Rubik's Intro

Confounding individuals across the planet for over 30 years, the Rubik’s Cube, named after it’s Hungarian sculptor Ernest Rubik, is one of the most hated and loved puzzles that has ever existed. With over 400 million Rubik’s Cubes sold since its inception and manufacturing, the Rubik’s Cube is considered the best selling toy of all-time.

Today, there are literally hundreds of variations of the cube, ranging from many different shapes, sizes, and solving possibilities. The Rubik’s Cube has even spawned it’s own culture of people that participate in the world of “cubing”—most notably: speed cubing.

Events are held all over the world, which test the mind-twisting prowess of cube solvers. Thousands of websites, YouTube videos and books have been created to discuss and give step-by-step solving techniques in solving the cube. There are many methods for solving the six-sided monster and it has been discovered that the cube can be solved in as little as 20 moves. Given it’s 43 quintillion possible permutations (for your standard 3x3x3 cube). 43,252,003,247,489,856,000 permutations to be exact. Some people have opinion that there are as many expletives uttered when solving the cube, as there are combinations.

And anyone can solve by learning a small handful of simple algorithms. It is amazing the mind power dumped in to the simple cube for the past three decades.

Ernest Rubik first built his cube, it is interesting to note, it took him an entire month before he was able to solve it. That is the most interesting fact about the Rubik’s Cube; that it was not fully understood in it’s creation—like all monsters. :)

When he was finally able to solve the cube, Rubik recounts,  “I remember it was very emotional, but I don't remember what time it was exactly. I don't make notes on that, and I have no diary about it, but I remember it was a very emotional feeling. But then it's not something like a jigsaw puzzle where you start to work on it, spend some time on it, and in the end it's solved, it's finished. If you find a solution with the cube, it doesn't mean you find everything. It's only a starting point. You can work on and find something else, you can improve your solution, you can make it shorter, you can go deeper and deeper and collect knowledge and many other things.”

Attempting to solve the Rubik’s Cube is a right of passage for life. I strongly encourage you to take the bull by the horns, and give it a go yourself.

Introduction: Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum was born in 1980 to a pretty basic lifestyle.As a child he was pretty average, and...as the pictures show, darling! He took part in the average school plays, but acting or modeling were never a big interest 

In high school he continued on a pretty standard lifestyle. I mean, of course he was a pretty sexy and recognized jock (can I do that...can I call a teenager sexy?? haha). He does claim that "girls were always [his] biggest distractions in school. 

Although he started college with a football scholarship, Tatum dropped out to become a male stripper. He hoped to someday make a movie about his experiences as a stripper, but was discovered as a model instead. After a little while of modeling, he landed a dancing role in Ricky Martin's music video, "She Bangs"...from there, his career took off....forming his reputation as the sexy, take-your-shirt-off kind of man.

From that point on, all of Channing's roles in movies revolved around the idea of a bad-ass gone gentleman. In Step Up he goes from a delinquent foster child, to a recognized and structured dancer. In She's the Man he goes from a too-cool-for-school kid, to a gentle and romantic guy. In Dear John he goes from a violent guy to a sweet and loving soldier. These examples go on through several movies and this is the parody of yummmm...Channing Tatum!!!!

rebellious guy

 vs....

sweet/romantic guys

P and P intro

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice was first published in 1813. From the beginning, it was received favorably by British society. Since then, it has continued to receive wide acclaim across the globe, and is considered to be one of the most popular novels in English literature.

Proof of its continued popularity in modern society is evident by its many adaptations, such as plays, musicals, t.v. shows, movies, as well as numerous works of fiction which continue the story where Austen left off, or else deviate somewhat in telling a unique story in which Pride and Prejudice plays a powerful influence. One such example is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, which uses actual text from the novel meshed with scenes of zombies, violence, ninjas and more.

While the previously mentioned example is a fascinating and innovative spin on the classic novel, no adaptation comes close to the majesty of BBC's 1995 production <!--previously I had been calling it the A&E version. While the A&E Network did provide additional funding, and aired the tv series in 1996, it is more correctly the BBC version-->. Starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, the six episodes follow the original novel almost completely. The financial positions of the characters, representations of personalities and appearances, and the progression of events revealed in BBC's rendition are but a few factors which make this series the most faithful adaptation to date.

Some concepts from Manovich that I believe will be helpful for analysis and application are:

• ". . . individual layers can retain their separate identities rather than being merged into a single space; different worlds can clash semantically rather than form a single universe" (xix). While BBC's P and P follows the original novel, they nevertheless occupy separate realms. Austen could probably not have predicted that her story would later become t.v. shows and movies. Instead of reading and imagining to gain meaning and understanding, we now have the option to watch and listen. Same story- but different.
• "What also arrives by 1995 [the year of BBC's P and P debut] is the Internet-- the most material and visible sign of globalization" (6).
• Audience reception patterns
• Visual culture or "information culture" (13).
• Representation and culture
• ". . . elements are assembled into larger-scale objects but continue to maintain their separate identities" (30). Analyzing things like characters, cultural identities, reference to a historical state and its application to modern times.
• How new media and the many adaptations that have been created because of new media (in part), P and P becomes more accessible. Not only is the original novel being made so, but its adaptations and unique perspectives/representations offer further conceptualizations/interpretations.
• "The printed word tradition that initially dominated the language of cultural interfaces is becoming less important, while the part played by cinematic elements is becoming progressively stronger. This is consistent with a general trend in modern society toward presenting more and more information in the form of time-based audiovisual moving image sequences, rather than as text" (78).

Intro for Mac vs PC

The Mac and PC war started in the 1980s. In 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh, which was the first computer to use a graphical user interface (GUI). In the following year Microsoft introduced their version of the graphical user interface popularly known as Microsoft Windows. Microsoft quickly grew to be the leader in market share because Windows was built to be used on multiple platforms, whereas Mac was solely used by Apple.

There are certain personality types that tend to gravitate to each platform. For Mac, it finds popularity among those who see themselves as "verbal", "conceptual", and "risk-takers." For PC, it finds popularity among those who see themselves as "numbers oriented", "factual", and "steady, hard workers." Source: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/mac-vs-pc-myth-busting-consumer-guide/

We can see from these personality types that they are distinct and opposite in many ways; which may be reason why enthusiasts of each platform tend to favor the qualities of each platform in a rather "cult-like" way. Each computer platform caters to personality type's needs, satisfying them in ways that each specifically designed to do. Not only is this a debate between personality types, it is a debate between market share, usability, quality, price, and innovation.

 During the 1990s and early 2000s, Microsoft enjoy a 91+ percent market share. In recent years, their innovation and ability to keep up with market pace has waned. In Q3 of 2011, Apple's market share jumped to 12.9 percent of computers up from 5 percent, and nearly 70 percent of the Tablet market. Microsoft has barely launched their first venture into the Tablet market with Windows 8 in Q4 of 2012, nearly three years after the launch of the iPad. Source: http://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/12/apples-share-of-u-s-pc-market-leaps-to-12-9-in-3q-2011/ and http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57492731-37/apple-dominates-tablet-market-in-q2-with-70-percent-share/

The debate between usability, quality, price, and innovation can only be decided in the eye of the beholder. Evidence may be found abundantly in support of each platform. Regardless of what consumers of each platform may say, each platform has found its own niche and excels at them respectively.

HAHAHAHAHA! OH MY GOSH!

K.... this has absolutely NOTHING to do with our group blog, but I found this as a linked video when I was searching for a slow clap YouTube video to post on Dani's P&P fan video.

Why did I never see this?!?!?! 25 MILLION CANNOT BE WRONG! I'm crying!

All I can say is God bless America.

Wizard Kid

This guy from Australia holds all of the world records for Rubik's Cube speed solves. Does anyone remember the movie The Wizard (Fred Savage y'all). They need to do a remake of it, but with this kid solving cubes.

I think what we have learned is that solving cubes is super geeky... wait... "It has always been that way, you say?"

Oh....

Channing Tatum Videos

I found that once you got passed all of the interviews, trailers, movie review, etc, there were a lot of parodies on our lovely Channing Tatum. They tended to be funny and sometimes offensive, but, still, they all seemed to draw attention to his looks.

What was funny about this research, was what I found in thinking about what effect these videos have had on the culture of the topic. Though the videos were offensive, and funny, and mocking, they did not seem to twist the image that Channing portrays. They maintained his sexy expected sexy image and promoted further obsession. I was entertained to find all that these videos had to offer. It’s almost like his fans know that his image is kind of an idealistic joke, and that’s WHY they love him. 

pride, prejudice, and barbie

i found and watched four videos after searching "pride and prejudice" on youtube. obviously, most of them were of clips or video from some version of the movie. the most popular thing produced by fans were recreations of the p and p movie trailer (the kiera knightley version <fart noise>). my favorites were a harry potter version and a lion version. both used the audio from the trailer as the noise-background and recreated the general narrative (elizabeth and mr. darcy don't like each other, intrigue, drama, elizabeth and mr. darcy REALLY don't like each other, resolution, oh wait- elizabeth and mr. darcy like each other). in the hp version, hermione and ron were cast as lizzy and mr. d, and in the lion version (like, seriously, lions roaming around the serengeti)- well, there was a girl and guy lion- you get it. in the case of these trailer remakes- it's all about the epic energy. you want to feel some emotional rush- and harry potter characters match the level (if you're that kind of nerd, and i am). lions, yes. a scene in which a male and female lion apparently run towards each other in slow motion through tall grass with the attributed character-nesses of miss elizabeth bennet and mr. darcy FINALLY in love with each other?! come on. awesome. and hilarious (if you're that kind of nerd).

there were also lots of videos made for school projects, such as a rap (awful), and a recreation using barbies. i also watched a video on how to do a pride and prejudice inspired up-do! overall, i'd say that p and p is generally respected in our culture today. even though there are lots of things out there making fun of it, or that are meant to be humorous, and even though there are probably three or four lost souls out there who would say it's stupid and boring- i still think those three or four people would at least concede that p and p is culturally relevant and a big deal to some people. it's classic, brilliant, and popular. imitatable, beloved, and even sometimes hated. but you know its name and it is eternal, bitches.

Videos made by amateurs, sometimes funny and informative, sometimes dumb and useless

After watching several videos on YouTube about Mac vs PC, this by far was my favorite video. It is about two laptops, a Mac and a PC, that turn into transformers and battle each other to the death. I am always amazed at the creativity of the human mind when it is utilized. There were many videos on YouTube that were just parodies of the Apple ad campaign about three years ago that pitted the PC and the Mac against each other. You may know them as "Hi I'm a Mac, and I'm a PC," ads. Many videos were just regular people reviewing Mac and PC computers against each other and seeing how each one stacked up against the competition in the marketplace. Many were extremely humorous and many were just plain dumb and had no purpose.

One thing that I find interesting is that the technology to make these videos was not available to the average consumer just a few years ago. Especially the technology that was utilized to create the video that I have embedded. I kind of relate this to the invention of the printing press. When that was invented it opened the door to many more people having the privilege of learning how to read and learn. It was no longer in the hands of the elite or clergymen. With the advancement of technology and the affordability of powerful computers, many more people can create quality media creations that were only able to be produced by the professionals in tech firms. This embedded video could probably have been made on newer Mac or PC, either platform in someone's home.

The fact that Mac and PC battle each other could be seen as who can solidify their standing as the premiere platform to be the next printing press. Who will continue to give the average Joe command over his desire to create quality, consumable media? Culture will have to decide that.

One Cube to Rule Them Aaaaalllllllllllll

My book would have to be a riddle. Ideally, it would have to be scrambled up and seemingly impossible to decipher on the outside looking in. Or maybe it could have one of those puzzle scramblers where you are trying to get the blue block out of the square by moving the other rectangles around just to open the book. Like a maddening effed up lock. (What is the name of that game anyways?)

If the book had to be a novel that wasn't some big stupid mystery that people throw against the wall (yet I digress that a lot of novels aaarrreee this way) than the novel would have to be a fiction about an evil scientist would creates this cosmic, confounding cube. <evil-laugh> Bwahahahaha </evil-laugh>

In the story our hero--Rubik--would be born in to a small impoverished post-apocalyptic village which is under the rule of a tyrannous government/entity. At the head of it all would be the evil master-coding genius... (wait for it)...

Dr. Pepper!

DUN
      DUN
            DUN!!!

(You're hooked already, I can tell somehow).

Rubik would struggle with his identity and unknown longing to be something greater than just a slave to his sad village and lifestyle. Eventually, he would cross paths with this mysterious drifter named Stedankorbra, and learn of his higher calling of being the leader to overthrow the dictatorship.

In the center of the main city, there would be this cube created by Dr. Pepper, that can be attempted by anyone--and if solved the person is automatically elected as the president-world-leader postion, which is  held by Dr. Pepper. Obviously, no can solve it and it is why Dr. Pepper remains in power. Any of those that attempt it and cannot solve it, are executed; adding to the evilness of the story.

Rubik, would obviously have to have some night-terrors/visions/dreams of him solving the cube, but failing and then his family is killed in front of him--and then he wakes up in a cold sweat breathing heavily.

The story would then continue on as you would expect with Rubik eventually solving the cube, inciting a revolution of the people and they over run the capitol.

Rubik and Dr. Pepper would ultimately have to battle in a tower, where they have to solve some 5x5x5 cube that locks on their body somehow and they have 2 minutes to solve it. Rubik solves the cube with seconds to spare, while the evil Dr. Pepper shakes the unsolved cube and screams as time expires and he explodes.

Rubik, having saved the world, smirks, and walks off in to the sunset to go bang some hot chick.

Channing Tatum: The Book

"Channing Tatum: The Google Search" is an engaging and strange tale of a hunky, hunky man.

"Chapter One: A Glimpse of His Success,"
Channing Tatum, a very sexy man, is considered one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. As we can see in all of his latest successes, he almost always stars in a role that requires him to take his shirt off to advertise his mouthwatering abs. In this chapter, we can track down Channing's whole line of success from the very start. Oh yes ladies and gentlemen, this most certainly qualifies him as some kind of Hollywood legend!!!

"Chapter Two: Personalizing Tatum"
This chapter serves as a way of hooking us to Channing, not only as an actor, but also as a person (this line requires a giggle...hehehehe). We are introduced to Channing's childhood environment, his date of birth, his family names, and his introduction to acting. I mean, how can we not love Channing when we learn of his life long ambitions to become a dancer and actor who is sold for his body and unusually sexy grin? ;)

"Chapter Three: Ahhh..Channing Now!!"
Yes....chapter three is literally there to help us get into Channing's mind today. We are provided with many of his current thoughts and activities. Knowing about the publication of this chapter, he does his best to advertise his image as one consistent to his movie characters. Channing is hot, he is chill, he is shy, and very easy going. I know...Prince Charming does exist!

"Chapter Four: Worship"
Want to see Channing's greatest glamour shots? Want to know about the romantic details of his love life? Want to get together with other girls who worship the ground he walks on? Then yes, this chapter provides all of the tools to do so. Now that we have learned about his successes, his childhood and journey, and his current updates, we can also learn how to be one of his sticky fans!

Admit it....you want the book!