1. Human Rights
"All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." -
Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR)
Firstly, I want to learn and then educate others about how the U.N Universal Declaration was drawn up, the history of human rights in the world and get really into what, exactly, the definition means for all of us. Then I'd want to go further with these basic rights that all humans are entitled to- such as examine where in our world and society they are being abused, what possible replies to that are, and how we can implicate these replies. I believe that this is a relevant topic to the global community of today, and one that raises many questions.
3.Conflict,War and Peace is a subject that has been discussed quite a bit in my Humanities class this year. We have focused more on the present day or more current conflicts, as well as examined little known conflicts like the Ethiopian and Eritrea war. Some aspects of the terrible subject are interesting, however War/ Conflict is not my third topic choice because I am interested in war. The peace talks, the discussions between countries that have happened and need to happen are intriguing and something I would love to learn more about. I have been reading a lot of that subject of making peace and could really use that information in my REEL ACTION film!
3. My third choice for a REEL ACTION is the topic of our ever-changing environment, particularly the biggie- global warming. This is a topic that we can see the effects of on a local and global level. I see the local level everyday, and recently is has been those world-wide effects that interest me, and frankly scare me the most. We all our contributing to this problem that is creating huge changes such as ancient ice burgs melting and desertification of already devastated areas. I know that not only do we NEED to begin combating this problem, we CAN with the aid of educational outlets like our videos!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
My 90 Second Video Pitch!
I had to write those messages backwards in order for the words to show up on my computer's camera!
'Twas a lot of fun making this!
'Twas a lot of fun making this!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Recapping The Great DOTCOM Experience So Far!
The best part of Phase 1 was definitely started when we began to look at how the media affects us. That was so interesting! I really enjoyed searching for videos to us, because I watched each clip with a new take. I was realizing how persuasive our media really is. I also got a lot out of the three "Special Guests" that we were able to question and learn about. All of them were doing such amazing things with their lives and that was inspiring.
I think the most challenging part of DOTCOM Phase 1 was getting my blogs in on time! In Phase to I vow to try even harder to post blogs on time!
One specific suggestion might be another, optional prompt between Modules. They could be as simple as "Music" or "Film", one word subjects. They would be optional in no way a requirement, but I think it would be a good way to jump start posts that were a little more personal. I think that would be helpful as we got to know each other based on the only information we have: these blogs.
Here is a song from the musical geniuses Flight of the Conchords. I personally find this video HILARIOUS, like almost everything these two do. Why do I think this particular video is funny? First, the two guitar/boom boxes/I don't know what. They just make me laugh. Second, Bret ( the one not singing) coming out of that one door for the chorus is random and wonderful. Third there are great lines in the song that are clever. All in all, a Flight of the Conchords classic.
I think the most challenging part of DOTCOM Phase 1 was getting my blogs in on time! In Phase to I vow to try even harder to post blogs on time!
One specific suggestion might be another, optional prompt between Modules. They could be as simple as "Music" or "Film", one word subjects. They would be optional in no way a requirement, but I think it would be a good way to jump start posts that were a little more personal. I think that would be helpful as we got to know each other based on the only information we have: these blogs.
Here is a song from the musical geniuses Flight of the Conchords. I personally find this video HILARIOUS, like almost everything these two do. Why do I think this particular video is funny? First, the two guitar/boom boxes/I don't know what. They just make me laugh. Second, Bret ( the one not singing) coming out of that one door for the chorus is random and wonderful. Third there are great lines in the song that are clever. All in all, a Flight of the Conchords classic.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Beliefs Pt. 1
Yesterday, four of the Vermont DOTCOM students met in the Burlington Ben and Jerry's ( a perfect spot, even if it was a little cloudy out) to discuss the summer program ligistics, our blogs, and the new phase of DOTCOM. Simultaneously, we learned about each other's endeavors and opinions, which was an experience in of itself. It would be really great to work with you guys some more!
The majority of the meeting was spent discussing our personal beliefs/issues that we think are important. And that got me thinking about what I believe in. It's a big question to ponder, but it's an important one. Reading and listening to some source of news everday, we are all exposed to the world's issues- the genocide in Darfur, climate change, the complicated Israel-Palestine conflict, a failing economy, crimes against women in the Middle East and elsewhere, Zimbabwe's political situation and more. Bombarded by these stories, it can be overwhelming. But I always feel saved from being swamped by the media by grabbing on to and focusing on to a news report that explores things that I feel strongly about.
One of these things that I have always been drawn in by is our environment and most specifically that ever present threat of global warming. Though this is definitely not a unique topic to feel strongly about, I personally am moved by the fact that this is a huge, GLOBAL problem. It is an issue that does not discriminate, and involves us all- from those that have in a sense created this mess, to those that in no way have contributed. And that thought is a scary one. There is no rationalizing or summit meetings with climate change, it can only be reversed with direct action. Just today in school one of our teachers informed us about a huge ice bridge in Antartica that collapsed, and urged us to realize that everyday the warming temperatures effect the world, in small to large ways. I have been invested in actions such as recylcing, carpooling, composting, eating locally, switching off appliances, like many others, but it is always shocking to step back and look at the global effects of this climate change we are all trying so hard to combat. It makes me want to work harder in my efforts, for sure.
An interesting media piece about the ice bridge story: my teacher, being British, always checks the BBC news website for news first. It was here that he saw the story, right on the front page. (not on the front page, today, of course!) He then went to CNN.com to check out that home page and couldn't find the ice bridge story. He would of had to type it into the search box, but why would he know to do that if it was breaking news that had occured just that day?
Just something to think about.
The majority of the meeting was spent discussing our personal beliefs/issues that we think are important. And that got me thinking about what I believe in. It's a big question to ponder, but it's an important one. Reading and listening to some source of news everday, we are all exposed to the world's issues- the genocide in Darfur, climate change, the complicated Israel-Palestine conflict, a failing economy, crimes against women in the Middle East and elsewhere, Zimbabwe's political situation and more. Bombarded by these stories, it can be overwhelming. But I always feel saved from being swamped by the media by grabbing on to and focusing on to a news report that explores things that I feel strongly about.
One of these things that I have always been drawn in by is our environment and most specifically that ever present threat of global warming. Though this is definitely not a unique topic to feel strongly about, I personally am moved by the fact that this is a huge, GLOBAL problem. It is an issue that does not discriminate, and involves us all- from those that have in a sense created this mess, to those that in no way have contributed. And that thought is a scary one. There is no rationalizing or summit meetings with climate change, it can only be reversed with direct action. Just today in school one of our teachers informed us about a huge ice bridge in Antartica that collapsed, and urged us to realize that everyday the warming temperatures effect the world, in small to large ways. I have been invested in actions such as recylcing, carpooling, composting, eating locally, switching off appliances, like many others, but it is always shocking to step back and look at the global effects of this climate change we are all trying so hard to combat. It makes me want to work harder in my efforts, for sure.
An interesting media piece about the ice bridge story: my teacher, being British, always checks the BBC news website for news first. It was here that he saw the story, right on the front page. (not on the front page, today, of course!) He then went to CNN.com to check out that home page and couldn't find the ice bridge story. He would of had to type it into the search box, but why would he know to do that if it was breaking news that had occured just that day?
Just something to think about.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Module #5- Tools of Persuasion
This is a commercial for the Honda Accord.
All the footage you see is real! That's one of the most amazing things- these are real skydivers doing real formations.
The video interacts with your reptilian brain with the first leap out of the planes, this is nerve racking stuff even for a firmly on the ground viewer. Once all the red and white jumpers are out into the air, the limbic and neocortex parts of the brain are activated. There is a sort of calm once they have joined hands and the trumpet music is playing. Even more so as the piano music sets in and the car starts to drive. And some thoughts as well: What are they forming? How do they do that? As the symbols for the steering wheel, the suspension and the camera show up the brain has to process those images and understand what they are and this takes a second or two. With "and...deploy" the reptilian brain is active again. Then there is another bout of calm intesity- the landing. Followed by a neocortex activating question; "What is next?"
1. Strength- This ad has the sort of epic, powerful feeling that comes with planes and skydiving. The combination of the airplane's roar and these daring feats translate to strength which can appeal to those drawn in by high action type of media.
2. Humor- There are definitely some chuckles in this commercial. The interactions of the men as they wait for the okay to jump is humorous. As are the different formations- especially the camera! These, I believe, are used to diffuse the strong images described above, and put the ad on a more accessible level with the audience. Not too intense, but not too funny either. A healthy mix of both to keep the intent- selling the car.
3. Symbols- The symbols in this ad are obvious. The steering wheel, the suspension spiral, the camera and the word Accord (the car's name). These are good ways to sell the vehicle's perks but there is only one symbol in this ad that was put there for persuasion purposes. It shows up at the very end, above the motto "The power of dreams." This symbol is the word Honda- almost as recognizable as the H that grace all Honda grilles.
4. Timing- The editing of this clip adds to the message. Cut from steering wheel sign to man driving the exact car being sold, to the skydivers intense concentration to the car again, and so on. The word "Accord" appears in the sky at the perfect time as well, showing up just when the viewer is involved enough to wonder what the skydivers will form next. They wonder and then...Pow! There is the brand name of the product and made in such a ingenious way as well!
5. Plain Folks/Well-Known Personalities- First, the plain folks. Though they soon are seen not to be the "plain" at all, the shot in the beginning showing the interactions and playfulness of the skydivers is so normal it makes what they do next even more incredible. And once they land, they again are refreshingly ordinary, this breaks down any walls between those associated with the car and the regular consumer. But there is definite opposite-of-plain character in this ad as well. This person's role didn't quite fit under the "Testimonial" category nor the "Beautiful People" one, but should be mentioned. This is Garrison Keillor, whose voice is heard every weekend on the radio show "A Prairie Home Companion". In this ad, it is only Keillor's voice that is heard; "Remember gentlemen, difficult is worth doing", and "Okay... what's next?" But this is his most well-know feature, and therefore quite fitting.
However, one can't pretend that every person seeing this ad will immediately recognize this voice. I know that there are many in this country who don't know of Keillor or his show- to them the voice they hear means little- understandably. Add to that the fact that this ad was first run in the UK and "A Prairie Home Companion" is an American Public Radio program. So I'm curious why Garrison Keillor would be put into this commercial. Maybe it is simply because Keillor has a pleasing voice, one made for radio, recognizable or not. Or maybe Honda was trying to reach a certain audience- the NPR listening type.
Whatever the reason, I feel this is a successful ad. Though it does not exactly make me want to go out and buy a Honda Accord ( I also couldn't ... I only have my driver's permit) I do think it is an exciting, clever commercial. There are no Big Lies or other destructive tools of persuasion. Perhaps some skimming over truths... but it's hard to find commercials that don't do this. We just have to learn how to gauge the amount of skimming over that a media source is doing, to separate fact from fiction. This will result in a healthier relationship between the public and our media.
All the footage you see is real! That's one of the most amazing things- these are real skydivers doing real formations.
The video interacts with your reptilian brain with the first leap out of the planes, this is nerve racking stuff even for a firmly on the ground viewer. Once all the red and white jumpers are out into the air, the limbic and neocortex parts of the brain are activated. There is a sort of calm once they have joined hands and the trumpet music is playing. Even more so as the piano music sets in and the car starts to drive. And some thoughts as well: What are they forming? How do they do that? As the symbols for the steering wheel, the suspension and the camera show up the brain has to process those images and understand what they are and this takes a second or two. With "and...deploy" the reptilian brain is active again. Then there is another bout of calm intesity- the landing. Followed by a neocortex activating question; "What is next?"
1. Strength- This ad has the sort of epic, powerful feeling that comes with planes and skydiving. The combination of the airplane's roar and these daring feats translate to strength which can appeal to those drawn in by high action type of media.
2. Humor- There are definitely some chuckles in this commercial. The interactions of the men as they wait for the okay to jump is humorous. As are the different formations- especially the camera! These, I believe, are used to diffuse the strong images described above, and put the ad on a more accessible level with the audience. Not too intense, but not too funny either. A healthy mix of both to keep the intent- selling the car.
3. Symbols- The symbols in this ad are obvious. The steering wheel, the suspension spiral, the camera and the word Accord (the car's name). These are good ways to sell the vehicle's perks but there is only one symbol in this ad that was put there for persuasion purposes. It shows up at the very end, above the motto "The power of dreams." This symbol is the word Honda- almost as recognizable as the H that grace all Honda grilles.
4. Timing- The editing of this clip adds to the message. Cut from steering wheel sign to man driving the exact car being sold, to the skydivers intense concentration to the car again, and so on. The word "Accord" appears in the sky at the perfect time as well, showing up just when the viewer is involved enough to wonder what the skydivers will form next. They wonder and then...Pow! There is the brand name of the product and made in such a ingenious way as well!
5. Plain Folks/Well-Known Personalities- First, the plain folks. Though they soon are seen not to be the "plain" at all, the shot in the beginning showing the interactions and playfulness of the skydivers is so normal it makes what they do next even more incredible. And once they land, they again are refreshingly ordinary, this breaks down any walls between those associated with the car and the regular consumer. But there is definite opposite-of-plain character in this ad as well. This person's role didn't quite fit under the "Testimonial" category nor the "Beautiful People" one, but should be mentioned. This is Garrison Keillor, whose voice is heard every weekend on the radio show "A Prairie Home Companion". In this ad, it is only Keillor's voice that is heard; "Remember gentlemen, difficult is worth doing", and "Okay... what's next?" But this is his most well-know feature, and therefore quite fitting.
However, one can't pretend that every person seeing this ad will immediately recognize this voice. I know that there are many in this country who don't know of Keillor or his show- to them the voice they hear means little- understandably. Add to that the fact that this ad was first run in the UK and "A Prairie Home Companion" is an American Public Radio program. So I'm curious why Garrison Keillor would be put into this commercial. Maybe it is simply because Keillor has a pleasing voice, one made for radio, recognizable or not. Or maybe Honda was trying to reach a certain audience- the NPR listening type.
Whatever the reason, I feel this is a successful ad. Though it does not exactly make me want to go out and buy a Honda Accord ( I also couldn't ... I only have my driver's permit) I do think it is an exciting, clever commercial. There are no Big Lies or other destructive tools of persuasion. Perhaps some skimming over truths... but it's hard to find commercials that don't do this. We just have to learn how to gauge the amount of skimming over that a media source is doing, to separate fact from fiction. This will result in a healthier relationship between the public and our media.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Module #3
Our Brains
This is an advert for the jean company Levi's. I think that the brain most influenced by these images is the Limbic brain- the soothing duet of a well-known song, muted colors- not many brights or neons to distract, and though what the two characters are doing is not exactly normal there is a sense of comfort in the extreme straight line they are walking- a purpose in a chaotic world around them. But to a more active viewer this video could activate the Neocortex part of the brain with questions: WHY are they doing this? What is their destination? Who are these two characters? Could this happen in real life outside of the tv screen? And of course, what are they selling?
This is an advert for the jean company Levi's. I think that the brain most influenced by these images is the Limbic brain- the soothing duet of a well-known song, muted colors- not many brights or neons to distract, and though what the two characters are doing is not exactly normal there is a sense of comfort in the extreme straight line they are walking- a purpose in a chaotic world around them. But to a more active viewer this video could activate the Neocortex part of the brain with questions: WHY are they doing this? What is their destination? Who are these two characters? Could this happen in real life outside of the tv screen? And of course, what are they selling?
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