Hey everybody out there in the blogverse,
I do have to admit that my title this week sounds a lot like a McDonald's commercial rather than enthusiasm for our guest speaker here at NDSU, Mr. Scott McCloud.
If anybody out there in the world is interested in comics, or the ability to simply understand media in a little more detail, then please check out some of his books. I have read one for my Visual Culture and Learning class here at NDSU titled "Understanding Comics", which was a quick read while also being very informational. The ideas that McCloud writes about can be transformed to understand most types of media, such as movies, pictures, or, obviously, comics.
Anyways, the reason I am writing about this man is because he visited our campus here in Fargo, N.D. for a portion of his 50 state tour. McCloud's ideas have become very mainstream in the last ten years or so, which prompted the college here to have him come and speak to some students and members of our community.
McCloud's presentation was a little more than an hour, which was then followed by some Q & A afterwards, but it was all professionally put together and executed without a hitch. McCloud, the family man, even had his wife and children sitting in the front row to help him with the presentation. As, the presentation began, McCloud describes the 5 different questions that need to be answered when creating or understanding a comic, while eventually diving in to his childhood by the end, explaining how this passion for comic book story and artwork inspired him for the rest of his life. He also mentions the different established forms of comic books, such as graphic novels, manga, and the European style of artwork, along with the future of the industry, which included web comics that were both fun and creative in their design.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed by Mr. McCloud and his presentation, which was a beautifully put together slide show consisting of almost 700 slides (which strangely went by extremely fast). I recommend any person out there to read one of his books, of which I have only read one but others do exist, and learn a little about "Understanding Comics".
Have a good one gore fanatics.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Intelligence and Humanity. Who would have thunk it...
Hello again party goers,
Here I am again writing another blog for my Electronic Communications class at NDSU. This time around we are looking at the question: "Can human thought be replaced by machine?"
I do believe that a machine can replicate anything to the extent that it is programmed, meaning that if it were programmed to replicate human thought patterns then it could definitely do a good job at fooling someone for at least a little while. I do not believe that a machine can actually create human thoughts, however, to the extent that most human beings are capable, simply because, although a computer can move extremely fast, it doesn't improvise or understand obscure references to forms of media and entertainment. The example in "Computing Machinery and Intelligence", when they give different questions to a computer, which then creates slight pauses to imply human thought process, answers the questions correctly in every instance. If a machine would really be able to replicate human thoughts, then it would also have to replicate error, which it would then have to be taught. For that matter, a computer also probably couldn't provide such thoughts that deal with emotion, except for the replicating of another beings expressions. I am of course talking of cybernetic organisms, versus the programs that are created to replicate human interaction with computers, for which my class recently watched a video on Google Tech Talk.
Anyways, I do love this type of subject matter, although I am freaked out a little by the thought that a computer, cyborg, or even a program can replicate myself to the extent that nobody would even recognize who they are talking too. On the other hand, I do enjoy the luxuries that are created by the uses of computers everyday, and if one day they decide to use me for a power source like in the Matrix, then I'll catch to hell with it I'll catch you guys on the flip side watching my horror films until then. By the way check out "Grindhouse" if it is the last thing you ever do.
Here I am again writing another blog for my Electronic Communications class at NDSU. This time around we are looking at the question: "Can human thought be replaced by machine?"
I do believe that a machine can replicate anything to the extent that it is programmed, meaning that if it were programmed to replicate human thought patterns then it could definitely do a good job at fooling someone for at least a little while. I do not believe that a machine can actually create human thoughts, however, to the extent that most human beings are capable, simply because, although a computer can move extremely fast, it doesn't improvise or understand obscure references to forms of media and entertainment. The example in "Computing Machinery and Intelligence", when they give different questions to a computer, which then creates slight pauses to imply human thought process, answers the questions correctly in every instance. If a machine would really be able to replicate human thoughts, then it would also have to replicate error, which it would then have to be taught. For that matter, a computer also probably couldn't provide such thoughts that deal with emotion, except for the replicating of another beings expressions. I am of course talking of cybernetic organisms, versus the programs that are created to replicate human interaction with computers, for which my class recently watched a video on Google Tech Talk.
Anyways, I do love this type of subject matter, although I am freaked out a little by the thought that a computer, cyborg, or even a program can replicate myself to the extent that nobody would even recognize who they are talking too. On the other hand, I do enjoy the luxuries that are created by the uses of computers everyday, and if one day they decide to use me for a power source like in the Matrix, then I'll catch to hell with it I'll catch you guys on the flip side watching my horror films until then. By the way check out "Grindhouse" if it is the last thing you ever do.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Mock Page Warfare
Hey readers out there. This is another official blog entry concerning my NDSU class Electronic Communications. This week we are talking about a mock web page, a model we created to roughly represent what our finished web page will look like, and are now just troubleshooting to make sure that the web page works properly and is user friendly.
Now, the mock page that we have created has some connections between the producers and the readers because we plan on having a mission statement on the home page, directly stating what the point of this web page is and our overall goal with the information presented here in. The category types (city life, rural life, entertainment...) are all catered to the reader to better help them navigate the web site and find the information that they are looking for. The design so far is kind of bland however, with only pics and short text blurbs being the style on the main page. That should change upon looking at the templates if a Content Management System.
That should be our focus for creating this web page, not just the type of information but the display. With the templates of a CMS on our side, we should be able to add some interesting effects, styles, and colors to our web page so that it is not a plain Jane white electronic newspaper dealing with business in the city of Fargo, N.D.
Overall, I do believe that this Web site will eventually be very cool and useful to any reader in the community, or even in other classes dealing with web design and execution of development. Anyways, the next entry will be dealing with some pretty good horror films I've been watching so stay tuned for some fun info. Bye for now gore hounds...
Now, the mock page that we have created has some connections between the producers and the readers because we plan on having a mission statement on the home page, directly stating what the point of this web page is and our overall goal with the information presented here in. The category types (city life, rural life, entertainment...) are all catered to the reader to better help them navigate the web site and find the information that they are looking for. The design so far is kind of bland however, with only pics and short text blurbs being the style on the main page. That should change upon looking at the templates if a Content Management System.
That should be our focus for creating this web page, not just the type of information but the display. With the templates of a CMS on our side, we should be able to add some interesting effects, styles, and colors to our web page so that it is not a plain Jane white electronic newspaper dealing with business in the city of Fargo, N.D.
Overall, I do believe that this Web site will eventually be very cool and useful to any reader in the community, or even in other classes dealing with web design and execution of development. Anyways, the next entry will be dealing with some pretty good horror films I've been watching so stay tuned for some fun info. Bye for now gore hounds...
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
World Wide Web...I haven't heard it called that forever
Hey there party goers. This is another wonderful blog for that Electronic Communications class I've been taking in Fargo, ND. YEAHHHH!!! No seriously.
Anyways, this week we were assigned to read a story literally titled, World Wide Web. It was actually written by a lot of guys that seem to know what they are talking about because what they explain is almost identical to the current Internet system. They mention the uses of servers, HTML, and a basic version of the Windows OS. They commonly refer to everything as the W3 model which I had not heard of until I read this article, but you should get the gist already of what it pertains too.
Anyways, the assignment was to compare this version of the WWW, to other versions we have read about. Basically, I would have to say this form explained is much more simplistic and user friendly than other older forms of thought surrounding the uses of computers. We have read many different articles dealing with the uses of computers and the ways they will change our culture in the future. All of these stories, in my mind, go a little over the top of what we have even experienced yet in our society with technologies. The interfaces, software, and hardware is always so technical with the older thought, that when we look at our current computer technology, everybody should sigh in relief that it's so simple to use.
All in all, I do enjoy reading some of the texts in this book, The New Media Reader, but some of them really make a person's brain hurt afterwards too. Check it out if you like technology though, and keep waiting around because I've been watching some good horror films that I can't wait to tell you about. See ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyways, this week we were assigned to read a story literally titled, World Wide Web. It was actually written by a lot of guys that seem to know what they are talking about because what they explain is almost identical to the current Internet system. They mention the uses of servers, HTML, and a basic version of the Windows OS. They commonly refer to everything as the W3 model which I had not heard of until I read this article, but you should get the gist already of what it pertains too.
Anyways, the assignment was to compare this version of the WWW, to other versions we have read about. Basically, I would have to say this form explained is much more simplistic and user friendly than other older forms of thought surrounding the uses of computers. We have read many different articles dealing with the uses of computers and the ways they will change our culture in the future. All of these stories, in my mind, go a little over the top of what we have even experienced yet in our society with technologies. The interfaces, software, and hardware is always so technical with the older thought, that when we look at our current computer technology, everybody should sigh in relief that it's so simple to use.
All in all, I do enjoy reading some of the texts in this book, The New Media Reader, but some of them really make a person's brain hurt afterwards too. Check it out if you like technology though, and keep waiting around because I've been watching some good horror films that I can't wait to tell you about. See ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Snow Blindness
Hello there horror fanatics and class members alike.
This is another one of those great blogs dealing with my Electronic Communications class at NDSU. I have been seeing some interesting horror films recently, and I will be posting about just a few of them soon I promise.
Anyways, my assignment this week was a search and comment mission sent forth by my teacher. It was actually just looking at some blog accounts from a class in NY that is sort of a mirror image of our own class here in Fargo, ND. I looked at a couple of blogs and commented on their entries. You can check them out for yourselves at the following links.
My first comment was on the entry "Snow Crash-Chapters 1-7" on http://jenniferquirk.blogspot.com/, and my second was on "Snow Crash" on the blog http://josephmannion.blogspot.com/.
The book they are currently reading, "Snow Crash" seems very creative and imagination inspiring. I am actually thinking about checking it out from the local library if possible. Check out their blogs and maybe you will too. Overall, I enjoyed their blog, and its likeness to our own. It's always strange reading something from a person you don't know because you sometimes wonder what they are like in person. But maybe that's the fun of the matter too. Hiding in words can be a very interesting life style, trust me I know.
This is another one of those great blogs dealing with my Electronic Communications class at NDSU. I have been seeing some interesting horror films recently, and I will be posting about just a few of them soon I promise.
Anyways, my assignment this week was a search and comment mission sent forth by my teacher. It was actually just looking at some blog accounts from a class in NY that is sort of a mirror image of our own class here in Fargo, ND. I looked at a couple of blogs and commented on their entries. You can check them out for yourselves at the following links.
My first comment was on the entry "Snow Crash-Chapters 1-7" on http://jenniferquirk.blogspot.com/, and my second was on "Snow Crash" on the blog http://josephmannion.blogspot.com/.
The book they are currently reading, "Snow Crash" seems very creative and imagination inspiring. I am actually thinking about checking it out from the local library if possible. Check out their blogs and maybe you will too. Overall, I enjoyed their blog, and its likeness to our own. It's always strange reading something from a person you don't know because you sometimes wonder what they are like in person. But maybe that's the fun of the matter too. Hiding in words can be a very interesting life style, trust me I know.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Crash Positions for Time Constraints
Well, it is that time again. The "assignment time" for my Electronic Communications class at NDSU (YEAHHHH!!!). No really, I'm happy, because I get to talk about our final goal for this class which is...to create a functional business website for the city of Fargo, N.D.!!!? That seems like it would be a lot of work, doesn't it? Well it is!!! And, although I am not completely computer illiterate, I am definitely not a wizard. I think this is easily my most foreign class this semester. I feel like I'm in enemy territory, struggling to adapt to the surroundings, and lets not kid ourselves, this is survival of the fittest. I'm over exaggerating of course. I simply mean that I have no idea how this class is going to unfold, what tasks are really going to be completed, or what I'm even useful for, which is what this blog is about.
The literal wording for this week's assignment consists of explaining what role I would like to take in completing this website, how I will be able to help in the creation process, and why?
Well, I have definitely had a lot of dealings with all types of Microsoft Office, and with writing in general. The only problem is that all the training I've had in these programs dealt with writing classes (Intro to Professional writing, Creative Writing, Comp classes) and they have no basis for what we are doing. I have been exposed to Photoshops before in high school, which was 5 years ago now, and I have also dealt with creating many little Gif animations in those types of class, but once again they really have no basis for creating a website. Basically, I'm a newbie at most of these topics, but the good news is this......I'm ready to learn!!!!!!!!
I am a fast learner when it comes to damn near anything, and I would like to learn a lot of the software used in this class for future purposes if possible. All you have to do is show me something once, and you should not have to show me again. I also have no problems troubleshooting, since trying something is still better than breaking down and freaking out (although they do like me at the state hospital from time to time he-he). I do have some style, I like to think so anyway, and I am more than willing to help with the design/feel of this website. I am also very well versed in English, and I would enjoy proofreading when it comes to that stage of development.
More over, I am willing to try new things like website design because I'm not only in this class for credit, but to learn in general. I want to help create something that will be looked at by thousands of people, I want to work with the people in our class to create something visually stunning, and I believe that our class has the ability to do it easily if we all try our best.
Well, that's it for this blog entry (did you notice I ended on a high inspirational note), and I'm looking forward to hearing what everybody has to say in our next great installment of Electronic Communications (all rights reserved by Doc Mara).
The literal wording for this week's assignment consists of explaining what role I would like to take in completing this website, how I will be able to help in the creation process, and why?
Well, I have definitely had a lot of dealings with all types of Microsoft Office, and with writing in general. The only problem is that all the training I've had in these programs dealt with writing classes (Intro to Professional writing, Creative Writing, Comp classes) and they have no basis for what we are doing. I have been exposed to Photoshops before in high school, which was 5 years ago now, and I have also dealt with creating many little Gif animations in those types of class, but once again they really have no basis for creating a website. Basically, I'm a newbie at most of these topics, but the good news is this......I'm ready to learn!!!!!!!!
I am a fast learner when it comes to damn near anything, and I would like to learn a lot of the software used in this class for future purposes if possible. All you have to do is show me something once, and you should not have to show me again. I also have no problems troubleshooting, since trying something is still better than breaking down and freaking out (although they do like me at the state hospital from time to time he-he). I do have some style, I like to think so anyway, and I am more than willing to help with the design/feel of this website. I am also very well versed in English, and I would enjoy proofreading when it comes to that stage of development.
More over, I am willing to try new things like website design because I'm not only in this class for credit, but to learn in general. I want to help create something that will be looked at by thousands of people, I want to work with the people in our class to create something visually stunning, and I believe that our class has the ability to do it easily if we all try our best.
Well, that's it for this blog entry (did you notice I ended on a high inspirational note), and I'm looking forward to hearing what everybody has to say in our next great installment of Electronic Communications (all rights reserved by Doc Mara).
Monday, February 5, 2007
Technological Performance Anxiety
Tongue twisting titles always encourage me to allow my readers some sort of explanation. In truth, my Electronic Communications class has another assignment dealing with the idea of machines, humans, and the interactions between the two. My major question for this blog entry is how do I, being a person in modern day technological hi jinks, use my body as a high performance machine? Also, how do I not?
Well, let me first say that I do enjoy technology. I don't believe I have ever come right out and said it before, but I enjoy watching movies, playing video games, finding information for practically nothing, and writing on a computer screen, although I do like to outline with pen and paper. I believe these technologies can help us and that we should use them to their fullest extent possible. Unfortunately, I do believe that we are becoming lazy as a society because of these same luxuries that I enjoy, but what the hell... I'M LAZY ANYWAYS. There are moments that I wish we didn't have these technologies, such as when my computer freezes up and I utter profanities I didn't even know were inside of me. Or when my cell phone won't stop ringing so I have to shut it off. But the good by far out ways the bad.
Now that I have that off my chest, to the question at hand. I think that most people use themselves as a high performance machines everyday. You can argue this point, but it doesn't matter what you believe, because look at what machines do. They take in information, run for long periods of time, rest when they are tired, and break down just like humans. I use myself as a storage unit for information everyday, because I am constantly learning something new, if your not then you're doing something wrong. In fact, I like to think of myself as a machine because it helps me cope with the idea of my head exploding from time to time with all the useless shit I learn in a day.
I don't really know how I don't use my self as a machine however, and it's kind of freaking me out. I eat, but you could think of putting information, or even powering a machine as a metaphor for eating. I sleep, but machines have to cool down too. I suppose the only difference is my ability is to have an actual consciousness. Knowing emotions and utilizing them, but then again is that even a good thing. Freaky...
Anyways, I have officially made myself depressed now that I am a machine named the Justin 2000, soon to become obsolete and trashed on the corner of 10th and main. Have a good night though to both Hardware and Wetware alike.
Well, let me first say that I do enjoy technology. I don't believe I have ever come right out and said it before, but I enjoy watching movies, playing video games, finding information for practically nothing, and writing on a computer screen, although I do like to outline with pen and paper. I believe these technologies can help us and that we should use them to their fullest extent possible. Unfortunately, I do believe that we are becoming lazy as a society because of these same luxuries that I enjoy, but what the hell... I'M LAZY ANYWAYS. There are moments that I wish we didn't have these technologies, such as when my computer freezes up and I utter profanities I didn't even know were inside of me. Or when my cell phone won't stop ringing so I have to shut it off. But the good by far out ways the bad.
Now that I have that off my chest, to the question at hand. I think that most people use themselves as a high performance machines everyday. You can argue this point, but it doesn't matter what you believe, because look at what machines do. They take in information, run for long periods of time, rest when they are tired, and break down just like humans. I use myself as a storage unit for information everyday, because I am constantly learning something new, if your not then you're doing something wrong. In fact, I like to think of myself as a machine because it helps me cope with the idea of my head exploding from time to time with all the useless shit I learn in a day.
I don't really know how I don't use my self as a machine however, and it's kind of freaking me out. I eat, but you could think of putting information, or even powering a machine as a metaphor for eating. I sleep, but machines have to cool down too. I suppose the only difference is my ability is to have an actual consciousness. Knowing emotions and utilizing them, but then again is that even a good thing. Freaky...
Anyways, I have officially made myself depressed now that I am a machine named the Justin 2000, soon to become obsolete and trashed on the corner of 10th and main. Have a good night though to both Hardware and Wetware alike.
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