Midi in Blender

At the de-Center for CNM we're doing work in music video and animation. While these two topics are covered in separate classes, they have potential to be integrated (as a few students have already done). This animation uses Blender with a MIDI script and music. I think you'll enjoy it.

Cynicism

Patrick Kennedy ripped into the press today. His anger was directed not at the press coverage of congress, but the lack of it. Cynicism, Peter Slotterdijk tells us in his book, Critique of Cynical Reason, is "enlightened false consciousness." He means that we know what is going on (enlightenment) but we laugh at it rather than do anything (false consciousness). What do you think?

We Are the World -YouTube

I've always known that there was a certain measure of luck behind those who become starts.  I mean nothing against them.  I just know so many really talented people. 

Just as the web democratizes information, so too (it seems) it democratizes talent.  The original "We are the World" was a hit when I was in college (and yes, some us actually wore those hair styles....well, maybe not the Cindy Loper --and she had the best).  That was the era of Michael Jackson's Thriller.  This time the song was re-cut by a new set of artists (I downloaded it but have yet to actually view it).  AND, a second new-version, or a third-total version (are you keeping count) has appeard.

This version is a compilation of YouTube signing stars (OK, honestly, I did not know there was such a thing).  It is really cool, not just because these people can sing, but because of the way it was made:  Your computer is not just a machine, it's a portal to the world.

Brand MTV Unplugged

MTV unplugged brought us an alternative presentation of some fantastic artists.  I have been hoping to catch a rerun (or purchase of copy) of Aerosmith's set since it first blew me away (these guys truly do have 9 lives).  I collect a good number of DVD rock concerts and it seems like everybody these days needs to throw in an acoustic set.  However, we need to remember that MTV--no matter how cool--was always an economic engine and a marketing force to be reckoned with.  MTV unplugged is getting a new twist on its brand and an integrated marketing, advertising campaign.  Take a look and this, and let me know what you think of brand "unplugged."
Starburst!

Kairos -it's not a city in Egypt

Higher Education, at Shepherd and across the nation, is undergoing rapid and radical change.  We are looking for new ways to teach, better models to build curriculum, interesting ways to integrate classic subjects (such as standard written English) into new media.  In the Department of CNM, Monica Larson (new technology guru and COMM MOM) has instituted a blogging across the curriculum program.  Andrea Lunsford is a professor of writing and rhetoric at Stanford University who has championed the writing abilities of undergraduate students.  If teachers have ever made you feel irrelevant, you'll want to read this: http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/magazine/17-09/st_thompson#ixzz0hJlq9d9s

Viral VW

One of the most controversial (and early) viral ads was composed for VW.  Legend has it that VW actually produced the ad, but claimed it did not.

Perhaps more important is the ethical and politcal dimension of the ad. What do you think?

View article and ad

Early Viral iPod Ad

A very partial history of vital ads and internet overnight sensations.

This iPod ad was one of the YouTube hits that led to the growing awareness of what we now call "viral" ads.  At the time the work was heralded as ushering in a new age of marketing.

Wired Magazine

iPod ad on YouTube

How many people today earn fame by self-publishing on YouTube or similar sites?

From MTV to YouTube

While MTV may have dumped the music video, music videos are still an important form of musical (and commercial) expression.  However, the new place to tune in and turn on is YouTube

 

After the success of OK Go's treadmill video:

We have a few more to add. Please watch another by OK Go, 

 

"This too Shall Pass."

"This too Shall Pass" Another version

Remember the game Mouse Trap???

Also check out these similar videos:

 

The Way Things Go

Do I Want My MTV?

The famous MTV logo is getting a face-lift to finally reflect that it is not "music" television. The MTV brand is a powerful marketing force, but today movies and TV shows play a more important role than the music videos that made it famous.

Here's an article: http://tv.yahoo.com/blog/mtvs-big-change--981

You might have to look very closely to see the change which is minimal yet significant.
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