


Jon Burgbacher, Austin Davis, Devin Trainer, Max McConaughy, and Parker Jones

Future of Screen Technology in 2014

The Future of Screen Technology in 2014 is a description of what devices are headed our way in the near future. The repeating scenarios in this video include the stretching of the screens, the simplicity of using a flick of your hand to scroll through various pages of information. The device recognizes who is using it at all times by greeting them or saying goodbye. The world cup reoccurs throughout the commercial as well. All of the different devices have the same format and are all capable of working together which could be a possible strand. Other strands include the transferring of information instantly and with more convenience. In the beginning there is a standard alarm clock next to the high tech phone with an alarm clock. This shows the difference between the new and the old. There is still simple technology such as a bike and pencils shown in the video which shows that they're used more for a visual effect than an actual purpose. All of these objects do not fit in with the theme of the video's purpose. Technology is rapidly growing and new ideas are being thought of everyday.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd4NCxoT6Vw

Connor Geraghty
Morgan Hisey
Christina Patterson
Carlos Lugo
Megan Johnson

Sci-Fi Airforce Commercials: Video Games and real life

My brother is at Westpoint training to be an officer in the US Army. He tells me that some of the video games on the market--Call of Duty--are said to be so good that they're used in more relaxed tactical strategies classes. He also mentions that everyone seems to play the same game, that they launch massive lan parties throughout their dorms, and that a person's skill at the game has a huge influence on their status within their Westpoint communities. He also says that the Iraq veterans he knows are blown away by how accurate the gameplay is. What do we do with this?

That seemed all fine and good to me. But then I saw an advertisement for the US Airforce: "This is not Science Fiction. This is what we do everyday." Check out the website: www.airforce.com. Their site looks like a PC game menu. And if you look at some of the videos on the site, there are some very interesting ones--ones that present the Airforce's day-to-day actions in videogame/or Sci-fi movie format. Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_2OgcbYAYY

Granted, this does seem to make sense: war has been infinitely more technological in the past fifty years. Robots fly planes and drop bombs without needing human input--you just press "Go" (and hopefully "Stop"). But what is the Airforce trying to get at with these ads? Who are they catering to? What types of young 18 year olds? Is this a fair depiction of war?
The airforce videos all seem to depict a rescue mission or some other non-violent action the airforce is involved in. Yet the videogames have none of that. What's going on here?

Blogging 101

Here's a corny video about blogging if you're unfamiliar. Click here.

And here are some things to think about while watching it: The faults of blogdom are apparent--bad information, bad analysis, and a tendency to jump quickly to hostile discussion. Consider, however, what the benefits are of news being user-generated. If YouTube freed us from the narrow selection of TV shows chosen by big shot programming executives, how have blogs freed us (at least slightly) from what Fox and CNN value as important news?