Thoughts.
A. Opposite Marriage?
B. "I think it's great that people in this country have the right to choose"...to take other peoples rights to choose away?
C. "No offense" is not a blanket opening to say bigoted and offensive things. come now.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Bands that aren't playing at Outside Lands...But should be.
N.A.S.A
Passion Pit
Harlem Shakes
Metric
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Tiger City
Lykke li
Ra Ra Riot
Immuzication
fujiya miyagi
Feist
metronomy
lilofee
Vampire Weekend
Yelle
Flosstradomus
The ting tings
Grand National
The Bravery
Arcade Fire
Architecture in Helsinki
MGMT
Santogold
Animal Collective
Spoon
Love Like Fire
The Sounds
Hoping Another Planet is saving these gems for the more impressive and more enjoyable Treasure Island Music Festival.
Passion Pit
Harlem Shakes
Metric
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Tiger City
Lykke li
Ra Ra Riot
Immuzication
fujiya miyagi
Feist
metronomy
lilofee
Vampire Weekend
Yelle
Flosstradomus
The ting tings
Grand National
The Bravery
Arcade Fire
Architecture in Helsinki
MGMT
Santogold
Animal Collective
Spoon
Love Like Fire
The Sounds
Hoping Another Planet is saving these gems for the more impressive and more enjoyable Treasure Island Music Festival.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
2006 Postulations...Reaffirmed
If there were ever a technological hegemon, Facebook certainly owns that title. As a type of hegemonic class, Facebook uses the power of coercion to “persuade" users to accept and adopt their imposed values such as instant gratification and the need for an up to date feed. Some might argue that Facebook uses force not power, specifically because users can not opt out of their imposed site changes. However it is certainly coercion and the use of persuasion because despite imposed changes, the site provides its users with the space to complain (even attempt to mobilize forces against the changes in the form of Facebook groups). As a result, Facebook intentionally cultivates a feeling that there is actual agency for change. To a degree, I would make the assumption that users have a feeling of empowerment-especially after Facebook re-vamped its privacy policy after an uproar from users. Facebook's new designs intentionally spark controversy. It inspires newspaper articles, as well as motivates members to use the system...to fight the system. In the end and as a result of these decisions, Facebook will always win. The hegemonic status quo is maintained and the empire of Facebook still reigns. Perhaps gaining more users in the end.
I am re-posting something I wrote while abroad in Korea back in 2006. It was with regards to the then new "facebook facelift." As you can see little has changed and while reading the article Stop Hating Facebook's Redesignby Slate writer Farhad Manjoo, it seems more people have come to the same realization about Facebook's unstoppable empire and its ability to re-invent itself time and time again in the face of criticism.
Facebook-The Cyworld American counterpart: Voyeristic or fantastic?
As somewhat of a facebook connoisseur, I must respond to the recent facebook face lift. At first glance I was baffled, confused, and disillusioned at the new and highly voyeuristic version of the beloved facebook. Similar to others, I responded immediately...on the facebook of course. I claimed that damnit, "things had gone too far". The rhetoric facebook was providing via their blog was mildly if not seriously frightening, asserting that now the facebook updates us on the things we find most interesting; our friends changing lives. What a sad world we live in, if we have to keep updated with people's relationship status via a server on the Internet. Talk about a void in human connection, reminds me of the theme of the movie Me and You and Everyone We Know. See it if you haven't. NO, I do not care if someone updated a photo or took a movie off of their profile.
Within hours, anti facebook groups were popping up left and right. "Change the facebook back," "I hate the facebook face lift." I would infer that those vocalizing opposition have the most to lose. Yes the individual who updates constantly and posts on friends walls too frequently doesn't want their cover blown. We all have quirky obsessions with the facebook, but could it be that those arguing against the new format are the most obsessed? Clearly if we go right back and use the facebook to vent our frustrations, we have a problem. FA unite. My name is Lauryn and I am a facebook-a-holic.
People complain of the lack of privacy the new system provides. But in actuality I propose that it is not in fact the constant evasion of privacy that the facebook is catering to that bothers most patrons. Rather, it is the overt exploitation of our own voyeuristic tendencies. Kate Barney and I discussed the new system and it responds well to the vision behind the facelift. Facebook inc. states, "it's like we started delivering the mail to you instead of forcing you to pick it up on your own." You see, people are all up in arms because we are all secretly embarrassed that our personal stalking behavior is at stake of being discovered by our peers, lovers, friends and co-workers. I beg to argue our frustrations lie not in the fact that we don't like the new system. The new facebook is ruining the fun of browsing because it does it for you.
We can not hide behind our macbooks, or dell inspirons any longer folks. But, like I said in a status update, I give it two weeks. That's right two weeks. As an avid participant in the cultural phenomenon that is facebook, for over 2 years, I have seen the evolution of this network. Think back my friends, to the days when the wall was an open notebook. When they reformatted the system, people were up in arms. Within three weeks, people settled in to the new forum and now, I ask you this: could you imagine it any other way? Yes, it has gone too far. But I suspect, for better or for worse, we will wholeheartedly embrace everything that facebook has become very soon. Delete your memberships from "I hate facebook face lift." Save yourself the embarrassment of removing your membership 4 weeks from now when you realize you dig the new system..because remember, we can all see your actions via "my feed." Wouldn't want that would you?
I also want to address the marketing strategy the facebook inc. used, thus utilizing us as pawns as they slowly take over the world. First, we had political campaign updates. Now, the hype surrounding the facelift has members who haven't checked the profile in months back on the system just to see what the hell everyone is talking about. If the facebook served food, and maybe sold more clothing than busted tees, ok and had a bathroom easily accessible, we wouldn't need to leave our computers....ever. Perhaps that's an overstatement, but if facebook teams up with google, we may never need to leave the facebook. It will become our internet portal for every online endeavor. Genius I tell you. Mark Zuckerberg almost comes close to Sean Fanning in creative genius. I still think file sharing is of greater service than internet communities. Thank you Napster.
Of course my theory could be completely wrong. because as Tynan Granberg, a wise 2006 American Studies graduate from Yale University asserted on my facebook wall, "I'm pretty sure Mark Zuckerberg is actually Kim Jong Il, and he's using this information to more accurately target his Typo dong missiles..." Perhaps we should be more concerned. The facebook is actually accountable for massive political and military endeavors worldwide. Does that notion render images from the film Zoolander for anybody else? Do as you are trained... AND KILL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER! Just checking.
Yes folks all this banter while in Korea. Now if only I undestood the language well enough, I could start a dissertation on CYWORLD; The Korean facebook, friendster, myspace, counterpart.
This is what happens when the United States Government pays someone an inordinate amount of money on a fellowship. You ponder insignificant cultural phenomenons all the day, and post your findings in a blog.
I am re-posting something I wrote while abroad in Korea back in 2006. It was with regards to the then new "facebook facelift." As you can see little has changed and while reading the article Stop Hating Facebook's Redesignby Slate writer Farhad Manjoo, it seems more people have come to the same realization about Facebook's unstoppable empire and its ability to re-invent itself time and time again in the face of criticism.
Facebook-The Cyworld American counterpart: Voyeristic or fantastic?
As somewhat of a facebook connoisseur, I must respond to the recent facebook face lift. At first glance I was baffled, confused, and disillusioned at the new and highly voyeuristic version of the beloved facebook. Similar to others, I responded immediately...on the facebook of course. I claimed that damnit, "things had gone too far". The rhetoric facebook was providing via their blog was mildly if not seriously frightening, asserting that now the facebook updates us on the things we find most interesting; our friends changing lives. What a sad world we live in, if we have to keep updated with people's relationship status via a server on the Internet. Talk about a void in human connection, reminds me of the theme of the movie Me and You and Everyone We Know. See it if you haven't. NO, I do not care if someone updated a photo or took a movie off of their profile.
Within hours, anti facebook groups were popping up left and right. "Change the facebook back," "I hate the facebook face lift." I would infer that those vocalizing opposition have the most to lose. Yes the individual who updates constantly and posts on friends walls too frequently doesn't want their cover blown. We all have quirky obsessions with the facebook, but could it be that those arguing against the new format are the most obsessed? Clearly if we go right back and use the facebook to vent our frustrations, we have a problem. FA unite. My name is Lauryn and I am a facebook-a-holic.
People complain of the lack of privacy the new system provides. But in actuality I propose that it is not in fact the constant evasion of privacy that the facebook is catering to that bothers most patrons. Rather, it is the overt exploitation of our own voyeuristic tendencies. Kate Barney and I discussed the new system and it responds well to the vision behind the facelift. Facebook inc. states, "it's like we started delivering the mail to you instead of forcing you to pick it up on your own." You see, people are all up in arms because we are all secretly embarrassed that our personal stalking behavior is at stake of being discovered by our peers, lovers, friends and co-workers. I beg to argue our frustrations lie not in the fact that we don't like the new system. The new facebook is ruining the fun of browsing because it does it for you.
We can not hide behind our macbooks, or dell inspirons any longer folks. But, like I said in a status update, I give it two weeks. That's right two weeks. As an avid participant in the cultural phenomenon that is facebook, for over 2 years, I have seen the evolution of this network. Think back my friends, to the days when the wall was an open notebook. When they reformatted the system, people were up in arms. Within three weeks, people settled in to the new forum and now, I ask you this: could you imagine it any other way? Yes, it has gone too far. But I suspect, for better or for worse, we will wholeheartedly embrace everything that facebook has become very soon. Delete your memberships from "I hate facebook face lift." Save yourself the embarrassment of removing your membership 4 weeks from now when you realize you dig the new system..because remember, we can all see your actions via "my feed." Wouldn't want that would you?
I also want to address the marketing strategy the facebook inc. used, thus utilizing us as pawns as they slowly take over the world. First, we had political campaign updates. Now, the hype surrounding the facelift has members who haven't checked the profile in months back on the system just to see what the hell everyone is talking about. If the facebook served food, and maybe sold more clothing than busted tees, ok and had a bathroom easily accessible, we wouldn't need to leave our computers....ever. Perhaps that's an overstatement, but if facebook teams up with google, we may never need to leave the facebook. It will become our internet portal for every online endeavor. Genius I tell you. Mark Zuckerberg almost comes close to Sean Fanning in creative genius. I still think file sharing is of greater service than internet communities. Thank you Napster.
Of course my theory could be completely wrong. because as Tynan Granberg, a wise 2006 American Studies graduate from Yale University asserted on my facebook wall, "I'm pretty sure Mark Zuckerberg is actually Kim Jong Il, and he's using this information to more accurately target his Typo dong missiles..." Perhaps we should be more concerned. The facebook is actually accountable for massive political and military endeavors worldwide. Does that notion render images from the film Zoolander for anybody else? Do as you are trained... AND KILL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER! Just checking.
Yes folks all this banter while in Korea. Now if only I undestood the language well enough, I could start a dissertation on CYWORLD; The Korean facebook, friendster, myspace, counterpart.
This is what happens when the United States Government pays someone an inordinate amount of money on a fellowship. You ponder insignificant cultural phenomenons all the day, and post your findings in a blog.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Bike Education in SF
My friend Ted is involved in this effort-he's highlighted in SFgate green blog (link at the end of the post). I think this is on the brink of becoming a big deal in ost programming. There is a lot of potential to incorporate academics such as basic physics, math and health into bike education. Additionally, we can empower students to engage in healthy, green living from an early age.
Y Bike
Y Bike
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
San Francisco DMV-outdated technology and bureaucracy at its worst
I love California and don't envision leaving anytime in the near future. That, combined with the fact that I recently lost my MA drivers license was the impetus to make an appointment at the San Francisco DMV and solidify in identification form, that I am a permanent CA resident. I made an appointment about a month ago and spent last night going over practice exams to ensure I passed easily. Apparently the CA test is hard, though from the practice exams I wasn't convinced. I show up with documentation of my residency along with my passport. I arrived early and was immediately struck by the disorganization of the center; lack of signage being my number one issue...at this point.
Well versed in class c license restrictions and the ways to turn the wheels on a hill for the vehicle I don't actually own or ever drive, I am ready to take my test. That is until the rude man at the desk informed me that this would not be possible. Apparently since I don't have my MA drivers license, I have to take the test over including the driving portion. Seriously? Seriously. I asked politely if there was any way for him to look up my information in the system? A logical question...or so I thought considering it is 2009. He looked at me and said "of course" in a snarky and sarcastic tone. Is it that unrealistic to assume that in a day and age where we have sent people to the moon for over 30 years, cars can park themselves and telephones have the capability to transcend realistic expectations of technological limitations (acting as a level, book, internet, gps etc)-he couldn't go into a database and see that I actually have a license? Isn't there a Google feature for that yet? I mean you can see your medical records online these days. COME ON. In fact, they actually scanned my thumb for a fingerprint-which is shady in and of itself. I know it's the oldest form of biometrics but then it made me think about all the ridiculous and scary advancements in biometrics. Anyhow apparently the DMV is more into biometrics than basic databases. The police can look you up in a hot second from their CAR, why can't the people at the DMV? I am absolutely perplexed. In the end, I just got an identification card.
Now I am aware that DMV's are notorious for bureaucracy, long lines and disgruntled employees. I have been to two MA DMV's and neither even came close to the atrocity I saw in SF today. The archaic computers, disorganized systems for moving people efficiently and rude employees (yes ruder than those in MA AMAZING!) were all unbelievable.
NOTE: go to the DMV in the evening so that you don't need to be pissed off all day.
Well versed in class c license restrictions and the ways to turn the wheels on a hill for the vehicle I don't actually own or ever drive, I am ready to take my test. That is until the rude man at the desk informed me that this would not be possible. Apparently since I don't have my MA drivers license, I have to take the test over including the driving portion. Seriously? Seriously. I asked politely if there was any way for him to look up my information in the system? A logical question...or so I thought considering it is 2009. He looked at me and said "of course" in a snarky and sarcastic tone. Is it that unrealistic to assume that in a day and age where we have sent people to the moon for over 30 years, cars can park themselves and telephones have the capability to transcend realistic expectations of technological limitations (acting as a level, book, internet, gps etc)-he couldn't go into a database and see that I actually have a license? Isn't there a Google feature for that yet? I mean you can see your medical records online these days. COME ON. In fact, they actually scanned my thumb for a fingerprint-which is shady in and of itself. I know it's the oldest form of biometrics but then it made me think about all the ridiculous and scary advancements in biometrics. Anyhow apparently the DMV is more into biometrics than basic databases. The police can look you up in a hot second from their CAR, why can't the people at the DMV? I am absolutely perplexed. In the end, I just got an identification card.
Now I am aware that DMV's are notorious for bureaucracy, long lines and disgruntled employees. I have been to two MA DMV's and neither even came close to the atrocity I saw in SF today. The archaic computers, disorganized systems for moving people efficiently and rude employees (yes ruder than those in MA AMAZING!) were all unbelievable.
NOTE: go to the DMV in the evening so that you don't need to be pissed off all day.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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