Media Meditations #3: Transformers again?

Nouveau Michael Bay : Explosions !!!
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Movies have always been a guilty pleasure of mine. I knew I wanted to be a film major for sure when I was in my high school television production class and we screened the movie 1969 Dennis Hopper film "Easy Rider". The screening of the film was done by my teacher purposely when I told him that I was doing a paper on the "Summer of Love" and needed some insight on media during that year. It was my limbic brain that was captivated by the pristine beauty of the American landscape as well as the rock ballads used in the film combined with the editing technique implored in the film. All of the feeling and emotions that my limbic brain took in were able to set a standard of knowledge of what good film actually is.

The film itself was an outlook on how America looked at people with "long hair" and different ideologies that people were exploring at a time of radical change in addition to an insight on how they treated these different people. My limbic brain was able to take in the message of the film and see what this outlook on society was. It was a lot to take in but the feelings and emotion that came from the movie instilled a feeling realization to which I realized what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I knew that one day I would want to write a film that would mirror the impact of a select group on society. With this idea in mind as well as a score that might be able to compete with the beautiful rock licks similar to that of "Easy Rider" This movie inspired me and solely helped me to get where I am today.

Since I began studying film I developed a great knowledge of the subject and matter of film & cinematography. Not to sound pompous in any way but I have a high standard of film. To a certain degree I can be a great person to watch a movie with or the worst. So you can imagine my reaction when my roommate had Michael Bay's "Transformers" on... Being the somewhat cynical %&$-hole I am I tore the movie apart to the point where my roommate told me to go &*%$ myself and leave(I'm easy to live with, but don't watch bad movies around me).

The whole thing about Michael Bay movies is you get what you pay for. A few mind-numbing hours of cheap catch-phrase dialogue as well as giant explosions and Megan Fox( To which I am not complaining). The thing about M.Fox is the whole "beautiful people" media tool is always going to be able to get people into movie theaters. But other than the beautiful people tool used in his movies Michael Bay movies totally appeal to the reptilian brain. There is little amount of thinking that is required to figure out what is going on in these movies and little sophistication in any dialogue between the characters. Mostly we watch this film like cavemen look at their paintings and clap our hands in amusement to all the pretty colors. I get the attraction to go see films like this (special effects, Megan Fox, the character actor Shia Labeouf) but to no stretch of the imagination would I call this a good movie.

Now I hope I haven't totally ruined this movie for anyone because from time to time I like to turn my neocortex and limbic brain off and let my reptilian brain do all the work. Its the constant repetition tool used on his ridicules special effects that keep us in our seats the whole time. Things that go "BOOOOM, BAAAANNG, POOWW!!!" Will have people coming back to theaters provided we all don't get seizures. I hope my cynicism wasn't to unbearable and I'm sorry if this movie is a favorite to anyone who may read this... And a good day to all!

Media Meditations #2: "Starburst contradiction commercial"

As I was watching the Winter Olympics I found myself entranced by a starburst commercial. Given the fact that most commercials during the Olympics are very inspiring and heartwarming its a rare occasion that when humor is seen it is always a good laugh.

The Commercial starts off with what appears to be scottish bagpiper pointing out, "One contradiction eating another". A scottish korean is something thats both funny and I find vaguely racist. But because this view of a Scottish Korean is so outlandish and a little racist we are able to get a little laughter out of this as well as the movement and actions of the characters in the commercial.

The use of humor in this commercial tickles our funny bone in a way that makes us address the product their trying to sell with laugher and a good chuckle. Humor appeals to the funny bone in all of us as well as the Neocortex part of our brain. Our Neocortex is being used at this moment due to the fact that there is a certain degree of ration thought that is in the inputed into understanding the humor in this commercial. In addition, I believe that because this commercial was seen in the middle of the Olympics we the viewer are more concerned with the outcome of the sporting event that is on. So when we see humor we are pleased more than usual to have our funny bone tickled.

Although today we all bow our heads in sadness to the fact that the Canadians have bested us in hockey we can take comfort in the fact that Starburst is still out there selling delicious candy products!

Media Meditations #1: Phish reboot

Once Trey had finished his robot dance he got on the mic we all watched idly to hear what words the wise prophet had to tell us. He laughed into the mic at his own words when he mentioned how old he was. "I was around for the invention of pong... The first video game, and it sounded something like this pong." Then Page got on keys and mimicked the sounds of an archaic video game. This use of humor brought laughter among the crowd and we all applauded in enjoyment of the actions of our four leaders.

This use of humor only added to the nostalgia of the whole Phish show. Part of the appeal of Phish is that they are normal guys. They aren't some corporate mechanism that was forced to change their roots and become something they weren't. The whole "plain folks" aspect makes me feel close to Phish. The only difference between the four of them and me is a stage. Their band was able to grow in the city of Burlington the same way so many other people around us have musically and academically.

Medical Marijuana Stops Spread Of Breast Cancer

SCENE #1: ESTABLISHING SHOT/PAN DOWNWARDS- EXRAY OF HUMAN BRAIN-NARRATION.

SUBTITLE- "San Francisco, CA".

Narrator: Breast cancer kills more than...

SCENE #2: MEDIUM SHOT-WOMAN WALKING IN CROWDED STREET.

SUBTITLE- Marianne Favro/KNTV Reporting.

Narrator: 41,000 American woman every year...

SCENE #3: CLOSE-UP - SCIENTIST AT WORK.

Narrator: Researchers at a San Francisco lab...

SCENE # 4: FISH EYE SHOT - SCIENTISTS AT WORK.

Narrator: Are working to shrink that number and they're doing it with an unusual weapon...

SCENE # 5: CLOSE-UP - SCIENTIST CHEMICAL.

Narrator: Marijuana! Or at least a compound from it....

SCENE # 6: MEDIUM SHOT- DR. SEAN MCALLISTER.

SUBTITLE- Dr. Sean McAllister, CPMC Associate Scientist.

Sean: What we've found it that, this compound called cannabidial was particularly affective at inhibited aggressive breast cancers.

SCENE # 7: LOW SHOT- SCIENTISTS AT WORK.

Narrator: First, scientist at California Pacific Medicals have discovered...

SCENE # 8: OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT- SCIENTIST AT WORK.

Narrator: A key gene which enables breast cancer to spread...

SCENE # 9: CLOSE-UP- TEST TUBE.

Narrator: Then they tested the pot compound...

SCENE # 10: OVER THE SHOULDER- SCIENTIST AT WORK.

Narrator: And realized, that could actually inhibit the genes destructive path and stop the spread of tumor cells...

SCENE # 11: LONG SHOT- SCIENTIST AT WORK.

Narrator: And potentially do it without harming a patient.

SCENE # 12: MEDIUM SHOT- DR. PIERRE DESPEREZ.

SUBTITLE: Dr. Pierre Desperez, CPMC Staff Scientist.

Pierre: We know that this compound extracted from cannabis is non-toxic in the patient because it has already been used for a different kind of disease.

SCENE # 13: CLOSE UP SHOT- TEST TUBE.

Narrator: The benefits may not stop there...

SCENE # 14: MEDIUM SHOT - SCIENTIST AT WORK.

Narrator: Scientists say that cannabis compound may fight other aggressive cancers.

SCENE # 15: CLOSE UP- BEAKER BEING STIRRED.

Narrator: Including prostate cancer. The next step...

SCENE # 16: OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT- SCIENTIST AT WORK.

Narrator: Animal studies, then clinical trials. So it may be several years before patients can benefit from cannabis caner fighter...

"Summer of the Phish"

The Summer before I entered my freshman year of college was unlike any other. With high school behind me, a few friends and I planned a road trip around the North East seeing a few bands that we adored as well as a a plan to see a few music festivals. The band that we centered our trip around predominately was Phish. This Burlington Jamband had reformed after a five year which seemed permanent break-up for their first tour since their last shows at the Coventry festival in 2004.

This band was more than just a band to us. Having been a Phish head throughout my high school career I yearned for the day that I might finally witness the magic that I had been told of by generations before me was the pinnacle of a perfect Summer. For Phish was more than just a band to me it was the blood that ran through my veins, the glimmering hope inside me and the net to catch me if I ever fell. It was more than a year ago today that the news of a reunion in Hampton, Virginia was upon us and these four men would be on stage to rekindle a flame that many thought had died long ago. Only this time I would be there to witness it.

To my own dismay personal distractions (i.e:graduating high school) stood in my way from being there to see Phish reunite. Instead I waited idly in front of a monitor to see a set list unfold as I gritted

my teeth in frustration to what could have been. But my summer would soon kick into "the high gear of my soul" when I made my first stop at Hunter Mountain's 5th annual Mountain Jam music festival.

Mountain Jam was a time when me and my buddies could blow of the steam that had crowded our eyesight for the four years of our high school careers. It was a magical time filled with the shredding guitar licks of Warren Haynes and the timely southern jams of Allman brothers. The Grateful Dead once wrote, "I spent a little time on the Mountain"- New Speedway Boogie. And that was just what I was doing.For three days I was given the responsibility to have no responsibility and I enjoyed every minute of it. But the best was still yet to come, in just one weeks time I would be at the Jones Beach amphitheater seeing my favorite band of ll time. Soon I would enter Phish's magical land of Gamhenge.

The Jones beach run came and for the first time ever I saw them...Phish. I was only but a slave to the music, arrays of feelings washed over me as I began to realize where I was going and what I was doing. I was entering college and about to grow into the man I would become and it was these moments of my summer vacation that I cherish greatly. For lack of a better term this was it!

At this point I would like to address the fact that although the Jones beach run was good there was still more to come. In Hartford, Connecticut I was going to see them for my third time with a more extended amount of my friends in a latter string of their summer tour. Now keep in mind phish had been broken up for five years, so in other words Jones beach was just a warm up. I drove up their with our destiny's unbound for what was about to unfold before our eyes. I watched as the lights of Chris Kuroda captivated me as the music swayed in turned me every which way. From what was evident it was to be what "phans" call a "Gamehengde" night!

For those who are wondering what a Gamhenge night may be it is a set list that takes some of the songs the band had written for the guitarist Trey Anistasio's senior project at Goddard College. These songs tell the tale of a magical land that our pro-tagonist Col. Forbin entered that was enslaved by an evil tyrant known as King Wilson. We won't go deeper into the story but I strongly encourage all to find a audio of "The Man Who Stepped Into Yesterday".

But as the set list unfolded excitement and emotions ran high among the crowd. We all asked ourselves what these four magical wizards had up their sleeves. Then a song that hadn't been played in over ten years was brought to our ears. "Icculus", the song that told of a legendary man who lived atop a mountain in Gamhenge was played. I was captivated by the words coming out of Trey's mouth. He addressed certain aspects of media in our generation, stating that we are slaves to machines such as Iphones and video games. He then went on about a certain aspect of the nostalgia of his childhood, stating that he was around for the invention of pong. The audience was so captivated by every motion and word made, his sense of humor on the matters of technology in our generation brought fourth a charisma of great energy among the crowd. For me this song brought forth new feeling of completion as well as a recognition of a new milestone in my life. I knew that in a few months time that I would be back to my studies only this time in a new place with new people. Although this fact was frightening in one not it was also comforting in another. I had graduated with a 3.8 and had made it to a milestone where I was off to uncover the new life that lay before me. It was during this song that I turned to my friend Jack and said, "We did it dude. We're here and we're doing it! He smiled and nodded his head and went back to the groove that the entire audience was sharing in.

Looking at the whole crowd from the lawn as we all witnessed the magic was something beautiful. We were all one organism sharing in an experience that people will tell about long after this band has ended. I'm proud to say that I was there in Hartford, and I saw the magic.

Months later I moved up to Burlington and began what was my new life. I've grown and I have matured into the man I am today. I cherish the fond memories as my last Summer as a high schooler and will never forget the day that I reached a new milestone in my life. All that's left to say now is... I'll see you on the road this summer guys!

Messin' With Sasquatch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o0-ay4bVAs

"Jack Link's Beef Jerky"- "Messin' With Sasquatch- Cold One"

SCENE # 1: ESTABLISHING SHOT - A GOLF COURSE- NARRATION, VIEW OF JERKY PRODUCT.

Narrator: Jack Link's Beef Jerky presents...Messin' with Sasquatch.

Jerky appears on screen with pop up text

SCENE # 2: MEDIUM SHOT OF TWO GOLFERS.

Golfer # 1: FIve feet from the hole, right here...

SCENE # 3: CLOSE UP SHOT- GOLFER #1'S FACE.

(Golfer appears to take swing until he notices sudden movement in the brush.)

SCENE # 4: MEDIUM SHOT OF SASQUATCH CHASING A RABBIT.

Sasquatch: Raw, Grr, Rrr ( looks up at the golfers-aknowledgeing presence.)

SCENE # 5: MEDIUM SHOT- GOLFERS, GOLFER #2 EMERGES FROM THE GOLF CART.

SCENE # 6: MEDIUM SHOT- SASQUATCH TAKES A STEP BACK.

SCENE # 7: CLOSE-UP SHOT OF TWO GOLFERS WHILE THE EAT JERKY.

(Golfer #2 grins and taps on the shoulder of Golfer #1 in a Scheming manner.)

SCENE # 8: WIDE SHOT OF GOLFERS AND SASQUATCH.

(Golfer #2 grabs a beer and shakes it then slowly approaches Sasquatch.)

Golfer #2: Hey big fella, want a cold one...

SCENE # 9: OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT OF GOLFERS FROM SASQUATCH.

(Sasquatch snatches the beer and the golfers are taken back.)

Sasquatch: Roar!!!

SCENE # 10: CLOSE-UP SHOT OF SASQUATCH.

(Sasquatch struggles with opening the beer.)

Sasquatch: Roar!!!

SCENE # 11: MEDIUM SHOT OF TWO GOLFERS.

Golfer # 2: Come on, you can do it...

(The two of them gesture how to open a can.)

SCENE # 12: CLOSE-UP OF SASQUATCH.

(Sasquatch opens beer and foam hits him in the face.)

CAN OPENING, FOAMING

Sasquatch: ROAAAR!!!

SCENE # 13: CAMERA TILT RIGHT, GOLFERS RUN IN LAUGHTER INTO THE CART.

SCENE # 14: CLOSE-UP OF SASQUATCH.

(Foam covered face.)

Sasquatch: Roaaar!!!

SCENE # 15: MEDIUM SHOT OF GOLFERS IN CART.

(Golfers flee the scene in laughter.)

LAUGHTER AND CART STARTING

SCENE # 16: MEDIUM SHOT OF CART FLEEING.

(Sasquatch charges the cart and rams it over.)

Crash

SCENE # 17: WIDE-SHOT OF GOLD COURSE WITH JERKY PRODUCT.

JUNGLE MUSIC

Narrator: Jack Link's Beef Jerky...Feed your wild side.

(Text appears, "Feed Your Wild Side."

BANNED SUPER-BOWL ADD

Steven Lico

Week #5, Class # 10

2/11/10

SCENE #1: ESTABLISHING SHOT - A GIANT MANION, BENTLEY PARKED IN DRIVEWAY

TWO PEOPLE ARE SEEN IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE. DANICA PATRICK IS SEEN UP FRONT WHILE LOLA IS TO THE SIDE OF THE CAR.

KEYBOARD LOOP

DANICA: Meet Lola….

LOLA: Hm..Hm..Mh

SCENE #2: CLOSE-UP SHOT – PORTRAIT OF LOLA, THE NAME “LARRY JONES” IS CROSSED OUT IN PINK READING “LOLA”

KEYBOARD LOOP

DANICA: The day Lola retired from football…

AUDIO: Crowd cheering

SCENE #3: MIDDLE SHOT- DANICA SEEN IN FRONT OF LOLA’S PORTRAIT

KEYBOARD LOOP

DANICA: Lola started chasing his biggest dream…

SCENE #4: SLOW ZOOM OF LOLA INSPECTING LINGERIE ON MODEL

KEYBOARD LOOP

DANICA ENTERS

DANICA: A business of his own, Lola’s first step …

SCENE #5: CLOSE-UP OF LOLA

KEYBOARD LOOP

DANICA: He built his website with GoDaddy.com

LOLA: Mmmhmmm

SCENE #5: MIDDLE SHOT OF LOLA AT COMPUTER, DANICA ENTERS

KEYBOARD LOOP

DANICA:… And with GoDaddy’s easy to use commerce tools, Lola…

SCENE #6: OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT OF LOLA’S MONITORS OF GODADDY.COM

KEYBOARD LOOP

DANICA: Lola, was soon selling his line to he world

SCENE #7: MIDDLE SHOT OF LOLA

KEYBOARD LOOP

LOLA: OOH-WEE!

SCENE #8: MIDDLE SHOT OF POOL AND MANSION, DANICA IS SITTING WHILE LOLA FLOATS BY

DANICA: Lola dreams big…

LOLA: Uh-Huh

DANICA: … And who’s to argue

SCENE #9: ADD EFFECTS- “GO DADDY” LOGO

DANICA: SEE MORE NOW AT GODADDY.COM

END.

Obama's 2010 State of the Union Address

1. When we first sit down and take note of all that is going on at the House of Representatives we take note of all the politicians and the layout of the people inside in terms of seating arrangement. This is just the first feeling that comes to mind from the neocortex. But as Obama begins his speech we tune in on a rational level because Obama posses the the gift of gabb. He is able to address millions of Americans at a level of compassion and hope that speaks to us at a normal level. In no way do I personally feel that I am being talked down to or being mocked. I feel as though this appeals to my sense of rational thought in my neocortex. This gift of gabb he possesses is what won him the ability to succeed as a Democratic candidate in the 2008 election. As we listen to the words of obama we are engaged by the visual of his body language as well as those around him. This indeed utilizes certain aspects of the limbic brain, causing a more emotional response from the visual.

2. One of the main trends that noticed was the use of technology implored in the Obama administration. Given the age of technology we live in there are many different kinds of social networking that Obama uses to reach people. The white house has a facebook page, you-tube account, and even a twitter page. This makes any operation of progress notable to all the people with a laptop sitting at a desk or even a person with a smart phone riding the subway. All the information gathered from the speech is there for the taking out in the open for anyone to see.

3. Of the seven principles listed in our notes I see the emotional transfer more evident than anything else. My family has been greatly affected by the current recession as far as the financial status of my grandparents. My grandpa used to work for GM and is not retired. Since the financial down poor he has lost his pension and struggles with his health. Today we help him out but this would not be necessary if someone behind a desk had actually done their job right. Anyway, when these current economic problems regarding retirement and healthcare are brought up I feel very emotional towards these subjects.

4. Obama is able to use many aspects as far of the 29 techniques of persuasion-

-Symbol: American made suit, flag pin

-Nostalgia: WWII; American troops on Omaha beach, the perseverance of American's during the Great Depression.

-Repetition: He addresses issues like creating jobs for Americans and going green over and over

-Humor: When he talks about the bank bailout he comments saying, "That idea was about as popular as a root canal".

-Group Dynamics: He doesn't address the problems that we look to him to solve as his own they are our problems. It is something that he brings to work with him everyday the same as how we face these problems every day. ie:"My fellow Americans"

-Scapegoating: He mentions how these problems that our nation faces today is the product of a former administration and its decisions.

5. The main idea that I got from Obama's speech was that change is imminent it only takes time. There is mention of the progress that was made and how all is seeing to be resolved only it isn't just going to happen over night. I see a metaphor for our current social economic hardship to be that of a person ordering a big meal at a restaurant and leaving it for some one else to pick up the tab.

6. So far the Obama administration has provided 25 different tax cuts for small businesses, parents, home buyers and eight million Americans paying for college. Jobs have been created for Americans like the 12,000 in North Carolina making environmentally safe batteries. And the 30 billion that wall street has given back to the tax payers would be used to help keep small local banks afloat.

I feel comfort when Obama speaks. I would like to think that this is the right guy for the job given our complications that our nation faces as a whole. He gives mention of children out there asking him why they have to leave their homes. I believe that he will get these children their homes back. Let's do it Obama!