remix at it's funniest

Telephone Remake @ Yahoo! Video

WOW is Right!

Ok so this kid is truly crazy. Most of yall have probably seen this already, but if you haven’t seen this kid wig out then you have to check it out. I am not going to post the YouTube vid on the blog site b/c there is a risky section during the clip. All you have to do is simply YouTube WOW freak out and it’s the first clip that pops up. This guy is a for sure video game addict.

World Of War Craft Intervention?

This is a video about a group of friends getting together to do a WOW intervention or are they?

Remix - Sistine Chapel

I saw this link on Digg today of a 360 degree virtual image tour of the Sistine Chapel. Reminded me of how Henry Jenkins used the Sistine Chapel as an example of remix or mashup because it features stories and images from the Bible.

Dance Your Ass Off, Charlie Brown!

For everyone's enjoyment, here is the remix video of A Charlie Brown Christmas with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I am about to attempt to repost the video to YouTube and resign a statement of good faith. I will also post this statement in hopes that they will allow the video to be viewed and searched by anyone who so chooses....

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational orpersonal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

let's hope this works. I will keep you all updated on the progress of this and hopefully you can search for it soon :)

More

We all have a fire within us. Don't let it burn out.

Six Degrees of Remix Culture

http://sixdegreesofremixculture.blogspot.com/

The link to my blog that we saw in class! check it out.

Facebook

After Brittany's presentation we had talked about how facebook using your personal information to market you was kind of shady, well..
FACEBOOK is at it again...violating your personal information: As of today, there is a new privacy setting called "Instant Personalization" that shares data with non-facebook websites and it is automatically set to "Allow." Go to Account > Privacy Settings > Applications and Websites and uncheck "Allow"...

How Facebook won the web

This article on "How Facebook won the web" is really interesting! It discusses how Facebook is ruling Google and Twitter, but it warns "Facebook's user base is volatile: They may one day decide to embark on a mass exodus, causing Facebook to fall like MySpace and Friendster before it." It makes me wonder how long this Facebook thing will really stay around for. While I was working on my undergrad I used Facebook, afterall that's when it got big! However, when I got my bachelors in 2006, that pretty much meant the end to my Facebook use. Now that I'm in grad school though, I'm using it again to stay in touch with my classmates and vent about exams! I really don't see myself using it as frequently as I do now, once I graduate. Check out the link below and let me know what YOU think! Will you still be a loyal Facebook user once you graduate?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/04/22/facebook.won.the.web.cashmore/index.html?hpt=T2

New iPhone Lost and Found! For Real!

In case you missed it, the Internets erupted yesterday like an Icelandic volcano over news that a top-secret iPhone 4.0 had turned up in a bar. Check it out.

And here's the follow-up article on How Apple Lost the Next iPhone.

Zombie Girl: the Movie

I watched an interesting movie this weekend, called Zombie Girl: the Movie, about a 12 year-old girl from Austin who decided to make a zombie film. The movie was interesting because it focused on the behind the scenes aspect of making a movie and the decisions and obstacles this girl had to face. In terms of new media, there was a section when film critics and indie film makers discussed the “blurring of the lines between consumer and producer” and how technology has changed so much that a 12 year-old can make a feature length film. What once was limited to a few people who had the ability and know-how to film a project and edit it is now available to anyone who has the time and creativity to make a movie. They also discussed if this was a good or bad thing and not everything produced will be worthy of the audience’s time (which makes sense when you see a lot of the stuff on YouTube). I recommend checking this movie out if only for the sole purpose of seeing what a pre-teen can accomplish and feeling bad about yourself for being so lazy at that age. At least, that’s how it made me feel. Below is the trailer.

Combatting My Space Addiction

This parody of films and tv shows gives advice for combatting My Space-itis. It is funny and makes a good point--about the fact that there is a real world out there with real people in it--you can have real friends and hobbies.

Facebook Addiction

I think the addiction doctors will be getting around to Facebook soon for some of us. What is so addictive about socializing from a distance using technology? Brings out the lurker in all of us? Or the voyeur? Is it the hope that one day you will find someone fantastic online--best friend ever, new boyfriend, etc.?

The Skinny on the Trololo

Check this Russian news story (with English captions) for a valuable lesson in global media flows.

This is all that's wrong with FB!

This is probably one of the best ways I could describe to you all the things I HATE ABOUT FACEBOOK! But, I still find myself a slave to it, because of all the friends I can actually stay in touch with on here.

Social Networking Wars: Super News!

Here are a couple of animated cartoons about making fun social networking sites. This first one is about Myspace contronting a user for not being on the site. In steps Facebook.





Twouble with Twitter....





"Friend Request"

Social Network Sites

Since the Internet is now used for everything in daily life, why not online learning? Even though sites like second life are starting to use this kind of tool to reach students, this is a kind of learning that in my opinion is still in its infancy. This seems like the logical next step since society has already seen the adaptation of twitter, facebook, second life and so many more that I could not even begin to list them here (nor do I even know them all!!) One area of particular interest to me is instructional communication in the online classroom and more specifically how teacher immediacy and social presence relate to student motivation in the online classroom. One of the really cool things about online learning is the interpersonal dynamic that has to be accounted for-that is, how do instructors promote a "climate" for learning when there is no classroom and students are in a virtual world? Verbal immediacy is a good tool to use as it is more difficult to use nonverbal in this sort of learning environment. What I would love to see in the future of online learning is more research and study into the ways student motivation is shaped in this sort of classroom. Are students motivated the same way as they are in the traditional classroom? More motivated for learning? Perhaps less? Fascinating stuff indeed!!!

Lego Poetry

Hollywood should be taking notes. Well played, tomjoetwins, well played.

Avatars and Us

My Second Life avatar Sheena Baddingham thought the class might be interested in this video about behaviorism and avatars. It seems that creating an avatar from an image of ourselves can affect behavior. Researchers at Stanford University have been studying this. I know that having Sheena around has motivated me to become a better person. (just kidding, nothing can do that)

Jeff Gomez talking about transmedia narratives

Jeff Gomez speaks of symphonies of nonlinear narrative. Transmedia is a way to overcome licensing problems, studio politics, etc. Movies will be a lifetyle experience. He says people will spend money to live in unique worlds like the Avatar world. Maximizing profit but he also says that sponsors will make some experiences free for fans.

SORRY:(

Oops wrong site…but if anyone is interested in checking out Mike and Rands site you can find us at www.texanangler.blogspot.com cya there

The iPad Killer?

HP has recentely leaked some new teaser videos (like the one above) about their new product, the Slate, they're hoping will give the iPad a run for it's money. The Slate has some key elements that are missing on the iPad, such as a built-in camera, a USB port (a real one, not an adapter), and an SD card slot. Also, there are two cameras: a 3MP lens in back and a front-facing VGA camera for video conferencing. The Slate also has a single USB 2.0 port, an SD card reader, a "conventional" SIM tray for 3G networking, and HDMI-out video capabilities (with 1080p playback) via the Slate's dock connector. Possible unofficial features include an 8.9-inch, 1024-by-600-pixel display, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, and 32 or 64GB of built-in flash storage (expandable via the SD card slot). HP has already made it pretty clear that users will be able to view Flash videos on the Slate. One of the biggest official selling points for the Slate is Windows 7, a full-on, multitasking, desktop-caliber operating system. The iPad, on the other hand, runs on a modified version of the iPhone OS and lacks third-party-app multitasking and is specifically designed for touch. The iPad also runs lightning-fast while Windows 7 is designed for a keyboard and mouse but HP is promising a "touch-optimized UI" to help with fingertip navigation.

More Jenkins!

Pretty interesting clip...

A Slice of Fried Gold

Above: Jimmy Fallon’s impression of Kate Gosselin on Dancing with the Stars complete with scary hair extensions and robot-like movements.
Below: Gosselin’s actual performance.

Addicted to Video Games?

Here's an excerpt from an interview with Henry Jenkins in which he discusses the notion of video games addiction, which ties in nicely to our conversation about Second Life last week and my concerns about how quickly we jump to diagnosing media obsessions.

Young Job-Seekers Hiding Facebook Pages

I recently read this article about young job-seekers and how they are starting to hide their Facebook pages, because they are worried it will hurt them during their job hunt! Pretty interesting article and something to consider for all those looking for a job in this tough market. Wouldn't it be a shame to lose a job over a Facebook page?!

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/03/29/facebook.job-seekers/index.html?hpt=C

(For some reason it wasn't letting me link it up, sorry but you'll have to copy and paste)

Final Project Blog

So for my final project, I'm doing a combination of things on the subject of MMORPGs (such as World of Warcraft) and addiction. If you've played any of these games, you know what I'm talking about...or at least heard of someone who has. Anyway, a big part of my project is a "self-help" blog.

The link is:

mmoaddictguide.blogspot.com

There isn't a lot up at the moment but feel free to stop by and make comments or whatever. Feedback is appreciated.

~JV

A Second Life Production

The makers of this video remind of the first movies made. A new technology in play that allows for the creation and distrabution of entertainment content. As second life continues to develope players(aka participatory clients) with media savoy and a nack for creative vision, a new platorm for movie development might be around the corner. Keep in mind I'm not suggesting a block buster theater presentation, but webisode productions are a possiblity.

Easter Spirit

I can't explain why this funny, it just is.

Hitler Gets Banned from XBOX Live

Maybe I should do my project with this video. Now Hitler is banned from XBOX Live. This is a good example of remix in that you can see how funny you can make the same old video footage. Would Hitler have played video games? Probably, if you could win territory in the game and have people hung on hooks with piano wire if you won. Enjoy!

Hitler Takes Over Texas A&M University

Funny, funny, Hitler taking over once again, this time of our alma mater. If Hitler were alive, would he be impressed with Texas A&M University? Maybe some of the traditions. Quite possibly the corps. Not that I am a Hitler fan or anything. Glad he is dead and that I never met him.

Adam does it again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NisCkxU544c
While this post is alittle graphic in the use of language, it does drive home the comedic drive of Andy Samberg.

Sandbox game example

Video Games | Red Dead Redemption | Exclusive Life in the West Part II

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

This game hasn't come out yet, but I saw this video today and it really caught my eye. Red Dead Redemption is being developed by Rockstar Games, the same game company behind the Grand Theft Auto series, as well as Bully, Max Payne series, and Midnight Club. I didn't know this game was a sandbox game until I saw this video. The narrator describes it as an "open-world" game, which is another way of saying it is a sandbox game. The player is free to go from town to town and interact with the people he meets and the environment. This is in contrast to more linear game such as Halo or Call of Duty where the player is sypheined down a set path to advance in the game. This game looks really great. You don't see many Western-themed games out there, let alone an open-world Western game. Can't wait!

The video is widescreen so it doesn't fit properly on the page, here's the link to the video in HD.

Surrogates and Second Life all too real??

The human element disappears in virtual worlds such a second life. There is no possible ways that interpersonal relationships could be built the same way in these avatar world compared to the real world. This "cyber life social hang out" reminds me of the movie Surrogates with Bruce Willis. In the movie, avatars are sent out to live their lives, they can look how they choose to look, work where they want to work, just like second life. The only difference is that instead of meeting in a cyber world, the avatar is actually in the real world. The glamour is presented at first but then you start to see the cracks of the avatar phenomenon and how it greatly affects people's lives.

Why is Kanye Interrupting Obama's Speech?

When congressman Joe Wilson called Obama a lier by shouting out "you lie" while the president gave a health care speech, we all knew this would end up on youtube.....

Depp Doesn't Watch his Movies.....

This probably has nothing to do with class but Im a huge fan and found this pretty funny

More on Second life

I got home and wanted to know more information on second life and found this very interesting hope yall like it

CSI Second Life New York Crime Scene Investigates

CSI in Second Life, an example of participatory culture. It's interesting how we can take a television show from television and incorporate it into this alternative world.

Ohio State Goes Second Life

Here is an example of a university that uses Second Life as a resource for educational instruction... Kind of creepy, kind of cool. But will it lead us to become like our future selves seen in such films as Wall-E? Or make us more prosperous? I guess only time will tell.

iPad Gaming Guide

For anyone interested or just curious, Kotaku has a frequently updated page on iPad games.

http://kotaku.com/5502258/ipad-games-the-ultimate-gamers-guide-to-apples-ipad-[updated]/gallery/

Check it out!

~JV

Why second Life scares the hell out of me

Imagine a world where there are no boundaries, no limits to who a person can be and no limits to the imagination. That world is second life. For some reason as I read all about this virtual world filled with everything from lessons on how to build a piano, to learning in a virtual classroom I am reminded that there is lacking (in my view) a human element in this medium. I am fully aware however that some would say it is the human element that makes this medium what it is. But what of the face to face element of communication? Is it really possible to live in a world that in all respects is real except for the fact that humans can never physically touch one another? Second life reminds me of a dream world where the participants practice "lucid" dreaming-that is, where you know you are dreaming and can control the dream, what the dream is, and what the dream does. No limits! You are the pilot of the dream. I have had such dreams and although these dreams can be pleasurable, they are not real. Second life is a powerful alternative to the real world and in my opinion has the potential to be as addictive to some as crack cocaine. It reminds me of an episode from Star trek Voyager where the crew had discovered this alien species that lived their lives asleep in the "waking world". This alien life form lived out its life in a dream state instead and what was dreamed was actually the alien's real world. But in reality the aliens body had become weak and easily conquered because all the energy was focused in the dream world state rather than the one in the waking world. This dream world actually made it vulnerable. I think second life is fascinating, yet terrifying because it has the ability to totally consume the energies that could otherwise be spent building a real, physical, relational, emotional world in the physical life. It looks like a substitute for what we as humans were meant to be-real, breathing, bleeding human beings connected via touch and face to face contact.