Well, we're back from spring break and it's time to get serious and buckle-down for the final half of the semester. I'm going to be honest; I'd like to be further along in my research.
Since handing in my first module, I've been trying to find out more about single life and finding love in Baltimore through a very popular search engine, but to little avail. Since meeting with members of the S.V.B.A. earlier this month, I've been cut-off from any new information. I've sent Anne and Jen emails, asking for personal stories and experiences, but have received no replies. The group likes to remain anonymous and values their privacy; I may have been lucky to simply get their last names. Still, I haven't given up hope on them just yet.
As far as pictures go, I simply don't have any (yet). I'm curious as to what kind of pictures I should be attaining, and will talk to Professor Lieb after class about it. Perhaps I can attend an event and take pictures, but I think this may anger or offend the group members. There are pictures on their site of events, but no names are used (I assume to protect their privacy). I was wondering if random pictures would be ok to use on my site. For instance, pictures of Baltimore to set the scene, and possibly pictures of young love and elderly couples to promote the theme of finding love in Baltimore.
I have also left a voice message with Judy from 'Dinner For Ten,' and am awaiting a reply. If I don't hear back tomorrow, I'll call again. I plan to use this group as my second module, so I'll need information as soon as possible. This group may be more willing to talk, as it consists of older and professional men and women.
I also joined the Yahoo group 'Simply Single,' but there doesn't seem to be much of a story there. I'll mention it to Proffessor Lieb and see what he thinks about it; perhaps he can point me in the right direction. I had also put in a request to join the Yahoo group FORSBA ( Fun Outings and Resources for Singles of Baltimore and Annapolis). The group was started by the S.V.B.A. After nearly three weeks, my membership is still awaiting approval from the group leader.
Finally, I researched a bit about 'Parents without Partners.' This group meets every second Wednesday of the month at the White Marsh Library at 7:30. I live right down the street, but would have to leave my Photojournalism class early to make the meeting. I think I can make this work.
That's pretty much it for now. As you can see, I'm making some progress, but wish I was further along right now.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
I'm Doing Research!
As a student that knows he is falling behind, I was extremely excited to meet with members of SingleVolunteers this past weekend. Unfortunately, there were only six members present, and the information I acquired will more than likely give me a sub-par grade concerning our first module. But alas, it was a start. I'm not proud that at the mid-point of the semester I have pretty much nothing. I'm not used to failure. I like success, and I plan on making this a successful website, even though the subjects I spoke to value anonymity! I plan on speaking with Professor Lieb as soon as possible! I have some names and numbers now, though, and want to find out more!
This is about two talking apes....
WOW! I can't say I was too surprised after listening to this 14-minute audio presentation, but I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I love animals, and believe that most domesticated animals honestly can communicate with humans. I have an old cat that seems to talk to me, and now that I have a dog, I know that these animals can communicate with their human counterparts. But no animal can do so in the ways a monkey can.
I thought this was an excellent example of how to effectively use audio in a story, though throughout the process I missed the visual elements that knew would add to the story.
The package seemed like a piece that would run on Animal Planet or Discovery, or a late-night special on MPT. I loved the monkeys screeching, and how the narrator explained exactly what the animals were asking for. I have no doubt that these animals really were trying to use their limited capabilities to speak the human language and get what they were asking for.
I do believe that monkeys and apes are extremely smart creatures, and can learn words from humans. It would be silly to dispute the fact that these creatures are almost human, especially after hearing this story.
Overall, I found this to be a great story, and the fact that a link for visuals was included in the package inclines me to believe that this package was nearly flawless in its total design.
I thought this was an excellent example of how to effectively use audio in a story, though throughout the process I missed the visual elements that knew would add to the story.
The package seemed like a piece that would run on Animal Planet or Discovery, or a late-night special on MPT. I loved the monkeys screeching, and how the narrator explained exactly what the animals were asking for. I have no doubt that these animals really were trying to use their limited capabilities to speak the human language and get what they were asking for.
I do believe that monkeys and apes are extremely smart creatures, and can learn words from humans. It would be silly to dispute the fact that these creatures are almost human, especially after hearing this story.
Overall, I found this to be a great story, and the fact that a link for visuals was included in the package inclines me to believe that this package was nearly flawless in its total design.
"Can You Spot the Threats?" (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032572/)
This interactive piece from MSNBC.com left much to be desired. After 9/11, the country was understandably a bit wary about airport security, and new screening procedures were introduced across the U.S. The package was produced by Alex Johnson and Ashley Wells and designed by Fred Birchman. The music was supplied by Asim Khan while the images were provided by PerkinElmer Detection Systems. The package was narrated by MSNBC's own Natalie Morales.
Upon launching the package, Morales explains how baggage screening is our last line of defense against terrorists on airplanes. She informs us that the machines that can prevent catastrophes are only as good as the human beings that scan bags for any possible threats. We learn that before 9/11, those hired to perform this task were trained for as little as 40 hours before being placed on active duty, and many went months before seeing anything considered suspicious. She informs us that now, even with the government taking over, it still takes a well-trained human eye to discern a possible threat. She asks: is it enough?
The interaction begins when Morales explains we will be given two minutes to screen carry-on bags passing by on a conveyor belt. Most bags are harmless, but a few contain deadly weapons: guns, knives, grenades, and even explosive materials. We're allowed to stop the conveyor belt, zoom in and out, and switch from black-and-white to color (organic material, often explosive, shows up orange). After two minutes we receive a grade based upon our performance, and are warned that the longer we take in screening the bags, the more impatient travelers become (and they'll let you know it!)
The multimedia images consist of three recognizable carry-on bags: a purse, a briefcase and a backpack. These same three images are portrayed one after another continuously until the "game" begins. The rules are clear enough, and are portrayed on-screen by arrows as Morales narrates how the "game" is played.
I found the instructions to be simple enough, especially after trying to play the "Super Volcano" game. To stop the conveyor, press 'STOP.' To start again press 'GO.' The Zoom has plus or minus symbols, and the threats are as simple as clicking on buttons labeled 'EXPLOSIVE,' 'GUN,' or 'KNIFE.' I found the audio to be absolutely horrendous, even if this came out a few years ago (I'm not sure when it did). I find it hard to believe that I own a better quality digital audio recorder than the folks at MSNBC.
The first time I played the "game" I found the repetitive complaints from the passengers to be extremely annoying. I thought the process would be harder than it actually is, so I stopped the conveyor belt often, zooming in and out and switching between color palettes. After my first few tries, I found the process became easier, and soon was able to correctly identify suspicious packages within the time frame given.
Obviously, this package was intended to portray national airline security, and invoke questions as to are we doing enough in the fight against terrorism. As such, I was extremely angered by the annoying passengers complaining (in repetitively bad audio), that things were taking too long. I haven't flown often (only twice, or four times if you include the return trips), but I have never heard anyone belittle or berate the people checking our baggage. Especially after 9/11, I'd think most citizens would welcome the added safety precautions that the airlines have put in place. I don't especially enjoy flying, but I know that I'd gladly sacrifice a few minutes of my time to ensure that the passenger two rows behind me doesn't have a live grenade in their backpack.
Overall, I thought the basic message of this package was a righteous one, but thought it could have been executed better. Playing the "game" of baggage inspector was fun, but there could have been more. The lack of text and pictures certainly was a disappointment, as it seems this package was only about playing a "game" that lacked even decent audio. In addition, even though you were able to play the game over again after each try, it seemed the same so eventually you were able to pass without even really trying.
I liked the idea of showing the public what it's like to screen baggage at an airport, and hope that anyone who used this interactive multimedia gained a better understanding of what it takes to scan for threats at an airport. I'd certainly use the basic idea again, but fine tune it with better audio clips, as well as text that supports the story and even pictures to go along with it.
Upon launching the package, Morales explains how baggage screening is our last line of defense against terrorists on airplanes. She informs us that the machines that can prevent catastrophes are only as good as the human beings that scan bags for any possible threats. We learn that before 9/11, those hired to perform this task were trained for as little as 40 hours before being placed on active duty, and many went months before seeing anything considered suspicious. She informs us that now, even with the government taking over, it still takes a well-trained human eye to discern a possible threat. She asks: is it enough?
The interaction begins when Morales explains we will be given two minutes to screen carry-on bags passing by on a conveyor belt. Most bags are harmless, but a few contain deadly weapons: guns, knives, grenades, and even explosive materials. We're allowed to stop the conveyor belt, zoom in and out, and switch from black-and-white to color (organic material, often explosive, shows up orange). After two minutes we receive a grade based upon our performance, and are warned that the longer we take in screening the bags, the more impatient travelers become (and they'll let you know it!)
The multimedia images consist of three recognizable carry-on bags: a purse, a briefcase and a backpack. These same three images are portrayed one after another continuously until the "game" begins. The rules are clear enough, and are portrayed on-screen by arrows as Morales narrates how the "game" is played.
I found the instructions to be simple enough, especially after trying to play the "Super Volcano" game. To stop the conveyor, press 'STOP.' To start again press 'GO.' The Zoom has plus or minus symbols, and the threats are as simple as clicking on buttons labeled 'EXPLOSIVE,' 'GUN,' or 'KNIFE.' I found the audio to be absolutely horrendous, even if this came out a few years ago (I'm not sure when it did). I find it hard to believe that I own a better quality digital audio recorder than the folks at MSNBC.
The first time I played the "game" I found the repetitive complaints from the passengers to be extremely annoying. I thought the process would be harder than it actually is, so I stopped the conveyor belt often, zooming in and out and switching between color palettes. After my first few tries, I found the process became easier, and soon was able to correctly identify suspicious packages within the time frame given.
Obviously, this package was intended to portray national airline security, and invoke questions as to are we doing enough in the fight against terrorism. As such, I was extremely angered by the annoying passengers complaining (in repetitively bad audio), that things were taking too long. I haven't flown often (only twice, or four times if you include the return trips), but I have never heard anyone belittle or berate the people checking our baggage. Especially after 9/11, I'd think most citizens would welcome the added safety precautions that the airlines have put in place. I don't especially enjoy flying, but I know that I'd gladly sacrifice a few minutes of my time to ensure that the passenger two rows behind me doesn't have a live grenade in their backpack.
Overall, I thought the basic message of this package was a righteous one, but thought it could have been executed better. Playing the "game" of baggage inspector was fun, but there could have been more. The lack of text and pictures certainly was a disappointment, as it seems this package was only about playing a "game" that lacked even decent audio. In addition, even though you were able to play the game over again after each try, it seemed the same so eventually you were able to pass without even really trying.
I liked the idea of showing the public what it's like to screen baggage at an airport, and hope that anyone who used this interactive multimedia gained a better understanding of what it takes to scan for threats at an airport. I'd certainly use the basic idea again, but fine tune it with better audio clips, as well as text that supports the story and even pictures to go along with it.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Not too much has happened this week...
Hey! Good to see you're all back to see what I've been up to since last time...unfortunately, there's not much to tell. I've been pretty sick the last three days but have still managed to make it to work and my internship. Other than that, I've been sleeping! I've only had three beers in the last three days, so you know something is terribly wrong with me! That doesn't excuse me from making at least SOME progress on my project, so here it is.
Last class, after looking at my storyboard, Professor Lieb recommended using more than just the one volunteer site for my story. That amazed me, as I thought my entire project was just on singles volunteering in Baltimore, and I hadn't thought about adding other unique ideas in the area. Luckily, the site has a "Links" link that users can click on to find other services located not only locally but nationally. I decided the local sites would be best for this assignment, and researched them to see what would be most interesting to include in my final project.
There are a bunch of sites that are unique and interesting, so I hope to speak with Professor Lieb and narrow them down a bit. My favorites so far include: American Singles Golf Association (which doesn't seem to exist), Baltimore's Dinner For Ten, Bike & Brunch, Inc. (Jewish only), and two sites that focus on singles sailing the Chesapeake together: Cheasapeake Sailing Association (again, nonexistent) and Singles on Sailboats, Inc., both non-profit organizations. I'm leaning more toward these last two, since they hit so close to home and seem very unique. Well, let me know what you think. I'm feeling a bit better, and hope to find out more on these organizations this week!
Last class, after looking at my storyboard, Professor Lieb recommended using more than just the one volunteer site for my story. That amazed me, as I thought my entire project was just on singles volunteering in Baltimore, and I hadn't thought about adding other unique ideas in the area. Luckily, the site has a "Links" link that users can click on to find other services located not only locally but nationally. I decided the local sites would be best for this assignment, and researched them to see what would be most interesting to include in my final project.
There are a bunch of sites that are unique and interesting, so I hope to speak with Professor Lieb and narrow them down a bit. My favorites so far include: American Singles Golf Association (which doesn't seem to exist), Baltimore's Dinner For Ten, Bike & Brunch, Inc. (Jewish only), and two sites that focus on singles sailing the Chesapeake together: Cheasapeake Sailing Association (again, nonexistent) and Singles on Sailboats, Inc., both non-profit organizations. I'm leaning more toward these last two, since they hit so close to home and seem very unique. Well, let me know what you think. I'm feeling a bit better, and hope to find out more on these organizations this week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
