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https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2331400687212422713&postID=2918793898431482242 Technology Blog (Cormac)
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=947423183399253050&postID=6720106802809743824 Gaming Blog (Raven)
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6974964459688089833&postID=1242682220460698375 Barack Obama Blog (Mandy)
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2200343705303826717&postID=8272018294368451565 Cellphone Blog (Olivia)
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=462961969725342127&postID=4715913431530308537&page=1 Art Show Blog (Sonya)

You've been a great audience!

Firstly 5 points if you can guess what show I got my title from.



Moving on. So this is it. We have come to the end of the year which also means it is the end of this course. (insert sad face here). Coming into this course, the only thing I was hoping was that we learned a little bit more than learning how to save a file or use poerpoint, and I'm glad we did. This course inroduced me to programs personally I had never heard of. Sad, but true. When the course began I was a little overwhelmed, but greatly intrigued by all the projects we woul be doing. So now I'm going to run through them for you.



Project 1: Multiple Exposure

Definetly one of the coolest projects ever. You always see these effects and wonder, how did they do that? Well you know what, I know! Heaing this was our first project I was a little scared on how it would work. I mean i can turn on a computer, but a computer genius I am not. Scared at the thought of this project, I was pleasantly surprised on how simple it was with the wonderful program we call Photoshop. Surprisingly the hardest part was taking the pictures. Not fully comprehending all the buttons on my camera, keeping it on auto, wasn't the right choice. The pictures turned out a little dark and grainy. Also a note to keep, a tripod would have been an EXCELLENT idea. Besides a few of these problems, I think the project turned out alright.

Colour Changed (CMYK Mode)

Project 2: Circus Collage

Surprisingly, I had alot of fun making this collage. It definetly put my Photoshop skills to the test, but I think it turned out pretty great. At first I had no idea what to put in my collage, but I found a simple walk-through of my room did the trick. Placing all the images though, is another story. To say I'm meticolous is an understatement. Everything has to have it's place (although my locker might not be the best example of that). So as orderly as a collage can get, is what I did. The "circus" representation that I used for myself was a juggler, and boy did that prove true, especially during June Rush. I found this collage to be a great excuse to go through and use photos I hadn't seen in a long time. I believe this collage is a great representation of the Photoshop skills that I have acquired throughout this course.

Project 3: Pattern/Eccentrick Insparation

Welcome to the wonderful (not) world of vectorizing! This project introduced us to a new program, Illustrator. I found this project to be really interesting and exciting. Although it was time consuming and tested your patience with the number of times it WOULDN'T save, the end product was worth it. Firstly the pattern was definetly very cool. A pattern wasn't the first thing that came to mind when I vectorized a cherry, beach ball and paint pallet, but by playing around with it and some creative help from amanda:) it turned out looking pretty good. What happened to be harder than the pattern, was choosing my eccentrick inspiration! I changed my mind twice, before finally deciding upon John Lennon. I mean you can't go wrong with a Beatle. Hesitant at how my pattern would fit, I really liked the way it turned out. Also from a certain standpoint my objects and inspiration sort of fit. John Lennon was a promoter of peace and all of my objects (painting, eating and the beach) can bring someone peace. Sure a little out there, but hey it works.

Project 4: "I AM" Video

What a way to end the course. This final project used the only program I had ever used before, Windows Movie Maker. Working with Sonya, we created a short film, entitled "PLAY!". The "I AM" we used to describe ourselves were uproarious and ambitious. Together "WE ARE" zealous. As you can tell we love our big words. This film was so much fun to make! Five hours to film and six hours later of editing we were done! We filmed most of the film in our local playground, which definetly brought me back to my elementary days. Refering to Project 1 we were smart enough to get a tripod this time. Dealing with dieing batteries and kids constantly running into our shot, we came out with an amazing end product. I think this project fused both of our styles, musically, fashion wise and personallity wise.I had alot of fun making this video and although it took a while to make, it was DEFINETLY worth it.

And so there you have it. The course through my eyes. Through the highs and lows and document saving I really enjoyed this course, and I think the skills I learned here will help me in the future.

P.S. The title quote is from Jerry's parting words on Seinfeld.

MW Eccentrick Art Show

This year Mary Ward put on the best art show i've ever seen; Eccentrick! I think this show topped everything Mary Ward has ever done. All media art forms were at their best. From the amazing fashion in design, the Grade 10 theatre in Comm and the large skull in art, everything was unbelievable. The art show combined the great works of the many talented artists here at Mary Ward. The basement turned from the drab, dreary place with no cellphone reception to a spectacular, fun interactive art show! The halls and various back corridors and tech and art areas were transformed into gallery spaces. From the wonderful drawings, to the interactive Grade 9 piece all art work was well executed and displayed.

My favourite piece in the art show would have to be the movie theatre and fashion design. The movie theatre really showcased the talent held by many of Mary Wards film and comm students. A great way to spend a fifth period :), these movies were a highlight to the art show for me, once agan exploring the mass amount of different media used by the students to create art. The clothing pieces featured in the design are were magnificently crafted. Some pieces look so good, even i would wear them! I was really impressed by all of the art show and by the way every students personality shone onto their artwork. It was an impressive art show, by far one of my favourites. All i heard were positive reviews from various family and friends who visited the art show.

Kudos go to Mr. Notten, Ms. Arturi, Ms. V, Mrs. Powell, Ms. Largo, Ms.Fortura and all other teachers involved in the art show. It was a great one and I can't wait to see what we come up with next year!

Honestly, you're in school. Put your phone on vibrate!

Cell phones have become one of the largest technological fads EVER. Yet people can't seem to grasp that there is a certain etiquette that they should follow pertaining to using their cell phone. I have 5 simple rules that everyone should follow which would make anyones phone using experience much better.

1)If you are in a quiet place (e.g. library, church, school) turn your phone on vibrate or silent. As lovely as that new ring tone you got is not everyone needs to hear it!
2)If you are in a public place DO NOT scream into your phone. Not everyone within a 50 metre radius wants to know what you are talking about so tone it down a bit.
3)If you are using your phone, use your eyes too!. Be careful where you are walking and don't yell at the person YOU bumped into because YOU weren't paying attention.
4)If you are carrying a conversation with someone, please do not start texting someone else. It's just rude. That text can wait 5 minutes.
5)If you are operating a moving vehicle (e.g. bicycle, car, scooter) don;t truy to juggle your cup of coffee and your cell phone. Leave a hand free for your steering wheel please. If you must get a bluetooth headset or something. Just don't hit anyone else cause you had to text your BFF about the sale at the mall.

Over 1.5 billion people have cellphones. Thats a heck of alot of us out there carrying a piece of radiating plastic against our heads. So please just be courteous to those around you and maybe they will follow suit. There's a time and place for cell phones. No it's not in your car or in church so think logically before you pull out your phone. The cell phone is a powerful tool and all the same it can become a just as strong weapon. Use it carefully and only when it is imperative to do so. The cell phone has erased the need for an mp3 player, camera and a computer. There doesn't seem to be a thing it can't do, so sure we are going to use it alot in our lives, but it's okay for you to be detached from your phone for more than 5 seconds. There is such a thing where you can talk to your friend face to face, in person. I know it seems like a novel concept but it's true.

Oooh, i just got a text. Wonder who it's from?

MOM?!

Ugh, great. Now another way for her to get a hold of me. Sometimes I think technology is more of a curse than a blessing.

Don't Forget to Rewind the VHS!

Technology has become such a large part of our everyday life that it doesn’t even faze us anymore when we use it. We think little of google-ing something or texting our friends or listening to music on our ipod. It’s become a way of life, almost as simple as breathing. Before we know it cars will be flying and cell phones will do everything except making phone calls.

Technology is evolving daily. Every day we hear of cars made of sea weed or cell phones thinner than credit cards. Technology will soon replace humans and we’ll be just as obsolete as the VHS. Especially in this economic downturn the last thing we need to be doing is giving jobs to machines. I think this video brings up the excellent point that no one pays any attention to the awesome innovations occurring around us and everyone feels as if they are entitled to this technology. In reality we are lucky to have access to these things such as cell phones and even airplanes. We think that it impossible to live without these things, while truthfully they did not so long ago. Talking to my parents I realized they grew up in the time with typewriters and brick cell phones. They had no idea and couldn’t even fathom the technology that is an ipod or a GPS. Today I couldn’t imagine life without my computer (especially Facebook) or not having the luxury of texting my friends to see where they are going period 2. Thinking about it if I woke up tomorrow and didn’t have access to all the technology I do today, I don’t know how I would survive!

Its sad to see we have become so dependant on technology and can’t leave the house without our cell phone or ipod. They are a way of life, a fad of sorts that I don’t see disappearing anytime soon. If anything it will only get bigger. The days of floppy disks and walkmans are behind us, to the new more convenient era. Now if you don’t mind I need to go charge my cell phone.

(Link to the comic above:http://picayune.uclick.com/comics/tmsho/2008/tmsho080629.gif)

I'd rather be playing pac-man

Okay maybe not, but honestly I don't see the big deal about video games. Okay maybe once in a while I like to play Mario-Kart or Cooking Mama, but I would definitely not go as far as saying I'm addicted. I've owned a gaming system for about a year, and even that gets me weird looks from people, who can't believe I've only JUST started playing video games. Well soooorry that I enjoy some fresh air once in a while. I mean I can only play Guitar Hero for so long, without getting handcramps. I remember the good 'ol days kids used to play board games or went outside to play with friends, but not much of that seems to be going on now a days. However that doesn't go to say that I don't know why kids probably like video games so much.

Video games create a type of alt world for kids, where they can be anything or anyone they want, and not have to worry about reality for a few minutes. Sure these games are pretty enticing with their realistic graphics, and cathcy marketing schemes (don't tell me you didn't enjoy the Guitar Hero: World Tour commercial with Micheal Phelps, Kobe Bryant, Tony Hawk and Alex Rodriguez, cause we all did) Video games also provide a way for people all around the world to communicate, with things such as Xbox Live and Wi-fi components. Video games are becoming more real and interactive which I think makes kids more drawn to them. Plus kids are starting to play these games earlier and earlier. I'm ashamed to say my 8 year old cousin could probably kick my butt in Guitar Hero (not to mention he's on expert and I'm on easy). I think video games are like a drug. The younger you start and the more often you play the more likely you are to get addicted. So what can we do to get these kids away from a screen and into a park?

Honestly I couldn't tell you. I think we are in way to deep to completely get rid of video games, but sure we can encourage kids to go outside once in a while, take up a hobby or two, or wait, even read a book! I know crazy ideas :). Sure , it doesn't hurt to play video games once in a while and excercise your fingers, but don't forget your brain once in a while!

By the way, is it honestly capable for your pinky to reach the orange button on Guitar Hero? Just wondering.

The Campaign Trail

History has been made! On November 4, 2008 the United States of America voted Barack Obama President-Elect. He is the first ever African American to hold this position. I think this is a clear sign that change is occuring in the States, something Obama is a strong supporter of. This is evident in a new ad posted supporting Obama. This ad is a take on the very popular beer ad in 2001. Using the same characters from this iconic ad they are thrown into a situation depicting what now is reality for most Americans. When greeting eachother with their usual "waaaaaazzuuuup" we realize what they are going through. One is in Iraq fighting the "war on terror", another has just lost his job. One is in bad medical health, and another is stuck outside in tsunami like conditions. In this ad very real issues are brought forward that many can relate to. Then at the end of the ad the man watching tv looks up to see a picture of Barack Obama followed with the words "Change". This gives him new hope, responding to his friends, that change is coming.

I believe that this ad was created very effectively. Seeing it we are reminded of the very funny beer commercial we saw a few years ago. With that in our memory we see this familiar characters who we almost feel as if we know. This ad dictates that change can be made, and that the United States can become geat again with the help of Barack Obama, who is a great example of change. Obama's message is crystal clear, and something that many may take comfort in. Change is coming. With already holding most of the popular vote, Obama has taken a creative spin to his campaigning to help others see what he truly believes in. Seeing this ad would only help to strengthen my belief in Obama. It's great to see him in power willing to stand up for change, and become a mentor and leader to everyone around him.