Singing in the Rain 1951-1971

It was reported that the rape scene which featured "Singing in the Rain," was entirely improvised but Kubrick took special efforts in portraying a total lack of empathy in the character, even so far as to suggest the dance jig.  It had been a twenty year span since the original song was made in a time when life had a more carefree attitude and plays and operas was created to lift spirits.   Since that time, there had been several wars including the Vietnam War in 1964 and the Korean War in 1950.   Other events that lead to the change in attitude of the general audience was Communism and the Cuban invasion, the Civil Rights Movement and other unrests in Russia, China, South Africa, Britain, France, Egypt and Libya.   Even the Catholics were in dispute with the Protestants.   Gone was the veil of carefree ignorance as radio and television would expose the ugly reality.  This reality was the basis of many of the early humanitarian movements that culminated in the early 1970s.

 

 

Coding Computers - Changing the World

More people should learn to code computers.  Learning code when you are younger is like learning a new language, it is much easier to incorporate into your daily life.  If coding classes are provided in the school system, it will give more opportunity and motivate more children to broaden their career choices – where they can make changes to help others or simply to use math and scientific aptitudes in a fun way while creating endless possibilities and contribute to changing the world around them.   My experience in computer history has given me a knowledge that resulted in an open mind and better understanding of technology driven changes over the years.  I find that many older people often fear these changes because they don’t understand them.  Although coding is not something I would want to do, being able to understand the concept and what drives the operations of everyday users is very valuable.   I was among the first trained users of the PC when I attended business college in 1984, however, it is only looking back that I can see the importance of having that opportunity at that time.  Because computers are being used in almost every type of equipment both for industry and entertainment, the demand for trained coders is even more greater if we are going to stay current with our steadily changing world.  

Kill - Is Videogames to Blame?

Violent videogames are often blamed for desensitizing young people of today.  It is interesting how these games are easily accessible to many young children who, in my opinion, have not had a chance to develop a mind to understand what is real or not real.  Videogames are entertaining but they can also be addictive and because they actually require interactive participation, the experience will make a bigger impression on one's mind. 

On the other hand, if someone becomes addicted to the thrill of videogames, there is a danger that other necessary skills will not get developed.   As a parent, I believe in balance and in protecting a young person from information that they are not fully mature enough to handle, however, this is not an easy task.   I also believe that there are benefits to videogames as the technology are great in teaching valuable skills that are necessary in today's world.   This same technology is also creating a more stressful environment of instant gratification so there is no down time and decisions made under pressure usually comes from what is already in our thoughts,  So if we feed our young people violence and give them no real life alternatives to deal with this pressure, they will respond with violence because that is all they know.  So, whether violent videogames are to blame or not, I would agree that we live in a world that is desensitized to violence and acceptance/justification has now overshadowed the consequences.

Tribute to Alan Turing

Alan Turing is often referred to as the 'father of the computer'.  A gifted mathematician and engineer built the first electronic computer which was used to break German Codes during the war.    He was one of the first people that studied Artificial Intelligence which explored the possibility of creating a machine that could imitate the human brain.   Alan Turing suggested a theory that Artificial Intelligence could be better accomplished if you created a childlike brain and then feed it information.   Binary Code which is the basis of computers today is based on Turing's theory of computation and is the reason why he is considered the founder of computer science.

1938 - Sound and Color

The making of Snow White was a historical step in movie making because it included sound and color which was just being introduced at that time.  It is amazing to see how many people are involved in creating simple things such as sounds and every tiny movement.   There is genius in the transition from the drawing to the animation and sound involved in creating the movie.  The use of music and the defined characters in the story adds to appeal to its audience and captures their hearts.  Great storytelling and originality in use of available technology is worth the money that it cost to produce a movie such as this.

Blu Blu and Broken Fingaz

Awesome artwork using music synchronized to the movements and animation of the video.   Both of these videos features graphic art and music which add dimension to the piece.   It is very enjoyable to watch and see how this type of work can begin with an idea such as the one we will create using flipbook art.   These videos are examples of how technology is being used to re-create the same manual techniques used in animations in the early 1900's.  Adding color and sound has become so much easier and there are many options now available.   It is exciting and very inspirational.

A Trip to the Moon - Silent Film

I love the way this film uses exaggerated movements and choreographed placements to create the story.   Méliès uses metaphoric shots that imitated war-like movements and created a scene with soldiers loading a cannon which shot off in grand style to penetrate the moon.  The use of lighting and clothing greatly enhances this production.