Friday, March 25, 2011

RESPONSE TO HOW TO RUIN A GREAT DESIGN:

RESPONSE TO HOW TO RUIN A GREAT DESIGN:

“Bad design comes in many forms. Things that are unsafe. Things that don’t work properly, or are unnecessarily complicated. Things that are ethically or environmentally unsound. Crimes against design are different. They deprive us of the joy of great design, by wrecking or replacing it.”

I think it is interesting how something so little can really affect the overall look. For example, The D being larger in the Diverted cyclist sign. I think there is a place for every type of design. Street signs should be simple, uncomplicated and used as an aid to get the point across clearly. (Helvetica probably works best :) ) The news signs are based off of the old. And it is interesting how generally no-one is likely to care quite so much about the system as the people who conceived it. Or another problem the article brings up is when a company hires someone to redo a design, a lot of times they find the new design is so similar to the old and actually becomes inferior. Overall, there is a lot of desire to update what was, but most of the time it seems it is better that way.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

price tag: jessie j ft b.o.b

[Verse 1: Jessie J]
Seems like everybody's got a price,
I wonder how they sleep at night.
When the tale comes first,
And the truth comes second,
Just stop, for a minute and
Smile

Why is everybody so serious!
Acting so damn mysterious
You got your shades on your eyes
And your heels so high
That you can't even have a good time.

[Pre-Chorus:]
Everybody look to their left (yeah)
Everybody look to their right (ha)
Can you feel that (yeah)
Well pay them with love tonight...

[Chorus:]
It's not about the money, money, money
We don't need your money, money, money
We just wanna make the world dance,
Forget about the Price Tag

Ain't about the (ha) Ka-Ching Ka-Ching.
Ain't about the (yeah) Ba-Bling Ba-Bling
Wanna make the world dance,
Forget about the Price Tag.

[Verse 2: Jessie J]
We need to take it back in time,
When music made us all UNITE!
And it wasn't low blows and video Hoes,
Am I the only one gettin... tired?

Why is everybody so obsessed?
Money can't buy us happiness
Can we all slow down and enjoy right now
Guarantee we'll be feelin
All right.

[Pre-Chorus:]
Everybody look to their left (yeah)
Everybody look to their right (ha)
Can you feel that (yeah)
Well pay them with love tonight...

[Chorus]

[Verse 3: B.o.B]
Yeah yeah
Well, keep the price tag
And take the cash back
Just give me six streams and a half stack
And you can keep the cars
Leave me the garage
And all I...
Yes all I need are keys and garage
And guess what, in 30 seconds I'm leaving to Mars
Yes we leaving across these undefeatable odds
It's like this man, you can't put a price on life
We do this for the love so we fight and sacrifice everynight
So we ain't gon stumble and fall never
Waiting to see, a sign of defeat uh uh
So we gon keep everyone moving there feet
So bring back the beat and everybody sing
It's not about...

[Chorus x2]

[Outro: Jessie J]
Yeah yeah
Oo-oooh
Forget about the price tag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMxX-QOV9tI

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Citizen Cope: Pablo Picasso

The woman that I love
Is forty feet tall
She's a movie star
She's all in the papers
And everywhere i go
People hand me quarters
And they pat me on the back
They treat me like im famous
I'll never leave her side
'Cause today can be dangerous
And when the night arrives
The light hit her features
And the cars drive by
Just so they could see her
And she never bats an eye
When someone takes her picture

Mr.Officer if you've come to take her
Then that means one of us
Gonna end up in a stretcher
Gonna end up in the papers, going end up in the papers, yeah

If i had a pistol
I'd brandish it and wave it
She's the only one alive that knows that I'm not crazy
She's gonna testify on my behalf
Down at the Navy
So I can get some peace
And provide for my babies
I got a stick and a bottle
I'll pretend I got a razor
Helicopters and cameras all shottin' for the station
They say that a wild man defending his lady
But for some odd reason they keep calling you a painting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d4O02BJz74

Monday, March 21, 2011

one eskimo: simple day

let me tell you about a simple day
in my own way i woke up a 6 today
put on the coffee machine
i always dreamed of being a millionaire
without a care in the world because i'm loosing my hair

dressing up like a model in the shop window
even though i know i got it wrong and it don't go
you get to work to find that your boss in a mood
man what makes him think that he can be so rude

forgot to wash your face and your head aches too
people are staring as they pass you by ay ay
let it go don't show that you're a single man
and not a day goes by without a porno mag

god dam if i had only stayed at home today
i'll be fine to live the rest of my life this way

just a simple day (sometimes i don't know why we're living)
just a simple day (these times when everything's slow)
just a simple day (sometimes i don't know why we're living)
just a simple day (these times)

let me tell you about a simple day
in my own way fined for jaywalking
while i was talking to the traffic man
who's on commission man
he said thats what i do to put my kids through school

so my apologies, enjoy your day
who's he to say that when taking my money away

think man if i had only stayed at home today
i'll be fine to live the rest of my life this way

just a simple day (sometimes i don't know why we're living)
just a simple day (these times when everything's slow)
just a simple day (sometimes i don't know why we're living)
just a simple day (these times)

just a simple day (sometimes i don't know why we're living)
just a simple day (these times when everything's slow)
just a simple day (sometimes i don't know why we're living)
just a simple day (these times)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW92Mbg0j7k

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Words and Worlds

Words and Worlds:

This article begins with the events of 9/11. Obviously one of the most significant events in the past few decades in our American history, sparking questions on political issues and security. But what this articles focus on is the question, “How many events took place in New York on that morning in September?” It is argued there was one, but other argue that it was much more complex. There were two towers hit. Two different times. Another that the passengers brought down before it reached its target in Washington. Could possibly one of these towers have not been meant to be hit? The event can be qualified as one or two, dependent upon how we mentally describe it to ourselves.

How do we frame events? What point of view is it looked at? This article shows how one thing can be looked at in different ways to almost create something different to whomever is analyzing it. The author points to how the mind categorizes matter into discrete things, continuous stuff, and similar categories into discrete events and continuous activities.

The article goes on to explain how there are many conspiracy theories but where they differ is in the construal of those facts.. “how the intricate swirl of matter in space ought to be conceptualized by human minds.” but it is the casual link between the intention of a man and a change in an object that distinguished the understanding of 9/11 from the theories.

CONTINUING:

Semantics is about the relation of words to thought, but it is also about the relation of words to other human concerns.
A feature of the mind is that even our most abstract concepts are understood in terms of concrete scenarios.

These previous points lead to the idea of an event, three and a half billion dollars was given as an insurance payout to Larry Silverstein, the leaseholder of the World Trade Center. This is considered to have been the world’s most expensive debate in semantics. The money received was due to the definition of event.

Keeping with same theme but analyzing a different event the article goes on to speak of George Bush’s reason for war. Saddam’s supposedly assembling of nuclear weapons, framed for the viewers to believe exactly what he was saying. After finding out this was not true headlines claimed “Bush lied” but this is not necessarily the truth. His resources were pointing towards his first conclusion. So we don’t know.

“Learning: it entails the belief attributed to the subject’s truth.” You don’t necessarily “learn” the truth but if you’re being taught it doesn’t it seem like the truth originally? SO the important question with this is...”could semantics really be that consequential in political history?” (in dealing with Bush’s claim) I think yes, these fine point verbs led us into a war where people now believe our past president untruthfully led us in, but to me he wasn’t lying. Like the article states; words are tied to reality when their meanings depend, as factive verbs do, on a speaker’s commitments about the truth. The simple point...a lot of times the idea that meaning of the words, of the facts, are in the head.

In conclusions, the connectedness of words to real people and things is important to analyze not just the connection of words to information. This creates a complex analysis that can be taken to cases such as the world trade center or the real truth of a person’s identity.

Interesting article...

Propaganda postaa

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Christina Perri: Arms

I never thought that you would be the one to hold my heart
You came around and you knocked me off the ground from the start

You put your arms around me
and I believe that it's easier for you to let me go
You put your arms me and I'm home

How many times will let you me change my mind and turn around?
I can't decide if I'll let you save my life or if I'll drown

I hope that you see right through my walls
I hope that you catch me 'cause I'm already falling
I'll never let our love get so close
You put your arms around me and I'm home

The world is coming down on me and I can't find a reason to be loved
I never wanna leave you but I can't make you bleed if I'm alone

You put your arms around me
and I believe that it's easier for you to let me go...

I hope that you see right through my walls
I hope that you catch me 'cause I'm already falling
I'll never let our love get so close...

You put your arms around me and I'm home...

You put your arms around me and I'm home...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXbdbujiI3U

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Citizen Cope D'Artagnan Theme

I've been sinning
I've been livin'
I've been beaten
By Saturdays
On a diamond
I lay on a diamond
On a diamond
I lay awake
D'Artagnan
Good ol' D'Artagnan
He ain't got a thing on me
I've been minding
To my field of timing
Too bad your time in
It just never came

Well I don't know how else to say it
In a different way
But why don't you just fade away
'Cause there's a battle going on
Down south of Babylon
So why don;t you just fade away

I've been dealing
I've been healing
I've been dealing
A crooked game
Thieving pirates

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pdWCXZLMg4

Monday, March 14, 2011

Barton Hollow: The Civil Wars

I'm a dead man walking here
But that's the least of all my fears
Ooh underneath the water

It's not Alabama clay
That gives my trembling hands away
Ooh Please forgive me father

Ain't going back to Barton Hollow
Devil gonna follow me e'er I go
Won't do me no good washing in the river
Can't no preacher man save my soul

Did that full moon force my hand?
Or that un marked hundred grand?
Ooh underneath the water
Please forgive me father

Miles and miles in my bare feet
Still can't lay me down to sleep
If I die before I wake
I know the Lord my soul won't take

I'm a dead man walking
I'm a dead man walking

Keep walking and running and running for miles
Keep walking and running and running for miles
Keep walking and running and running for miles

Ain't going back to Barton Hollow
Devil gonna follow me e'er I go
Won't do me no good washing in the river
Can't no preacher man save my soul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrOUwbsy12E

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Whats a boy to do: Mat Kearney

I'm sure that I'm moving to St Louis
Three long years wondering here in New York City
I guess I'm looking for the right way to do this
I guess I'm looking for the right things to call pretty
Young boys playing in the park turning their backs to take a shot
You know I'll stay sharp around here 'cause they're stoning and leaving type
It's the kind of love that comes and goes when there's company coming around

What's a boy to do who knows no man now?
What's a boy to do who knows no man now?

Daddy's been looking down his nose at all of them
And I've been looking round for someone to tell me who I am
He kept saying I was to young to finish a fight
I'd die each time they came I never got to draw my knife
Well it was just a pair of shoes in a middle school room with the world watching in
And angel is crying I'm dying just a little inside as they ran away
Funny which words stick around 20 years down when you're driving alone

What's a boy to do when there's no man at home?
What's a boy to do when there's no man at home?

Well I'll stack all my books in perfect rows
From the biggest down to the smallest ones
And I buy all the perfect clothes
Bullet proof and black, where I look like a son

Well it was just a rain night at his house
A bottle spinning around the room
And everybody's singing and slipping down the bottom halfway rush of blood
And I was grabbing Missy but I was trying to find the light switch in the dark

What's a boy to do with no man in his heart?
What's a boy to do with no man in his heart?

It's all quiet for the first time
With no voices left to fall
I saw a boy at the bottom of the bridge
His car was left there on the top
It's four o'clock in the morning
Didn't need to be like this
There's a white sheet left to cover up
What should have been a holy kiss
It's not like those days
It's not like I'm scared of you

What's the son of man and a boy to do?
What's the son of man and a boy to you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruOFEvqazGo

Monday, March 7, 2011

Laura Jansen: Single Girls

I think you'd like my new hair
I cut it when you weren't there
That pieces of us everywhere
Were falling down

My bed is now a girl's bed
Pink flowers under my head
And pillows on your side instead
Of you

Cause that's what single girls do
Don't think about you

I'm reading books on meditation
Praying for my heart's salvation
I've got the motivation
To be a free girl now

I've gone drinking with the guy down the hall
Put up a new color on my bare walls
I'm so damn busy
After all
Cause that's what single girls do

Don't think about you

I keep trying
I keep trying
To make my way back to the light where I belong
But God keeps lying
God keeps lying
Saying this is for the best and nothing here is wrong

But I"m still thinking about you

I think you'd like my new hair
I cut it like I didn't care
That pieces of me everywhere
Were falling down

One more glass of wine
Before I turn off the lights
This time I'll be fine
I'll be fine
I'll be fine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUs6dMkHEBc

Sara Haze: Colored on Me

Colored On Me 

I am not responsible
for the shattered tapestry
everything was painted up on me

the shadow of a broken past
compromise my innocence
now I'm left with dots that don't connect

(Chorus)
so I try to drown my pride
with every tear I've cried
but it's been tattooed on me
and i try to wash my hands
of every expectation
thats been colored on me

i don't know what more i can do
i gave you everything i could
still you look at me like damaged goods

just let it go don't you complain
you're the reason i'm this way
i wish this thing could go away


(Chorus)
so I try to drown my pride
with every tear I've cried 
but it's been tattooed on me
and i try to wash my hands
of every expectation
thats been colored on me
it's colored on me

break me, teach me, tattoo my skin
hold me, leave me, tattoo my skin

(Chorus)
I try to drown my pride
with every tear I've cried
but it's been tattooed on me
and i try to wash my hands
of every expectation
thats been colored on me

(Chorus)
so I try to drown my pride
with every tear I've cried
but it's been tattooed on me
and i try to wash my hands
of every expectation
thats been colored on me
i'ts colored on me
on me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwFy73etTgs

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Hows this for quick?? :)

Less I gotta do later in the week :)


We only have to do two, right?...Hopefully!


So i began by reading the new york times article: “The Inside Story on Outsiderness.”


This articles talks about the new 22 ft sign that is being hung in the Whitney Museum of American Art saying “negro sunshine”. Designed by the artist Glenn Ligon who received his inspiration from a 1909 novel talking of a mixed-race women. It is a phrase used to speak of the history of African-Americans. But the article states how people are wondering if the phrase and how it is made up is meant to shock. Mr. Ligon was surprised by people thinking this, but it got a reaction which is what every artist wants. People state that his work “feels particularly timely because it comes at a moment when glaring polemics are no longer fashionable.”


I think it is interesting how words hold so much power, and harnessing that can create really striking art. I feel as if that is what is happening with this piece. The artist obviously had to be aware that people would double take on this phrase, like he said it is not language of this time. I love how it is stated that, not only in this piece but in his other works, he raises a controversial question and leaves the viewer to work for the answers. I enjoyed how this article put a focus on Mr Ligon’s appearance giving a face to the piece and helping the reader to understand his character. Sometimes this makes a piece even more interesting, when understanding the maker. 


He has become a success, even having Obama choose one of his pieces. 


His description of why he uses stencils is interesting as well....”it’s a way to be semi-mechanical, to make letters that are not handwriting but have personality.” I found his methods pretty interesting.


And on to the second article....

Welll after reading the first paragraph of this article ill let you know i will defiantly have an opinion. I hate swearing. Hate it, hate it, hate it and grew up with everyone around me hating it. 


It initially brings up the very good point of why a swear word is a swear word. I’ve always wondered how we can say words that in other countries people would consider a swear word but because it does not have that connotation here in america it is alright to say and holds no effect, vice versa. 


It is interesting the power we give words. But most interesting, how words can be changed due to their context. In the article they also talked about it in context of how it is said. Like is saying the f word not in the sexual content t or literally saying the s word to signify crap and not just in a frustrated manner. This brings up the question...is it then wrong? The FCC claimed that “even when the speaker does not intend a sexual meaning, a substantial part of the community...will understand the words as freighted with an offensive sexual connotation.” I actually agree with this, even though i know most people would not. 


The sentence that stuck out the most was this; “that over time, taboo words relinquish their literal meaning and retain only a coloring of emotion, and then just an ability to arouse attention.” Agreed again. It isn’t so much the word but the impact that the word can reach that is important. Most of these words have lost their meaning, but they are understood to powerfully express an emotion. It really is an intense grey area when you think about it. Saying swear words to college students is a norm, but then why can’t it be said to 5 year olds? It isn’t so much the word but the connotation that it sticks with, the way it makes someone instantly portrayed. Our world is made up of so many things that instantly categorize you if you do (or say) them, which is slightly confusing. I feel swearing is wrong because it has such a bad connotation it portrays someone in a light wether that be negative or positive, but a lot of time it depends on the viewer. What truly is wrong? Is it what the public decides is wrong? It is what history states is wrong? Is it what the larger masses declares is wrong?...I’m just gonna stay away form this grey area :)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Across the Universe: Fiona Apple

[Written by John Lennon & Paul McCartney]
[Originally performed by The Beatles in the album "Let It Be"]

Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,
They slither while they pass they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind,
Possessing and caressing me
Jai guru de va om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes,
They call me on and on across the universe,
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box they
Tumble blindly as they make their way
Across the universe
Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Sounds of laughter, shades of earth are ringing
Through my open ears inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a
million suns and calls me on and on
Across the universe
Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMPswhKjfGQ

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Sara Bareillas: Basket Case

One, two, three, four...

I don't want to
Talk about it to you
I'm not an open book
That you can rifle through
Cold hard truth that you'll see right to

I'm just a basket case without you

He's not a magic man
Or a perfect fit
He had a steady hand and I got used to it
And a glass cage heart and invited me in

Now I'm just a basket case without him

Begging for the truth
So I'm saying it to you
I've been saving your place
And what good does it do

Now I'm just a basket case
Now I'm just a basket case

I don't say much and it'll stay that way
You gotta steel train touch and I'm just the track you lay
So I'll stay right here, underneath you

I'm just a basket case and it's what we do

You're begging for the truth
So I'm saying it to you
I've been saving your place
And what good does it do

Now I'm just a basket case

Won't someone come on in and tug at my seams
Or send your armies in
Robbers and thieves
To steal the state I'm in
I don't want it anymore

You're begging for the truth
So I'm saying it to you
I've been saving your place
And what good does it do

Now I'm just a basket case
Now I'm just a basket case
Now I'm just a basket case
Now I'm just a basket case

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCTt4hFBek4