Barack Obamas outwards appearance has always been very smooth and smart, but a couple of events made me question his seriousness as a politican. A famous incident was when Obama and a short time later his Wife Michelle danced on the Ellen show.
- Simply a modern president or a clown?
- Can a president be taking serious when he and his wife show their dance moves on the Ellen show?
- Would Germans vote for a president that dances on national TV ?
-Does it even matter or could other aspects be more important?
That are questions I asked myself .
Take a look:
Well, in my opinion politics in America are way to strong connected to the private life of the politician. It is more about show and appearance. The politics clearly fall by the wayside.
An other video that underlines this, shows Beyonce an famous american musician singing "At last" for Michelle and Barack while they are dancing. The video shows a happy couple dancing as if they were in a dreamland.
Very Sweet !
Very Romantic !
But how is that connected to politics? Directly, not at all ! Of cause indirectly its very important in terms of outwards appearance. For example: as a happy couple, which is connected to a happy family or
as a good looking dancer, which is connected to an athletic and charming appearance and nevertheless a positive and active representative for the US.
Earlier in the text I talked about some questions that I asked myself when I came across these videos.
First of all I would say that Germans would be really questioning Angela Merkel if she would dance with for example Johannes B. Kerner. Nevertheless Obama is very famous in Germany maybe because he is different and new and modern, which includes dancing on TV.
Concluding to say is that I'm really in favor of modern politics, as long as its not all about show and appearance. Lately the lines between politicians and celebrities are mixing up. It is important to focus on the right things and also to keep once face. Otherwise a politicians can not be taken serious.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Good to know!
I watched a couple of interesting videos that, as the one Mrs.Makeyeva pointed out, also explain things on the field of US elections and history. Some of the following animations are more serious, some less. But still the content is interesting and good to know!
Check them out:
1. Sums up all the American presidents and comments them. Some comments are borderline, but also hit the nail on the head.
Check them out:
1. Sums up all the American presidents and comments them. Some comments are borderline, but also hit the nail on the head.
2. Very good on. Explains the American history , with a strong focus on use of weapons in the US. The influence of Michael Moore is very obvious
3. Pretty neat animation about the last US campaign
Moment of Zen
In this moment of Zen will give you information about the website -bildblog- and I will also talk about the fact that people prefer reading yellow press articles and whether that influences our society.
Bildblog describes itself as a "Watchblog for German media". It was found in 2004 and since than it accompanies the german magazine "Bild am Sonntag" with a critical look on their articles. In April Bildblog expanded its domain to a general "Watchblog", that keeps an eye on various publications.
I'm really in favour of the page, because magazines as the "Bild" receive a thorough examination. 10,5 million germans read this magazine on a weekly basis, a magazine that is know for its sensational and dubious headlines which usually fill the entire front page. Not really a serious impression to me, but unfortunately they keep selling their stories with great success.
But it is not only the "Bild"-magazine the press today tends to be shallow and writes pretty much everything regardless of content, truth or honest opinion if it pays off. The majority of magazines today are sucked into the wheel of consumption. It is more important to sell as many copies as possible than to have a clean record. They are not afraid to get their hands dirty. Sensational headlines and shallow stories is what people prefer as a light entertainment.
Bildblog criticizes this way of reporting. It basically tears every vaguely or dishonest written article, mainly by the "Bild" to pieces and proves that their stories are not even build on facts. Important to say so is, that this is not because "Bild" or any other low-content magazine only hires incompetent journalist, it is because they write what people buy.
After all, writing spectacular but far-fetched stories is what pays off today. People should take the press and what they read (consume) more serious. It is important , because even if it is not intended, we are often influenced subconsciously and we relate to what we read. A german saying tells peolpe: "Du bist was du isst!" (You are what you eat). Maybe one could also relate that to journalism and say "You are what you read" which more people should think about and take it to heart.
Bildblog describes itself as a "Watchblog for German media". It was found in 2004 and since than it accompanies the german magazine "Bild am Sonntag" with a critical look on their articles. In April Bildblog expanded its domain to a general "Watchblog", that keeps an eye on various publications.
I'm really in favour of the page, because magazines as the "Bild" receive a thorough examination. 10,5 million germans read this magazine on a weekly basis, a magazine that is know for its sensational and dubious headlines which usually fill the entire front page. Not really a serious impression to me, but unfortunately they keep selling their stories with great success.
But it is not only the "Bild"-magazine the press today tends to be shallow and writes pretty much everything regardless of content, truth or honest opinion if it pays off. The majority of magazines today are sucked into the wheel of consumption. It is more important to sell as many copies as possible than to have a clean record. They are not afraid to get their hands dirty. Sensational headlines and shallow stories is what people prefer as a light entertainment.
Bildblog criticizes this way of reporting. It basically tears every vaguely or dishonest written article, mainly by the "Bild" to pieces and proves that their stories are not even build on facts. Important to say so is, that this is not because "Bild" or any other low-content magazine only hires incompetent journalist, it is because they write what people buy.
After all, writing spectacular but far-fetched stories is what pays off today. People should take the press and what they read (consume) more serious. It is important , because even if it is not intended, we are often influenced subconsciously and we relate to what we read. A german saying tells peolpe: "Du bist was du isst!" (You are what you eat). Maybe one could also relate that to journalism and say "You are what you read" which more people should think about and take it to heart.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Moment of Zen
Wahl-o-mat and Electoral Compass - voting advice websites
Today I want to talk about two very interesting websites, that I really recommend to everybody. The Wahl-o-mat and its American equivalent the Electoral Compass are both voting advice websites. The original idea was established at the University of Amsterdam. In general it is really interesting to try out both of them and to see what parties are most likely to represent once interests.
When I did the german test, my results showed me the ranking 1. Die Grünen 2. Die Linke 3. CDU which is really close to where I see myself. In terms of the Electoral Compass I'm located between economic left and social liberalism. The politician that I had most questions in common with is Bill Richardson.
Also interesting about the two sites is that the topics that were questioned about, were sometimes totally different and sometimes nearly the same. For incidence issues as environment or immigration seemed to be similar concerns in both country's. Issues as gun-control or health-care differ in fundamental regulations and laws of the country,which is why questions about these problems go in totally different directions.
However, two very neat pages that animates people to think more about certain topics, to make up their mind about different issues and to learn about the interests and positions of the important parties.
Please check out the pages and have fun!
Today I want to talk about two very interesting websites, that I really recommend to everybody. The Wahl-o-mat and its American equivalent the Electoral Compass are both voting advice websites. The original idea was established at the University of Amsterdam. In general it is really interesting to try out both of them and to see what parties are most likely to represent once interests.
When I did the german test, my results showed me the ranking 1. Die Grünen 2. Die Linke 3. CDU which is really close to where I see myself. In terms of the Electoral Compass I'm located between economic left and social liberalism. The politician that I had most questions in common with is Bill Richardson.
Also interesting about the two sites is that the topics that were questioned about, were sometimes totally different and sometimes nearly the same. For incidence issues as environment or immigration seemed to be similar concerns in both country's. Issues as gun-control or health-care differ in fundamental regulations and laws of the country,which is why questions about these problems go in totally different directions.
However, two very neat pages that animates people to think more about certain topics, to make up their mind about different issues and to learn about the interests and positions of the important parties.
Please check out the pages and have fun!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Guest Lecture - Mitchell Cohen
The last guest lecture was very unique and differed a lot from the lectures I attended before, but it was very interesting and a little bit crazy at the same time. The lectures before were always very structured and had a clear agenda, but this way it was possible to discuss more topics. The audience were absolutely involved in the lecture. It seemed more like a discussion.
My favorite part was when Mr. Cohen talked about his experiences in public actions, as the example with the shower scene he an his friends set up in front of an elevator. He probably did a lot of crazy things in the past.
A public action to arouse attention that I mentioned in the discussion was "flash-mobbing".
Flash-mobbing is an action by a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief time, then quickly disperse. Crazy! But funny .. definitely a good and peaceful way to get a lot of attention.
Check out an example:
My favorite part was when Mr. Cohen talked about his experiences in public actions, as the example with the shower scene he an his friends set up in front of an elevator. He probably did a lot of crazy things in the past.
A public action to arouse attention that I mentioned in the discussion was "flash-mobbing".
Flash-mobbing is an action by a large group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual action for a brief time, then quickly disperse. Crazy! But funny .. definitely a good and peaceful way to get a lot of attention.
Check out an example:
Moment of Zen - Social Web-Network
Is a social network, based on New Media, a question of generation?
In my case/ family, I can say with no doubts -yes! It is! Everybody in my family that is older than 40 barley participates at social network that is connected to the internet. One reason is that my family is very small, which minimizes the possibilities and more important my family is stuck in the stone age talking about technology. I'm glade they managed to write emails a couple of years ago. I'm pretty sure none of my grandparents have every used a computer in their entire life, not to mention participation at a social network at the computer.
But maybe my family is a tough case. One of the other students mentioned last week, that her family created an own website and that all of them communicate via this page. I guess that is a contrasting example.
But even though there are examples of families that are using the internet to communicate and that build up a social network this way regardless of their age, I think that in general it is still a question of generation.
Young people grow up using the computer on a daily bases. It is normal to communicate via computer. Furthermore, it is not normal for children today, to have no access to social networks through the computer.
But still using the internet is often times not necessary for older people, because long distance relations can be contacted with a phone. Also an important fact is that a lot of old people don't speak english, which is also an enormous aspect of new media. People our age tend to forget that certain terms, that we use on a daily bases are still foreign for people that never learned english.
But I guess this question will disappear in the next 30, said to say, but together with the people of that generation. We probably have to face other challenging innovations.... We will see!
In my case/ family, I can say with no doubts -yes! It is! Everybody in my family that is older than 40 barley participates at social network that is connected to the internet. One reason is that my family is very small, which minimizes the possibilities and more important my family is stuck in the stone age talking about technology. I'm glade they managed to write emails a couple of years ago. I'm pretty sure none of my grandparents have every used a computer in their entire life, not to mention participation at a social network at the computer.
But maybe my family is a tough case. One of the other students mentioned last week, that her family created an own website and that all of them communicate via this page. I guess that is a contrasting example.
But even though there are examples of families that are using the internet to communicate and that build up a social network this way regardless of their age, I think that in general it is still a question of generation.
Young people grow up using the computer on a daily bases. It is normal to communicate via computer. Furthermore, it is not normal for children today, to have no access to social networks through the computer.
But still using the internet is often times not necessary for older people, because long distance relations can be contacted with a phone. Also an important fact is that a lot of old people don't speak english, which is also an enormous aspect of new media. People our age tend to forget that certain terms, that we use on a daily bases are still foreign for people that never learned english.
But I guess this question will disappear in the next 30, said to say, but together with the people of that generation. We probably have to face other challenging innovations.... We will see!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Watch out! New media is taking over!!!
whether new media is good or bad has been discussed a lot. I don't want to judge about that, because I can't. It is to complex for that... way to many pros.... way to many cons.
In this post I simply want to point out some links where people state their opinion about this topic.
Some argue that new media or more concrete the digital world and the world wide web is an unpredictable and dangerous giant. Especially the Internet is often criticized for its almost unlimited possibilities... every second page filled with sex and violence... easy access to drugs and child-pornography.
Pages that discuss this topic or share this (negative)point:
- http://internetdangerreport.com/
- http://www.orthy.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3883&Itemid=38
- http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/assessing-the-dangers-of-the-internet-for-children/
In this post I simply want to point out some links where people state their opinion about this topic.
Some argue that new media or more concrete the digital world and the world wide web is an unpredictable and dangerous giant. Especially the Internet is often criticized for its almost unlimited possibilities... every second page filled with sex and violence... easy access to drugs and child-pornography.
Pages that discuss this topic or share this (negative)point:
- http://internetdangerreport.com/
- http://www.orthy.de/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3883&Itemid=38
- http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/assessing-the-dangers-of-the-internet-for-children/
Monday, May 25, 2009
Moment of Zen - Computers and Eduction
- How important is the use of computers in schools today?
- Should there be differences depending on the age? (in terms of the amount of usage)
- Is the use of Laptops at university recommendable?
First of all I believe that education and the use of computers are two subjects that developed a very strong connections within the last years. Nowadays this subjects go hand in hand on a regular basis. However, the use of computer in 1. to 4. is in my point of view not as important as in higher grads. Of cause it is nice to use some learning material once in while and it is also good if children learn how to use a computer, but practical work and interaction is more important during that period. When children become older they use their computer mainly for research and typing assignments which is not as important in the age of 6 to 10. I really support the use of computers in school, furthermore at universities. It saves time, because if you have a free-period you can still spent your time sensible and work on the computer and it also simplifies work in different ways. You have constantly access to all your notes and materials, you can take notes and you can look up thing very quick.
- Should there be differences depending on the age? (in terms of the amount of usage)
- Is the use of Laptops at university recommendable?
First of all I believe that education and the use of computers are two subjects that developed a very strong connections within the last years. Nowadays this subjects go hand in hand on a regular basis. However, the use of computer in 1. to 4. is in my point of view not as important as in higher grads. Of cause it is nice to use some learning material once in while and it is also good if children learn how to use a computer, but practical work and interaction is more important during that period. When children become older they use their computer mainly for research and typing assignments which is not as important in the age of 6 to 10. I really support the use of computers in school, furthermore at universities. It saves time, because if you have a free-period you can still spent your time sensible and work on the computer and it also simplifies work in different ways. You have constantly access to all your notes and materials, you can take notes and you can look up thing very quick.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Burnout - no chance to recharge the batteries
The Burnout syndrome is a widely known and nowadays common issue that many people have to face. In medical terms this phenomenon is explained as a state of emotional and mental exhaustion, varying in intensity depending on the case. The declining stability on the work-market and the growing pressure people have to cope with, magnify this condition. The flood of work requirements, competition and stress on different levels of life can cause this feeling of mental overload.
Psychologists Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North concluded to this subject that the burnout process can be divided in different phases, which are not necessarily followed sequentially
1. compulsion to prove oneself
2. working harder
3.neglecting one's own needs
4.displacement of conflicts (the person does not realize the root cause of the distress)
5.revision of values (friends or hobbies are completely dismissed)
6.denial of emerging problems (cynicism and aggression become apparent) 7.withdrawal (reducing social contacts to a minimum, becoming walled off; alcohol or other substance abuse may occur)
8. behavioral changes become obvious to others
9.inner emptiness
10.depression
11.burnout syndrome
They concluded that the only way to manage this issue is to remove oneself entirely from the situation.
more on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnout_(psychology)
The theory by psychologists Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North is very interesting. It has a lot of substance and sad to say, I can see a couple of the mentioned symptoms in some of my friends. I'm not talking about any severe cases, but everybody lives through periods of exhaustion and of being overwhelmed. It is important to every now and then take a break from the everyday chaos. In this blog I wanted to remind the people that recognize themselves in to many facts in the theory above, to take a timeout once in while. Because the consequences are often worth then the once of a shot break.
It is tough to function when your batteries are already empty and your day is just about to begin.
Psychologists Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North concluded to this subject that the burnout process can be divided in different phases, which are not necessarily followed sequentially
1. compulsion to prove oneself
2. working harder
3.neglecting one's own needs
4.displacement of conflicts (the person does not realize the root cause of the distress)
5.revision of values (friends or hobbies are completely dismissed)
6.denial of emerging problems (cynicism and aggression become apparent) 7.withdrawal (reducing social contacts to a minimum, becoming walled off; alcohol or other substance abuse may occur)
8. behavioral changes become obvious to others
9.inner emptiness
10.depression
11.burnout syndrome
They concluded that the only way to manage this issue is to remove oneself entirely from the situation.
more on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnout_(psychology)
The theory by psychologists Herbert Freudenberger and Gail North is very interesting. It has a lot of substance and sad to say, I can see a couple of the mentioned symptoms in some of my friends. I'm not talking about any severe cases, but everybody lives through periods of exhaustion and of being overwhelmed. It is important to every now and then take a break from the everyday chaos. In this blog I wanted to remind the people that recognize themselves in to many facts in the theory above, to take a timeout once in while. Because the consequences are often worth then the once of a shot break.
It is tough to function when your batteries are already empty and your day is just about to begin.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Innovation VS. Tradition within Art
The creation of new art pieces and art movements are based on creativity and the charm of novelty, but lately these aspects tent to influence the entire processes. Nowadays it seems like it is more important to create something shocking and as unusually as possible than having a concept, traditional use of material or personal meaning or relation to the piece.
The values of traditions and use of structure is very important for the concept of a piece of art and even more for a series.
On the contrary it is not the case that today nobody is using organized principles anymore. Gerhard Richter http://www.gerhard-richter.com/ for incidence, also know as the Picasso of the 21. century uses a very organized and effective structure.
Many of Richter's paintings are made in a multi-step process of representations. He starts with a photograph, which he has found or taken himself, and projects it onto his canvas, where he traces it for exact form. Taking his color palette from the photograph, he paints to replicate the look of the original picture. His hallmark "blur"—sometimes a softening by the light touch of a soft brush, sometimes a hard smear by an aggressive pull with his squeegee. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerhard_Richter
Examples for extreme art which I consider nothing but hot air would be the the work of Johan Meese. To me he is pretty much the expression of innovation throughout controversy and ugliness. Have a look at an youtube interview that simply sums up his artwork and questionable self-expression.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aue-fnJNN28
Also questionable, but yet a famous piece of the century was the "Fettecke" by Joseph Beuys.Besides the fact that his work has more substance than the work of Meese because of the hint to social imbalance and topics like that, I'm still not convinced that pieces as the "Fettecke" weren't just products to attract peoples attention.
Concluding to say is that all over the globe, great art is been produced, even throughout expressive, emotional and spontaneous ways. I criticise art that only intense to be as shocking and controversial as possible without any substance. Most of the greatest artists in history and today had a concept and put meaning into their work without using far-fetched nonsense.
The values of traditions and use of structure is very important for the concept of a piece of art and even more for a series.
On the contrary it is not the case that today nobody is using organized principles anymore. Gerhard Richter http://www.gerhard-richter.com/ for incidence, also know as the Picasso of the 21. century uses a very organized and effective structure.
Many of Richter's paintings are made in a multi-step process of representations. He starts with a photograph, which he has found or taken himself, and projects it onto his canvas, where he traces it for exact form. Taking his color palette from the photograph, he paints to replicate the look of the original picture. His hallmark "blur"—sometimes a softening by the light touch of a soft brush, sometimes a hard smear by an aggressive pull with his squeegee. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerhard_Richter
Examples for extreme art which I consider nothing but hot air would be the the work of Johan Meese. To me he is pretty much the expression of innovation throughout controversy and ugliness. Have a look at an youtube interview that simply sums up his artwork and questionable self-expression.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aue-fnJNN28
Also questionable, but yet a famous piece of the century was the "Fettecke" by Joseph Beuys.Besides the fact that his work has more substance than the work of Meese because of the hint to social imbalance and topics like that, I'm still not convinced that pieces as the "Fettecke" weren't just products to attract peoples attention.
Concluding to say is that all over the globe, great art is been produced, even throughout expressive, emotional and spontaneous ways. I criticise art that only intense to be as shocking and controversial as possible without any substance. Most of the greatest artists in history and today had a concept and put meaning into their work without using far-fetched nonsense.
Moment of Zen
I was curious about the questions about the oppotuinities and limits of blogging. As I was checking out the web for more information I found a couple of links that I want to share:
http://www.pronetadvertising.com/articles/the-first-7-days-of-blogging.html
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/08/01/15-desktop-blogging-tools-reviewed/
http://www.ojr.org/ojr/stories/050714gardner/
Check out the pages, maybe they can help you or show you new options in terms of blogging.
http://www.pronetadvertising.com/articles/the-first-7-days-of-blogging.html
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/08/01/15-desktop-blogging-tools-reviewed/
http://www.ojr.org/ojr/stories/050714gardner/
Check out the pages, maybe they can help you or show you new options in terms of blogging.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Moment of Zen
My questions today mainly concern about the concept of a blog. Do we have to follow any formal criteria or a certain universal structure? Where do I find the best information? As I did some research on that question, I ended up on pages as :
http://www.murraywilliams.com/writing/iblog/2-blogvstrad.html
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog
Are these sources valuable and can we use them?
Furthermore I was wondering about the limitations of blogging. What kinds of statutory provisions do we have to consider, especially concerning "copyrights"? Is it possible to publish pictures in our blogs that we found online?
http://www.murraywilliams.com/writing/iblog/2-blogvstrad.html
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog
Are these sources valuable and can we use them?
Furthermore I was wondering about the limitations of blogging. What kinds of statutory provisions do we have to consider, especially concerning "copyrights"? Is it possible to publish pictures in our blogs that we found online?
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