10.5.10

In class on Tuesday we watched two videos that each had the same picture, but different music playing in the background.  We noticed how the variation in the music made us as viewers feel a certain way.  I liked the music in the first video best, because it was calming and easy listening, whereas in the second video the music was fast and made me feel stressed out or anxious.  I think it's so cool how music can alter one's mood subconsciensely.  Lost is one of my favorite shows and without the music my emotions wouldn't be as intense.  Same as in scary movies - music is a big part of what makes me feel scared, and when I hear that music without seeing the visual, I can still recognize it as scary music and actually still feel scared.  Anyway back to class, we also started collaging our nude drawings.  I'm pretty happy with mine so far, and I'm excited for the finished product.

The Scott McCloud reading was really cool.  One of my roommates actually owns the book, so I flipped through more of the book.  It's basically just a really long insight on comics.  I think it's awesome that we understand the way comics work, yet don't realize the thought that goes into them, and what is implied, such as the idea that time is passing while characters speak, even though they are frozen in one frame.  Unless, that is, "motion" is drawn.  After reading this I realized I knew that, but never recognized it.

On pg. 97, I thought McCloud's comic where he broke up the same panel (so it would operate as several panels) ruined the visual because it cuts off information such as the bored look on the little boy's face.  I want to know if that should still be done to a comic if it cuts off important information like the boy's expression.  On pg. 102, I was confused by the question, "Ever noticed how the words "short" or "long" can refer either to the first dimension or the fourth?" I never knew there was a fourth dimension, so I looked it up and it is said to be hypothetical.  Here is a good visual that will describe it better than my words can.

I'm just confused because I don't know how the words "short" and "long" refer to any dimensions at all? I think Scott didn't explain this well, but if anyone understands, plz let me know. :)

For one of my research questions, I wanted to know why music can make you feel a certain way.  Music eliminates "excercise-induced fatigue"and upbeat music can help one to find extra energy.  Music that is not harsh will calm someone and not distract them.  Any sound can be made.  Different notes evoke different emotions as well as different beats.  Faster beats will make your heart beat faster, and that is why athletes like to get pumped up with fast paced music that has a strong beat.  Music can be made to control one's feelings using the tone, pitch, and loudness.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_dimension

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-fourth-dimension.htm

http://www.emedexpert.com/tips/music.shtml

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/timbre.html