El Fin.

SIGHTS

(Most of) the Red Pandas. #1 group from day one, still the champs.

You're talkin' bout a guy, Johnny Boy. What a stud.

I'm framing this and hanging it on the wall.

Ridiculousness.

Some smooth criminals.

SOUNDS

Songs of the Week.

A great studying song.

A remix to a classic.

MOTION

Awesome.

Puppy of the semester

Runner-up for puppy of the semester

FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS

(Note: My underline is stuck on)

1. Are you glad you took this class and please explain why you are glad and not because I am a wonderful person? No sucking up!

Of course I am glad I took Multimedia. As a communications major I was able to use many aspects of multiple classes that I have taken here at Loyola. In not many other classes can you go to Charm City  Cupcakes and have it be relevant to the class. I was able to hone my skills in the communications field and work on my strengths and weaknesses.

2. What did you learn that you did not know before coming into this class?

What can you do that you could not do before taking this class?

I learned a lot in Multimedia. We dominated the textbook which was full of information. Because each group did a great job presenting, I was able to learn a lot in a short amount of time. Also, every time you present something you get better at public speaking. That is something that I wanted to work on coming into this class, and I definitely think I got better. Google+ was something totally new to me, and I was able to learn the social networking site and positively interact and network. Doc Chris also clue'd me into Linkedin.com which will be an important asset to getting a job after graduation.

3. Evaluate your group's performance, your own personal growth in this course and please give your opinion on the direction of this class.

There is not much more I can say about the Red Pandas. We came together immediately after the first class. Everyone brought something to the table and accomplished our goals perfectly. As I said in the previous answers, I think I grew a lot as a person thanks to this class. I became a better public speaker, organizer, and social networker. I loved the direction of the class and the fact that we were able to finish the whole textbook and forget about it halfway through the semester. I hope the next Multimedia class gets that chance, too.

4. What did you learn from our field trips, exams, prompt two exercises (Edutainment and Convergence), and projects?


I honestly haven't been on a field trip since the eighth grade. Both trips to Charm City Cupcakes and Panera were great experiences for the class. It allowed us to see what it was like to be on a location shoot and have to be somewhere on time. I have always preferred oral exams over written exams, so our group did very well on the mid-term presentations. Edutainment and Convergence is awesome, and I'm excited to work on projects outside of class that I can put on my resume. 

5. Finally, you must evaluate me. Be fair but be truthful. Have I been helpful, did I listen to concerns that you had, have I tried to work with you through individual and group situations? Do you like the way the class has been conducted? Do you understand the purpose of putting people on trial? Here is hint, it is not to embarrass you 

along with your  Sights, Sounds, and Motions

I heard a lot about Doc Chris before I took the class. He even spoke in my freshman year video class once, many moons ago. He is the master of Edutainment and Convergence and did a great job sharing his knowledge with us. From small hints about being on camera to his life lessons, Doc Chris was always there to help. He kept the class on course with the help of Judge Dr. Chris who was always stern but fair.

Thanksgiving! Part One

Part Two will be uploaded at a later date due to technical difficulties.

First of all, I'm thankful for my family, their health, and mine. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the support they have given me through out my entire life. I'm also thankful for my education. Loyola has been one of the most positive experiences in my life, and I cherish every moment I get to spend with the people I've met here.

The oldest and youngest members of my family. My 1 and 1/2 year old nephew, Wyatt, and my grandmother, Claire, of 86 years young. Four generations apart, they represent how thankful I am for my family.

Ah yes, turkey poisoning. Wyatt couldn't quite handle the triptophan, but luckily my sister was wide awake to force a smile. 

TO BE CONTINUED!

Field Trip to Panera!

Last class was deliciously awesome. We were freed from the chains of the classroom and indulged on some free (thanks Doc Chris!) food. From fresh bread to everyone's favorite broccoli cheddar soup, we were some happy campers. Doc Chris ran the show, with a surprise appearance from Judge Dr. Dan.

This is a nice wide shot of Roberto, Danny boy, and Mairead. I really like the lighting and how the table is the brightest part of the picture.

 Here's the kid AKA JR AKA Jimmy Randaz AKA the boss man himself. Johnny is creeping in the back, but that's okay because he's a Red Panda and they can do whatever they want, whenever they want.

The delectable bread that was the appetizer for our delicious meal. I can taste it just looking at this picture. 

The soup de jour, broccoli cheddar soup. Words do not describe how good this soup is. Thanks again to Doc Chris for the food!

Doc. Chris.    Nuff' said.

Reflection

Last week in class may have been the best class ever. We were all challenged by Doc Chris to present two chapters each, and we pulled it off. Not only did we dominate the presentations, but we looked good doing it. Our formal attire added that extra swag the class needed.

Here's JR aka Mr. Fresh looking like a stud, killing the presentation.

Here's our good-looking group presenting and John's beautiful smile. He should be a model.

This is a really cool over-the-shoulder shot. James is seen using all of our technological outlets. We used our blogs and powerpoints while presenting AND "hanging out" in GooglePlus. 

Last but certainly not least, Judge Doc Chris confirming how dominant our class is. No homework for everyone!....Then why am I typing this reflection????

Chapter 18 Slides

Here are the slides for Chapter 18.

Chapter 15 Slides

Here are the slides for Chapter 15.

Fall Break continued...

I was just able to post this video to Youtube. It's Wyatt in action, chatting up a storm.

Fall Break

I went home to New Hampshire for Fall Break last weekend, sadly missing class. I found some great Sights, Sounds, and Motion on my trip.

 This is my cousin's dog Milo. He's the man. As you can tell he just caught a ferocious stuffed teddy bear and is biting down on the jugular.

 The one, the only, my nephew Wyatt. Mean muggin.

 New Hampshire at its finest. This is my backyard. Its a great field, however it's covered in poison ivy. 4.2 acres of beautiful nature.

Sorry JR. I had to post this. At the Nashua Garden I found this sign. 

This was on my drive back down to Baltimore. It was cloudy and gross all day, then when I hit the Maryland border the skies parted. 

Midterm

SIGHTS

This is a picture I snaked from Genna's blog. It is from the Red Panda's Chapter 9 presentation. My favorite part of this picture is the lighting. The glow of the projector and computer screens adds a really cool blueish tint. Also the backlight is very strong and adds more composition to the photo. Katherine and I are intently looking at the computer screens while Genna and John chill in the back. We had a killer presentation and this is the picture to prove it.

Now this is a great picture, taken by yours truly. Class had just been dismissed and we were all taking pictures and videos outside. It was Thursday and basically the weekend and everyone was just happy to be there. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful fall day. James has his arms outstretched, ready to take on the world with open arms. I really like the sunspot on the car in the background, it helps show just how nice it was that day. Also the line of the curb cuts across the middle of the photo which adds a little more depth.

Another picture I stole from a fellow Red Panda, Kate. This is a great example of how a still picture can show motion. Dan and Doc Chris are breaking it down on a beautiful sunny day. I really like how their facing the opposite way which helps create some balance. Also the shot is framed really well and doesn't cut off any important subjects. Another aspect I like is the fact that Dan's shadow flows into Doc Chris then continues onto Doc Chris' shadow. The two and their shadows kind of look like a W. W for Winning.

Another one I robbed from Katie. There's a lot of Red Pandas in the picture so I had to choose it. Doc Chris lookin' fly behind me as I'm surrounded by Dan, James, and Genna. I like how the rest of the class in the background so it adds depth; Dan looks huge in the front while the NoNamers are fairly small in the back. We were in the shade but it was sunny out, so the lighting is pretty close to perfect. I also enjoy how James, Genna, and I are facing the same way, then the door is the background which separates Dan who's facing the opposite direction.

SOUNDS & MOTION

A crazy little thing called Sight Sound and Motion. Doc Chris and Dan here breaking it down. What you hear in the video is the singing and snapping of fingers. It's beautiful outside and the birds are chirping. I make a small cameo but quickly back out of the frame. The Doc and Dan have some really nice dance moves, and the camera zooms out a little as the action progresses. Everyone was just happy to be outside and this is proof.

The Red Pandas group reflection last week. James and I had to make sure his car didn't get towed on N. Charles so we were absent in this video. John does a great job of recapping that week's class and reflecting. Dan's still going ham with the snapping as you can hear it through most of the video. Mairead did a great job of filming and making to have the sun to her side as to not film directly into the sun. Kate and Genna are looking sharp and you can hear Doc Chris somewhere in the background.

EXTRA CREDIT

1. Are you glad you took this class and please explain why you are glad and not because I am a wonderful person? No sucking up!

Yes of course I am glad I took Sight Sound and Motion. As I am a senior Communications major, I've taken almost every Comm. class Loyola has to offer. With so many different classes it's easy to forget your roots. Sight Sound and Motion allows me to brush up on everything I've learned in this major. It brings everything back to basics and solidifies the my base knowledge of the Communications field. 

2. What did you learn that you did not know before coming into this class?

What can you do that you could not do before taking this class?

Before this class I had never blogged before. Now that we have to update our blog weekly, it only augments the learning experience. We now each have our own personal timeline of what we've learned in class and we can update and read it whenever we want. It shows us how we've evolved as a class. Also, I didn't know anything about Google+. It is an awesome social network that can be used for leisure, entertainment, education. It really is a wondrous tool.

3. Evaluate your group's performance, your own personal growth in this course and please give your opinion on the direction of this class.

My love for the Red Pandas will forever be undying. Our group is great, everyone does their part. Everyone is all about "edutainment". I really like how we're almost done with the textbook. Every group has done a great job of presenting their chapters. I'm excited to see what we can do as a class once we're done with the book. I'm sure Doc Chris has some surprises up his sleeve. A class music video project or some other type of way to get all of the groups together on one epic project would be pretty awesome.

4. Finally, you must evaluate me. Be fair but be truthful. Have I been helpful, did I listen to concerns that you had, have I tried to work with you through individual and group situations? Do you like the way the class has been conducted? Do you understand the purpose of putting people on trial? Here is hint, it is not to embarrass you.


Doc Chris has been the "edutainer" of the year. Not only does he keep the class on our toes, but also makes sure we're grounded in learning and taking away important lessons from each task. He's a human textbook and really knows the field of Communications. The trials are a great learning experience. To be put in the spotlight in front of your peers is a daunting and intimidating task, but Judge Dr. Chris is their to guide you along. 

Motion at the Tailgate

Here are some vids from the Ravens tailgate. Sadly this Jets fan couldn't inspire his team to victory with this really short alright kegstand. The Ravens put a whoopin' on the hapless Jets, dominating both sides of the field.



And here we have Judge Doctor Chris himself at the tailgate. We had been there an hour and were losing hope, but sure enough our knight in shining Ravens gear showed up.

Ravens Tailgate

On a cold, dreary Sunday afternoon (October the 3rd) a few Red Pandas and some other members of our class ventured forth to the frozen tundra that was the Ravens tailgate before their Sunday night matchup with the N.Y. Jets.

Considering it was a night game and we were there at 2 in the afternoon, only the most dedicated fans had started tailgating. They were pretty legit with portable TVs and a great smelling grill.

 Ah, Lot O. A little birdie told us that we could park in Lot O for free... well, maybe not. Upon our arrival we were asked for a cool $40 to park in an empty lot... welp, cya later. We found a nice spot on a side lot that we could post up for a while. A strange man was coming around asking us for $40 to park there, so we boogied on out real quick.

 Ah yes, my artistic photo of the day. I have no idea why this kid was posting up on a backhoe, but he was...just chilling, minding his own business.

A true Ravens mobile. I was pretty sure this was Doc Chris' car when I first saw it, and if it's not I say we start a fundraiser right now to get him behind the wheel.

Overall the tailgate was pretty legit. I wish we could have gone later in the day, but alas JR had to get back for the Yankees (yuck) game. I will post the video later of a rowdy Jets fan doing a kegstand for us. A+ investigative journalism.

Chapter 9 Outline

 The Three-dimensional Field: Depth and Volume

The Z-axis
 i.      Describes a point located away from the frontal plane
 ii.      How far an object seems to be from the camera
 iii.      Illusory third dimension – depth – is the most flexible dimension in film and video
 iv.      Originates from the screen and goes backward from the camera lens to the horizon

1.                                                              v.      Screen width: x-axis
2.                                                            vi.      Screen height: y-axis
3.                                                          vii.      Screen depth: z-axis, appears to be infinite
4.                                                        viii.      Stereovision or hologram projection : z-axis extends not only to the horizon but also to the viewer
5.                                                            ix.      We judge the perceived distance relative to ourselves and not to the screen

1. Graphic Depth Factors
   1.                                                                i.      The farther away an object is, the smaller it appears and the higher it seems to be in the picture field
   2.                                                              ii.      Objects in the foreground are more clearly defined than those in the background
   3.                                                            iii.      Light and shadows create volume, the presence of the third dimension
   4.                                                            iv.      Five Graphic Depth Factors
      1. Overlapping Planes: the most direct graphic depth view
         1. The object covering the other object must be in front of it
         2. Relative Size: can guess a size or know how large an object is by contextual clues, such as other object
            1. Can tell how far object is by relative size of screen image
            2. Larger object appears closer; Smaller object is farther
         3. Height in Plane: if there are no contradictory distance clues, you will perceive objects to be more distant depending on how they are on the screen until they reach the horizon
            1. Not always reliable
         4. Linear Perspective: among the most powerful and convincing graphic depth factors
            1. Parallel lines can merge in the distance
            2. b.       All lines converge and disappear at the vanishing point
            3. Horizon Line: straight forward, parallel to ground
         5. Aerial Perspective: see objects that are close to us, some more sharply than those farther away
            1. This difference in foreground and background is especially pronounced in fog
               1.                                                                                                                                        i.      Colors lose density and become less saturated
2. Depth Characteristics of Lenses
   1.                                                                i.      Optical characteristics of lenses can greatly enhance or hinder the illusion of a third dimension on the video or movie screen
   2.                                                              ii.      Lens choice is important in achieving the certain “feel” of a screen event
   3.                                                            iii.      Overlapping Planes
      1. Wide-Angle Lens
         1. Overlapping planes are reduced in prominence, but are not eliminated with the wide-angle lens
         2. Narrow-Angle Lens
            1. Overlapping planes are a major depth cue because the lens enlarges the background objects where things look crowded
            2. Foreground and background images look similar in size
   4.                                                            iv.      Relative Size
      1. Wide-Angle Lens
         1. Wide-angle lens greatly exaggerates relative size
         2. Objects that lie close to the camera appear relatively large, while objects on the z-axis that are only a short distance behind the close object appear dramatically smaller
         3. Narrow-Angle Lens
            1. Two objects seem much closer to each other because the narrow-angle lens enlarges the background
   5.                                                              v.      Linear Perspective
      1. Wide-Angle Lens
         1. Accelerates the convergence of parallel lines and the z-axis appears elongated
         2. Narrow-Angle Lens
            1. Inhibits the convergence of parallel lines and thus reduces the illusion of depth through linear perspective
            2. Squeezes space and makes objects appear narrower and closer together than they actually are
   6.                                                            vi.      Aerial Perspective
      1. Manipulating depth of field – the area along the z-axis that appears in focus – can achieve aerial perspective
      2. Using selective focus – focusing on a specific area along the z-axis – can achieve aerial perspective
      3. Wide-Angle Lens
         1. Wide-angle lens generates a great depth of field, de-emphasizing aerial perspective
         2. Most of the articulated z-axis appears in focus
         3. Narrow-Angle Lens
            1. Shallow depth of field, which emphasizes aerial perspective
            2. Once focused on an object in narrow-angle lens, the areas to the foreground and background of the object become out of focus
         4. Selective Focus
            1. Allows you to choose the precise portion of the z-axis that you want to be in focus
         5. Rack Focus
            1. Involves changing the focus from one location on the z-axis to another
            2. Focus on one object until another object comes into focus
            3. Need a relatively shallow depth of field to achieve a rack focus, so a narrow-angle lens is used
3. 3D Stereoscopic Projection
   1.                                                                i.      Stereoscopic projection is strictly illusory and exists only in our minds and is based on a dual-lens view
   2.                                                              ii.      In stereoscopic projection, the articulated z-axis extends through the screen space toward the viewer
   3.                                                            iii.      Achieved through a dual-lens recording system, whereby the lenses are set apart similar to our eyes
      1. To show the two different scenes viewed by the lenses on one screen, one is colored red and the other is cyan
      2. Optical system in the viewer’s brain melds the two images into a single three-dimensional projection
   4.                                                            iv.      Different from traditional, single-lens 3D depth cues, which are contained in the visual representation of a scene from the screen back to the horizon

1 Sight 1 Sound & 1 Motion

Sight - My nephew Wyatt just killing it. Honorary Red Panda.

Sound - A great weekend jam to bring on el fin de semana.

Motion - One of the coolest videos I've ever seen.

New Facebook Changes

An extremely relevant article to our class...

Did Facebook Just Change Social Networking Forever?

Week 3 Reflection

Last week's class was pretty exciting. Not only were there few Bad trials, but an overwhelming amount of Good trials handed out by Judge Dr. Chris himself. Everyone's blogs were in tip-top shape, especially JR's, who won a trial and immunity for the Red Pandas.

Also the Red Pandas keep their undefeated coin flip streak alive. 

A large part of the class was the chapter presentations by each group. It was great to see each group utilize a different aspect of the class. One group used their chapter outline and blog to present their information and show relatable videos. Another group used Google+ to drop knowledge on the class. The Red Pandas took the hands-on approach with a delicious lighting presentation over at GreyComm Studios. 

Some Starbucks Awards were handed out to James and Genna while Rob kept up with the live Facebook updates. I think the live updates help to keep a timeline of what happened in class and allows us to more easily reflect on what happened in class that week.

Thanks to everyone dominating everything, for next class we only have to find 1 Sight, 1 Sound, and 1 Motion.

Go Red Pandas.

Pictures of the Week

All photos taken from my cellphone by me.

Citizens Bank Park on one of my adventures to Philly. Not a bad stadium, for the NL...

 Meet Nala: the cutest boxer puppy you'll ever meet. Yours for a cool $900...

 Beantown a.k.a. Titletown. Taken at my friend's rooftop view from his apartment.

 Home sweet home. Hollis, NH. My friend's backyard leads into Rocky Pond, probably the greatest place on earth.

Yup, your boy on T.V. Congressional, Bethesda, MD. US Open 2011.