How It Feels is the new book by Australian thespian Brendan Cowell. This book came highly recommended to my by a couple book loving friends who’s opinion I rate pretty highly, however in this case their sense of taste may be a bit off the mark as this book made me want to throw it across the room every time I open it.
The story centres around Neil Cronk, a boy from the Shire desperate to break out of the white conservative, middle – class area. The book spans 10 years of the life of Neil and his friends, high school girlfriend Courtney, and best mates Gordon and Stuart. The novel focuses on various important times and events in their young lives, uni, travel, career, marriage and babies. Cowell divides the book into 3 parts, covering an ‘era’ – end of school, uni, and travel/career/marriage.
To me these aspects of life are an attractive element of the book as they are events and rituals that many young Australians can relate to (including myself), however for me that is where the interest ends as the protagonist Neil is such a self absorbed arsehole that it is difficult to look beyond this unsympathetic character and really engage with the story and the serious issues (suicide, rape, self – doubt, drug addiction – yes it has it all!) that Cowell writes about. It is not until mid in the third part that we begin to see some semblance of a human being that feels when Neil is faced with a crisis that seems to penetrate the tough exterior that he has built. However it is only a fleeting glimpse of the man, and honestly it is too late in the piece to engender any sympathy toward the man.
In reading this novel I expected to not only follow the journey of these characters, but also travel them, feeling like I can care for their wellbeing. Setting aside the problems I had with the personalities, How It Feels simply feels superficial. It covers a lot of ground without getting into the nitty gritty, Neil bounces from one situation to another with a bit of navel gazing thrown in. Suffered from anxiety issues in the bedroom – Neil has. Hands up if you have issues with your absent father, oh Neil’s hand is up. Oh no your best friend was a drug addict that committed suicide and no one told you for a day, shit that happened to Neil too! What, your girlfriend was attacked round the back of a Tescos which killed your unborn baby? Yep happened to Neil. I bet that sent you spiralling into an Ice addiction just like Neil. I’m sure you get the point.
The other major problem I had with this book is some of the laughable language that is used. There are some cracker quotes in here that provide some comic relief rather than the serious and thoughtful tone that is intend. Let me entertain you with some of the corkers……………
“Standing over the circle [toilet], piss came out of my dick. Then I put my dick back in my pants and opened the bag of speed I’d bought from one of the dwarves”.
“If you want to kiss someone, kiss me, Swanna whispered in my ear. And so I did, with roughness and teeth. Even in this kissing I wanted to make violence on Gordon’s head”.
Pondering How It Feels, I concluded that Neil is a spoilt brat rather than a tortured artist. The novel has plenty of shock value in it, however by the end I was so bored I just wanted it to be over. Suicide is a major theme of the book and by the end I was so desperate for Neil to commit it because I could not stand him any longer. I won’t tell you if I got my wish….
If you’d like to read some more reviews of Brendan Cowell’s book here you go! It appears this book has polarised the masses.....
The Enthusiast
Literary Minded
The Book Club Nerd
PS Brendan - it's Springwood, not Springbrook as you describe in the book
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Acceptable in the 80s
One of the drawcards for my visit to the Powerhouse Museum was the 80s exhibition, The 80s Are Back. This is a great exhibition that highlights various aspects of the 80s, obviously the music and fashion dominate the exhibition, but it also covers politics, toys, computer games, sub - cultures, sexuality and design.
One of the key thoughts I took away from the exhibition was how technology and culture have developed and changed over the last twenty to thirty years. The most obvious indicators of this change was the technology, particularly computers, computer games, and mobile phones.
During the decade these technologies were taking off however still not widespread as they were expensive and despite being cutting edge, basic. For example the exhibition notes that the mobile phone was a sign of success due to its expense yet it was quite clunky (and chunky!).
Computer games had basic graphics and narratives compared to the complex games that we play today.
Vinyl, boomboxes and walkmans dominated our music listening habits. Mixed tapes, remember those!
This exhibition highlights how humans still valued technology and utilised it, however, it was less pervasive in our lives back in the 80s as it is today. The examples of our immersion are quite obvious such as the Internet, devices such as computers, iphones, ipods just to begin with.
I highly recommend a visit to the exhibition, it’s a lot of fun and reminds us where we came from and the changes that Australian society (amongst many others) have undergone.
Just to get you in the mood here are some rad music clips!
New Order: Blue Monday Live - Check out the drum machine in this clip
Severed Heads - Dead Eyes
Although this clip of Kraftwerk is from the 70s it gives a great narrative on the development of things to come ....
This legacy has carried through the 90s and we have now witnessed a renaissance of the 80s in the new millenium when we thought we had left them far behind....
Datarock: Computer Camp Love
Ladytron: Discotraxx
One of the key thoughts I took away from the exhibition was how technology and culture have developed and changed over the last twenty to thirty years. The most obvious indicators of this change was the technology, particularly computers, computer games, and mobile phones.
During the decade these technologies were taking off however still not widespread as they were expensive and despite being cutting edge, basic. For example the exhibition notes that the mobile phone was a sign of success due to its expense yet it was quite clunky (and chunky!).
Computer games had basic graphics and narratives compared to the complex games that we play today.
Vinyl, boomboxes and walkmans dominated our music listening habits. Mixed tapes, remember those!
This exhibition highlights how humans still valued technology and utilised it, however, it was less pervasive in our lives back in the 80s as it is today. The examples of our immersion are quite obvious such as the Internet, devices such as computers, iphones, ipods just to begin with.
I highly recommend a visit to the exhibition, it’s a lot of fun and reminds us where we came from and the changes that Australian society (amongst many others) have undergone.
Just to get you in the mood here are some rad music clips!
New Order: Blue Monday Live - Check out the drum machine in this clip
Severed Heads - Dead Eyes
Although this clip of Kraftwerk is from the 70s it gives a great narrative on the development of things to come ....
This legacy has carried through the 90s and we have now witnessed a renaissance of the 80s in the new millenium when we thought we had left them far behind....
Datarock: Computer Camp Love
Ladytron: Discotraxx
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Museum of Power
Over this rainy weekend I visited the Powerhouse Museum, which I haven’t done in years! I highly recommend it if you have a spare afternoon.
The Powerhouse Museum has many exhibitions, but the two I will highlight are Cyberworlds: computers and connections, and Artefact H10515. The former provides a historical narrative that follows the development of computer technology from the late 1800s to now. The exhibition also tackles the various aspects of technology. From early computers, to science fiction characters, to music synthesizers, to the world of cyborgs (specifically Stelarc and Alan Turing), various artefacts are on display.
The latter, Artefact H10515 is a huge plastic cube that contains a computer image of some sort of underwater creature. When you touch the cube, the creature inside reacts, however you are also able to ‘feed’ it with your own treasured artefacts. The museum subscribes to the idea that individuals posses items that they value and perhaps the public may also appreciate. You are able to upload images of your items onto a computer that is linked to Artefact H10515 and at a particular time it will appear somewhere on the creature. Here’s a clip to demonstrate how it works.
When visiting the museum it becomes clear, particularly through these exhibitions that the dependence on technology we have developed is significant. As Turkle discusses in her article, ‘Witherpsycoanalysis in computer culture’, technology has a profound impact on how we behave. She writes, “Technologies are never “just tools”. They are evocative objects. They cause us to see ourselves and our world differently” (2004:416). Cyberworlds demonstrates this understanding not only through artefacts, but also through various interactive activities. For example can you still solve mathematical equations without the aid of a calculator, or an excel spreadsheet?
Artefact H10515 is a fabulous example of how technology is not just a tool, but is impacting the way we see ourselves. The Powerhouse Museum clearly believes that there are many mundane items worthy of exhibition as they are important to people. Thus the Artefact H10515 is a vessel in which we can easily have our objects of sentimentality displayed for a brief moment in time. It allows us to see what objects our fellow citizens value in an imaginative way. This technology caters to today’s world, which allows us to gain a different perspective on the world around us.
Reference
Turkle, S. (2004) ‘Wither psychoanalysis in computer culture’ in Kaplan, D. M. (ed) Readings in the philosophy of technology Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, pp. 415 - 429
The Powerhouse Museum has many exhibitions, but the two I will highlight are Cyberworlds: computers and connections, and Artefact H10515. The former provides a historical narrative that follows the development of computer technology from the late 1800s to now. The exhibition also tackles the various aspects of technology. From early computers, to science fiction characters, to music synthesizers, to the world of cyborgs (specifically Stelarc and Alan Turing), various artefacts are on display.
The latter, Artefact H10515 is a huge plastic cube that contains a computer image of some sort of underwater creature. When you touch the cube, the creature inside reacts, however you are also able to ‘feed’ it with your own treasured artefacts. The museum subscribes to the idea that individuals posses items that they value and perhaps the public may also appreciate. You are able to upload images of your items onto a computer that is linked to Artefact H10515 and at a particular time it will appear somewhere on the creature. Here’s a clip to demonstrate how it works.
When visiting the museum it becomes clear, particularly through these exhibitions that the dependence on technology we have developed is significant. As Turkle discusses in her article, ‘Witherpsycoanalysis in computer culture’, technology has a profound impact on how we behave. She writes, “Technologies are never “just tools”. They are evocative objects. They cause us to see ourselves and our world differently” (2004:416). Cyberworlds demonstrates this understanding not only through artefacts, but also through various interactive activities. For example can you still solve mathematical equations without the aid of a calculator, or an excel spreadsheet?
Artefact H10515 is a fabulous example of how technology is not just a tool, but is impacting the way we see ourselves. The Powerhouse Museum clearly believes that there are many mundane items worthy of exhibition as they are important to people. Thus the Artefact H10515 is a vessel in which we can easily have our objects of sentimentality displayed for a brief moment in time. It allows us to see what objects our fellow citizens value in an imaginative way. This technology caters to today’s world, which allows us to gain a different perspective on the world around us.
Reference
Turkle, S. (2004) ‘Wither psychoanalysis in computer culture’ in Kaplan, D. M. (ed) Readings in the philosophy of technology Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, pp. 415 - 429
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Black Sheep Online/Offline
Where do you find inspiration for art? For several years various artists have been turning to Google to find it. The Annual Google Exhibition requires the artists to google the chosen word or phrase at the same time on the same day. From there the artist chooses a website of those selected by the algorithm, and create an artwork from it. This year the phrase was ‘black sheep’.
The range of artworks was rather eclectic considering the fact that they were all based on the same phrase. From an electric sheep pinned on the wall to sketches of an English Pub called the Black Sheep, the imagination of the artists had clearly been led down different paths. When explaining the rationale behind this initiative the organisers write, “Black Sheep attempts to engage with a crucial, creative discourse about how the arts are not simply consumed and disseminated, but also fuelled by the immersive realm of online space”. Essentially what is being suggested here is that what is found on the internet can be a source of inspiration for creating art, rather than simply being a supply of artistic work.
The algorithm may lead us down the same path on a specific search, but this example is a visual illustration of the ‘journey’ that is taken when moving beyond that first page of results, and suggesting that an element of randomness still exists in the google search.
The range of artworks was rather eclectic considering the fact that they were all based on the same phrase. From an electric sheep pinned on the wall to sketches of an English Pub called the Black Sheep, the imagination of the artists had clearly been led down different paths. When explaining the rationale behind this initiative the organisers write, “Black Sheep attempts to engage with a crucial, creative discourse about how the arts are not simply consumed and disseminated, but also fuelled by the immersive realm of online space”. Essentially what is being suggested here is that what is found on the internet can be a source of inspiration for creating art, rather than simply being a supply of artistic work.
The algorithm may lead us down the same path on a specific search, but this example is a visual illustration of the ‘journey’ that is taken when moving beyond that first page of results, and suggesting that an element of randomness still exists in the google search.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Humans: Chimpanzees of the future?
The human form has been the centre of many pursuits, from art to science, individuals have strived to enhance the body and its capabilities. The results of these collective imaginings have been varied, from the experimental art of Stelarc, who continues fascinate and repulse, to the number of filmmakers who create the iconic cyborg characters that dominate our psyche.
In my research on the cyborg the most radical theorist I came across was Kevin Warwick. Warwick is a passionate scientist who strives to become a cyborg. He declares,
"If you are happy with your state as a human then so be it, you can remain as you are. But be warned – just as we humans split from our chimpanzee cousins years ago, so cyborgs will split from humans. Those who remain as mere humans are likely to become a sub – species. They will, effectively, be the chimpanzees of the future" (4).
To be honest I’m not sure what to make of this provocative statement as it seems so over the top. However to start with the difference between Warwick and other theorists such as Donna Haraway and Chris Hables Gray is that he perceives cyborgism as a choice (albeit it a forced one, as to make the ‘wrong’ decision ensures some form of doom!). Haraway and Gray argue that we already are already cyborgs due to the high interaction we have the technology that not only surrounds us but infuses with our bodies. The choice here is whether accept this ‘condition’ or not.
Although I have no idea what the future will hold for the human race, it is clear that there are many and varied ideas about which direction we are headed. In the case of Warwick, we could potentially be headed for a Terminator – esque world where humans are second to cyborgs. On the other hand those in the Haraway/Gray camp suggest that we are already cyborgs and that we need to accept that cyborgs are much more than military or capitalist machines. In this instance it is evident that an evolution of the human species is occurring, however it appears not be so dramatic.
Make of it what you will, cyborg or chimpanzee, choice or no choice, we do need to acknowledge the fact that technology has become an integrated part of our lives and holds a significant amount of power over our bodies.
Reference
Warwick, K. (2004) I, Cyborg Urbana, Ill: University of Illinois Press
In my research on the cyborg the most radical theorist I came across was Kevin Warwick. Warwick is a passionate scientist who strives to become a cyborg. He declares,
"If you are happy with your state as a human then so be it, you can remain as you are. But be warned – just as we humans split from our chimpanzee cousins years ago, so cyborgs will split from humans. Those who remain as mere humans are likely to become a sub – species. They will, effectively, be the chimpanzees of the future" (4).
To be honest I’m not sure what to make of this provocative statement as it seems so over the top. However to start with the difference between Warwick and other theorists such as Donna Haraway and Chris Hables Gray is that he perceives cyborgism as a choice (albeit it a forced one, as to make the ‘wrong’ decision ensures some form of doom!). Haraway and Gray argue that we already are already cyborgs due to the high interaction we have the technology that not only surrounds us but infuses with our bodies. The choice here is whether accept this ‘condition’ or not.
Although I have no idea what the future will hold for the human race, it is clear that there are many and varied ideas about which direction we are headed. In the case of Warwick, we could potentially be headed for a Terminator – esque world where humans are second to cyborgs. On the other hand those in the Haraway/Gray camp suggest that we are already cyborgs and that we need to accept that cyborgs are much more than military or capitalist machines. In this instance it is evident that an evolution of the human species is occurring, however it appears not be so dramatic.
Make of it what you will, cyborg or chimpanzee, choice or no choice, we do need to acknowledge the fact that technology has become an integrated part of our lives and holds a significant amount of power over our bodies.
Reference
Warwick, K. (2004) I, Cyborg Urbana, Ill: University of Illinois Press
Saturday, October 16, 2010
I Predict A Riot
Several weeks ago I was part of a riot, an online interactive riot that is. As a part of the Sydney Fringe Festival, the project Black Friday allowed history buffs and the curious to learn a little more about the Inner West’s dark past. In 1931 a bus full of police descended upon 143 Union St to enforce an eviction notice. This was at the time when many people could not pay their rent due to the hardships created by the Depression. As there was a presence of ‘Communists’ who allegedly encouraged forceful behaviour the eviction spiralled into a riot as a group of men had barricaded 143 Union St and began to throw missiles on to the police. Many of the men were seriously injured.
On the night of my experience I was armed with a GPS device and headphones. There was a map in which there were designated areas you had to visit. Once you reached these areas an historical video would play in which you could learn from those involved what happened. During your walk a narrative was spoken about the events of the day. However it wasn’t as simple to just walk from historical place to place. You were occasionally attacked by police, or collected comrades on the way.
Although not always smooth sailing during the experience (such as going off course), it was a really interesting and innovative way to learn about my local areas history. Rather than visiting a museum in which historical artefacts and stories are enclosed within a building that has no connection with the event you can actually get out there and visit the sites of relevance and have a more interactive and tactile experience.
This is an interesting example in which the reality and technology combine to create am interactive experience. In this instance the participant’s experience is of walking through a quite suburb of Sydney is mediated by the GPS device. In essence it is creating a new or ‘augmented’ reality for us, shaping our knowledge in a way that touring a museum could not. As Bolter and Grusin state, “virtual reality reforms reality by giving us an alternative visual world and insisting on that world as the locus of presence and meaning for us” (1999:61). Applying this idea of Bolter and Grusin’s to the Black Friday concept suggests that the video clips that inform us of the experiences of various characters become central to our understanding, rather than peripheral stories.
This ‘enhancement’ of experience is gradually proliferating society, with many examples of augmented reality infiltrating various industries. Examples include art (see Mob Lab’s work on Sculpture By the Sea) and real estate (System K in Japan). What we are witnessing now is a “distributed cyberspace” where the virtual and real worlds collide resulting in new perceptions (Bolter and Grusin, 1999:61).
Reference
Bolter, J. D & Grusin, R. A. (1999) Remediation: Understanding New Media Cambridge, Mass and London: MIT Press
Other interactive guides in Sydney - Razorhurst
On the night of my experience I was armed with a GPS device and headphones. There was a map in which there were designated areas you had to visit. Once you reached these areas an historical video would play in which you could learn from those involved what happened. During your walk a narrative was spoken about the events of the day. However it wasn’t as simple to just walk from historical place to place. You were occasionally attacked by police, or collected comrades on the way.
Although not always smooth sailing during the experience (such as going off course), it was a really interesting and innovative way to learn about my local areas history. Rather than visiting a museum in which historical artefacts and stories are enclosed within a building that has no connection with the event you can actually get out there and visit the sites of relevance and have a more interactive and tactile experience.
This is an interesting example in which the reality and technology combine to create am interactive experience. In this instance the participant’s experience is of walking through a quite suburb of Sydney is mediated by the GPS device. In essence it is creating a new or ‘augmented’ reality for us, shaping our knowledge in a way that touring a museum could not. As Bolter and Grusin state, “virtual reality reforms reality by giving us an alternative visual world and insisting on that world as the locus of presence and meaning for us” (1999:61). Applying this idea of Bolter and Grusin’s to the Black Friday concept suggests that the video clips that inform us of the experiences of various characters become central to our understanding, rather than peripheral stories.
This ‘enhancement’ of experience is gradually proliferating society, with many examples of augmented reality infiltrating various industries. Examples include art (see Mob Lab’s work on Sculpture By the Sea) and real estate (System K in Japan). What we are witnessing now is a “distributed cyberspace” where the virtual and real worlds collide resulting in new perceptions (Bolter and Grusin, 1999:61).
Reference
Bolter, J. D & Grusin, R. A. (1999) Remediation: Understanding New Media Cambridge, Mass and London: MIT Press
Other interactive guides in Sydney - Razorhurst
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Dangerous Ideas: Anatomy of a Cascade
Over the long weekend the Festival of Dangerous Ideas ran various sessions on topics that were controversial in society. I attended the Christian Lander session on ‘Stuff White People Like’. Lander is the successful blogger and author of Stuff White People Like. Although the conversation navigated its way through the issues of race, what interested me the most was the story behind Lander’s success. He is very specific about significant dates in his journey to success.
On January 18th 2008 Lander comes up with the idea and begins to blog. On January 28th 2008 he sends it to friends of his, and in turn they forward it on to their friends. As a result traffic to his blog increases. On February 16th 2008 he is contacted by a literary agent. Then on February 26th 2008 Lander is contacted by talent agents. Bearing in mind during this time traffics at the blog site still continues to grow. On March 31st 2008 Lander signs a book deal and given 30 days to write the book. On July 1st 2008 the book is released and on July 14th the book Stuff White People Like is a New York Times best seller.
This trajectory is very impressive, particularly at the speed that it all happens. It is possible to map this example of success through the framework of Duncan Watts’ theory of thresholds and cascades. Christian Lander may be viewed as the innovator as author of the blog (2003:235). Lander makes it clear that he is a node connected with few other nodes. When Lander initially forwards his blog to approximately 25 friends, or nodes, he notes that they are PHD students who have little influence, however they can be viewed as the early adopters (Watts, 2003:235). These early adopters are also weakly connected, however they do have bridges across to other vulnerable nodes in other clusters, in which they pass on the blog to. It is apparent that this process continues as the traffic at the blog continues to grow at a rapid rate. The ‘seed’ that Lander has planted sprouts and grows quickly into a strong tree as the blog transcends the blogosphere and becomes a book. Or as Watts describes it, the idea or innovation has percolated (2003:235). With the combination of the blog and book, this pushes the idea past the threshold and clearly cascades as it becomes a best seller on the NY Times list.
If you have a desire to view Christian Lander tell this story in his own words, here is a great video.
Watts, D (2003) ‘Thresholds, cascades and predictability’ in Six Degrees: the science of a connected age, NY and London: Norton, pp 220 – 252.
On January 18th 2008 Lander comes up with the idea and begins to blog. On January 28th 2008 he sends it to friends of his, and in turn they forward it on to their friends. As a result traffic to his blog increases. On February 16th 2008 he is contacted by a literary agent. Then on February 26th 2008 Lander is contacted by talent agents. Bearing in mind during this time traffics at the blog site still continues to grow. On March 31st 2008 Lander signs a book deal and given 30 days to write the book. On July 1st 2008 the book is released and on July 14th the book Stuff White People Like is a New York Times best seller.
This trajectory is very impressive, particularly at the speed that it all happens. It is possible to map this example of success through the framework of Duncan Watts’ theory of thresholds and cascades. Christian Lander may be viewed as the innovator as author of the blog (2003:235). Lander makes it clear that he is a node connected with few other nodes. When Lander initially forwards his blog to approximately 25 friends, or nodes, he notes that they are PHD students who have little influence, however they can be viewed as the early adopters (Watts, 2003:235). These early adopters are also weakly connected, however they do have bridges across to other vulnerable nodes in other clusters, in which they pass on the blog to. It is apparent that this process continues as the traffic at the blog continues to grow at a rapid rate. The ‘seed’ that Lander has planted sprouts and grows quickly into a strong tree as the blog transcends the blogosphere and becomes a book. Or as Watts describes it, the idea or innovation has percolated (2003:235). With the combination of the blog and book, this pushes the idea past the threshold and clearly cascades as it becomes a best seller on the NY Times list.
If you have a desire to view Christian Lander tell this story in his own words, here is a great video.
Watts, D (2003) ‘Thresholds, cascades and predictability’ in Six Degrees: the science of a connected age, NY and London: Norton, pp 220 – 252.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Working the Network
When I walked into work the other day I was faced with many inspiring and encouraging sayings that has been plastered on the walls of our office. Many spouted the merits of working together as a team, however the one that caught my eye was the one on the back of the toilet door (yes the toilet door). It stated “All is connected… no one thing can change by itself”. This statement was accompanied by a picture of a row of dominos about to tumble.
This particular advice got me thinking about how I am connected with the people that I work with, what sort of ties exist and the consequences.
Our organisation is divided into departments and within those departments are units, and of course these are made up of individuals. By virtue of this design we naturally work closely with certain individuals, ie those in our unit. Thus it could be surmised that we are more likely to have strong ties with those we work with closely, forming a cluster of nodes. As a larger organisation it is possible that I will go for weeks without having any contact with certain individuals as we do not sit near each other and our work does not link on a daily basis. This work environment is completely different to my former work place in which it was quite small and I would see everyone everyday even if I did not have a work related task with them. I essentially was a node that had many weak ties. Now with the change in environment and new organisational structure I am a node part of a cluster of strong ties. The difference to my working life is evident as I no longer feel I have my ‘finger on the pulse’. Office gossip, for all of its good and evil, is one of the lifelines of office life. In this environment it no longer spreads like a ‘contagion’ (Watts, 2003: 221). As Duncan Watts notes, “… [networks] are locked into a kind of stasis, each node constraining the influence of any other and being constrained itself” (2003:241). This expresses exactly how I feel in the larger organisation, a node that is almost completely isolated from the other clusters, with no notion of what is going on with the other Departments (or clusters). Although this is slowly changing as ‘bridges’ are starting to form through the weak ties we are beginning to form with the other clusters. Thus in the future it may be possible the office gossip and of course any other innovations will move about with more freedom.
Reference
Watts, D. (2003) ‘Thresholds, cascades and predictability’ in Six Degrees: the science of a connected age, NY and London: Norton pp. 220 – 252.
This particular advice got me thinking about how I am connected with the people that I work with, what sort of ties exist and the consequences.
Our organisation is divided into departments and within those departments are units, and of course these are made up of individuals. By virtue of this design we naturally work closely with certain individuals, ie those in our unit. Thus it could be surmised that we are more likely to have strong ties with those we work with closely, forming a cluster of nodes. As a larger organisation it is possible that I will go for weeks without having any contact with certain individuals as we do not sit near each other and our work does not link on a daily basis. This work environment is completely different to my former work place in which it was quite small and I would see everyone everyday even if I did not have a work related task with them. I essentially was a node that had many weak ties. Now with the change in environment and new organisational structure I am a node part of a cluster of strong ties. The difference to my working life is evident as I no longer feel I have my ‘finger on the pulse’. Office gossip, for all of its good and evil, is one of the lifelines of office life. In this environment it no longer spreads like a ‘contagion’ (Watts, 2003: 221). As Duncan Watts notes, “… [networks] are locked into a kind of stasis, each node constraining the influence of any other and being constrained itself” (2003:241). This expresses exactly how I feel in the larger organisation, a node that is almost completely isolated from the other clusters, with no notion of what is going on with the other Departments (or clusters). Although this is slowly changing as ‘bridges’ are starting to form through the weak ties we are beginning to form with the other clusters. Thus in the future it may be possible the office gossip and of course any other innovations will move about with more freedom.
Reference
Watts, D. (2003) ‘Thresholds, cascades and predictability’ in Six Degrees: the science of a connected age, NY and London: Norton pp. 220 – 252.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
I'm Still Here
So the truth is finally out that the 'documentary' I’M STILL HERE featuring Joaquin Phoenix is a fake. Billed as documentary it follows Phoenix’s ‘retirement’ from a successful acting career to try his hand at music, more specifically to become a rapper.
Since its debut the film has attracted scathing reviews, from “insulting” to “sad” to describe its content. However in thinking about what can be described essentially as a mockumentary it is interesting to view it through the framework of simulacra.
Baudrillard discusses his notion of simulacra as nothing being authentic and simply a representation of reality. The argument can certainly be made that all documentaries, although they strive to represent and indeed give the impression of reality, are embedded with artifice due to various elements.
However in the case of I’M STILL HERE it’s a very mixed up, yet interesting example of simulacra. Ultimately, it is a depiction of a fictional reality, hiding behind the guise of a documentary. It’s a film of one man’s apparent self-destruction. But what it actually is, is the representation of a man’s self destruction as imagined by Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck. The ‘signs’ to make it appear authentic are what gave it away as a fake. These signs were the use of unsteady camera angles or the fact that there are too many cameras (here’s Jim Schembri’s take on why it was fake). Clearly it is an unsuccessful attempt at simulacra as people recognised it as a fake.
Since its debut the film has attracted scathing reviews, from “insulting” to “sad” to describe its content. However in thinking about what can be described essentially as a mockumentary it is interesting to view it through the framework of simulacra.
Baudrillard discusses his notion of simulacra as nothing being authentic and simply a representation of reality. The argument can certainly be made that all documentaries, although they strive to represent and indeed give the impression of reality, are embedded with artifice due to various elements.
However in the case of I’M STILL HERE it’s a very mixed up, yet interesting example of simulacra. Ultimately, it is a depiction of a fictional reality, hiding behind the guise of a documentary. It’s a film of one man’s apparent self-destruction. But what it actually is, is the representation of a man’s self destruction as imagined by Joaquin Phoenix and Casey Affleck. The ‘signs’ to make it appear authentic are what gave it away as a fake. These signs were the use of unsteady camera angles or the fact that there are too many cameras (here’s Jim Schembri’s take on why it was fake). Clearly it is an unsuccessful attempt at simulacra as people recognised it as a fake.
Living in the City
After a long day at work I begin the arduous walk along William Street in Woolloomooloo up to Town Hall. I, along with many of my colleagues dread this horrid walk as you are battered by strong winds, created by the straight road lined by large buildings. You battle the traffic as you dare to cross the many roads when the red man attempts to stop you in your tracks for 5mins at each intersection.
This is just one section of the city of Sydney that suffers from this problem, making it an unpleasant experience for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
In thinking further about the structure of Sydney, it’s amazing to think how the make up really does effect the way we live our lives and how it can effect our emotional state. I will walk along the side streets that run parallel to William Street to avoid it. I will avoid public transport due to the tardiness and overcrowding.
Although we may view all this as a set of unrelated events it may be argued that this is a physical network that we participate in everyday. We travel from A to B via various modes of transport with some form of interaction occurring with fellow commuters. Over the last few years the City of Sydney Council has recognised the importance of this network in the city and have taken steps to make it a more pleasant experience. An extensive network of bike paths are being built to encourage more to hop on their bike, hopefully easing traffic congestion and promoting the less polluting mode of transport. Urban regeneration projects are beautifying public spaces such as parks, and utlilising previously unused spaces.
Hence the city is attempting to not only make the network more efficient, but also more aesthetically pleasing, thus encouraging people to perhaps interact more. In the seminal book Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space (1980) by the Danish architect Jan Gehl he outlines the importance of encouraging social activities in the city. The key to this is the design and architecture of the city. Gehl writes, “One can take occasional walks, perhaps make a detour along the a main street on the way home or pause at an inviting bench near a front door to be among people for a short while” (1980: 19). The point is that these networks and patterns of architecture and transport truly do impact on the way we live our lives in that space and beyond.
The current state of my commute home does not encourage this at all, but who knows, perhaps in future years it will be the case.
Reference
Gehl, J. (1980) Life Between Buildings: Using Public Spaces. Melbourne & NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
This is just one section of the city of Sydney that suffers from this problem, making it an unpleasant experience for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
In thinking further about the structure of Sydney, it’s amazing to think how the make up really does effect the way we live our lives and how it can effect our emotional state. I will walk along the side streets that run parallel to William Street to avoid it. I will avoid public transport due to the tardiness and overcrowding.
Although we may view all this as a set of unrelated events it may be argued that this is a physical network that we participate in everyday. We travel from A to B via various modes of transport with some form of interaction occurring with fellow commuters. Over the last few years the City of Sydney Council has recognised the importance of this network in the city and have taken steps to make it a more pleasant experience. An extensive network of bike paths are being built to encourage more to hop on their bike, hopefully easing traffic congestion and promoting the less polluting mode of transport. Urban regeneration projects are beautifying public spaces such as parks, and utlilising previously unused spaces.
Hence the city is attempting to not only make the network more efficient, but also more aesthetically pleasing, thus encouraging people to perhaps interact more. In the seminal book Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space (1980) by the Danish architect Jan Gehl he outlines the importance of encouraging social activities in the city. The key to this is the design and architecture of the city. Gehl writes, “One can take occasional walks, perhaps make a detour along the a main street on the way home or pause at an inviting bench near a front door to be among people for a short while” (1980: 19). The point is that these networks and patterns of architecture and transport truly do impact on the way we live our lives in that space and beyond.
The current state of my commute home does not encourage this at all, but who knows, perhaps in future years it will be the case.
Reference
Gehl, J. (1980) Life Between Buildings: Using Public Spaces. Melbourne & NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
BloggingHeads in the Network
The blogosphere is a vibrant and interesting source to tap into various perspectives on all sorts of topics. In particular there are many political blogs that discuss topics from various points of the political spectrum. Although blogs allow for some form of discussion it is rather limited. One particular example that takes discussion and interaction a step further is Bloggingheads.tv. Bloggingheads is described as a ‘diavlog’, that is dialogue in the similar style of a web blog, but with the participants skyping. The interesting aspect of this particular form of communication is that it melds the culture of academia and debate with the vloging/blogging tools of the internet. It allows for two individuals to discuss/debate a specific topic, and viewers can comment.
At a time when the younger generations are accused of being apolitical this is an interesting tool that suggests otherwise, and has the potential to reach people internationally, it is an opportunity to view and participate online in a community.
In considering this tool in regards to network theory, it does allow for individuals who perhaps could not normally enter into a constructive debate due to location. Essentially Bloggingheads.tv has created an online community of people who may not necessarily hold the same values of political beliefs, however share the value in constructive debate. It is a new public sphere, as envisaged by Jurgen Habermas, online. This point is discussed succinctly by Varnelis and Friedberg in their article Place: Networked Place. They note that “… the public sphere was not so much a physical place as a discursive site in which a literate public could conduct rational and critical debate” (2008: 13).
This notion of the discussion being the focal point rather than the space is an interesting point as it links into the idea that a community is now built through similar interests rather than location. As Keith Hampton suggests, with the introduction of the internet into everyday life similar interests can influence the community a person joins more than their physical location (2004: 218).
Bearing this in mind Bloggingheads has the potential to spark more widespread debate and thought about the topics discussed as it is not in one location but all throughout the world and its network is growing all the time.
References
Hampton, K. (2004) ‘Networked sociability online, off – line’ in Castells, M. The Network Society: a cross – cultural perspective. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp. 217 – 232.
Varnelis, K. & Friedberg, A. (2008) ‘Place: Networked Place’ in Varnelis, K. Networked Publics. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press, pp. 12 – 28.
At a time when the younger generations are accused of being apolitical this is an interesting tool that suggests otherwise, and has the potential to reach people internationally, it is an opportunity to view and participate online in a community.
In considering this tool in regards to network theory, it does allow for individuals who perhaps could not normally enter into a constructive debate due to location. Essentially Bloggingheads.tv has created an online community of people who may not necessarily hold the same values of political beliefs, however share the value in constructive debate. It is a new public sphere, as envisaged by Jurgen Habermas, online. This point is discussed succinctly by Varnelis and Friedberg in their article Place: Networked Place. They note that “… the public sphere was not so much a physical place as a discursive site in which a literate public could conduct rational and critical debate” (2008: 13).
This notion of the discussion being the focal point rather than the space is an interesting point as it links into the idea that a community is now built through similar interests rather than location. As Keith Hampton suggests, with the introduction of the internet into everyday life similar interests can influence the community a person joins more than their physical location (2004: 218).
Bearing this in mind Bloggingheads has the potential to spark more widespread debate and thought about the topics discussed as it is not in one location but all throughout the world and its network is growing all the time.
References
Hampton, K. (2004) ‘Networked sociability online, off – line’ in Castells, M. The Network Society: a cross – cultural perspective. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp. 217 – 232.
Varnelis, K. & Friedberg, A. (2008) ‘Place: Networked Place’ in Varnelis, K. Networked Publics. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press, pp. 12 – 28.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Is 3D cinema the way of the future?
It could be argued that we are currently in a 3D renaissance in film as sessions at cinema complex are full of 3D films. As many of us would be aware, 3D cinema is not a new phenomenon (here’s an interesting youtube clip on the history of the 3D film). Although 3D films have gradually been growing in popularity in the last decade it really seems to have exploded in the last 12 months. The box office takings will attest to the popularity of the 3D films out running their 2D counterparts.
Yet what is the attraction to these films? Is it the novelty, the thrill?
In thinking about this question and hearing the experiences of others what becomes clear is that it is an interactive activity. Cinema has been described as a passive activity on the viewer’s behalf. Walter Benjamin writes of this passivity in his essay The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, referring to Duhamel he notes that cinema is “…. a spectacle which requires no concentration and presupposes no intelligence (232).
Yet in this new age although 3D cinema is still a relatively passive activity, there appears to be an element of action as the viewer may physically react to an action, for example a child may reach out to grab something that has broken through the screen, or we may brace ourselves. Although we can still have a similar experience with a 2D film, the reaction is more about the emotional intensity of the film. The 3D film allows the viewer to break through the 4th wall and to a small degree be a part of the fictional world. As Andrew Darley writes of 3D, it can “exploit the impression that people and things can leave the screen and enter the personal theatrical space of the audience – usually to the exhilarating effect” (35).
So is this revitalised form of entertainment here to stay?
I would argue that this depends on several points. 3D has gone in and out of fashion, partly due to the expense, however in this climate of big blockbusters and illegal downloading of films filmmakers need to coax patrons back into the theatre to experience a film in a way they could not in their own homes. Perhaps 3D films may fall out of popular favour, however they will probably continue to inhabit the cinema complexes, to continue bringing in an audience as well as offering the audience an experience of almost physically entering another world without leaving their seat.
Despite 3D films consistently falling in and out of favour with the audience several famous and innovative producers and filmmakers believe it is here to stay. Here is an interesting article on 3D featuring James Cameron, Steven Spielberg and Steven Katzenberg. Are 3-D movies ready for their closeup?
References
Benjamin, W. (1935) ‘The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction’ in Benjamin, W. (1992) Illuminations. London: Fontana Press, pp. 211 – 244.
Darley, A. (2000) ‘A Back Story: Realism, Simulation, Interaction’ in Darley, A. Visual Digital Culture: Surface Play and Spectacle in New Media Genres, London and NY: Routledge, pp. 11-36
Yet what is the attraction to these films? Is it the novelty, the thrill?
In thinking about this question and hearing the experiences of others what becomes clear is that it is an interactive activity. Cinema has been described as a passive activity on the viewer’s behalf. Walter Benjamin writes of this passivity in his essay The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, referring to Duhamel he notes that cinema is “…. a spectacle which requires no concentration and presupposes no intelligence (232).
Yet in this new age although 3D cinema is still a relatively passive activity, there appears to be an element of action as the viewer may physically react to an action, for example a child may reach out to grab something that has broken through the screen, or we may brace ourselves. Although we can still have a similar experience with a 2D film, the reaction is more about the emotional intensity of the film. The 3D film allows the viewer to break through the 4th wall and to a small degree be a part of the fictional world. As Andrew Darley writes of 3D, it can “exploit the impression that people and things can leave the screen and enter the personal theatrical space of the audience – usually to the exhilarating effect” (35).
So is this revitalised form of entertainment here to stay?
I would argue that this depends on several points. 3D has gone in and out of fashion, partly due to the expense, however in this climate of big blockbusters and illegal downloading of films filmmakers need to coax patrons back into the theatre to experience a film in a way they could not in their own homes. Perhaps 3D films may fall out of popular favour, however they will probably continue to inhabit the cinema complexes, to continue bringing in an audience as well as offering the audience an experience of almost physically entering another world without leaving their seat.
Despite 3D films consistently falling in and out of favour with the audience several famous and innovative producers and filmmakers believe it is here to stay. Here is an interesting article on 3D featuring James Cameron, Steven Spielberg and Steven Katzenberg. Are 3-D movies ready for their closeup?
References
Benjamin, W. (1935) ‘The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction’ in Benjamin, W. (1992) Illuminations. London: Fontana Press, pp. 211 – 244.
Darley, A. (2000) ‘A Back Story: Realism, Simulation, Interaction’ in Darley, A. Visual Digital Culture: Surface Play and Spectacle in New Media Genres, London and NY: Routledge, pp. 11-36
Get Up Cascades
As the use of the social networking has become more pervasive in Australian politics it is an interesting time to investigate how social networking is impacting on Australian politics.
Get Up is a great example to investigate as it has become a pervasive voice in Australian politics. Get Up is not – for profit community advocacy organisation that lobbys politicians on issues as well as attempting to keep Government ‘honest’. In the most recent Australian Federal election Get Up have emerged from the shadows online and out into the mainstream effecting real political change in Australian society, now becoming a real force in the political landscape. However how did they do this? Well, in part they have their online social network to thank.
Essentially as a grassroots organisation Get Up have utilised the internet to increase its numbers and profile. Get Up drive quite an aggressive and persistent campaign in which they target potential supporters through a constant wave of emails to get involved via various means, either through signing petitions, attending protests, donating financially or becoming volunteers for Get Up in some capacity.
However this does not fully answer the question as to how Get Up has grown in force, particularly when individuals can be sceptical of political groups. Get Up’s growing popularity could be a combination of elements, the current Federal election, the mood of the people, its particular campaigns, the way they campaign. Duncan Watts discusses this apparent randomness within his framework of cascades and thresholds where certain variables, such as the strength of a network, determine whether an ‘innovation’ will be adopted with vigour, or dissipate with minimal impact. As Watts states, “the seed alone is not enough” (248). It is the network of individuals, which Watts describes as different clusters that influence the spread of an innovation. Bearing this in mind Get Up clearly captured the attention of certain individuals, particularly with the production of creative mock ads that made their way onto Youtube, and eventually filtered into the mainstream media. This example demonstrates the fact that the campaign caught the imagination of supporters and those who were in various ways exposed to it, thus raising Get Up’s profile and potentially this influence.
Here are some clips of Get Up's work....
When viewing this path through Watts theory of cascades, in a sense Get Up got lucky. The current instability of our politics and political parties is a useful analogy for this particular theory – nothing is guaranteed!
Reference
Watts, D (2003) ‘Thresholds, cascades and predictability’ in Six Degrees: the science of a connected age, NY and London: Norton, pp 220 – 252.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Social Media - The Enemy?
Last week President Obama addressed college students discussing the notion that social media is damaging democracy. Obama’s argument states that forms of social media, such as Facebook, blogs, and iPads are a distraction from actively participating in a democracy. Of course there is a sense of irony in this argument as Obama has been widely credited as utilising this form of communication to great effect. Although it cannot be definitively stated that political campaigning via social networking during the 2008 US Presidential elections led to victory, it certainly can be argued that it was one of the larger stepping stones to the Presidency.
Obama’s presence pervaded many of the social networks, from Facebook to the iPhone. The campaign also encouraged people to get involved through these networks. Action could be as small as forwarding on a text message or email received from the campaign. For those more active the networks connected people who could get out there and door knock for Obama. These forums are still active including MyBO (My Barack Obama), which continue to link people to continue participating in their community.
Bearing all this is mind it would certainly appear that social media can facilitate democracy, or at least increase participation in the political process.
In the digital environment we are more connected then ever, and depending on your purpose, whether it to be entertained or informed, I believe that online networking can lead to greater involvement in the political process. It will be very interesting to see how Obama campaigns in the next election. By that time these comments might have conveniently been sidelined!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Beat for Peace
Music has been described as a universal language where anyone can participate. It has the potential to convey emotional messages either through the lyrics, or the music itself. As music has this power it naturally has been used as a tool in various political campaigns and movements. With the internet now a dominant force, it is now even easier to draw an audience to your song.
One of the most recent online political movement to utilise music is Beat for Peace. Beat for Peace’s aim is to draw attention to the referendum that will take place in the Sudan. Through this attention it is hoped that the Sudan will hold a fair and democratic referendum. This referendum, to be held in January 2011 will allow Sudanese citizens to determine whether the southern region will remain part of a united Sudan. The campaign itself has attracted many well-known musicians around the world to participate through drumming. It also encourages anyone to participate, whether you may be drumming on your kitchen pots or bins!
One of the most recent online political movement to utilise music is Beat for Peace. Beat for Peace’s aim is to draw attention to the referendum that will take place in the Sudan. Through this attention it is hoped that the Sudan will hold a fair and democratic referendum. This referendum, to be held in January 2011 will allow Sudanese citizens to determine whether the southern region will remain part of a united Sudan. The campaign itself has attracted many well-known musicians around the world to participate through drumming. It also encourages anyone to participate, whether you may be drumming on your kitchen pots or bins!
Here is the clip of campaign.
In thinking about this movement the question that comes to my mind is whether music can make a tangible difference on the outcome of an election, or in this case a referendum?
Although this is a hard thing to measure, I don’t believe that songs are a determining factor in the outcome of an election, even if there is a great amount of global input. People are motivated to vote through other factors, such as the candidates, their parties and policies.
If these campaign songs do not translate into votes why bother? Songs can play an important role in drawing attention to the campaign and can prompt voters to find out more about the election. In this sense songs are a very important tool that indirectly lead to votes.
There are many examples that can be referred to but the most recent that comes to mind is Will. i. am’s song ‘Yes We Can’ during the 2008 US Presidential elections. This song was extremely successful in spreading its message and reached millions of Americans and others around the globe through Youtube. My thought is that this song certainly had an impact on the Obama campaign, bringing Obama’s message to the people in a different, perhaps more accessible medium.
Although it is still many months before the referendum in Sudan, it is clear that this political movement, although noble in its aims will probably have minimal effect on the outcome as there are various other determining factors, such as the political climate at the time. However the one thing that is clear, using blogs and Youtube has provided the opportunity to at least spotlight the issue on a global scale, which is valuable indeed.
I couldn't resist some more food for thought! Here are a couple of other well known examples of other political songs that have inspired a change, or action;
It’s Time – Whitlam Federal Election Campaign 1972
Do They Know It’s Christmas - Band Aid 1984
Sunday, April 11, 2010
We Want Your Vote!
This week the British PM, Gordon Brown announced that Britain would go to the polls on May 6 to vote in the next British government. Amongst the scrum of political parties campaigning there is one group that is jostling for UK votes for a rather different reason.
‘Give Your Vote’ is a movement in the UK that is encouraging UK citizens to ‘donate’ their vote to a citizen of Bangladesh, Afghanistan or Ghana. The rationale behind this initiative allows citizens of the nominated countries an opportunity to voice their opinions on UK political decisions, from climate change policy to military occupation, that have had a direct impact on their nation.
There are several aspects of this movement that are fascinating. I have always viewed voting as a personal experience. You have the right to decide who you will vote for. ‘Give Your Vote’ challenges these notions as it transforms voting into a communal experience, whereby people are sharing their vote for the greater good.
‘Give Your Vote’ also pushes beyond the nation – state borders by extending participation to non-UK citizens. GYV provides an opportunity for participants to pose questions to political candidates through the UK participants.
Ultimately this movement is a rethinking of the political process and who is involved. It demonstrates the fact that we live in a highly interconnected world where people are becoming more aware of the circumstances of other world citizens, and taking action.
With an Australian federal election on the cards in the not too distant future perhaps Australian citizens could donate their vote to another person in one of our neighbouring countries, such as Kiribati or East Timor…
This could be a more attractive and productive alternative to a donkey vote!
For more details visit http://giveyourvote.org/
‘Give Your Vote’ is a movement in the UK that is encouraging UK citizens to ‘donate’ their vote to a citizen of Bangladesh, Afghanistan or Ghana. The rationale behind this initiative allows citizens of the nominated countries an opportunity to voice their opinions on UK political decisions, from climate change policy to military occupation, that have had a direct impact on their nation.
There are several aspects of this movement that are fascinating. I have always viewed voting as a personal experience. You have the right to decide who you will vote for. ‘Give Your Vote’ challenges these notions as it transforms voting into a communal experience, whereby people are sharing their vote for the greater good.
‘Give Your Vote’ also pushes beyond the nation – state borders by extending participation to non-UK citizens. GYV provides an opportunity for participants to pose questions to political candidates through the UK participants.
Ultimately this movement is a rethinking of the political process and who is involved. It demonstrates the fact that we live in a highly interconnected world where people are becoming more aware of the circumstances of other world citizens, and taking action.
With an Australian federal election on the cards in the not too distant future perhaps Australian citizens could donate their vote to another person in one of our neighbouring countries, such as Kiribati or East Timor…
This could be a more attractive and productive alternative to a donkey vote!
For more details visit http://giveyourvote.org/
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