Matt's Tumblr

List of iPad Apps

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:42:41 -0700

In no particular order,

Cleverbot

Gif Shop

Reactable

Auditorium

iDrum

Flipboard

Muji Notebook

Brushes

Serious Play - Brown TED Talk Response

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:29:03 -0700

Body play, object play, social play, rough and tumble play, imaginative play, etc. - the list goes on and on. Play is that which comes to us naturally as children. It is “born by curiosity and exploration” and it allows us to “explore the possible.” Play, as Brown describes, is what constitutes our childhood and our ability to be innovative in our lives - be it emotional, social, creative, or otherwise.

Two parts of the TED talk really caught my attention. Not simply because of what the two parts said, but how they interact with each other in reflecting about the topic. First, rather early in the talk Brown says that “”if its purpose is more important than actually doing it, it’s probably not play.” Much later in the talk, Brown describes what not playing is like. He says that the opposite of play is depression. Depression is when there is no humor, no flirtation, no games, no fantasy, etc. - in short, the opposite of play. Alone, these two parts of the talk seem at least mostly agreeable. But when put together, I feel that Brown seems to be overstating play (or its alternatives) in many cases.

However, at the same time, the more basic notes that Brown makes throughout the talk due still have some weight. To name a few: The basis of human trust is in play signals. Vocal, facial, body, gestural signals all denote play. The ability of play (in particular body play) can simply make people (or animals) feel better - even with no purpose to the play. Object play also leads to a linking between physical motion and the brain - a medium between the body and the mind.

Wikipedia Game Instructions

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:18:27 -0700

Wikipedia Game Instructions

Games like Cow Clicker, Farmville, and other similar facebook games have - to put it nicely - made...

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:28:33 -0700

Games like Cow Clicker, Farmville, and other similar facebook games have - to put it nicely - made me doubt the sanity of several of my friends. I have seen people enjoy these games. I have seen them play them, repeatedly coming back to them. These types of games I feel I actually have similar views as Bogost - it’s pretty ridiculous that people find them enjoyable and can become so immersed in them that they spend real money on them. These things should not be fun - but somehow the herd mentality has brought people into them.

Although the above seemed to be a large focus of the article, I decided to look more into another part: The game “compelled them to pay money if they wanted to avoid mindless tasks or lengthy delays.” This is an idea that I have seen coming up so often in the modern gaming industry, that it is quite surprising how large it is. Free to play games have been generating such large profits that they out-earn other non-free games. There is always something more to be had than what is available within a free game - better in game items, reduced grinding, increased experience, etc. These perks can be purchased with money. Sure the entire game could be played without paying a single cent (many games you will not be at a disadvantage without paying, but there are some where you could be) - but there is something to be gained by paying.

Completing tasks in easier ways is appealing. That simple fact is what the gaming industry relies upon. The top grossing gaming companies in recent years have included many free to play games because they encourage players to spend by making whatever in-game goals they need to reach easier as a result. The simplicity, yet immense profit that arises from this concept is just astonishing to me.

More Remixes

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:29:12 -0800

I just brought up a browser window that I had minimized all day, and realized I completely forgot about it at the time I wrote my last response post.

Earlier today, I was browsing Reddit, as usual. I happened to read a post by a user, then clicked on his profile which then displays other recent comments/posts by that user. It so happened that they also posted on a subreddit “/r/learnprogramming.” I didn’t even know this subreddit existed. I got to browsing some of the posts in this section whenever something peaked my interests. On the front page of this section, there was a self post titled “Where should I start if my goal is to eventually make games?.” Being interested in gaming, I investigated and found a link in a top comment to the following site:

http://inventwithpython.com/blog/2012/02/20/i-need-practice-programming-49-ideas-for-game-clones-to-code/

That site is the perfect relation between coding and remixes. Using others content to find and progress my knowledge is an example of exactly what I spoke of in my last response. But then I also realized that the way in which I found this site was also a sort of a remix. Collecting, combining, and transforming of information and posts on reddit is a remix in itself.

Everything is a Remix ~~ Response

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 22:08:33 -0800

Immediately after looking at the title of this video series, “Everything is a Remix,” I was a bit perplexed and intrigued. My initial thoughts were in relation to how broad of a topic that brought up, how amazingly true it really was, but also what further implications that brings up. Everything being a remix is something I find incredibly hard to “prove” but very believable. Some things are always seen as new and unique, but they still have a base in something that came before it. The amount that future works draw from previous works, as Ferguson visually displayed, actually took me by surprise. I thought it would be largely loose ties to previous works, but many seemed to be nearly identical, yet slightly updated versions. Finally, the implications these videos bring up I thought were very well captured in the fourth (and briefly referenced in the third video) video. There is a fine line between copyright laws and the idea of remixes - the “evolution of new ideas from the old” and the “derivative nature of creativity.”

One aspect that Ferguson doesn’t really go into too much depth on is games. If you all haven’t noticed yet in class, I like video games and electronic stuff in general. Video games have so many derivative works it is pretty ridiculous. Several games (“DOTA” (Defense of the Ancients), “LoL” (League of Legends), and “HoN” (Heroes of Newerth)) come to mind specifically as they are relevant to my interests. Dota, the “original” version of this style of game [at least new-age tower-defense style games, surely there are predecessors that that was built off of, etc.], has so many content elements that are mostly replicated in both the other two mentioned games. The remix of old content into new games is always there and to me quite surprising that it is acceptable. Also, in terms of remixing video games, this brings back to my mind my earlier post (and brief mention in class) of “Syobon Action” aka Cat Mario.

Another relevant topic to me, which also relates more to school, is the idea of remixing in coding. C++ and other computer programming languages use such a great amount of “remixing,” especially in the learning. I find it personally the easiest to learn how to code new elements by looking at examples and figuring out how each line of code is working. Without remixing other peoples’ previously written codes, my knowledge and ability to produce new works would be hampered.

I would like to end this response with a statement from the fourth video: Most of us have no problem with copying, as long as we are the ones doing it.

Stories From Reddit

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:48:19 -0800

Riley introduced me to a set of short stories that I found very good. Here they are, in order:

Footsteps : http://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/k8ktr/footsteps/

Balloons : http://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/kcl8q/balloons/

Boxes : http://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/kg0jf/boxes/

Maps : http://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/kl1cd/maps/

Screens : http://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/krdm0/screens/

Friends : http://www.reddit.com/r/nosleep/comments/kyshm/friends/

A Collection of Peoples' Favorites!

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:17:47 -0800

A Collection of Peoples' Favorites!

Favorites! via ~ iThoughtsHD

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:48:00 -0800

Favorites! via ~ iThoughtsHD:

100 Favorites, organized in iThoughtsHD

http://i.imgur.com/KCf2N.jpg

GTD Ch.2 Response

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:33:25 -0800

On reading chapter two, I felt much less connected with the concepts and way of getting things done that David Allen was referring to. Much of his organizational methods are just far beyond what I personally need. However, there are still many things to take away from what he is saying.

Two returning ideas from chapter 1 that Allen brings up are the comparison to ourselves and RAM as well as the 6-level model for reviewing work. What is on your mind, but isn’t already represented in an organizational basket he refers to as “your psychic RAM.” I am able to write down my homework assignments, upcoming tests, and other defined “work” projects that I have to do… but there are still things that are wandering my mind. These other “things” I don’t really think to write down, but they need to be organized in some fashion as Allen points out. The six-level model again, as in chapter one, wants to ensure balance among the levels in order for relaxed control and inspired productivity.

In addition to the two returning ideas, I felt particularly interested in two other points Allen made in chapter two. First, he briefly talks about how people are more comfortable dealing with surprises and crises than they are in taking control of tasks (managing, organizing, etc.). If I were asked if I liked surprises and crises, I would definitely say no. But upon thinking of how he puts this, I definitely tend to lean towards this method of dealing with tasks. The urgency is something that makes me feel like I am doing something important I guess. I’m not really too sure, it’s hard for me to explain. Somehow, despite my tendency to shy away from crises and surprises when possible, I am still more comfortable completing tasks in this fashion than with complete organization. Secondly, he addresses a problem that I simply don’t know how to get past - “Emergency scanning is not processing.” I do this all the time. In doing this, work piles up which in turn increases stress. Perhaps this is in relation to the whole concept of working towards solving surprises and crises rather than organizing ahead of time.

Apple Education Event Response

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:35:12 -0800

Moving from textbooks to iPads for education is an intriguing idea. Portable, Durable, Interactive, Searchable, Current, and Content are the areas the video first looks at. Books, he says only match up to the final area, content. On the other hand, iPads have the ability to do well in all areas. The only gripe I have with this analysis is the durability comparison. Sure you get more wear&tear on textbooks, but if ANYTHING goes wrong with the iPad, you can’t really fix it - scratches, water, etc. can make it unusable.

Highlighting via iPads is shown to be incredibly useful - especially how the notes are gathered and placed together as well as the ability to make them into notecards. Interactivity with the iPads used as books is incredible. The content really does “come to life” and I think that is an incredible way to learn - something that could actually get students interested in the content they are learning.

On paper (or in video), this is a great idea. But there’s also something to say about the physical aspect of a textbook. It gets you away from the other distractions that can be present in an iPad. But textbooks on the same hand will not stop your mind from wandering to what is around you. In my opinion, it is a great idea and I think I could personally benefit from the interactivity of the iPad. However, this would not be the case for everyone - many people will become distracted more easily, have more difficulties using the technology, or simply need the physical book to be able to take it in.

Syobon Action ~~ Cat Mario

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:50:46 -0800

Syobon Action ~~ Cat Mario:

The undeniably annoying and addictive game, Syobon Action aka Cat Mario.

GTD Ch.1 Response

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:52:00 -0800

The day I went to the book store to pick my books up and brought them back to my room, a friend stopped by. In the pile of textbooks, he sees this book - Getting Things Done. He proceeds to pick it up and read it while standing there. Collapsing on my bed and without saying a word, he continues to read the book. After some time, he gets up and asks to borrow the book. This is the first time I have ever purchased books for a class, had another person pick one out, and simply read it for enjoyment. At the time, I could only think about how bizarre this scenario was.

Upon getting the book back and actually reading it myself, it was quickly apparent why he was so captivated by it. For a typical college student, I believe that the first parts of this book are incredibly relevant to how we perceive tasks that we must accomplish. The troubles of organization, allocation of resources, and simply getting things done is always on our minds. My biggest problem that I found with the first section was that, while it gave some insightful comments and methods of dealing with the stresses of work, one section kept coming back to my mind.

As part of the five stages of mastering workflow, there was a single line that read “Let’s assume for a moment that you’re not resisting any of your ‘stuff’ out of insecurity or procrastination. There will always be a large list of actions that you are not doing at any given moment. So how will you decide what to do and what not to do, and feel good about both?” (48). This paragraph made me think it would come back to the first two things at mentioned at some point in this section: hesitation based on insecurity and hesitation based on procrastination. Instead, as far as I noticed, these two issues were not brought back up. It’s something that is very relevant, especially to me and many other college-aged students I know. It further confuses me as the book goes on, in this same section, to look at four criteria for choosing actions in the moment. Three of these categories (time available, energy available, and priority) seem to fit right with these two parts that get left in the dust. These small blurbs could be expanded upon with information relating to both procrastination and insecurity - this could then take out the need to make assumptions (that these two issues aren’t applicable for this part) which aren’t true for many people.

Clay Shirky

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 01:10:15 -0700

I do see Shirky’s emphasis on something vs nothing and great vs meh a significant point of the talk. He relates many of the examples to it - Ushahidi, LOLcats, and daycare pick-ups for example. Online activity and production with in a community is driven by people. People have the choice to use their creative impulse or not no matter what the cause - a meaningful diagram or a picture with a funny caption. At the same time, however, there was more than just this emphasized.

Cognitive surplus - people like to create, people want to share, and people will (read “can”) use their extra time and effort to do so. Technology is simply giving people the ability to do so on a larger scale. It is helping to create communities of similar values, but also communities that can reach the broader population. Here, I’m referring to Shirky’s designation of two different types of values put onto works: Communal value is to promote value for the users (LOLcats); civic value is for the entire community, not just the users (Ushahidi). A great example that fits in my definition of cognitive surplus is Wikipedia itself. People share their information and facts that they have discovered about certain topics and post it for others to learn off of. This definitely falls under civic value. An example of something with a communal value that falls under cognitive surplus is reddit. In a way, it is similar to LOLcats - much (read “most, if not all”) of it is entirely useless, but entertaining nonetheless. I wouldn’t say it’s something that can benefit society as a whole, but more something that is for the occasional person who wants to waste some time browsing the various posts - or contributing their spare time to make one.

RFiD Vending machine

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:50:06 -0700

http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/rfid-enabled-vending-machine-ditches-coinage-gets-mario-bros-t/
(Not sure if this link works, got a mobile version since I’m on my phone and deleted some parts… It still redirected to the mobile link so it should work.)

http://hackaday.com/2011/04/04/rfid-drink-system-eliminates-the-need-for-change/

Was browsing enadget on my phone and noticed this article. It reminded me about a discussion we had earlier in the year. Technology in our lives even in our vending machines. And here it was.

Upon further inspection, I also noticed another term in the article - “Arduino.” Even more relevance as we watched that video today. Apparently the creator used an arduino in the creation of this machine.

Deb Roy Ted Talk

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:16:03 -0700

This was a project meant to look into childhood development of speech and the associations within the household that encourage the speech. Children (infants) can’t really say “okay” to this project as once they are at that point, it’s too late to undertake it (as Deb Roy quickly comments on). It is a way, as he puts it, to allow his children to see their childhood, to see moments they would rarely ever have the chance to relive unless caught on that rare family video. Other than that, Deb doesn’t really discuss much on the ethics. He seems to view the project, not simply as a scientific effort but as a means for his children to see their past. It serves as both and I agree - it isn’t something where he is only profiting off of the child.

There were a few pieces of data visualization in this video that I found particularly cool. First, the couple made breakfast in the kitchen; dubbing this moment a picture of “space time worms.” This piece, although not entirely important in the language portion of the project, I thought created an interesting picture. Being able to track the flow of your day like that is an interesting concept. Second, the 3D compilation of the house followed by the motion tracking of Deb Roy and his son was both an important part of the project and a really amazing feature of the many cameras. The 3D model allowed him to plot not only where people were with his son, but also what words were developed in what areas - activity traces for words creating landscapes, or “wordscapes.”

Overall, I thought this talk was very interesting. With the amount of data he collected over the course of the experiment, it was somewhat hard to comprehend how there was the ability to break down each word’s path and how they developed. Nonetheless, it seems to have been a successful experiment that at least shows the correlation to learning speech and the environment a child is in.

Was watching TV earlier and saw this commercial. It reminded me...

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:41:11 -0700

Was watching TV earlier and saw this commercial. It reminded me of our audio/video project and I thought it was pretty cool.

Conditionals & Variables

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:57:21 -0800

http://openprocessing.org/visuals/?visualID=23232

You can get some pretty fun images out of this. R, G, and B makes squares of red blue and green (based on variables); I and O invert and blur when pushed; S saves the image.

Here are just a few examples that I made:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58735848@N05/5513600859/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58735848@N05/5513600965/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58735848@N05/5514197002/

Journalism and Data

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:26:09 -0800

We are programmed to understand the world around by what we see is an interesting statement to say the least. It’s not simply a matter of what we are learning, what we are doing, but it is all about the context and the aesthetics of what we are seeing.

One particular part I found interesting, was the topic of Protovis. It simply reminded me a lot of Processing for some reason. It is essentially a program that allows code to be written to create the graphical data with dynamic properties. One example on their website I found particularly fun (http://vis.stanford.edu/protovis/ex/force.html). Also from the same site, http://vis.stanford.edu/protovis/ex/life.html was very cool. They are just taking concepts that have been around for awhile and inputting the data into their tools as well as providing source for how to make it happen - outputting this mixture of journalism, data, and art.

Moog v5 - The Shaking Conveyor Belt

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:02:06 -0800

float moogX;
float moogY;

void setup(){
size(200,200);
smooth();
frameRate(30);
moogX = width/2;
moogY = height+100;
}

void draw(){
background(255,239,213);
ellipseMode(CENTER);
rectMode(CENTER);

//Limbs
stroke(0,0,0,200);
strokeWeight(5);
//Neck
line(moogX,moogY-35,moogX,moogY-40);
//L.Arm
line(moogX-15,moogY-10,moogX-30,moogY-20);
//R.Arm
line(moogX+15,moogY-10,moogX+30,moogY-20);
//L.Leg
line(moogX-15,moogY+35,moogX-20,moogY+50);
//R.Leg
line(moogX+15,moogY+35,moogX+20,moogY+50);

//Body Parts
fill(255,165,0);
stroke(0);
strokeWeight(2);
//Body
rect(moogX,moogY,30,70);
//L.Hand
ellipse(moogX-30,moogY-20,10,10);
//R.Hand
ellipse(moogX+30,moogY-20,10,10);
//L.Foot
rect(moogX-25,moogY+50,12,10);
//R.Foot
rect(moogX+25,moogY+50,12,10);
//Head
triangle(moogX-20,moogY-73,moogX+20,moogY-73,moogX,moogY-40);
stroke(0,0,0,150);
fill(random(255), moogX,moogY);
ellipse(moogX-7.5,moogY-64,5,5);
ellipse(moogX+7.5,moogY-64,5,5);
fill(255,0,0,150);
ellipse(moogX,moogY-55,10,5);

//rising&shaking moog on leave screen

moogY = moogY - 1;
moogX = random((width/2)-10,(width/2)+10);

if ((moogY < -100)){
moogY = height+100;
}

}