Mel's Weblog

Ode to Toad's Place

2005-03-16T21:51:00.000-05:00

It's 10 o'clock on a Saturday night - do you know where a large portion of your fellow students are? I'll give you a hint - they're not partaking in the featured weekend event on campus (like face painting, B-I-N-G-O, or the comedian.) Heaven forbid, you might actually have to be sober for those! Besides, why would the generic Quinnipiac student go there anyway when they would MUCH rather go to Toad's Place instead? It's not the least bit surprising, as I can see why you all wouldn't be able to resist the temptation.

For starters, getting there couldn't be any easier. In order to avoid any more drunk driving mishaps, Quinnipiac has gladly provided its students (on campus and off) with a free shuttle ride to and from Toad's Place, um, I mean, New Haven. Lucky you. You're not hit with any cab fees and there's no need to worry about finding a designated driver. Your Saturday night is handed to you on a silver platter, and as painful as it is for me to say, this is only the beginning.

Toad's is an underage drinker's dream come true! It's no secret to the Quinnipiac community that this establishment is notorious for having somewhat of a "lenient" front door. It doesn't matter if the picture on your fake ID looks nothing like you - just fill out one of those ridiculous forms in which you state your "actual" age and you're as good as gold. I also imagine that Toad's has figured out by now that mostly-underage Quinnipiac students are responsible for a majority of its revenue because you, faithful patron, are rewarded not only with minor limitations, but with a ridiculously cheap cover charge as well.

But spoiling you with university-sponsored transportation and a $2 cover charge are not the only things that make going to Toad's so appealing on a Saturday night. What's most appealing is that you can go there, get smashed, make a complete mockery out of yourself and get away with it. Absolutely no one will breathe a word about anything stupid or ridiculous you do because that kind of behavior is expected. You're in college, having fun and "cutting loose" - why should anyone be concerned? Your behavior is considered "normal." Besides, you can do whatever you want, as you are considered an adult, right? Wrong! Just because you're considered an adult doesn't mean you always act like one.

I have been to Toad's Place numerous times in the past and I know a fair share of people who go there to drink and have a good time while not doing anything to embarrass themselves or the Quinnipiac community. Unfortunately this is not the case for a majority of you because you manage to make fools out of yourselves in various ways each and every time. This includes (but is not limited to) licking whipped cream off of the chest of some girl you've never even met before just to win a free drink (wow!) or shouting out various obscenities as you and your friends stumble your way back to the shuttle. You give others every opportunity possible to ridicule you as you partake in every aspect of silliness that is entailed in a typical night at Toad's.

It is in my opinion that during this whole Saturday night fiasco, aside from having lost your rational sense of judgment, you've also lost your self-respect. "Everyone else is doing it" is no excuse for your often-inappropriate behavior, and just because no real intellectual ability is required for a night out at Toad's, you still shouldn't leave your brain at home.

Perhaps you should take the time to reflect on your actions (if you can remember them), as they are absolutely shameful. You are an adult - act like one! Although it might be more difficult and slightly less appealing, do something that's a little more worthwhile, rather than trade in your self-worth for a "social life" and a couple of cheap thrills.

Inclement Weather, No Problem!

2005-03-16T12:27:00.000-05:00

The last time I checked it was only the beginning of March, not May 22.

So why does it appear that Quinnipiac's administration does not care for its departing class of 2005 and many students of its class of 2006? Those of us who were forced to live off campus are spread throughout Hamden, Wallingford, New Haven, Cheshire and North Haven. And yet, we still had to drive in the snow come to campus at 9 a.m. last Tuesday thanks to an hour delay.

An hour delay? Why even bother? Thanks, but no thanks. I couldn't put my foot on the gas pedal without skidding; it was certainly a traumatic experience.

The majority of commuters are 18 to 22 years old, which makes them inexperienced winter drivers. But, for some reason you administrators must think we are professionals since you make us drive on half paved, icy roads, to attend class.

If the University is open, then we are expected to be here. However, professors can make the decision to cancel their classes, but we cannot. What about the professors who have strict attendance policies? The number of excused absences barely covers winter weather and sickness, since the flu has been quite abundant this year without a vaccine. Most professors do not take weather into consideration when missing a class.

Do you have a conscience? Not everyone drives an SUV or a car with 4-wheel drive. All roads besides Whitney Ave. and Mount Carmel Ave. (the main roads) were barely plowed because the public schools in the area were closed along with churches, restaurants, community events, and other colleges.

Rumor has it the reason we opened at 9 a.m. last Tuesday was because of the women's basketball game taking place that evening. If this is the truth, that's pathetic. You're willing to put all these lives in danger for a basketball game? For shame! This is Quinnipiac...not UCONN. Since when did our athletics become high and mighty? Do we even win any games or qualify for tournements?

What about next year when the present junior class is forced off campus, a class larger than the current senior class? If anything, take that number of students into consideration when making your decisions next year.

If there is a student who complains about cancelling classes, then that person is obviously not a commuter. If you're a complainer, the next time there is inclement weather, the public schools in the area are closed and the University is open, take a drive on any other street besides Whitney Ave and see what it's like for those of us forced to live off campus. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I wrote a letter to the lovely and kind administration and here it is:

I am writing to you not as a student who is looking to cut class for any reason or a slacker who didn't study for an exam. I am a senior, which means that I was forced to move off campus this year.

In light of that fact, I find myself driving to and from campus dozens of times per day, maneuvering the narrow, winding hills that lead the way to Quinnipiac. Generally, I do not mind the insane scramble for parking, the long lines attempting to get off campus at 4 p.m. on a given afternoon, or the inadequacy of the shuttle "system". Instead, I embrace the fact that a move off campus senior year is yet another step towards full independence. However, during bouts of nasty weather, I find that I along with my peers, are less than enthusiastic about braving the elements and risking our lives in order to get to class during a storm so bad that both the towns of Hamden and Cheshire find it necessary to close and cancel all activity. Last Thursday night, I looked out my window and swallowed hard, knowing that it was going to be a long drive to campus. I made it, knuckles white and teeth clenched, to find a mere 4 students in my class. My professor applauded us for showing up, and laughed at me as I told her how I had driven like a Yeti to get there and I thought my bravery deserved a few extra midterm points.

When I left campus two hours later, my car was buried underneath several inches of fluffy whiteness. I hurriedly dusted it off, jumped inside, and buckled my seatbelt.

A half hour later, my car sliding all over both sides of Mt. Carmel Ave., successfully maneuvered itself onto Quinnipiac Street, the long and lonely path home. I made it and took a few deep breaths, after my car had spun and narrowly missed a mailbox and a few trees.

I had had enough. Once I pulled into my driveway, abandoned my car, and walked into my apartment only to learn from my roommate that classes had not been cancelled that day because the basketball team did not want to reschedule their game. (I hope they won by the way).

I digress, I really just wanted to ask one simple question; why did we have class today?

America the Beautiful

2005-03-16T12:23:00.000-05:00

The war on terror. That's what we call it, or at least that's the name we give it for justification. But it is all about perspective. We see other people in the world; Iraqis, Iranians, Koreans, etc., as threats to our way of life. But they see us as that same terror. The enemy who wants to invade and bomb because we don't like what is going on. Who are we exactly? We aren't the world police, and don't need to be giving hundreds of millions of dollars to the tsunami relief. Granted it was a tragedy, appx. 273,000 people died and we rushed to their aid. Last year 1.5 million African children died of malaria. A disease we have medicine to cure and prevent. But we don't help them. Why? Because what does Africa do for us? That is what the government says; and their answer is nothing, so the powers turn their back. Asia on the other hand, is a major exporter of every product in your home. Look at the tag on your shirt, 10-to-1 it comes from Asia. We could honestly care less about other people, America cares about itself and that's it. And if that's the way it is going to be, then fine, but don't say how we are setting people free, and all the Capitol Hill nonsense.

We want money, we want oil, we want people to owe us. We were afraid Saddam would use weapons against us, we invade. We want the oil he was sitting on, we invade. It had nothing to do with the people of Iraq. We worry about other countries' problems, but what about America's? The middle class is being squeezed out, soon there will be the upper and lower. The rich get richer. The poor people are left to fight for scraps. Minimum wage is $5.25. Someone who works for minimum wage, at 40 hours brings home $210 a week before taxes. And companies actually complain about that. Ask Wal-mart, they will give you an earful about how $5.25 is too much.

Other cultures may not be rich, but they are happy. They have their religion, families, traditions and other things that make them 'rich.' We judge success with how much money is in the bank. That's why Martha Stewart cashed her stocks before her company went down before anyone else knew, got arrested, served six months in a prison that had a Christmas room decorating contest and is now out and about to start production on own reality show. What happened to the people who owned the stock, and did not have the inside track that the stock was going to go under? They lost all their money, and some their life savings. Same with the Enron situation. It is sickening. I am embarrassed for this country and what it stands for; money, sex, drugs, cheating and most importantly being nice to the little guy until he cannot help you anymore, and then turning your back on them.

The Almighty Student Government Association

2005-03-16T12:02:00.000-05:00

As Student Government Association (SGA) elections approach, students are left wondering who can serve as their representative. But, I ask you; does it really matter!?

Sure, in order to even appear on the ballot, students must reach a certain number of requirements which include: a GPA of 2.5 or the equivalent of approximately a C, be a full time undergraduate student who is free of any judicial disciplinary sanctions as well as academic probation. Is it just me or can pretty much any average Quinnipiac student run for these elections? Even my sorority has a higher standard for admittance, and unfortunately we are the brunt of bad rumors and are regularly subjected to stereotypes and misconceptions.

I don’t know what the big deal is about SGA. It is composed of 41 members consisting of 10 freshman, 10 sophomores, 8 juniors, 8 seniors, 5 executive officers, and also voting members of the Board of Trustees, who meet regularly and never accomplish anything. I can honestly say that as my senior year is vast approaching here at Quinnipiac, I am unaware of anything the SGA has done within my 4 years here other than starting up a recycling program (because they claim that we were being wasteful of paper.) What the heck is wrong with this picture folks?

Seeing as how the SGA essentially doesn’t do anything, I propose to you this question: does it really make a difference who you vote for in this upcoming election? I think not. As a matter of fact, I think the university would run just as efficiently without an SGA. Being anextreemly active member of the campus community, I have witnessed much turmoil and drama coming from the SGA office; perhaps they were arguing over where to put the recycling bins around campus; I'm not sure. But what I am sure about is that the election that has recieved so much hype is certainly a waste of time.

I do not mean to belittle the individual members of SGA, but I will take a stab at the organization as a whole. Maybe the SGA does great things that I am unaware about; however, there is yet another flaw in the organization that urks me. They should be speaking on behalf of the student body, and in return, voicing back to us what is going on whether it is good news or bad news. Instead, I hear of nothing, and I am left with a bitter taste in my mouth. So, go ahead, vote for your favorite candidate or the kid who sits next to you in biology class because he is a familiar face; I can pretty much guarantee you that it doesn’t make a difference here at our university over who is chosen and elected into the SGA positions. And until the SGA does more than any other given organization on campus, I will sit back, laugh, wonder, and take a nap durring the designated election time.

Confessions of a College Student

2005-02-19T18:31:00.000-05:00

I don't have a problem with being a trendy college student, but I do take issue with the rapidly growing trend of communicating online rather than in person. I certainly don't hate it, but I find the temptation increasingly hard to resist. When it comes down to it, reading someone's profile is so much easier than actually talking to them, and it carries no risk of them not liking you. Therein lies the problem: Online directories like "the facebook" make it possible to find out quite a lot about a person without ever speaking to them, which not only appeals to stalkers but ruins your social skills as well. Actually, I shouldn't speak for anybody else, but I admit that mine have suffered a bit (as my grandfather likes to expolit on pretty much every convienant occasion).

On top of that, browsing the facebook can quickly go from being fun to becoming a compulsion, just like with AIM. It's not that we don't know this compulsive behavior is unhealthy; it's just another one of those guilty pleasures you know is bad for you but that you don't care enough about to stop doing. The Internet is so addicting that in many ways it has now become the most popular way to contact new people. A friend of mine met a cute guy at a party recently, and as she was leaving she told him to look her up on the facebook, no joke. I, on the other hand, waited until she left and then got his phone number.

If drug addiction damages your mental capacities, then Internet addiction damages your social capacities (Do you really think my friend has any chance with that guy?), and as with any addiction, admitting that you have a problem is only the first step. I'm just as guilty as the next, so I'm not going to say something preachy like ''seize the day," or ''get out and live life to the fullest," but I will say this: We need to sign off AIM and log off the facebook and get up off our asses a little more often. Go run around outside, read a book, or -- God forbid -- talk to a stranger. Practice the dying art of conversation; communication folks, it's my major!

Communicating online is definitly convenient for us college students, but no amount of smileysin an IM or pokes to a potential groupie or friend can substitute for real human connection, which is far more worthy of our time than anonymous facebook connections (of which I have 2,137 by the way). As for the compulsive behavior, I'm not quitting any time soon. Excuse me, I now have to change my away message to yet another witty comment and see if I have any pending friends. TTYL.

Accessorize your iPod!

2004-12-13T09:01:00.000-05:00

check out this website!

For the Beautiful and Elegant

2004-11-27T14:43:00.000-05:00

Beautiful. Elegant. These are just two words that come to mind when viewing the short clip on AMC Nicole Kidman: An American Cinematheque Tribute. There are several short clips on the trollback website; however this particular movie caught my eye. The movie had a very simple idea and concept; Nicole Kidman’s face was the center of attention while it was viewed at every possible angle.

The piece was done in black and white, basic shades of gray, and it was very quiet and refined, while it reflected on Kidman’s face. The color palate really worked well because you could see the light reflect and shine on certain parts of her face. I think a larger or vibrant color pallet would distract from the natural beauty that is being conveyed through her face.

The transitions from angle to angle of her face worked well with the fade in fade out transition. Although they were still images and pictures of Kidman, the sequence highlighted her various looks in a creative and elegant way. The words and typography to the side of her face was a nice touch as well because it was in white and did not overpower her face, which is very important.

The piece as a whole worked very well in a reflective manor. I think it was a creative, beautiful, and elegant way to portray those same elements in Kidman as an accomplished actress.

** IDD 301 **

Imaginary Forces and the Sneaker

2004-11-11T01:17:00.000-05:00

I love shoes. As a matter of fact, you might say that I am addicted to purchasing new shoes, perhaps, a shoe-a-holic, if you will. I recently saw a commercial on television for the new Kswiss sneaker, and I though to myself, hey, I have got t o have it! Just as many of us, I am a dupe for great commercials and fall in love with products (especially shoes) from the sleek and persuasiveness nature of them.

I have very recently tapped into the program After effects and have been looking at the Imaginary Forces website. They have done numerous projects such as: film main titles, broadcast design, feature film content, and commercials as well. Every project I look at seems to be a bit different from one to the next. One movie that I really liked was actually a commercial; it was for Nike and their new Air Max Plus cushioning sneaker. The movie has only a couple images. The shoe bounced all around the screen and the shoe could be seen from every conceivable angle. They took its elegantly engineered style of the shoe and emphasized its beauty with a little help from most likely an application such as image ready.

The music went along with the movie as the shoe bounced around with the beat. The color pallet was simply the red, gray, and black of the shoe and the frame was solid white; this is highly effective because again it places all the attention on the shoe itself, rather than a background image or other disturbing colors taking that away. What makes the piece stand apart from others is how the technique of transition and it’s consistency with the radiating parallel lines emitting from the shoe took place. When the shoe moved from one position to the next, lines would shoot out from it and visually this is effective and communicates a clean and unique message.

Nike as a company is a clean and respectable company; I think that this serious, professional, and unique look is highly effective for the commercial because it portrays what the company stands for. Nike is well known for their athletic line and most notably, for their athletic shoes. The nature and vibe the commercial gives off is ideal for what they are trying to portray here, the product and company, appear to be seamless which makes this a highly effective movie and commercial.

After I viewed this commercial off of their website my face light up because Imaginary Forces actually designs content that I really enjoy. When I saw how amazing the shoe looked I thought to myself, I really want that shoe. But, more importantly, I thought what a smooth, appealing, sleek, and clean piece of work. They really did a wonderful job with portraying the shoe, and essentially, really making the advertisement for Nike, and the shoe in and of itself really work.

** IDD 301 **

Dog v. Hydrant

2004-11-08T19:56:00.000-05:00

There is a common association between dogs and fire hydrants; and we all know what it is. Indeed, fire hydrants conveniently and strategically located around just about every neighborhood and are popular stops for dogs to go about their “business”.

It is safe to say that dogs make for good house pets (after all, are a man’s best friend), whereas fire hydrants are just big red hunks of metal that sit on sidewalks that contain water which often times go overlooked. However, in an animation called hydraulic chaos, a fire hydrant takes main stage and gets revenge on a dog for a change! This great animation can be located on the ha ha humor website, check it out!

The short plot is very funny and definitely took me by surprise. In short, it starts off with a dog walking down a street. The dog takes notice of a red fire hydrant on the sidewalk. It stops, lifts a leg, and ironically instead of liquid coming from the dog onto the hydrant, liquid bursts out the side of the hydrant and wipes the dog out. The dog is nowhere to be seen and the hydrant essentially wins its revenge.

The animation is unique, funny, and ironic. It makes for an interesting take on a situation that occurs all too often. Moreover, it is really quite entertaining to think about how a fire hydrant feels rather than the dog as it is the dog that generally gets the attention. Plot aside, the fluent motion of the dog as it walks, it’s swaying floppy ears, and it’s expressions are very nicely animated. All of the images are all very clean and carefully constructed which adds to the unexpected and ironic ending because I thought it was going to be a cute and sweet animation. The sound effects were great; the ending noises are ideal because they tell a other story in and of themselves which the viewer imagines. The ending works well and is the first of its kind that I have viewed. The frame stays still and all that the viewer literally sees is the hydrant and the main scene, yet, the sound effects alone conclude the animation, and do so successfully.

Although I did feel bad for the dog because it was blasted by the hydrant’s water (and most likely hurt very badly from it), I couldn’t help but to smirk a bit and feel proud of the hydrant because it not only fought back, but it just so happened to take care of a little of it’s own “business” and yet concluded by tallying his victory on the curb side. For the record, I don’t think I will ever be able to look at a fire hydrant the same again!

** IDD 301 **

To the theme park we go

2004-11-08T01:29:00.000-05:00

Indeed, “narrative and architecture have been working together for a millennia” according to the text. From the ancient Greeks building the Acropolis, to the European churches being constructed, it becomes clear that their form fit its function. In other words, the buildings were architecturally designed to portray a meaning and essentially a narrative.

Today, there are many ways in which design is used to help convey an idea or theme. A great example of this is theme parks. Parks rely a great deal on design; their roller coasters and rides wouldn’t be half as thrilling or interactive if design were excluded. The park as a whole is designed with winding paths and attractions, and then on a smaller scale, every ride has its own unique theme.

Roller coaster enthusiasts love to go on rides that push the envelope. I think that two of the most crucial aspects of rides are one, having good architecture, and two, as a result of the architecture there is successful narrative, which is also very important. How the story or theme of a particular ride is portrayed has much to do with how the ride is shaped (architecture), how it looks (design), and what goes on within it (interactivity). If all of these elements work hand in hand, the ride is amazing and interaction comes alive.

Rides such as Space Mountain at Disney, the Batman ride at 6 Flags, Jaws at Universal Studios, Bolderdash at Lake Compounce, and the Boomerang at the Great Escape are great examples of how architecture was intended to further the ride experience. The basic idea of “using architecture to present opinion, narrate events, and provide perspective endures” when applying the concept to rides at theme parks.

** IDD 250 **

A Must See For All Job Seekers

2004-11-03T22:57:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me is well aware that I love to laugh. They would also know that although I am usually in high spirits, the pressure of graduation sometimes gets the best of me. Not knowing what I am going to do, what job I will get, or where I will be in May, after graduation makes me nervous. Luckily, as I was surfing the web this evening, I came across a very entertaining website; the site is appropriately named ha ha humor.

One of the animations on the site is titled job wanted. The animation is described as, “a guy looking for a job, a pretty lazy guy though,” and indeed it is just that to a tee. A very simple and unmotivated middle aged guy attempts to find a job after coming to the realization that he won’t be eligible for unemployment anymore and that he probably won’t win the lottery either; basically he doesn’t have any money. He attempts to update his resume and goes for interviews in a seemingly sad attempt to find himself a job. He refers to sending his resume out to being like a black hole; he never sees or heard from anyone thereafter. Therefore, in short, he decides to possibly start his own business, however, that is also unsuccessful. The animation ends with the guy sitting on his recliner, watching TV, in his bathrobe (what he does most of the time and for most of the animation) and says that, if all else fails you can just listen to Panama and lighten your spirits.

The animation is simple yet hilarious. Some parts are a little cruel, immature, or perhaps offensive to some, however, it is important to know that this is just a funny animation that is not meant to be taken as a serious message. It was made with a carefree attitude. One can see how this is so by looking at how the images are made; they are not carefully constructed, in fact they all have imperfections (i.e: circles aren’t filled in all the way, lines are jagged). This adds a lighthearted tone to a serious process that we all have to go through at least once in our lives, the job search.

There aren’t any complicated elements or transitions to take note of within the animation. In fact, the simplicity of the animation is what makes it work. There is a limited color palate, hand made unperfected images, a voice over that goes extremely well with the guy’s lazy character and personality, and simple motion tweens. All in all, indeed, it is very simple and the best thing about the animation is its funny plot. I liked it because like I said before, I love to laugh, and I can definitely relate to it. It brought a smile to my face and shined a little light on the dreaded job search that I will be encountering in the near future. And hey, if this guy can attempt it, so can I!

** IDD 301 **

Looks through a window

2004-10-31T22:43:00.000-05:00

I have been doing a fair share of research and reading on interactive narrative. I have ventured on a great interview with Scott McCloud in the Pause and Effect book. McCloud is considered by many to be the writer who made the comic narrative form accessible for adults. His theoretical accomplishments, illustrations, and story writing make for interesting insight on interactive narrative.

One part of the interview that I thought was particularly cleaver was when we was answering the question, “Are you asking us to take comics to the [computer] monitor?” His response was fairly short however, he says, “not the monitor specifically, but to the notion of limitless space, treating the monitor as a window.” Brilliant! I think that this quote and really interesting answer by McCloud. Indeed a comic story is told by many frames of words and pictures. You can take one frame of any comic and see that the pictures along with some or no words are just a portion of the larger story. Moreover, each frame of a comic can be thought of as a window, if you will, just as McCloud says. One can see how it seems as if the comic is 3D, but obviously isn’t, because of drawing techniques, illusions, and also this window technique.

This same window technique is what McCloud is referring to in interactive narrative. He is suggesting that by “thinking of the monitor as a window” there can be much more effective interactive narratives. In applying this notion to work that I have been attempting on the computer, I can see exactly what McCloud is saying. In using various computer programs, this creation can be possible. Making websites and interactive images on the computer will only get more interesting and interactive as more programs, technologies, and ideas are created over time.

In thinking about McCloud’s window comment, it is extremely intriguing to think that narrative might in fact become a durable mutation of comics on the computer screen. Indeed, each narrative has its own shape and I am thrilled that this is only the beginning for what is to come as far as interactive narrative is concerned.

** IDD 250 **

Grab some popcorn

2004-10-26T23:10:00.000-04:00

Often times I find myself procrastinating. It is not uncommon to sit back, relax, and do something that causes little to no effort. As most people, I will turn on the TV, read a book, or go online. MTV is a popular and favorite TV channel among college students, and I find myself entertained by the various music videos. Musicians and artists create music videos that coincided with their songs and are aired on the channel. Today I watched a music video online. I have yet to see this music video on MTV and this is the first I have heard of the band. However, the artist is Sam Bisbee and the song is called “You Are Here”.

The music video looks pretty simple compared to elaborate mini moves on MTV. However, this animation is unique and is probably the only one of its kind. The frame as a whole is designed as if it were on a desk. There is a gum wrapper, some change, and a comb on the corner of a wood grain desk. Meanwhile, a picture is placed on the desk next to the random objects and picture after picture are piled on top of each other. With every new picture a cadence is formed that gives the impression that you are watching a movie clip.

All of the pictures are imported as bitmaps were taken every couple of seconds so that the fluid frame by frame animation comes alive and looks like the sequence is moving to the beat of the music in the background. This animation is unique and also very effective. The band’s music video could have simply been a movie clip of them playing; however, they used many pictures to create the illusion of a movie. In one point, a person’s hand comes into the frame and grabs a stack of pictures and then another stack is created. The transitions, camera angles, and picture timing makes the video very creative. The concept, technicality and creativity set this video apart from others and is certainly the first music video of this type I have seen.

** IDD 301 **

The Big Website

2004-10-19T21:09:00.000-04:00

Luckily, I compiled all of my websites and made a homepage to connect them. The new homepage website gives a brief overview of the IDD 250 class and what I did. The entire website is based on the subject of interactivity. I have taken different angles and approaches in an attempt to explain interactivity. Also, I have then taken these angles, research, and my writing, and then created websites for them. The five different pages can be seen by going to my new homepage.

** IDD 250 **

Seasons Are Groovy

2004-10-19T20:44:00.000-04:00

With every day that passes I get colder and colder. I feel as though we have practically gone from summer right into winter and the leaves just happen to be changing colors. As I was surfing the internet I found an animation that I could relate to as well as laugh at. The animation I found is called, Four Seasons which can be found on the groove chamber website.
The animation has a couple different things going on. There are typography elements when the scene changes from spring, to summer, then to fall, and winter. The text moves in to the frame differently for each word and portrays that season. For example, the letters f, a, l, and l, latterly fall down one by one into the frame. After the words change from season to season, there are 2 simple characters, Chutney and Ramu, that move onto the frame and portray things that one would tend to do in that particular season.
In the spring, there is an upbeat song with green as the background and they bounce around the frame and are have fun. In the summer, the background is a yellow and there is an upbeat song playing as they dance around. In the fall, they ride bikes and play in the leaves with the light brown background. And finally, in the winter the two pals go ice skating together, the background is light blue while the music is a little slower.
The concept is really quite simple and the elements within it are simple as well. The switching from scene to scene with the changing of the seasons and by use of typography is unique and really makes it all flow together. I really enjoyed this short animation and hope that the winter will pass us by and warmer summer temperatures come sooner than expected!

** IDD 301 **

Its another website!

2004-10-15T20:22:00.000-04:00

The eye is attracted to contrast. Color is extremely important to take in consideration when dealing with contrast. Indeed, some colors sit next to one another more easily than others and sometimes a person is turned on or turned off by certain color combinations. Every day we see various different colors and it is worth looking at combinations of colors that work because it is essential to understand color contrast and usage with design. Feel free to check out my new website

** IDD 250 **

Its in the comics.

2004-10-10T14:16:00.000-04:00

There are many different ways to understand narrative. A great way to tell a story is to do so visually. Often times, effective design, illustrations, or pictures, need few or no actual words to tell a story. A good example of this are comics. Check out my website to learn more. new website

** IDD 250 **

Indeed Trevor is Magical AND Tons-o-fun

2004-10-10T01:32:00.000-04:00

In conducting my design research I usually find myself surfing the web. I find all sorts of stuff out there (some good, some not so good). I found a website called Weebles Stuff (thanks to Ame U’s weblog) and decided to check it out. The site was full of flash animations, some definitely better than others, but nonetheless, all were quite entertaining. I happened to come across one in particular that I thought was pretty neat. The animation is titled, Magical Trevor; check it out and you will see what I mean.

One might think to themselves how simple it must have been to create this short little animation. However, it is full flash techniques that I have learned to love in creating animations. The animation as a story is short, imaginative, and comical. As far as plot is concerned, a little magician makes a cow disappear, and the cow tells the crowd what happened while he disappeared. Just incase you missed something in the 30 second animation, your in luck because it loops back around to play again without you even realizing it.

I liked how it started off with the frame head on looking at the stage as if you were in the audience. Then, it flips around so that you can see the audience from Trevor’s point of view and we get that impression because Trevor is big and blurred out while the audience is much smaller in the back round. After this, the scene changes and focuses on the cow. The back round changes and moves which gives the impression as though the cow is actually moving. It then goes back to the first scene and starts all over again.

Along with the technical elements, Trevor and the cow were neat little characters and I had such a fun time watching them move. I also liked how the music enhanced the movie; it really brought the fun out and also helped the direction of the plot and narrative as a whole.

** IDD 301 **

Christmas in October

2004-10-03T14:46:00.000-04:00

Today I went on a little adventure to the Hallmark store. As soon as I walked in, I found an array of Halloween decorations. I was admiring the pumpkins, ghosts, and witches, and then suddenly I picked up a Santa figurine. As I mindlessly worked my way towards the middle of the store, I saw a sea of red and green; they had Christmas decorations up already! I couldn’t believe this, it's only the beginning of October. When I got back home, I started doing some homework and decided to check out the flashfoward website. Ironically, there were some Christmas themed movies on the groove chamber website under the past winners section.

I ended up watching a movie called Rudolph Remixed. Although it is fairly short, I found it to be entertaining and an overall great animation. Basically, Santa said the sleigh was “old school” (meaning that it was outdated) and he had a new mode of transporting gifts to all the houses: by a jet. Santa takes off in the jet without Rudolph, he is cool and happy while Rudolph is sad and lonesome back at home. Then, the jet catches on fire and Santa makes an emergency 911 call for Rudolph to come to his rescue, and of coarse, Rudolph rushes to save Santa from disaster (supre hero style). Indeed, Rudolph saves Santa, they deliver the presents, and at the end they are both happy together once again.

Not only does the movie have an interesting plot, but it portrays its concept with a beginning, middle, and an end; this is ideal and essential in a working narrative. The pause and effect book spends time talking about this concept, and this movie demonstrates that nicely. Also, in making my animation, I used similar techniques to this movie. I saw many motion and shape tweens, different angles, and original ideas. It might not be an extremely complex movie like others that can be found on the flashfoward website. However, it was entertaining, and put me in the Christmas spirit; maybe I’ll have to go back to Hallmark.

** IDD 301 **

Music and Interactive Narrative

2004-09-30T22:03:00.000-04:00

Interactive narrative can be thought of as a story that is told in one of a number of possible ways to interpret and present data. The creator of the interactive narrative has to present all of the forking paths within their work by telescoping information and offering perspective; a music composition is a great way to understand this concept. Visit my new website to learn more.

** IDD 250 **

Go Interactive!

2004-09-26T16:26:00.000-04:00

Every single day of one’s life he or she has many encounters involving interactivity. Although we don’t think much about it, we use objects and deal with people in a veriety of ways; all of these events are interactivity. A great example of interactivity is playing game of dodgeball; check out my website and see what I mean. Interactivity

**IDD 250**

Choose or Loose

2004-09-22T22:58:00.000-04:00

A movie that I chose to watch is called black mustache on the flashfoward website and was a past winner in the 2002 Flash Film Festival in New York City. What a movie! Its subject matter is applicable to the present time. Politics seems to always be an issue or a debatable topic; but lucky (or not so lucky) for us, the presidential election is vast approaching and the political scene is heating up.

In this outwardly bold movie, the creator conveys a strong message including many views, topics, and issues out there in our society. Politics definitely plays a huge roll in the outcome and laws regarding these issues; deciding who will be president is extremely important because the leader is the one who basically has all authority. Moreover, the underlying message in this movie is to not “ride the fence”.

Riding the fence, or remaining neutral is what the maker of this movie is strongly discouraging. Quite the opposite, he is encouraging people to take a stand, support or oppose, and make sure you remain strong to your opinions. He conveys his message in a very effective way. For his music, he uses a catchy hip hop beat and raps while visually the animations are bold and go precisely with what is being said. The colors are basically consistent, other than the red white and blue on the patriotic symbols. The transitions were very unique and fluent, as well as the movements of the objects.

I think that this animation holds strong on many different levels: as a song, a message, and a movie. I can see why this took first place in the 2002 film festival; it was very well thought out, composed, and executed.

** IDD 301 **

My website for Giotto de Bondone

2004-09-17T20:53:00.000-04:00

Well my friends, I have compiled some research on Giotto de Bondone's, The Ressurrection of Lazarus; his piece of work is simply magnificent. Please feel free to check out the website I have created dedicated to Giotto's work on mywebspace. Click here and enjoy!

** IDD 250 **

Like a Flash Virgin

2004-09-17T20:45:00.000-04:00

As I browsed around on the flashfoward website, I found a very interesting movie titled, “Omelette” by Stephane Presle. This non-fiction animation was fun and its story and content had me hooked. The more I watched it, the more I picked on some cool techniques within it.

The story begins with a pot being stirred on a stove, and within a matter of seconds it changes scenes from the pot, to a bank, and then yet again to a car driving on a road. I was somewhat taken back at this fast paced beginning, but I decided, hey, it’s random enough (which intrigued me) so I decided to keep watching. Well, I am glad I did, because this animation is actually one of my favorites thus far. Within this short movie there are several plot twists that make the story more involved: the robbing of a bank, a shootout, the white character falling from the sky then hitchhiking, stealing a space shuttle, the bird being an FBI agent, the main character jailed, and finally the bird actually taking the money for himself only to set off on vacation. A lot was going on in these few minutes!

Furthermore, I found the transitioning from scene to scene very neat. Other flash animations I have seen change scenes by using a solid color within a whole frame, or by other simplistic means, however, this was not the case for this particular movie. The scenes were all connected by similar images; it is noteworthy that in each scene there was very different images and content. Some examples of these transitions are: when the Band-Aid on the guy’s arm changed into the two of them in the car and also how the flat tire changed into the inside of the control room within the space ship. Along with these slick and smooth transitions, the movie had 4 basic colors only. Using simple colors was a good thing in this case because the music in the background was upbeat and the story line in itself was very involved. If there were a lot of colors, perhaps it might have taken away from these other attributes.

Although I am relatively new to this whole flash animation scene (a virgin, if you will,) I have been quite satisfied and have a new past time in checking out various flash sites and movies on the web. Some of my other favorite movies that I have found I have listed below for all of my fans out there.

a cartoon
a funny political election animation
a funny concept on how the world will end

** IDD 301 **

Crock Files!

2004-09-11T20:05:00.000-04:00

It seems to me that in the past couple years I have heard more stories about Steve, the Crocodile Hunter, than I ever thought imaginable. His show airs on cable television on animal planet and has me hooked. Besides the fact that he might be literally insane, Steve has a fondness for animals, and sees just how close he can get without practically dying on air.

Although the show has decent ratings, I think people watch it to see what crazy stunt he will pull off next; rather than watching the show for educational purposes. Even my friend Kyle does an impression of Steve (it is hilarious). My knowledge of the show and Steve has helped me in viewing this extremely entertaining flash movie by Todd Gallina called, The Crock Files!

After seeing what Todd created, I was laughing quite a bit and also wondering how he came up with such a ridiculous idea and actually making it work as an animation. His main character, Steve, goes to America to search for the dreaded “loan shark”. He goes to New York City and ends up finding fascinating “wildlife” (a homeless man, and a basketball player) as well as manages to get kicked out of a bar and beat up by the shark species.

Plot aside, I noticed how when Steve was moving, his entire body either tilted from side to side, or just his head moved, giving the impression that he was moving or walking. Also, from scene to scene, there was a slide of a solid color: close up of the apple and being thrown out of the bar the screen turned was completely red. I saw that some images that were used in the beginning were duplicated towards the end, and that most images moved one at a time. At the end the loan sharks are hitting him, however, all of the guy’s motions are repeated over and over again, giving the impression that they are beating him up for quite some time.
Although Gallina’s piece if funny and seems border line ridiculous, what I find to be amusing is that he actually creates this silly idea, but more importantly, makes it actually work as a flash piece and also a clever creative story. Whether it’s Crock Files on TV, or in a flash animation, I seem to get hooked every time... go figure.

** IDD 301 **

It's Imagery My Friends!

2004-09-11T13:59:00.000-04:00

Imagery. What an important word and concept. After reading the assigned pages in Pause and Effect by Mark Stephen Meadows, I found that everything that he was introducing had to do with imagery. Webster’s dictionary defines imagery as, “the use of expressive or evocative images in art, literature, or music; a group or body of related images, as in a painting or poem.” One can have a deeper appreciation for imagery if they simply read or look at a piece of art. As I am learning, there are many different techniques and concepts that one uses in creating a work of art. Whether it is in literature, a portrait, or an animation, a concept is uniquely conveyed by imagery.
When I was a child, my great-grandmother used to read me children’s stories such as Hansel and Gretel. As she would read the words on the page, I would picture a scene in my imagination. The same holds true today, I can imagine how things look, just by hearing it described in detail. In applying this concept of imagery to design, I can see how it is composed. In searching online for some interesting pictures, I found an extremely interesting photo. If you look at it carefully the composition works because of mirrors. The imagery is awesome because it tricks the eye. It seems as if one image has been duplicated when in fact it is mirror images creating the effect that you see. I also like how there are lines that come out at various angles. It is neat to look at this picture and break it down to what is actually going on in the picture. I am excited to learn more about imagery as it applies to design of all kinds as well as design that I will be creating.

** IDD 250 **

Barbi: showing no signs of aging other than technology

2004-09-02T23:15:00.000-04:00

I can recall the days of playing with my little sister, Gracie, in our "toyroom" (a room on the first floor of our house, designated for toys and toys only.) We played with cabbage patch kids, my little pony's, our play set kitchen, but above all, we played with BARBI. Every day we would play together with out Barbies, dress them up in skimpy outfits, do their hair, put them in their Barbi dream houses or drive them to meet Ken in the Barbi dream car.

Wow! I feel like a child again, revisiting my Barbi roots. I thought I grew out of my Barbi stage, but strangely enough, I feel as though I might have had an awakening on a subconscious level (or perhaps I have been brainwashed), do to the fact that I watched this Barbi flash animation over, and over, and over again.

Much to my dismay, I felt outdated, like an old pare of roller-skates. In fact, when I used to play with Barbi, there was no computer in my house, let alone Barbi movies online! After watching the flash scene called, Shopping Spree, I began picking up on more and more details with the animation.

Barbi conjures up this great idea to go to the mall on a major shopping spree with her friends. All the girls want to shop whereas the guys on the other hand, are hungry and tired. The story was short and sweet which made it ideal for me to critique. I looked at the animation from a student in the midst of learning the program, Flash, prospective. I noticed how the scenes changed with simple backgrounds, how the character faces were consistently the only body part to really move, the music stayed predominantly the same, and the colors were flashy, bright, and vivid. I also noticed how the background would change size and it gave the impression that the characters were moving, rather having the characters actually walk and the background remain the still.

I am now learning to look for flash program techniques when watching flash animations (just like that of the Barbi one) rather than simply viewing the clips as movies and or stories. I believe that in due time, I will be able to view a clip in its entirety and deconstruct it piece by piece. Perhaps an even greater accomplishment of this class would be to learn more about Flash as a program in doing my tutorials, compile more design research, and create my own animation. Wish me luck!

* * IDD 301 * *

A promising prognosis for internet addiction

2004-09-02T21:36:00.000-04:00

As I found myself glued to the computer in search of fantastic flash animations online amongst a sea of dirty and or clean cloths, dishes, miscellaneous trash, and numerous empty cardboard boxes (as a direct result from a recent move into the lovely town of Wallingford, CT), I realized one thing: I am addicted to the internet.

After coming to the conclusion and diagnosis it is safe to say that I spend a good 6 hours a day online, not to mention spending time off online, yet still on the computer. Whether I am instant messaging, playing virtual games, emailing, googleing, or playing around with my sad attempt of a website that I tried to create, here I sit in front of my computer with occasional discomfort, but more importantly, a smile on my face, a pleasant state of mind, and an idea in my head.

Almost every time I log online, I find something that intrigues me. I am a big fan of surfing the net, reading people’s online journals, checking out various types of art, and frequently stalking away messages on aim (which seems to be an art in and of itself.) I must admit, I am simply amazed by the fact that I am able to explore the world with a doubble click of a mouse. Badda Bing… fingertips controlling my destiny.

In conjuring up ideas from this addicting internet, I am delighted to be able to finally put some of my premature ideas into real works of art. Hopefully with the aid of this IDD250 class and a combination of the IDD301 coarse, I just might be able to create something amazing, something that inspires, and something that adds to my seemingly bitter- sweet addiction.

* * IDD 250 * *

hello world

2004-08-30T10:35:00.000-04:00

This is my first blog.