Monday, April 26, 2010

MILITAINMENT INC. - MILITARISM AND POP CULTURE, power tool analysis

THESIS: IYOW 1 sentence thesis statement.

This movie explains how U.S news coverage today is doctored or conveyed similar to hollywood films or reality television resulting in manipulation of americans opinions on due to war packaged for pleasurable consumption, and propaganda of global issues and current events.

FACTS: 5 "facts" from the film.

1. Country musicians created songs to encourage and support war, the most popular artists who did this were Keith Urban and Derrick Shirle.
2. According to this movie, what we consider war has changed dramatically from what our grandparents impression of it was.
3. the clean war wiped the humanity of the baghdad civilizations from the screen.
4. The hunting metaphor gave a selective view making it seem as if we were on a "hunt" for saddam and not innocent bystanders.
5. The iraq war coverage on television, became such a popular watched program that the NCAA final four was viewed by a lot less people, as a matter of fact it was viewed as more important then the sporting events going on in that time.

TRIUNE BRAIN: 3 specific observations.

1. Neocortex was stimulated through the reading of textual facts on the screen and also through the narration featured throughout the video.
2. The limbic was stimulated by the many varying genres of music found within the movie, such as country, and new age rock and roll.
3. The reptilian, limbic brain was stimulated by the pictures of injured and bloody people while background voices where saying "blood every where".


8 TRENDS: 3 specific SHIFTS (From X to Y).

1. Technological Shift: From analog to digital. In past wars broadcasts had taken part mostly on the radio however now having this available through the internet and television it has changed the way we perceive it, we now believe what we see on these broadcasts.
2. Aesthetic Shift: from discrete to convergence, having updates or news flashes available on smart phones and other relatively new devices provides for not only a better idea of what is going on in wars and in the news but it also provides for more chance of a biased opinion.
3. Political shift: the deregulation affects the broadcasts of political information and press releases. This impacts the information or data us citizens receive. This changes or sculpts our idea or opinion on the latest news or war updates.

PRINCIPLES: ASK and answer FOUR specific PRINCIPLE-related questions ("What "reality" does this film create? What are some "untold stories" the film ignores? etc.).
1. What reality does this film create? This film creates the reality that America manipulates its citizens opinions and views on wars and global issues. It made this apparent by providing side by side comparisons of U.S and global broadcasts. The U.S uses propaganda and other techniques to create biased and in most situations inaccurate summaries or stories.
2. What kid on production techniques does this movie use? This movie uses several editing techniques that help increase its dramatic affects and make truly obvious how the United States uses propaganda and other tools to manipulate our views.These include montage of different U.S broadcasts that clearly show biased opinions, or also comparing side by side U.S and Global broadcasts displaying the sever differences between the two even though they were speaking on the same events or subjects.
3.What kind of value messages does this media promote? This movie promotes the idea that U.S uses propaganda and is not a truly accurate source for news or coverage on global or political events. It shows through much evidence that the United States has been providing biased coverage and edits or hides certain aspects or opinions to news for a while.
4. What emotions does this media tap? What might we consider if we think more deeply about this media? This movie provokes aggravation, confusion, and questioning. I was aggravated after learning the U.S has and remains biased when speaking of the news or wars

6. PERSUASION: Identify and provide an example of at least SIX specific persuasive techniques.
Symbols- This movie features several meaningful symbols, some include the soldiers in combat, The American Flag, the american coffins with the flags over them.
Big Lie- The movie explains how the United States has been altering news or events in order to lie or manipulate us, citizens.although this is true they convey it to a deep extent.
Hyperbole- They persuaded by making large claims however most of them were true and backed up with evidence. Examples included comparisons of old news casts.
Scapegoating- Although it is proven that the news is using propaganda and other techniques, they are completely blaming the U.S. for it.
Nationalism- This movie encourages support of the United States and our position in war however puts down our news reports.
Testimonial- The narrator provides testimony on several examples of news and how it uses propaganda.
Plain folks- Numerous news casts and excerpts featuring normal U.S citizens are shown throughout the video.
Repetition- Many United States propaganda news clips or the repeatedly shown clips of warp stories is their use of repetition. In addition they state numerous times that the news misinforms U.S citizens.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Keepin it Green at Champlain video embed/ follow up Q's

Keepin it Green at Champlain College



1. What was the most difficult moment in making this video?

In my opinion the most difficult aspects to making this video were the planning process and the minor technical difficulties Quillan and I experienced while editing. While first planning the project we had trouble coming up with solid ideas that we all agreed upon. Although we did end up brainstorming together an idea that first production meeting it ended up not being our actual plan. While trying to capture some of our first shots our poorly thought out plan had shown. We realized we should choose another idea or strategy. After thinking things through and having a better idea of what to shoot because of our first day of filming we came up with what turned out to be our movie. We overcame this difficulty through taking a step back and making a second attempt. As for the editing troubles, I was editing everything with no problem up until we tried to fade the background music in and out during scenes with dialogue. For some reason we couldn’t figure out, I-movie wouldn’t let us play the original shots audio louder and over the background music. After spending much time and making no progress with it, I came up with a solution. I took out the background music completely during any shots with commentary. Overall this minor movie production process was pretty problem free when keeping in mind the excess of problems movie production normally brings in with the process of it.

2. Other than finishing it, what was the most rewarding moment in making this video?

Realizing I am part of a true sustainable green community was the most rewarding moment of making this video. Although I was aware of how Champlain was green, the production of this video increased my awareness and thus also my appreciation for being sustainable.

3. Discuss 3 specific lessons you learned about film production and/or "group process" in making this video.

One lesson I learned about film production is to overestimate the length as in plan for it to be longer then you expect. You will always encounter problems and/or dilemmas slowing down or temporarily halting the project. For example the 2 problems I faced with brain cramps and technical difficulties taught me. One lesson this taught me on the group process was that in some cases the workload may not be even due to teammates skill sets and past experience and as a result this un-even proportioning of work is sometimes unavoidable. Since I was the only one on my team with experience with I-movie I was forced to take on all the editing. Although I didn’t have a problem with this it was a very time consuming process leaving the other teammates with not many other ways to contribute. I think had there been someone else with at least some experience with I-movie this would have been a much easier task. A second lesson I learned about the group process is that it is important to welcome all ideas and don’t shut down any either. Ideally you should take into consideration all ideas or opinions of all group members. I think that encouraging brainstorming or the sharing of any form of idea results in more effective planning and teamwork. The reason we reached our improved idea was a result of this taking place. Overall I learned a lot about film production and the group process through this project however these three lessons are the main aspects to the learning experience.


4. Discuss 3 specific things you learned about Champlain College
And/or the "Sustain Champlain" project that you did not know before completing this project.


One thing I learned about Champlain college is that Aiken Hall is a lead certified green building. This was an interesting fact for I didn’t know a certification for a sustainable building was out there. But once I did find out I was glad to know that a Champlain building had earned it. One thing I learned about sustain Champlain that I hadn’t been informed of before this project was the E-waste not for Landfills campaign. Not only did it inform me of the recycling process of old electronics but it let me know another way Champlain is going green. Another new thing I learned was another attempt Champlain makes to promote sustainability. That is with the incentive of if you purchase a reusable coffee mug from Jazzman’s cafe the coffee price is discounted to $1.00.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Media Meditation #4 the approaching arrival of festival season



As spring arrives and summer isn't far behind, one may think of beaches or summer vacations or one may think of FESTIVAL SEASON!!!!


The late spring and summer seasons are times when numerous music and art festivals take place around the United States. These Festivals vary in sizes and location, and some include up to hundreds of musical artists. I visit Jambase.com to find a listing of the many that are taking place.

Some of these festivals include: Coachella Music Festival in California, Wanee music festival in Florida, summer Camp 2010 Music Festival in Illinois, Bonnaroo music and art festival in Tennessee, All good music and arts festival in West Virginia, , Mountain Jam in New york and Lollapalooza in illonois.
These are just the major popular festivals however there are many smaller ones, regardless of the size music festivals are fun experiences on many different levels!



In the past I have attended Bonnaroo 08,09 in manchester Tennessee and Mountain Jam 09 in Hunter, Ny. This summer I plan on attended these in addition to the Allgood music festival in West Virginia.
My first Music Festival was Bonnaroo of 2008 and ever since then I have been in love with the Music Festival Scene. I enjoy live music and good vibes and thats exactly what you find at festivals. They are amazing experiences, days filled with music and great company is a recipe for fun! If you have yet to attend a music festival I highly suggest it!

APPLYING THE POWER TOOLS:

These many festivals can be classified under many power tools for they are not only full of mediums but are also very stimulating experiences.

Applying the Eight Shifts

It can be an Epistemological and Technological shift for the advanced technologies featured at these festivals display convergence. Examples include apple I-phone applications or automated texted reminders that contain maps, up to the minute schedules and set-lists and more. My brother and I took advantage of this while at Bonnaroo in 2009, the picture below shows a screenshot of the main menu of the Bonnaroo application.

Another perspective could identify a cultural shit within festivals. Within the varying locations and bands comes varying cultures in addition to over the years types of music that are in style change so do the performers.

Applying the seven basic principles:
Production techniques- The many performances require much preparation of their lights and sound equipment. In addition festival performances are now recorded and made into dvds and cds. The filming and editing that is done on these shows is part to the many production techniques found at Festivals.

Ownership- Some festivals are sponsored by different companies or entertainment agencies, many of which are promoted and have strong presence at the festivals making clear of their contributions. A major example of this is Bonnaroo and their list of partners. They have many different partners however the one i remember having the most impact was Fuse, an entertainment industry sponsored the event. They had an air conditioned barn on site with computers,games, a cell phone charging station and a small stage for minor performances.

Individual Meaning- Every person has a different taste and appreciation for music. Therefore depending on the artist playing they interpret the meaning derived from the performance from their perspective. Also one may interpret the festival scene and camping scene in many different ways. For example I love both aspects, the fun and community feeling is great. It is like the campsites are gatherings of families all having fun together. But at the perspective some may dislike festivals and the camping. An example of this is my father, although he has gone to festivals and he enjoys them, he doesn't appreciate the camping experience as much as he used to. He prefers a hotel or vip experience that can provide a more comforting living experience. Overall everyone can take away their own meaning from several aspects to music festivals.

Deciphering the Persuasive Techniques and Analytical tools found at festivals:

Symbols/repetition- Many if not all festivals have a symbol or logo, although in most cases it is the name and some picture the majority of them include some form of it. They not only represent the festival but are found all around the festival including the tickets or in many cases the wrist bands that signify your ticket.

Group Dynamics- Many festival goers will agree that festivals are almost temporary families or close knit communities. While camping or enjoying the festivals many people share and help each other out. In addition you find in most cases that you will recognize people from years pasts or other festivals or shows. This is a common occurrence and is appreciated for the common love and appreciation for festivals or shows brings that sense of friendship and connection to another level.

Below is a birds eye view picture of Bonnaroo, as you can see it is very large yet organized. I think that a gathering of this many people who all share the love for music is an awesome one of a kind experience, that only music festivals can provide. I plan on attending them for as long as I can.

All in all music festivals are awesome and everyone should get to experience one!


Media Meditation #3

MEDIA MEDITATION: ESPN insider/ ESPN magazine.






I recently bought a subscription to the ESPN magazine and the ESPN insider. Recently ESPN's Magazine and Insider feature came together digitally, as a result of this merge, you can find magazine content online through ESPN Insider. Additionally Insider gives you various benefits online any sports follower would adore to have. This is an example of media convergence and how web 2.0 is encouraging this merging of resources.


ESPN's insider gives you "the most comprehensive sports coverage" available online, giving you the inside scoop on players and teams before it hits the news. This includes draft predictions, scouts rumors of trades, and access to in-depth analysis's from some of the best sport writers in the game. The online magazine, and available ESPN radio help keep you up to date on all the sports news you can find. Follow this link for a complete outline of the Insiders benefits.

one of my favorite aspects to the insider is how easy it is to keep track of every team no matter how far away they are. This is convenient for keeping track of your home teams while away. I found a humorous commercial conveying this message, it is found below.


Other factors of this insider I find very beneficial is the extended access and assistance you are given. Not only can you stream full episodes of shows found on ESPN but you get opportunities to join in special events and beta testing on ESPN's newest offerings. In addition if you are interested in fantasy football you can access help from experts. There advice is available to personally help you with all aspects to Fantasy football, from assessing your needs to scoping potential trades and drafts it is sure to get your team going. Overall the Insider is a very practical feature that clearly shows strong development towards media convergence.

Applying the Eight Shifts

This can be classified under a Epistemological Shift for it displays convergence and print to online; how living in the 21st century has impacted most magazines to become available online. Also a Technological Shift for how being in such a web orientated age as lead to the development of many online available resources or in this case the ESPN insider.

This stimulates the neocortex brain for the articles and stories require comprehension and reasoning skills. In addition the Limbic brain is stimulated through the video and audio clips featured on the website.

Applying the Seven Basic Principles:

Individual meaning- The Insider provides many different insights and stories relating to professional, semi-professional, college and some high school sports. The reader can interpret these in many ways depending on their preferred sports and teams will have more significance then others.

Persuasive techniques and Analytical tools:
Symbols- The ESPN logo is found in many different places along with the varying sports team and leagues logos.

Hyperbole and Simple Solutions-While looking at the section of the insider website that describes its benefits its summaries of the benefits can be classified as using Hyperbole and simple solutions. "all the tools you need to stay one step ahead of the game" they claim that the insider package contains all the essential resources for anyone to stay up to date on all the current sports news. While outlining the various aspects they make similar claims that apply to hyperbole and simple solutions. To describe the content: "Most comprehsnize sports coverage", to describe the insider tools: "be the smartest fan you can be", to describe the benefits of the access the insider grants : "only insiders get it" and to describe the ESPN magazine : "Delieverd every two weeks to your door or your inbox".

Repetition- The numerous ESPN logos and the many times ESPN and ESPN insider are mentioned display their use of the persuasion technique of repetition.

ESPN magazine and the ESPN insider use many different persuasive techniques and analytical tools to promote and stimulate their audience.

Overall if you are in any sense a sports fan and you wish to learn more and stay up to date on current sports news then the ESPN insider is essential to you and you should definitely CHECK IT OUT!!