Bella Traición (Beautiful Treason)

Here is the link for the story of Gabreila Vargas, the victim of her own Beautiful Treasons. Please follow the link below and listen to her story. Listen intently. And please enjoy.

Beautiful Treason -->we ask that you pause the recording in between buildings or destinations. Here is also a map to help you on the way.

If you are feeling any distress in your life please don't hesitate to call. I've seen people become consumed with troubles that could've been easily resolved if they had've reached out and picked up a phone. Kids Help Phone 1 - 800 - 668 - 6868. 

Embodiment Seminar Whoo!

Please just follow the link to MediaFire site where the presentation is available for download.

Embodiment Seminar

Mini Assignment WHooo.

Here's the beginning of our project, check it out. 

Click Here To Download

Jobs For The Group.

     I'm in a group with Mauri and Pablo. Mauri and I are acting as the writers of our fantastical story, Pablo is our head recorder and recruiter of interviewees as it were.

     Mauri and I are expanding on an idea I first came across while reading a book called 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. He was actually inspired by walking audio tours and based his teen novel off of the suicide of a girl, whose suicide note was recorded on a number of cassettes and sent around town. Now Mauri, Pablo and I are currently researching through the York's data base to see if any relevant information or particular cases come into light.

     In the mean while Mauri and I are writing, composing a story loosely based on this concept. Pablo is our director of recording and is bringing in different voice actors/actresses to be recorded. If any new information comes up concerning real historic events that happened at York, new posts will  be put up.

The Sounds of Murmur.

      On March 6th, I took a trip down town Toronto to listen on the "[hear you are] murmur" project. I took the Yonge-University-Spadina Line down to St. Andrew's station. I walked down on Spadina until I stood outside the Bright Pearl dim sum restaurant (apparently the best dim sim in the GTA). I noticed on of the murmur ears posted on the streetlight post right outside the restaurant. When I dialled the number and gave the extension the voice I received was that of Dave Fingurt who started off by detailing the architecture of the building.

     He then further explained that the restaurant used to be the original Labour Lyceum, which has since moved to a street near by. As well he explained some political actions that occurred at the street corner in the 30's concerning a political feminist, activist.

    This woman, Emma Goldman who gave a speech called "Youth In Revolt" concerning the position of the youth of Toronto in politics. She was actually American born but got "kicked out" of the U.S. for her activist work and lived the remainder of her life out in Toronto. He described that a few of the posters from the original event are still lying around in odd places. The event, he said, was put on by a group called Arbiter Ring which is still in existence as well and is associated with the lyceum and other political events such as those.

     The information all in all was very fun and informative, although with all of the comings and goings of the surrounding Chinatown, it made it a little hard to hear what he was saying. As well the wind wasn't too friendly on that day either which added itself as a distraction. My plan was to, after listening to murmur, eat at the Bright Pearl (cause its apparently the best dim sum in the GTA). As I'm walking up the side entrance a sign reads, "CLOSED FOR RENOVATION!" Just my luck, all the same though, I had lunch at a neighbouring restaurant called "Taste of China" it was very good.

     All in all it was an enjoyable experience and I would love to stumble upon more murmurings of people who know the history, or just have interesting stories bout the great city of Toronto.

Embodiment Assignment

This is F.R.E.S.H. figuratively and literally. Check it out.

This is the PDF poster. The SketchUp model is available for download in the Google SketchUp 3D warehouse under the name 'F.R.E.S.H. Embodiment' created by the user jeffT.

     The back hood of the sweater has with it, a hollow layer (capable for inflating). This will be done via who micro fans that sit at either side of the hood, attached to it. These fans (when activated) are will circulate air thus inflating the sweater's hoodie for a comfortable portable pillow. 

     Both fans have separate activating mechanisms, bot located in the drawstrings of the hoodie. The drawstrings act much like those of any ordinary hoodie, they run themselves through the top collar of the hoodie. However, unlike most drawstrings, these are hollowed out allowing the necessary wiring to run through the to the buttons that activate the fans as well as the fans themselves.

     The drawstring buttons use rechargeable batteries, similar to coin cells, in order to function, however, these may eventually loose power depending on the use of the sweater. In the eventuality that these batteries do loose power, you may unzip the hoodie and plug them into the portable charger that comes with the sweater. The charger may operate via AA batteries or via usb key plug in, into a computer. 

     The sweater also come with a zipper capable of detaching the fans, and drawstring activators without damaging the mechanism at large. this allows for the rest of the sweater, which is common fleece fabric, to be washed without causing harm to the electronic mechanisms. 

P.S. As well, the sweater is offered in a variety of fall and spring colours, wearable for any location.

P.P.S. The only part of the model what was downloaded from Google SketchUp 3-D Warehouse, was the male model. This being: the face, arms, legs, shirt (NOT INCLUDING THE ACTUAL HOODIE OF THE SHIRT), and pants. 

In Response to Mark Hansen "Bodies in Code"

For this week we had a reading done by Mark Hansen entitled "Bodies in Code" in which the primary focus was defining the relations to the body on a personal level as well on a technological level. Terms such as "body schema"or body images and its phenomenology were introduced and explained.

On the basis of where my relationship is to my won body, it is one that is defined by the "for me" system as I am conscious of my body's whereabouts within the world as well as it's functions that it performs. As well I believe it functions on Merleau-Ponty's conception of the body as being a displaced object in the world allowing access to the world through and via the body. On the basis of my body in relation to technology, I believe that it operates only as an extension of the conscious being that is myself. the technological aspect is not aware of its own functions let alone its relation to my body and thus can be used by the body that is "for me" as a tool for operating different executable tasks.

Proposal ...and it's a good one.

     All right, so you're sitting in your Communications lecture on Monday afternoon right? And you're really tired, you're trying to pay attention to the lecture out of politeness plus you actually learn stuff and you kind of like the prof. However, you said to your self on Sunday "Hey I'll go to bed early tonight," but we all know that never happened, as well you've been in class all day and you just want to pass out. You know full well though that Communications lecture hall just isn't the place to sleep cause those chairs are darn uncomfortable . What do you do?

     BOOOM!!!

     Pillow sweater!!!

     "What?!" you may ask. Again...I say pillow sweater.

     This is a revolutionary product. It contains a self-inflatable air cushion rolled up inside and tucked away in the hood of the sweater. Just unzip the hooded compartment and press the vacuum switch which will automatically inflate the pillow right at your head. It is easily deflatable, washable portable, and most of all convenient because we al know that, as a student, you need all the sleep you can get in order to perform at your best...thus it is academically suitable. In other words...perfect. 'Nuff said.

For anyone that cares. Esp concerning Nick Stedman

If you're really interested, you can visit my last blog...i swear I just copied the same material onto this blog so you're getting the same deal. Hey Nick Stedman, if you're looking for the mini Google SketchUp project design it's the first post in this blog. It's done but seeing how the other blog site failed on me I put that particular post up first mkay. Sweet Peace!1

The Website is up and running (Farcebook)

I finally finished the website and it is now fully functional. I coded it the such a style that it looks best when viewed in Safari, sorry PC kids. I advise you to please open this website up in safari for the best web experience. Thank you and enjoy.


Welcome To Farcebook

Note: The site was coded to look most athstetically pleasing in Mac OSX Safari (sorry PCs)

Proposal for Networks Site 11/18/2010

ased on the reading from last week being the comparison between the to articles written by Clay Shirky and Malcolm Gladwell is where I got the inspiration for this piece. Both articles mentioned the intense glorification that people are starting to place on networks such as: Facebook, Twitter and Myspace. In my discussion of both these articles it was my opinion that such attention towards these networks was unhealthy as well, the hype that coincides with these networks is too excessive, gone are the days where one would use the home-phone to contact someone they haven't kept in touch with. I still believe that people are all too eager to jump in the "Let's-make-Facebook-Twitter -Myspace-a-new-cultural-religion" boat but that's one opinion. It was then that I noticed that there has been little opposition to these networks which is why I am using this idea to create "Farcebook" in which I will explain my position on the subject of the readings. As well I will exploit some of the typical things one might see on an actual Facebook such as: pointless arguments, people starting fights for no reason, egotistical people ect. (eg: just like "wilstonegreen") but with a sarcastic twist. It is my hope with this project that I can open the eyes of some people to  a different perspective on some of the content that is shared on Facebook as to create discussion and promote different views of thinking. 


wilstongreen says: You're an idiot, simply read that back and you will see that you're an idiot!! 


(P.S. This guy above is a guy who commented on my last blog out of nowhere just trolling cause he felt like it.)

Response to Article Comparison Clay Shirky vs Malcolm Gladwell 11/10/2010

I agree with both of these articles and their representations but only in part and respectively to each one. Firstly I believe social networks such as Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, Digg etc. are nothing more than what they seem to be (a network in which many participants can become active on a social basis such as our human nature to interact with one another). It is my humble opinion that the glorification of such networks will inevitably lead to some crisis the moment one of these networks does not "respond" or "behave" in the manner that is expected. I don't believe that the idolization of such networks is particularly healthy and I certainly do not believe in nominating Twitter for the Nobel Peace Prize as if it laboured as Lester B. Pearson had during the Suez Crisis in the Mid-East or as Gandhi had in liberating India from the British without (quite laterally) hurting a fly. Now do not get me wrong I am a little sickened by this hyperbolic focus on social networks but I will give credit to where credit is due. I admit that the social networks are useful for rallying participation different groups of people, such participation is obvious in the cases such as Evan's quest to locate his missing friends phone or for a protest in Iran, or even planning a birthday party. However, these networks are slowly but surely beginning to replace the notion of original motivation. I am sure that whatever pressures existed in the Mid-East existed before people tried to organize a protest via Twitter. this notion of organization, participation being mistaken for motivation and a willful want to do something is dangerous and should be watched. It is, however, a heart warming story of how one man's determination to right the wrongs of other's was able to muster an army of sorts in order to achieve this. This demonstrates an important sense of web-based social community but trying to stretch it farther than that may be pushing it a little. 

My mini website. Check 'er out =P 11/03/2010

Remixed my Remix

Response to "Yes Men", an article about Chevron 10/29/2010

Well, in all honesty at first-read I really didn't understand what was going on, this is only because both the real ads debuted by Chevron and the spoof ads done by the Yes Men were so similar in comparison I needed a double take. I can say that they did an excellent job in spoofing the company and provide insight to a highly satirical view on what the company is trying to say. Allegedly Chevron is now a "by-the-people-for-the-people" company who "Agrees" in atoning for the mistakes oil companies have made, supporting small businesses etc. However, without the ads done by the Yes Men i would have never looked at from their perspective which is that Chevron is saying, yes it's high time oil companies started becoming progressive and fir the good of all, but they are also pointing out the companies faults and problems. This was cleverly designed by the Yes Men. I do find though, that due to the striking similarities of both ad campaigns that the message put forth by the Yes Men might be overlooked by viewers such as myself. As I stated, I didn't fully understand their message to be a satirical critic but rather a continuation of Chevron's original campaign. I has to re-read the article and their ad to catch all of the little changes and mockeries installed in the ad. But whether the almost-perfect-symetry between the two is a hinderance or an excellent means to make a point remains to be seen.

Response to Lawrence Lessig - Ch1: Creators 10/19/2010

I found this article extremely interesting, first off for a company such as Disney (who is at the forefront of ensuring that their product is not copyrighted) to have gone and developed that company based on a series of copied forms of media ("Steamboat Bill Jr." not to mention almost the entirety of the Brother's Grimm stories) is highly hypocritical. I find that his blatantly contradicts immense emphasis that they put on their copyright laws. Secondly the concept of the doujinshi "copying" or "modifying" other artist's work and then selling it for a product is also interesting. I think that the doujinshi comics have just become embedded into the culture so much so that their form of marketing is accepted. As was stated in the article...30% of the revenue from publishings in Japan account for manga comics alone let alone combined with the dujinshi. A) with the amount of money coming in from these sales I would be surprised fi the Janpanese government started a crack down on the doujinshi. It would devastate the publication economy and then the economy in general B) Even if the government did start taking these doujinshi artists to court, there just aren't enough lawyers to support these cases. I believe that not blatantly stealing ideas but the progression and building upon ideas is a wonderful notion because that's ow society progresses and moves forward. Especially in the fields of science and art. As for the questions proposed in the back of the article about a culture being free and if it is so...to whom is that freedom granted, (I am not sure how this works in other cultures or societies) however, in Western society the quote unquote "freedom" is more likely granted, scarcastically stated in the article, to the Royal Family and to the top ten corporations in the New York stalk exchange. 

Remix Part Two: The Movie. 10/13/2010

This is the accompanying video to follow the pictures. Please follow the link below:


Mother Earth

Remix Part One: The Pictures 10/13/2010

This is the first part of my Remix project that consists of the two photos to be shown before the movie. 

                                                                           Trapped Under the Dome

True Reflections

New Ideas for Remix 10/06/2010

After a great amount of consideration I decided to vote against my original idea of something as simple as video-game transitioning. Now I've come up with a new concept that I am more certain of and passionate about. It is my personal belief that nature, that is the natural world, is constantly becoming overwhelmed by technology. It is in this that I have found my inspiration for the Remix project. For the video segment I intend to cut in between two videos showing the destruction of nature and finally the destruction of the self. For the images I intend to show the same concept to be displayed before the video as to open up the topic. These will depict how nature is constantly under a dome of technology, unable to break free and always taking the back seat in priority among human beings. As I have said the inspiration for this came upon my belief that humans are destroying nature and A) paying no attention to the repercussions and B) not atoning for their actions. This coupled along with watching catastrophes such as the oil spill in Florida really got me thinking and I feel that I could make a strong statement through my art.

My Ideas for Remix 9/29/2010

Just after hearing about Remix assignment and what Remix was I had an idea creating a video game-like sequence. This will consist of having an old version of a video game playing with a very new + underground, highly equalized song underlying the video. I was thinking of then splicing a new and updated version of the video game and transitioning the video game into the new version at a pivotal point in time (such as the final battle). While this video transition turns from 8-bit graphics into highly pixilated ones so to will the underlying song change from an High Quality version into an 8-bit rendition of the song. This is all to show what was mentioned in the lecture as being a juxtaposition of the old as well as the new. Also I am trying to actually invoke an uncomfortable reaction in the viewer, as part of my goal is to try and demonstrate how both the old image and new audio coupled along with the new image and old audio do not necessarily coincide with one another. Two inspirations for this project are A) my love of playing video games (such as Mario and Super Mario Bros. or Resident Evil and B) recently discovered enjoyment of listening to some of my favorite songs being turned into 8-bit style songs specifically the works of underground metal bands such as Veil of Maya and Born of Osiris.

Response to "The Web is Dead, long Live the Internet" 9/20/2010

"The Web is Dead. Long Live the Internet," A Response. 

     The author's of this article Chris Anderson and Marc Wolff are very safe in assuming that the progression of Internet usage is bending towards a more personal medium on both the consumer and corporate basis. On one hand Chris Anderson argues that the usage of apps and their on-your-command-availability is grossly effecting time spent on the actual Web browser. People are much more inclined to use their iPhone or Android based phone to acquire information rather than wait until they are either at work or home. This is because of the level of portability and convenience seem to do well by people, in that it makes life easier. If there's anything that drives the technology industry today it's based on: A) it's ability to make money and B) making technology conveniently available as to improve/ease life (with the latter affecting the former). With this in mind it is easy to see why the popularity of apps has sky-rocketed, their efficiency in bringing forth information to consumers makes them happy because they don't have to spend time looking for it, it there...just there with the click of a button.   
      
     On the other hand author Marc Wolff says that from a consumer's standpoint the ability to control or rather invest in the Internet and not the Web is a great tool in asserting your place among the established. Wolff, throughout his portion of the article, follows Russian investor and business man Yuri Milner (who owns "10 percent of Facebook"). Milner believes that, "You can become big fast, and that favors the domination of of strong people." There is no problem in seeing how "fast" you can become "big" as Wolff illustrates the growth of pageviews in the US for the top 10 websites has increased about 44% since 2001. Wolff also articulates that the high-stakes-poker business mentality of, "all or nothing," versus "the come-one-come-all collectivist utopianism of the Web," attributes to the shift away from "the open Web browser" to a more closed circuit provider.  

Andy Warhol 9/15/2010

Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987)

      Andy Warhol is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists within the twentieth century. he was a man whom with his creativity and innovative style almost single handedly created the Pop Art movement, a movement which has had a ripple effect in impacting many of the styles we see today. He was born in 1928 in Pennsylvania and his consistent output of artwork throughout the 60's and 70's has landed Warhol among the greats. His most notable works are his print paintings, which include subjects such as the Campbell's Soup cans, to Marilyn Monroe, to his own self-portraits and even cars. Warhol was almost assassinated in 1968 by a notable member of his founded "The Factory" studio. He survived and continued onward to immerse himself in the business aspect of his art, he acquired patrons for his studio and his works. He died 1987 New York Hospital in the process of a gallbladder surgery due to a heart attack. His work, however, proceeds him and carried forth his name.

Below: One of Warhol's many famous print paintings of Marilyn Monroe 

PS Assignment Number 1 9/14/2010

So this is  the first assignment we did in my Electronic Landscape course. Not much just a small Photoshop assignment of blending three images into a single background. Kinda cool but not really.

So my previous blog sucked!!!

Which is precisely why I am creating a new one. I wasn't able to upload half of my work (such as my Google SketchUp) catapults. For legal purposes the previous site shall not be mentioned but I'll be re-posting all of my work on BlogSpot from now one seeing as how it's a lot more cooperative. So come see my stuff and I hope you enjoy the work. Peace for now.

Fire The Catapults!!

We were supposed to create a sculpture in Google SketchUp, admittedly I was a little stuck at first and had no ideas on what to do. Then it hit me...and hard, a catapult! So here it is, reenforce your walls cause now Imma commin' for ya!!