Final Thoughts?

I loved this class. I started this class not knowing what to expect, but I came out knowing a lot more about new media and where it is headed in today's society. I really enjoyed learning more about convergence media, and I think the idea of converging media is a wonderful idea.

Copyright?

I enjoyed the lecture today in my New Media class because I love design. I think the idea of Copyright laws are wonderful due to the fact that it tries to make others think outside of the box. These laws want artists of different varieties of media to create their own work and keep at it!

However, I think some organizations take this to a whole new level (Disney). The Disney Corporation is out for blood when anything Disney is used without permission. For instance, we spoke a while back about how a day care center in Florida painted the several Disney characters on the side of their garage. When Disney found out, they threatened to sue the day care if they did not paint over their garage immediately.

I am interested to see what happens to the Copyright laws when we hit the year 2020 or so... just under 70 years since Walt Disney passed.

Simplicity

I would just like to share a website that is dedicated to sharing photos of simplistic workspaces. I think it is interesting to see what other designers and computer savvy people are using as a workspace. The website fits the theme of the material in the sense that it is very minimalistic and simple. Check it out!

Simple Desks

Addicted to Google?

This is a serious question. Are we addicted to Google and all it's services? I can answer that with one word: Yes. I am absolutely addicted to Google. Every time I open my internet browser (which happens to be Chrome), I go to Google or I just search in the web browser bar. I constantly use Google maps and YouTube in my everyday life. I use YouTube for various computer tutorials and Google maps to find my way around the town.

I believe that Google is extremely powerful however, they don't abuse that power. For the most part, Google makes their money through advertising so they can keep their Gmail, YouTube, Maps, BlogSpot, etc. free. I am dependent on my Google services whether it is checking my mail, browsing the web, or doing my homework for school (Blogger).

The only thing that worries me is the fact that Google keeps all of your personal information. Google could be selling our personal information to various companies on the net so they can send us spam and what not.

First Blog: A Reaction to Fred First's Blogging

Blogs can be used for various reasons such as ways to keep in contact with others, to share one's thoughts, and for Politics. Fred First began blogging when he was introduced to Chris Pirillo's blog about trying to get family together for vacationing. First then attempted to use this in his family, but no one wanted to take part.

First then saw the potential of this medium and began to blog about his stresses in the work place. First enjoyed the fact that you could type in a blog the same way you can write in a word processing program, however, instead of saving the document, you can "publish" the document for all to see.

I agree with First's statement that blogging is great for venting, letting your frustrations out, and being heard. The idea of blogging about your passions in life is great because it doesn't seem like work or a hassle. I also like the idea that blogging can help someone's career as well as give them many opportunities in life. I can also appreciate the value of blogging because it will help my writing and research skills.

Ultimate Cheese Dip

It's Sunday, time to sit back, relax, and make delicious food! Today I am making the ultimate cheese dip, served with whole grain chips. I mean, c'mon, we have to be healthy right?

This cheesy concoction is very easy to make. I will start off with a list of ingredients:
2 Cans of Hormel No-Bean Chili
1 Giant block of Velveta Cheese, cut into 1" cubes
1 Tablespoon of Ground Cumin
1 Tablespoon of Chili Powder

Once you have all of the ingredients together, throw them into a crock pot and set the temperature to high. After about 30 minutes, the mix should be ready to devour. Bon apetite!

First man on the moon!

Only kidding, that happened a long time ago! I think...