Huffington Post 2012 Amazing Photos

Maelstrom at Kauai, Hawaii

Since we are winding down to the end of the year all the "best of's" are coming out.  Huffington Post has an amazing collection of photo's for 2012.  Many have made there way into your electronic mail boxes from friends and family this year.  And not doubt you have seen them on several websites.  Mostly like you have not seen all Huffington Post has to offer.  I am including a few in my blog but I really encourage you to take a look at the offering by following this link.   

And..... It's not too late to get out there and take your own amazing picture for 2012.

Enjoy!

Box Office Flops for 2012

Battleship

After making my own little movie for DTC 355 Multimedia Authoring I have a whole new appreciation for film making.  There were several movies that were considered flops.   With my new perspective I'm sure alot of heart and soul went into them none the less.  I appreciate that.  I did view a few of these "flops" and while I didn't fall in love with them and they will not be memorable to me I will never look at a movie the same again.  This is a good thing.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance 

 The Lorax

 Total Recall

 John Carter

Before Watchmen

 

 

Incredible Flying Car of the 1950's

Equipped with wings and a propeller, Moulton Taylor Aerocar aerobile was capable of taking off from a stoplight or the runway

This is just cool! 

Motopia

How far are we from a future where pedestrians and automobiles can live together peacefully?  Living here in the Tri-Cities we really have a bad habit of not looking out for foot traffic.  I am to blame as well.  I don't give a second thought to the fact that someone maybe heading into a cross walk, or walking on the sidewalk as I am about to pull out from a parking lot into traffic.  It would be a terrible thing to hit a human with your your car.  I am also amazed when I head to Seattle and spend time downtown on a busy workday.  Walking the streets with huge numbers of pedestrians all plowing right into the street as soon as the WALK light comes on.  Especially since the traffic seems to go from 0 to 60 within on block.  Anywho...  I thought this article had some clever ideas about the future of commuting whether it be on foot or in a automobile.

A Pedestrian Paradise

Deep Thinkers Debate

Is The Internet Changing The Way We Think?

This questions regularly comes up in classes that I am taking. There are always arguments either way.  I think that we can honestly say that the internet has had a huge impact on the way we live today.  With that I guess it is inevitable that it would change the way we think.  I believe we take so many things for granted now.  We rush out into the middle of the wilderness with out a map as we just assume we will have an internet connection through our phone.  Sometimes we do and we are rescued from the side of a mountain.  Other times we don't and there we are, unprepared.

Each year the organization Edge poses this question to visionary thinkers on science and culture and collects essays.  Follow this link and see what the leading minds of our time think.  Article.

Science of Spreading Good

10 Things

Since this blog is about science, art and technology I am posting some suggestions from the article 10 Points About the Science of Spreading Good.  Although spreading good might not be consider a scientific in some circles I believe it is still worth sharing.

1. Good Deed Are Contagious.

2. The Network Acts Like a Matching Grant

3. Messages get Amplified when they Spread Naturally

4. Close Friends Matter More

5. Our Real World Friends are Online too.

6.Make Good Behavior Visible...

7. ... But Don't Overdue It!

8. Centrality, Interest, Influence, and Influence-ability are All Important

9. Central Actors Can Predict the Future

10. Realize Your Network Power

So with the holidays approaching it is important to stop and think about the science of spreading good.  Take a moment and read the article and see if you can make a difference.

!!BEWARE!!

After downloading ClipGrabber I became a victim of this malware.  Read article below from spyware techie to learn more.

 

Do you know what Claro Search Malware is?

Claro Search Malware is a generic name of a browser hijacker infection that changes user’s browser settings and then forcefully redirects him to malicious websites. Claro Search Malware is directly related to Isearch.claro.com website that pretends being a legitimate search engine. Basically, it changes your default search engine or default homepage settings in order to promote unwanted software.
Claro Search Malware is directly related to Babylon merchandise, and we know already just how annoying Babylon Toolbar can be. Claro Search Malware easily affects all three main browsers – Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. It takes one single click to install Claro Search Malware onto the target computer. Sometimes user does not even realize that this browser hijacker is being installed, because Claro Search Malware can also arrive bundled with other software. It is common for video codecs, players and other freeware to bring random third-party applications along.
When Claro Search Malware gets installed, the user will notice that his default homepage is changed, and he will be redirected to other third party websites that might be related to computer malware. Some users try to remove Claro Search Malware via Control Panel, because Claro LTD toolbar is listed among the installed programs list. However, Claro Search Malware does not want to be removed and it will try remain in your system for as long as possible.
Get yourself a powerful security tool and remove Claro Search Malware right now, otherwise you might face even more dangerous computer infections that Claro Search Malware will definitely invite your way.
In non-techie terms:
Claro Search Malware is a computer infection that pretends to be a genuine browser plug-in. It redirects user to malicious websites and hijacks the default search engine. Remove Claro Search Malware from your computer with a computer security program and safeguard your system against similar intrusions.

Global Oneness Project

Global Oneness Project

 

I found this website tonight.  It's wonderful.  The films range from portraits of artists to issues like global warming.  Included the "about us" below.  Please follow the link to the site and see if you are inspired.  The cinematography is very impressive. Be sure to check out the photo essays.

"The Global Oneness Project produces and distributes films, media and educational materials that challenge us to rethink our relationship to the world.

We've been traveling the world since 2006 documenting a range of stories including: films on food issues in East Africa, youth gangs in the barrios of Ecuador, an artist who paints with tea, and photo essays about street art in the Bay Area and prayer in New York City.
Through our screening and education programs, we hope to stimulate dialogue, support community engagement and inspire action."

The Key to American Innovation

EDUCATION

Here is an interesting article on the future of technology; the cost to the United States for the next 100 years of innovation and discovery, the benefits of crowd sourcing, and the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).  The article brings up some valid points with regards to the heart of a company lying within the R&D department.  The importance of Art and Design that should not be overlooked, as it is the missing link to success of a product.  Here is a link to the article if you would like to read more about it.   Article
 

Urban Transformation Projects

These day's due to the environmental issues architects and policy makers are changing their approach to design with regards to our cities, buildings and infrastructures.  Here are some examples below with info on each project courtesy of www.good.is. 

Has anyone been to the Seattle Olympic Sculputure Park?    It opened in 2006, I had no idea it existed.


Enjoy!


Seattle Art Museum: Olympic Sculpture Park
Seattle/United States
Designed by Weiss/Manfredi
Learn more about this project here.

Weiss/Manfredi’s Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle was an instant landmark the moment it opened in 2006. The park’s sculptural form was carved out of a former brownfield site, navigating a difficult urban plot that traditionally acted as a buffer between city and coast. The large-scale project, which uses a hybrid retaining wall system of concrete panels and earth to hold up 200,000 cubic yards of infill, weaves a zig-zagging path around artworks by Alexander Calder and Richard Serra to the Elliot Bay shore beyond. The park is part of a city initiative to revitalize the waterfront.
--

CaixaForum
Madrid/Spain
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron
Learn more about this project here.

Herzog & de Meuron describe the CaixaForum as an “urban magnet” meant to attract not just aesthetes and museum goers but the general public at large. The project gutted a decommissioned power station, retaining the brick shell while filling it with several sculptural elements. The foundation was removed, creating an open plaza at the base (and underneath) the building. A tall garden wall was erected on the side of an adjoining building, completing the “architectural identity” that has proved quite the crowdpleaser.
--

Rendering: Biomorphis

Leith Walk
Edinburgh/Scotland
Designed by Biomorphis
Learn more about this project here and here.

These days, there seems to be a High Line for every city. Just rustle up some dying infrastructure, and you’re set! But, unlike other similar schemes, the Leith Walk proposal for Edinburgh takes a more nuanced approach. The project, by Biomorphis, seeks to create a living urban corridor that will bridge a green belt around the city. The design, which features repetitive measures of interlocking wood beams, would be constructed by local artisans using regional materials. Best of all, the public would be free to cultivate the park’s designated green spaces, freeing the project up from the mandate of tourism charters to be used by the community at large.
--

McAllen Public Library
McAllen/Texas
Designed by Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd.
Learn more about this project here and here.

From commerce to classrooms, this old Wal-Mart center was converted into the nation’s largest single-story library. The warehouse-space, which spans two and a half football fields, is lined with aisles upon aisles of books. The library is organized around programmatic clusters, with clusters of reading materials sprinkled throughout according to genre.
--

Photo: Superkilen

Superkilen
Copenhagen/Denmark
Designed by Superflex, BIG, Topotek1
Learn more about this project here.

Superkilen is a new urban park that cuts through the heart of Copenhagen’s diverse Nørrebro neighborhood, which is home to more than 50 nationalities. The mile-long park, which consists of three themed parts (“Red Square”, “Black Market”, and “Green Park”), is dotted with various pop artifacts and cultural mementos “sourced” from the home countries of the area’s inhabitants. Here, you’re just as likely to stumble across manhole covers from Paris and Islamic tiled fountains from Morocco as you are (ironic) neon Communist signage from Moscow and curvy benches from Brazil.
--

+Pool
East River/New York
Designed by Family, Playlab
Learn more about this project here and here.

What is there to say about the +POOL besides that we really like it. The self-initiated project takes the best of architecture and technology and combines them to create an entirely new and unique public space. The “plus” shape is instantly iconic, without resorting to any of the tedious formal games that plague most architectural projects of this scale and program. Most importantly, +POOL is for everybody. The team behind the design has launched a big fundraising push to raise $1 million that will be needed to see the pool through towards realization. We think we speak for all New Yorkers when we say that we really hope we’ll be swimming in the East River in summer 2015.
--

LentSpace
New York
Designed by Interboro Partners
Learn more about this project here and here.

Interboro’s “Lentspace takes a stalled construction site in Lower Manhattan and makes it into a vibrant urban park. The project’s actual material content–planters, modular walls and space dividers–come second to the decidedly urban arc that informs the installation: namely, the notion that the city can be “remade” through cohesive and opportunistic interventions into the city fabric.
--

Photo: David Sundberg/ESTO

McCarren Pool & Bathhouse Renovation
Brooklyn/New York
Designed by Roger Marvel Architects
Learn more about this project here.

It took nearly 30 years for McCarren Pool to get back on its feet after it was closed in 1983. The pool reopened to much fanfare (and controversy) this past summer, but little argument could be made against Roger Marvel Architects’ sensible renovation, which includes new changing pavilions, meeting rooms and offices, and sports courts open to Brooklynites. Wood salvaged from the Coney Island boardwalk was repurposed to clad the pavilions, while original wire baskets were applied to the lobby ceiling as a decorative treatment. In the winter, the beach deck will be converted into an ice rink, making the pool a year-round destination.
--

Happy Magic Water Cube
Beijing/China
Designed by Forrec Ltd. (Water Cube by PTW Architects)
Learn more about this project here.

The architectural legacy of any Olympic Games is usually tinged with melancholy, entropy, and rust. Just look at what remains of the 2004 Athens Olympic grounds to see what we’re talking about. City and planning officials in Beijing were set on preventing the 2008 Olympic camp from falling into such decay. True, the Bird’s Nest stands in an ambiguous state–neither used nor disused–but the same cannot be said for the WaterCube. In 2010, the structure was retrofitted with a large-scale water park filled with looping slides and all kinds of anemone-like knickknacks.
--

VOTE

Why isn't election day a nationl holiday?  Great Question!

 

Here's some great propaganda posters encouraging it.

 

By making election day a holiday people it would encourage people to celebrate their right to vote. Hopefully these posters encourage you to be thankful about your right to have a say, thoughtful about what you are really saying with your vote, and most of all ensure that you take the time to vote. 

 



Is large format instant photograpy making a comeback?

Here's an interesting tidbit.  It appears that new large-format instant film is a real possibility for 2013.  Remember how fun taking pictures with a Polaroid camera was?  Well, maybe you don't but I do.  Talk about instant gratification!  Point, shoot and out pops a photo.  Well almost, you have to wave it in the air and  blow on it.  Okay, you didn't actually have to do that but it was more fun that way.  Then shazam!  You got yourself a developed photo.  I think it's exciting that this technology might be making a comeback.  You can share the photos via Facebook or other electronic means but you got something you can hold, by George!    If you are interested in learning more about this topic then follow this  link   to Polaroidland to learn more.

Food Atlas

 

FOOD ATLAS

by Guerrilla Cartographers

I saw this and thought it would be a great follow-up to my previous post Image Atlas.  The Food Atlas is a group of 80 contributors ranging from artists, educators, map makers and food lovers.  They are compiling maps of food from around the world in the hopes of helping the population better understand where their food comes from and how it relates to our lives.    The atlas includes information on food production, distribution, food security and cuisine.  If you are interested in being part of an exciting project that has nearly met it's goal there is still time.  For the donation of only $1 you can be part of this!  Just follow this link and watch the video to learn more about this exciting project.

“if it works it's obsolete”

Marshall McLuhan

 

 

 

 

 Commemorate 100 years of McLuhan

Last year in DTC 375 we read "The Medium is the Massage" by Marshall McLuhan.  It was such an insightful book.  I was amazed at the foresight Mr. McLuhan had and how spot on his predictions were in regards to the evolution of technology.  I was happy to see him show up in the essay  "The Digital Image and the Pleasure Principle:  The Consumption of Realism in the Age of Simulation" in our "Digital Visual Culture" book.  

I thought I would include some interesting quotes from him in my blog.  There is a link above that will take you to the Marshall McLuhan website managed by his estate.  He was born in 1911 and died in his sleep in 1980.  Worldwide celebrations have taken place in 2011 and one in 2012 to commemorate him.

“I am resolutely opposed to all innovation, all change, but I am determined to understand what’s happening. Because I don’t choose just to sit and let the juggernaut roll over me. Many people seem to think that if you talk about something recent, you’re in favor of it. The exact opposite is true in my case. Anything I talk about is almost certainly something I’m resolutely against. And it seems to me the best way to oppose it is to understand it. And then you know where to turn off the buttons.” 

- Marshall McLuhan, "Forward Through the Rearview Mirror: Reflections On and By Marshall McLuhan

“We look at the present through a rear view mirror. We march backwards into the future.”

“Art is anything you can get away with.”  

 “First we build the tools, then they build us.” 

“I don't necessarily agree with everything that I say.”  

- Marshall McLuhan

 

A New Twist on Still-Life

Fad Diet

The artist Stephanie Gonot has a modern take on the still-life art form, creating oddly beautiful images out of grotesquely arranged objects and foods.  I find this very interesting.  Looking through the photos I found myself laughing at times and curious and confused at other times.  I love this new take on still-life.

Identity Protection

The next generation of technology to protect your identity.  Are eyeball scanners and finger prints a thing of the past?  Looks like it!  Take a look at this video from MSNBC and see where the future of identity protection is headed.  Very interesting stuff!


Video On MSNBC

What Will the SmartPhone of the Future Be Like?

It really wasn't that long ago that the cool cell phone was a flip phone or better yet, a colored phone.  The last 10 years has really changed the cell phone industry.  With the increasing speed at which technology changes it's made me wonder what options might be available in the next 10 years.  What might the smart phone look like.  Will it still be called a smart phone or will that term become out dated also.  The possibilities are endless.  We don't know what we don't have now, but surely once we have it we will wonder how we were ever able to live without it.  Today's young adults can't imagine life without a computer or cell phone, they have always had them just like cars and televisions.  It's funny to think that one day they will think back to the old times when their phones could only play video games, music and movies, receive and send emails and text messages, access an App store - oh yeah, let's not forget - phone calls!  Ah, Future, what do you have in store for us?

Political Avatars Duke it Out

"As Barack Obama and Mitt Romney prepare to duke it out on stage Wednesday, virtual avatars of the candidates are quite literally duking it out in a video game geared to motivate voter registration."

It's interesting to see how the votes are being cast by each state.  Here is a link to the full article for the results.  Obama or Romney! Gamers Predict Winner in Slugfest

Vector Exercise

DTC 355 – Vector Exercise

For this exercise I choose the letter’s T, R and Y.  Since we all know that trying new things can be fear-provoking my abstract creation is of a dragon.  Dragon’s can be frightening creatures although they are not real.  Trying new things can be scary too, even if there is nothing dangerous involved.  To begin with I used the T to create the head of the dragon, then the R for the body and front legs and finally the Y which represents the tail and back legs.  I felt that using the stark contrast of black and white was most effective while I did reduce the opacity of the black to 80% in order to allow the viewer to see the subtle differences from where one letter ends and the next begins.   The typeface I used is AR BERKLEY which contains many curves along with thick and thin lines.  By tipping the letters I was able to place the characters in a way that would most effectively represent a dragon.  As a final touch and to go along with the overall Asian feel of the piece I added a uniform one point charcoal feather.

My message is an acknowledgement of the fear we may experience when trying new things.  It is not meant to either discourage or encourage that fear.

Why does science need artists?

John Maeda Technology and Design Guru

Here is a interesting interview with John Maeda, author of "The Laws of Simplicity (Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life)", graphic designer and computer scientist. As an individual who has education in both the arts and sciences, John brings a unique perspective based on his experiences.  He believes that scientists need artists and art in order to inspire them to be innovative.  He uses Apple's iPod as an example of how merging science and design can create a superior product.  He also mentions the website Mint.com which 80% of the experience is about what the viewer see not the technology behind it. 

VSL : Very Short List

Image of a plants internal structure

VSL

Today I wanted to share a website I subscribe to.  Every day I receive a short one page email with three items interest.  VSL is short for very short list.  It is a "delightful e-mail that shares cultural gems from a
different curator every day."

Topics include tech, culture, style, design and food.  It's fun to receive the email each day and see what treasures are found inside.  I added the link to the site above so if you like little surprises and interesting gems then subscribe and Enjoy!

Toys "R" Us Sued over New Tablet

FuHu verses Toys "R" Us

Turns out Samsung's not the only one getting sued.  Yes!  Toys "R" Us is being accused of stealing too.  Charges being flung about include breach of contract, fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets, false advertising, unauthorized use of the "iconic butterfly shape", and trade dress infringement.  It's doubtful this battle will get as much press and attention as the one we just witnessed between Apple and Samsung but in the end it is no less important.  As the changes in technology continue to come at lightening speed no doubt the lawsuits will continue to follow at an equal pace.

New Crowdsourcing App Available 9/26

Participatory Culture

There's a new App available tomorrow that will "allow people around the world to compare and share their lives over the course of a week." (Smolan).   The purpose to this project is inform people just how much data they are putting out into the world about themselves.  We do it everyday from each Google search and Facebook post.  The data will be collected through users answering survey questions and from the smartphone's GPS and other sensors.  This alone will provide an abundance of data about us as a human race along with us... as individuals.   The results of the project will be revealed along with an E-book due out in November.  So how do you feel about this project?  Regardless whether you are interested in participating or not you can be sure your data is already being stored!

Crowdsourcing App Will Measure the World for a Week Through Smartphones

How Apple's story is like 'Breaking Bad'

Okay, so this one got my attention!

Breaking Bad, one of my favorite television shows.  These days I'm a bit sick of Apple this and Apple that, blah, blah blah.  But use my favorite television show as a means to draw a correlation with Apple and you've got me again. 

 A few of the comparisons drawn:

1.  Apples relationship with it's rivals.  Walter and Jesse's relationship with the rival drug dealers.

2.  Steve Jobs fights cancer.  Walter White fights cancer.

3.  Apples signature colors - white, black and shiny aluminum.  Walters Blue Meth.

4.  Both - in the "Empire" business.

Hopefully there are a few more Breaking Bad fans in my class and if so, here is the link to yet another Apple article - this one a little more entertaining!

CNN Tech Innovation /apple-breaking-bad/index.html

iOS 6 map mess was no big surprise to Apple

Google Maps Out!

Did you get your iOS6 upgrade?

I guess we iPhone users kind of have a choice, we could just ignore the message prompting us to install the latest operating system.  We could take the time to research what the new upgrade will change and we will potential lose as a result of the upgrading.  But really?  I know only one person who is even slightly interested in going that far and it's not me!  I believe we all select the install now button and hope for the best.  Yes it's exciting to see what's new, what additional features do we get, but we never really think about what we may be giving up.  Looks like we lost our Google Maps this time.  I don't know about you but I was perfectly happy with it.  I'm not so sure how I feel about the new mapping ap that Apple has decided to replace it with.  I'm not really interested in the corporate interests either so putting that topic aside I'd have preferred my trusty Google Map!

Art Book: Books on Art and Culture

Have you visited ARTBOOK.COM?  If not, it may have just what you are looking for.  You can spend hours reading the articles, viewing the images and shopping for books.  To have everthing at our finger tips today is truly amazing.  You can learn so much and experience and access art in a way that generations before have never experienced.  This site allows you to find books about any art related subject from  fashion, architecture, design, music, curator, series, and the list goes on.  Keep this site in mind when looking for Christmas gifts this year.  We are now entering the age of the electronic book but there's nothing like a real book for viewing art.

Image Atlas

I just discovered a new website.  "Image Atlas  investigates cultural differences and similarities by indexing top image results for given search terms across local engines throughout the world. Visitors can refine or expand their comparisons from the 57 countries currently available, and sort by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or alphabetical order." 

When first entering the website it can be a little confusing.  You are presented with a mostly black screen.  On the upper left there is a text box for you to enter you search criteria, the search button and and some clickable text that will allow you to choose the countries you would like included in your search.   On the upper right hand side of the screen you have two radio button selections for alphabetical and GDP.  This will return your search results in either order.  Have fun, play around and see what similarities and differences you encounter.

More Interactivity

With the subject of interactivity being the hot topic this week I wanted to share a web-site with you.  ARKive is an ever-expanding multimedia database that contains a wealth of information about the world’s most endangered species.  Their mission is to promote the conservation of the world's threatened species through the power of wildlife imagery.

Animal, plant, and fungus lovers can explore the site by zooming in on specific classes (mammals, reptiles, etc.), eco-regions (such as South America’s Atlantic forest), continents, and countries. Be sure to check out the Google Earth 3D interface that helps viewers learn about threatened marine species, and the site’s educational resource pages are geared toward specific age groups. But wherever you land, you’re sure to see a wealth of images and videos—each of which serves as a reminder of how much we stand to lose by letting any one of these species disappear. 

ARKive's 3D Google Earth Interface 

Science and Art Fusion

Blueprint for Bacterial Life

The image above is the E.Coli 2 created by Elaine Shemilt.

Elaine Shemilt's chapter on science-art fusion was very compelling to me.  I am fascinated by the contributions that art is making in the field of science.  We all know that artists have drawn, painted and created many images of plants, animals, human etc. for hundreds of years.  These images were primarily used for teaching.   The unifying of digital art with science has now opened the door for new discoveries.  Scientists have traditionally used graphs, charts, massive amount of numeric data to make determination and find causes and solutions.  The fact that an artist can take the same data and create a work of art that is able to expose an area that the was previously not apparent to the scientist is incredible.  Perhaps we will begin to see faster advances in the field of medicine and hopefully some cures for life threatening diseases.

Face Finding

Pareidolia

Wiki - Pareidolia ( /pærɨˈdoʊliə/ parr-i-DOH-lee-ə) is a psychological phenomenon involving a vague and random stimulus (often an image or sound) being perceived as significant. Common examples include seeing images of animals or faces in clouds, the man in the moon or the Moon rabbit, and hearing hidden messages on records when played in reverse.

There is a new trend in photography - face finding.  Amateurs and professionals alike are now finding sport in finding faces in unlikely places.  Ner Beck is a New York artist who has spent many years finding art and beauty on the streets of NY.  Here is a link to more of his photographs.  They made me smile and I will look at some common items a little differently from now on.

Put on a Happy Face