This is a video that I made for the class. It is a how to make a snowflake video, although it is kind of childish, I wasn't really sure what to do. I edited it in Windows movie maker. There was audio on the original video, but I think that the Mic might be broken on my camera, because it didn't show up on the video, or any other videos that I shot. I decided to add subtitles instead to explain what to do. 

Presentation Magic

Although, I personally felt that the content of Hans Rosling's presentation was very interesting, it was enhanced to a great extent by the style of presentation that he used. Beautiful visuals including moving graphs were incorporated into the presentation making the examples that he was visualizing really come to life. I think that thew key technique being used is to let the information flow from many types of stimuli simultaneously in order to connect with the audience, and also keep them interested. This presentation is a reminder to anyone who is preparing a presentation to keep the presentation varied, rich, and stimulating. Those are key elements that I take away from the video, and that I will use.

Kindle 2 Lawsuit?

Amazon, and their new Kindle 2 have come under attack from the Authors Guild, among others. A lawsuit is a distinct possibility, as it is being argued that the copyright infringement would be the result of using audio, in conjunction with text. This lawsuit, however, does not seem to make sense to me. I think that the fact that Amazon owns the rights to audio books through other sources further proves their case. Whatever the effect, the audio is simply presenting the information in the book. If you are interested in buying a Kindle 2, I wouldn't worry about this controversy too much.

Fair use Fairey

I think that the iconic photo of Barack Obama created by Shepard Fairey, that virtually everyone in the United States knows, should be considered fair use. I think that he altered the photo to a significant enough effect. After all, the man who originally took the photo for AP did not recognize the photo. It is distinguished in it's self, and very unique. The parties have since reached what can be considered at least a timid agreement, and I am glad, because the hope image should be continually used. It appears that there is a good shot that the image, and other like it will begin to make a comeback in the 2012 elections. A creative commons type approach could of been helpful in alleviating some of the issues here, and I hope that AP and other organizations recognize the utility of art. It wouldn't of been possible for Fairey to create this image had it not been for his using the image. At the very least, monetary reinforcement could encourage AP to strike a deal with Fairey, and both parties will have come out on top.