Surveillance Final

kitty cat performance video mash-up

My Manifesto Duh Duh Duh...

Film Noir

"Sunset Blvd." and "Mulholland Drive" embody the film genre noir through the use of cynical attitudes, sexual connotations/implications and sleek camera movements. In "Sunset Blvd.", the actress Gloria Swanson tries to reclaim her success as an actress since her downfall in Silent Film. In the beginning of the film she is portrayed as a fierce and independent woman who gives in to the writers needs and wants who finds himself in her house. Since the writer was in trouble with the law it was his opportunity to forget about the scandal and help the woman reclaim success in Hollywood while earning money. Her mannerisms, personality, and the overall plot of the story display the noir genre. "Sunset Blvd.", being an older film, emphasizes a timeless quality through a black and white filter. "Mulholland Drive" is a newer rendition of the classic noir film "Sunset Blvd" and although in color, features similar crime scene sequences. In "Mulholland Drive", the plot unravels as Laura Elena Harring finds herself at the house of a well known actress Rita Hayworth. Just like "Sunset Blvd." money is involved and mystery dissipates. Both films represent similar classic Hollywood themes within their plots.I believe that film noir has affected the new media landscape by adding subtle qualities such as carefully scripted crime scenes in the TV show madmen.
Some integrated Noir aesthetics are its promiscuous references, 50's mystery, and crime. The show although produced in modern times incorporates much of the noir style. Since there are different censoring laws now within television productions, the show can be even more aggressive and take the genre further.

First Part to Final Video Surveillance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItXfWQo9-Ao

captchas!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/science/29recaptcha.html?_r=1&ref=technology

PowerPoint App on iphone

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/technology/personaltech/24smart.html?_r=1&hpw

Crass Mash-Up

4 Crass Songs:

 A World of Crass by crlnreza 

My Meme

Origin of the Kitty Cat Dance and other remixes

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/kitty-cat-dance

A Couple of Memes?...

1.

The panda bear is replicated in the "Kitty Kat Dance" and "Ferret" videos on youtube in which other animals are animated dancing.



2.



3.DOUBLE RAINBOW!!!

Google Earth

1. 1st Home: Los Angeles, California
2. 2nd Home: New York, New York
3. 3rd Home: Irapuato, Mexico
4. My High school 
5. Iceland

Plato & Neo vs. The System

In similar although different contexts, virtual spaces that were represented through Plato’s cave was the underground den and in the Matrix the embedded code within the matrix. These virtual spaces provoked the same questions, anxieties, and responses of Plato and Neo’s discussions/experiences within both settings. Plato questioned the necessary curriculum a person required in order to become the savior or leader of society. He had to revert to the essential subjects such as arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy to not only realize that knowledge is power and power is knowledge but that this is was what the “savior” required in order to save humanity. In respect, the public was being deceived by the government of that time because they were embedded by subliminal messages they had constructed for the public. This was also Neo’s case but situated in a different time and place known as the future. Neo questioned the basis of reality through transcribed code. He became challenged by the system that kept him constricted to the ordinary lifestyle in the real world. He also had to realize that the constructed world he lived in was only an illusion to keep him from the “truth” (the answers to destroying the system and prosper in a utopia) and restrict him to one possible reality. I believe that in The Republic and The Matrix they both reference the Media age as a deceiving imposter that blinds us or keeps us away from the “truth,” maybe not a utopian society but another lifestyle that frees us from constricting rules and laws. As for the alternative to the red pill for escaping The Matrix, I believe that being able to realize that there is an overwhelming control of the system is enough to feel liberated, at least for now…

Stress vs. Tranquility

As I approach one of co-workers, with whom I've barely talked too, I began to discuss with her places that were seen as stressful or tranquil. I told Veronica that I am stressed and calm depending on my status. For example, as a student assistant I can become overwhelmed when working with many students at the circulation desk. Although as a student, the library can become a tranquil place to read and study at the end of the day. She told me, one of the places she likes to relax are the huge circular seats in the lobby at Parsons. Sometimes in between breaks she likes to sit there, listen to music, or lay down and sleep. I couldn't agree with her more because I sometimes like to stare outside the window, I'm a day dreamer. The other spot which for me is always a tranquil spot to relax is my apartment. Although my little Manhattan apartment is small, it is fully equipped with things that make me happy, like my bed, kitchen to make some awesome meals, and my super comfortable couch. I always like to think that the smaller things in life are the most important...

Picasa Story

This is Mitchell Talavera. He is my boss. The day starts twelve o’clock sharp. He does not like students coming in late to work. He also does not like it when the circulation desk is disorderly. He likes a fresh cup of coffee. I would like to mention that my job could be seen as an episode of the office, except my boss isn’t dumb and we try to find ways of entertaining ourselves throughout the day. In this “episode” I take delight in taking the photos of others who do not realize it. I am invisible…

I begin to become my own spy. When others are not paying attention I shoot. This student at the desk wasn’t even aware that I was taking her photo, completely oblivious.

I try to move swiftly among the stacks, trying to hide between columns, stairways and other hiding spots.

I observe and stay still trying to focus on the sounds of my footsteps. At last I take a quick photograph of Michael, who like a good co-worker, is focused on re-shelving books.

Sooner or later I am told to sit at the desk by my other supervisor Lauren. Lauren is sweet. She dislikes it when students are reading at the circulation desk. She dislikes not having anything to do. She likes to mix mayonnaise and ketchup for a creamy and saucy French fry sauce.

I am finally caught by the end of my shift by Sonia. Sonia dislikes students talking. Sonia dislikes students asking her questions. Sonia likes the smell of Chamomile tea. She tells me not to take any more photographs. And as I am about to set down my camera she turns around and flashes a smile.

Marshall McLuhan

One of Marshall McLuhan’s quotes, which I found most persuasive, was, “For the ‘message’ of any medium or technology is the change of scale or pace or pattern that it introduces into human affairs.” I found this quote to be convincing because since the innovation of the computer, a quick and accessible tool, information and other media can be sent within seconds. Thus, the computer has not only changed the way we receive information but how fast we can consume it. The other quote from “The Medium is the Message” article I found less credible would be, “We are numb in our new electric world as the native involved in our literate and mechanical culture.” I believe that although technology has been accelerating and changing overtime, we are still giving the attention needed to break down and understand its functions in our society.  For instance each month or so it seems that apple presents a new and more efficient device that no one can acquire instantly. But those who can actually afford to buy these new devices can post information on the Internet, which allows others to invoke a discussion about the new pieces. 

The Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated