From time to time, I want to take advantage of our writing assignments to start the blog I want to use on my thesis project. For my thesis, I am producing a documentary which right now has the tentative title of Oy Vey: Why being Jewish is Funny ? My goal is to produce a linear version of the documentary and then turn it non-linear via either Flash or an HTML based web site.
My vision of this project is to produce a series of vignettes tied together by my blog on a web cam. I am planning on talking with an old vaudevillian performer, a couple of contemporary comedians, a motivational speaker who talks about laughter therapy, a Yeshiva high school class, senior citizens at an Assisted Living residence in New Haven, and a celebrity comic (TBA).
The logistics to piece together all these shoots is daunting, but, I think its the type of challenge I can handle. I think my biggest need is going to be for camera crew help because I envision each vignette to require two cameras. I also have a Flip Camera which I could use as a stationary third camera on most shoots.
In the Fall, I am taking a class in learning After Effects and hope that combining that skill with what I already learned in using Final Cut Pro, I will be able to create a graphic look and edit style to the project. I haven't even begun to think about music, that will be the last step.
I hope this will be a good forum to give you guys updates on what I am doing and please feel free to give me feedback and ideas.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Padding The Facts-ICM 506 Module 1
In an attempt to let you know a little more about me, I will share my experiences with my new iPad. Back in March, I had heard that Apple was announcing pre-orders for its brand new iPad.
I had been torn between getting an iPhone or a BlackBerry over the years. So many of my friends with iPhones, while loving the applications, cursed the amount of calls dropped by A.T & T. I was pretty satisfied with Verizon's phone coverage, but hated its internet browser and apps choices. I was also getting tired of receiving e-mails or jokes from colleagues that I was unable to open on my phone. So it seemed a no-brainer to me to purchase the iPad. It would allow me to keep my Verizon served BlackBerry while enabling me to utilize the applications offered on the iPad.
After some research, I decided if I was going to shell out the money for this new technology, I might as well go all the way. I ordered the 3G 64mg version and waited for its late April arrival. Now of course, you can not just order the machine without getting a few extras. I purchased the Apple Care program which is essential in case you run into any problems. But, i also purchased the separate keyboard and soft carry case offered. Let me tell you, if you are planning to purchase an iPad, these are a waste of money. The touch keyboard on the iPad screen is easy to use and very easy to read. The soft case is too flimsy and while the picture frame aspect of it functions well, it is not great for transporting around. I purchased a harder leather case on Amazon.com which is much more effective.
As for the iPad itself, I love it !! The Kindle application is tremendous and gives you many more book options than the iBook app. There are business apps that transforms the iPad into a Microsoft Office, giving you everything offered on a lap top. All of my social networking sites are available and there are separate apps that allow you to utilize Facebook chat, AIM and Yahoo Messenger. Two of my favorite apps are Pandora which takes one song and turns it into a radio station of music from that same genre.....and MLB 2010, which allows me to watch a computer version of a game that is 7 seconds behind real time and also provides you with live radio play-by-play and highlights of all scoring plays. Its great when you watch American Idol with the wife and still want to see how your team is doing.
The biggest negative is that you can only open one app at a time, so you can't listen to music while doing something else. I understand that is going to be addressed in September when Apple rolls out the 4G version of iPhone and can update all iPads.
As you can tell, I love my iPad, so as I run to the mailbox to see if my check from Steve Jobs is in the mail, I can say this will the future and will evolve into everyone having on much in the same way computers and cell phones have found their way into most homes.
I had been torn between getting an iPhone or a BlackBerry over the years. So many of my friends with iPhones, while loving the applications, cursed the amount of calls dropped by A.T & T. I was pretty satisfied with Verizon's phone coverage, but hated its internet browser and apps choices. I was also getting tired of receiving e-mails or jokes from colleagues that I was unable to open on my phone. So it seemed a no-brainer to me to purchase the iPad. It would allow me to keep my Verizon served BlackBerry while enabling me to utilize the applications offered on the iPad.
After some research, I decided if I was going to shell out the money for this new technology, I might as well go all the way. I ordered the 3G 64mg version and waited for its late April arrival. Now of course, you can not just order the machine without getting a few extras. I purchased the Apple Care program which is essential in case you run into any problems. But, i also purchased the separate keyboard and soft carry case offered. Let me tell you, if you are planning to purchase an iPad, these are a waste of money. The touch keyboard on the iPad screen is easy to use and very easy to read. The soft case is too flimsy and while the picture frame aspect of it functions well, it is not great for transporting around. I purchased a harder leather case on Amazon.com which is much more effective.
As for the iPad itself, I love it !! The Kindle application is tremendous and gives you many more book options than the iBook app. There are business apps that transforms the iPad into a Microsoft Office, giving you everything offered on a lap top. All of my social networking sites are available and there are separate apps that allow you to utilize Facebook chat, AIM and Yahoo Messenger. Two of my favorite apps are Pandora which takes one song and turns it into a radio station of music from that same genre.....and MLB 2010, which allows me to watch a computer version of a game that is 7 seconds behind real time and also provides you with live radio play-by-play and highlights of all scoring plays. Its great when you watch American Idol with the wife and still want to see how your team is doing.
The biggest negative is that you can only open one app at a time, so you can't listen to music while doing something else. I understand that is going to be addressed in September when Apple rolls out the 4G version of iPhone and can update all iPads.
As you can tell, I love my iPad, so as I run to the mailbox to see if my check from Steve Jobs is in the mail, I can say this will the future and will evolve into everyone having on much in the same way computers and cell phones have found their way into most homes.
Monday, May 24, 2010
ICM-506 Introduction
- My twitter feed is jms53 and I would like to say hello to each of you joining us on this writing journey.
Unfortunately, I have no published stories or articles to refer you back to so I will have to make some first impressions by writing about a recent experience.
This is probably longer than Professor Kalm intended it to be, so I will stop and just say I am looking forward to sharing and exploring writing techniques and suggestons with all of you.
I was fortunate enough to experience hearing Former President Clinton speak yesterday at the Yale commencement ceremonies. Aside from his seeming forced comments about how he met the love of his life at Yale. Hey, right !! He did make some valid points that I feel this is the appropriate forum to share.
He spoke about how when he was sworn into office on Jan. 20, 1993 there were 50 internet sites in exsistence. He punctuated the point by saying that while he was talking more than 50 new internet sites had been launched. He spoke about how people too often use the internet to just read opinions from people who share the same point of view. Liberals read liberal sites, conservatives conservative and so on.
In making these points, he felt that people were re-enforcing point of views and not allowing a new thought process to enter into the equation. This he warned leads to nay sayers who not allow things to get done. What he felt the next generation should concentrate on is to not get caught up in the minutia of logistics, but to figure out HOW to get it done.
Absorb a problem or an issue from all sides and figure out the best way to tackle it and do it.
Now I'm sure I have gone much longer than Professor Kalm intended, so I look forward to sharing and discussing writing styles, voices and techniques with each one of you over the course of this long hot summer.
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