Hello again people of the world!!!. Or maybe just people from my class, either way it's definitely nice to have you back. This is another assignment for my Electronic Communications class at the NDSU campus. This weeks assignment deals with our readings from he last two weeks. They are "Cyborg Manifesto" by Donna Haraway, which is an essay dealing with the massive amounts of new information and technology entering our world and how the everyday woman will deal with it. Haraway is a feminist at heart, but her story is still very interesting to the outgoing male. The other story is entitled "As we may think", and was written by a man named Vannaver Bush in the year 1945. It is an extremely interesting essay about the fact that the world needs to come up with a better way of storing its information. The story was written shortly after the end of WWII, and Bush expresses the idea that since we are finally done trying to kill one another, maybe we can use our scientific minds to create a better storage system for all the information out there. His idea revolved around a machine known as the "Memex", which is startlingly close to resembling our modern day computer.
Well, now that the back story is all there, the assignment before me is which of these essays did you not understand and why? The truth of the matter is that they are both fairly easy to understand. Granted, the vocabulary used in each story is extremely wide, but even the most difficult words can be figured out when they are put into sentences. The story of Vannaver Bush's was definitely the easier of the two to understand, simply because he used a lot of repetition to get his points across. You can tell by reading "As We May Think" that Bush is a very scientific minded man. The fact that he uses many themes that people may have not known then only adds to his theory that people were just simply not ready for the "Memex" yet. Haraway's story, although more difficult to read, is still understandable to the imaginative. Her ideas focus on adapting to use the new hardware being created or fail to function in life. Her ideas are not completely lost by the imagination, especially in the present day and age when a 4 year old can use a computer better than their mother. The problem with this story is that it does the same kind of thing a Bush's, it begins talking in circles. Much like a documentary, these stories give you a problem, then a point of view, and then smash that point of view in to your head with a brick. They are still interesting, they just get a little old after awhile.
Another student in my class, whose hyperlink is http://xoverwriter.blogspot.com, has commented on Bush's story and Bush's line stating that the language of the time was not ready for these advancements. He believes that Bush was insisting that we needed to change the way we talk to each other before we can fully understand the technologies that will be represented. I do think this is a very good analysis of Bush's words, but I truly believe that Bush just mean that people weren't ready to understand what he was thinking of. That the "Memex" would simply not work in his present time, because people weren't ready to understand it is all. I do still like his idea and recommend checking it out so that you are not only getting one biased opinion today.
Anyways, that's it from the horror fanatic. Waiting to see some more good films come out but it just never seems to happen. Weird...
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Long Time in the Making
Alright horror fans. It has been a long time coming, but I have officially watched enough horror films in the last few weeks, both old and new, and am ready to give a little review for you.
Well, lets just start off by saying that quite a few of the horror films that I have watched in the last year were hardly more than a waste of my time. However, most of the 8 horror films I had the opportunity to view in the last two weeks have been worth mentioning. I do also believe that many of the bad horror films are still welcome additions to horror culture (considering that most horror films are campy at best), but the type of films I'm looking for only come around every once in a great while. That is why a few of these titles are older than you'd may expect, but great none the less.
Alright, with that side note being said, these are the films that I recently watched: Dead Alive, Feast, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, The Descent Watchers II, Watchers Reborn, Saw 3, and the remake of the Hitcher.
Dead Alive, directed by the recently popular Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings), is out of this world fun. I have seen this movie before, and when I saw it sitting on the shelf at the video store, I couldn't help but review this great gory movie. The story of a man hiding an ever growing family of zombies in his basement is a story that ever person can relate too. OK, maybe not, but it does offer some supremely funny awkward moments, and the most fake blood I have ever seen in any movie period. Check this out for nothing more than the lawnmower wielding finale.
Feast, recently produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon for their Project Greenlight series, is also a worthwhile film. From it's misleading introductions of characters, to the gore, to the Night of the Living Dead esque stand-off against strange hungry creatures is sure to have any horror fan on the edge of their seat. Special kudos to the director for the first opening moments (meaning the hero's awesome entrance).
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning is yet another disappointing sequel to the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and I mean the original not the Jessica Biel one from 2003. First of all, I don't care how the family of cannibals got together, or the fact that you know what is going to happen in this film since it's a prequel to the 2003 remake. I also don't care about the family members in the house because the only member anyone cares about is Leatherface. This movie does have great visuals, but other than that, it was a supreme waste of time.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is another film I have seen before. This film is outstanding in its realism, from Henry killing somebody on the side of the Jersey turnpike during rush hour to him teaching his friend how to commit murders, it all adds up to one freaky film. It's low budget also means that the picture is rather grainy, but that also adds to the dark aspect of this film. Truly a scary film.
The Descent, an extreme claustrophobia inducing film, was very effective in its overall finished product. A group of women trapped in an underground cave system populated by carnivorous blind, yet super hearing creatures is entertaining to almost anyone who isn't solely obsessed with the idea that women can't defend themselves. That was the best point of this film, because the women kick some serious ass, until most of them are ripped apart and eaten of course. Worth checking out if you are in the mood for a good gory flick.
Alright, now you can laugh. The Watchers movies, which started in the 1980's with a crappy Corey Haim movie, are always bad. Most of them are produced by Roger Corman, which means low budget, half entertaining scripts sometimes, and OK acting. These films are based on one of my favorite books, Watchers, by Dean Koontz, and I just keep hoping they will equal this book in its suspenseful story. That, however, is never going to happen. Stay far, far away from any of these films, unless you want to laugh.
Saw 3, the next entry into the world of James Wan and Leigh Wannell (they created the first film), and it definitely is trying to capitalise on the already effective formula. This movie is practically the same as the first two, being that people are tortured, tested, and ultimately learn some life lesson due to a maniacal Cancer victim, but it doesn't really improve upon the series what so ever. I enjoyed Angus MacFayden as the person abducted to play in the new game, but other than that, there just isn't enough new additions to keep me interested.
Finally, The Hitcher. I was always a fan of Rutger Hauer in the original 1986 version, and the sole reason I wanted to see this remake was for Sean Bean since he takes over the title role. Sean Bean, recently one of the stars of Lord of the Rings and also the best Bond villain since Goldfinger, was awesome as the psychotic Hitcher whose sole purpose for being is to kill and kill until somebody finally stops him. This film, which as most remakes do, reshaped the original film, and I was pleasantly surprised by the end result.
Well, I apparently have no life, but I do enjoy a good horror film. Now feel free to comment on my analysis of these films, I am always up for an argument, but most of all keep enjoying the films. If you noticed, I tried to give each film at least some good aspects because although a movie may suck, it may still be worth watching. Anyways, have fun until next time gore fans.
Well, lets just start off by saying that quite a few of the horror films that I have watched in the last year were hardly more than a waste of my time. However, most of the 8 horror films I had the opportunity to view in the last two weeks have been worth mentioning. I do also believe that many of the bad horror films are still welcome additions to horror culture (considering that most horror films are campy at best), but the type of films I'm looking for only come around every once in a great while. That is why a few of these titles are older than you'd may expect, but great none the less.
Alright, with that side note being said, these are the films that I recently watched: Dead Alive, Feast, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, The Descent Watchers II, Watchers Reborn, Saw 3, and the remake of the Hitcher.
Dead Alive, directed by the recently popular Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings), is out of this world fun. I have seen this movie before, and when I saw it sitting on the shelf at the video store, I couldn't help but review this great gory movie. The story of a man hiding an ever growing family of zombies in his basement is a story that ever person can relate too. OK, maybe not, but it does offer some supremely funny awkward moments, and the most fake blood I have ever seen in any movie period. Check this out for nothing more than the lawnmower wielding finale.
Feast, recently produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon for their Project Greenlight series, is also a worthwhile film. From it's misleading introductions of characters, to the gore, to the Night of the Living Dead esque stand-off against strange hungry creatures is sure to have any horror fan on the edge of their seat. Special kudos to the director for the first opening moments (meaning the hero's awesome entrance).
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning is yet another disappointing sequel to the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and I mean the original not the Jessica Biel one from 2003. First of all, I don't care how the family of cannibals got together, or the fact that you know what is going to happen in this film since it's a prequel to the 2003 remake. I also don't care about the family members in the house because the only member anyone cares about is Leatherface. This movie does have great visuals, but other than that, it was a supreme waste of time.
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is another film I have seen before. This film is outstanding in its realism, from Henry killing somebody on the side of the Jersey turnpike during rush hour to him teaching his friend how to commit murders, it all adds up to one freaky film. It's low budget also means that the picture is rather grainy, but that also adds to the dark aspect of this film. Truly a scary film.
The Descent, an extreme claustrophobia inducing film, was very effective in its overall finished product. A group of women trapped in an underground cave system populated by carnivorous blind, yet super hearing creatures is entertaining to almost anyone who isn't solely obsessed with the idea that women can't defend themselves. That was the best point of this film, because the women kick some serious ass, until most of them are ripped apart and eaten of course. Worth checking out if you are in the mood for a good gory flick.
Alright, now you can laugh. The Watchers movies, which started in the 1980's with a crappy Corey Haim movie, are always bad. Most of them are produced by Roger Corman, which means low budget, half entertaining scripts sometimes, and OK acting. These films are based on one of my favorite books, Watchers, by Dean Koontz, and I just keep hoping they will equal this book in its suspenseful story. That, however, is never going to happen. Stay far, far away from any of these films, unless you want to laugh.
Saw 3, the next entry into the world of James Wan and Leigh Wannell (they created the first film), and it definitely is trying to capitalise on the already effective formula. This movie is practically the same as the first two, being that people are tortured, tested, and ultimately learn some life lesson due to a maniacal Cancer victim, but it doesn't really improve upon the series what so ever. I enjoyed Angus MacFayden as the person abducted to play in the new game, but other than that, there just isn't enough new additions to keep me interested.
Finally, The Hitcher. I was always a fan of Rutger Hauer in the original 1986 version, and the sole reason I wanted to see this remake was for Sean Bean since he takes over the title role. Sean Bean, recently one of the stars of Lord of the Rings and also the best Bond villain since Goldfinger, was awesome as the psychotic Hitcher whose sole purpose for being is to kill and kill until somebody finally stops him. This film, which as most remakes do, reshaped the original film, and I was pleasantly surprised by the end result.
Well, I apparently have no life, but I do enjoy a good horror film. Now feel free to comment on my analysis of these films, I am always up for an argument, but most of all keep enjoying the films. If you noticed, I tried to give each film at least some good aspects because although a movie may suck, it may still be worth watching. Anyways, have fun until next time gore fans.
My Technological Enhancements
Hello, Horror fans. This week is another great assignment for my electronic communications class, and I am to explain how this blog enhances me as a creative individual. My own ideas revolving around transmitting information are quite simple. Write something and see if you are able to get it published. It is not as difficult as that anymore and it's because of this blog. My ability to now create documents and allow massive amounts of readers (although most people will never even know my name) really can enhance a persons perspective of creativity. With this blog, which is preferably free for my already empty pocket, allows me to do these things and more. I have gone the long way before of creating a story, getting it judged by numerous people, and getting it published. It is very difficult, but worth the ability to see your own creations on paper for the masses. I get that same feeling every time that I publish a post on this blog. It satisfies me until I get the need to create another post. I would gladly write on this blog until I die, unfortunately it doesn't pay.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Thinking...Still?
Hello again. Well it's that time to post another blog, and about time if you ask me. I will be using this blog for my Electronic Communication class at NDSU, as well as posting thoughts about current horror films. For the class, I will be posting information relating to essays, or even thoughts that are presented in our class. If you are not a part of my class, check it out. I have to say that so far the class has been immensely enjoyable. And, now that I am done being a giant sized kiss ass, it is time to get down to business.
This week, we read the scientific essay "As We May Think" by Vannevar Bush. This essay was written shortly after World War II, and dealt greatly with the transition of knowledge from one generation to another. Bush speaks about how we, as intelligent people you would think, should begin trying to store all the information that has accumulated over the years so that future generations will have use of it. He had ideas concerning new types of photography, transmitting information over phone lines, and the storage of information in "Memexes", a machine that is a hybrid of a macrophage and computer combined. He was remarkably close to many current technologies that exist, and he began thinking of these things in the 1940's. Well, the problem that has been proposed to our class is how will our society think in another 50 years?
Well, first off, I would like to say we will still be at war. The ability to be happy with the metaphorical inch given to you by people that have massive amounts of power is not a possibility. People are greedy, and probably always will be. The good news, I hope, is that one day people will eventually realize that both nuclear and biological weapons are not the answer to war. If that is a possibility in the future, I will definitely sleep better at night.
With that being said, technology will again make great advances. Computers, which are already becoming so cheap that most households have them, will only become better priced for more consumerism. When it is a proven fact that more people are computer literate than not, then more advancements will be made for interacting with both software and hardware. The Internet, much like it is already, will become the staple of society itself. Information, in the future, will never be barred for it is illegal to do so, and will thus create an easy to access information directory for all cultures.
Photography will also become much easier. The film used in older cameras will become obsolete, and digital cameras will completely take over the market. The memory cards available with these cameras will also be infinitely more spacious, and easier to work with. The actual printing of pictures may also become an extinct knowledge, since the society will be so Internet based there may be no need to create physical copies.
In the end, I can basically only speculate, as can anyone that has no ability of foreseeing or travelling in to the future. In fact, I hope that the world's future always stays a mystery because I am looking forward to every minute of advancement made by cultures around the globe, unless of course the world is going to end in about 24 hours. That would suck the big one, and I just made my self sad thinking about it.
Well, that is it from the perspective of a guy in Fargo, N.D. I hope that you will think about the possibilities of our world better than I. Anyways, I am going to go enjoy a good horror film... I hope anyways.
This week, we read the scientific essay "As We May Think" by Vannevar Bush. This essay was written shortly after World War II, and dealt greatly with the transition of knowledge from one generation to another. Bush speaks about how we, as intelligent people you would think, should begin trying to store all the information that has accumulated over the years so that future generations will have use of it. He had ideas concerning new types of photography, transmitting information over phone lines, and the storage of information in "Memexes", a machine that is a hybrid of a macrophage and computer combined. He was remarkably close to many current technologies that exist, and he began thinking of these things in the 1940's. Well, the problem that has been proposed to our class is how will our society think in another 50 years?
Well, first off, I would like to say we will still be at war. The ability to be happy with the metaphorical inch given to you by people that have massive amounts of power is not a possibility. People are greedy, and probably always will be. The good news, I hope, is that one day people will eventually realize that both nuclear and biological weapons are not the answer to war. If that is a possibility in the future, I will definitely sleep better at night.
With that being said, technology will again make great advances. Computers, which are already becoming so cheap that most households have them, will only become better priced for more consumerism. When it is a proven fact that more people are computer literate than not, then more advancements will be made for interacting with both software and hardware. The Internet, much like it is already, will become the staple of society itself. Information, in the future, will never be barred for it is illegal to do so, and will thus create an easy to access information directory for all cultures.
Photography will also become much easier. The film used in older cameras will become obsolete, and digital cameras will completely take over the market. The memory cards available with these cameras will also be infinitely more spacious, and easier to work with. The actual printing of pictures may also become an extinct knowledge, since the society will be so Internet based there may be no need to create physical copies.
In the end, I can basically only speculate, as can anyone that has no ability of foreseeing or travelling in to the future. In fact, I hope that the world's future always stays a mystery because I am looking forward to every minute of advancement made by cultures around the globe, unless of course the world is going to end in about 24 hours. That would suck the big one, and I just made my self sad thinking about it.
Well, that is it from the perspective of a guy in Fargo, N.D. I hope that you will think about the possibilities of our world better than I. Anyways, I am going to go enjoy a good horror film... I hope anyways.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Craziness Incarnate
Hello all!!!
This is my first official blog on my new blogger account. I'm a normal (somewhat) 21 year old male from Bismarck, N.D., and have just started my Junior Year at the North Dakota State University. I am actually from Bismarck, and since NDSU is in Fargo, N.D., I have to drive back and forth quite a bit. 400 miles a week actually isn't so bad since all my family and my girlfriend live in Bismarck. I say it is my Junior Year in college because my first 2 years were actually at the Bismarck State College where I received Associates Degrees in both English and Science, along with a minor in English. I love college atmosphere and plan on becoming a writer and create horror films if at all possible. All in all, I do find NDSU to be a very nice college, The campuses parking is a little hectic, but the teachers have all been very nice to me and a little eccentric.
Well, that was just a little overview of myself, but I am quite a horror movie fanatic. I have been watching horror films since I was seven, and I will definitely try to keep up on all current horror films along with the classics. If anybody does read these blogs, please let me know about your favorites in horror, or in any other film genre, and perhaps we can have a few discussions. Until then, enjoy the villains, the stories, and especially the gore for me.
This is my first official blog on my new blogger account. I'm a normal (somewhat) 21 year old male from Bismarck, N.D., and have just started my Junior Year at the North Dakota State University. I am actually from Bismarck, and since NDSU is in Fargo, N.D., I have to drive back and forth quite a bit. 400 miles a week actually isn't so bad since all my family and my girlfriend live in Bismarck. I say it is my Junior Year in college because my first 2 years were actually at the Bismarck State College where I received Associates Degrees in both English and Science, along with a minor in English. I love college atmosphere and plan on becoming a writer and create horror films if at all possible. All in all, I do find NDSU to be a very nice college, The campuses parking is a little hectic, but the teachers have all been very nice to me and a little eccentric.
Well, that was just a little overview of myself, but I am quite a horror movie fanatic. I have been watching horror films since I was seven, and I will definitely try to keep up on all current horror films along with the classics. If anybody does read these blogs, please let me know about your favorites in horror, or in any other film genre, and perhaps we can have a few discussions. Until then, enjoy the villains, the stories, and especially the gore for me.
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