Sunday, May 31, 2015

"Have You Helped Someone Lately?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7ztKqzrwp4

As Cathy mentioned in class, Dignity Health has created this video which is usually seen in commercials (at least that is how I saw it). It has very calming music in the short thirty second clip of a human scuba diving to cut a whale shark free. From my first impression of the advertisement, I found it to be a little too peaceful. Though clearly it seems to have a good message, it is curious to me why they chose such an extreme act to motivate kind actions. It is almost as if they want viewers to reenact kindness though acts such as diving into the depths of the sea to save underwater life. With such calming music, I do not feel motivated to get up and go save endangered animals. I do enjoy the fact that the main catch-phrase is "helping someone," which equates animals and people as somebodies. This further de-objectifies animals and shows the kindness needed to help our world have a balanced ecosystem.

The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger (original narration by Randall)



I found this video very funny. I wanted to share it to show why i think honey badgers are "badass" animals.

I chose this photo partially because it is adorable but also because it represents the way in which humans often view animals, both domestic and wild, as possessive objects to be played with and posed. For example this photo was clearly staged to create a cute moment on the internet for human entertainment as cats and deer do not exactly have much interaction. While I cannot decide if this particular instance of animal staging is necessarily harmful, I can also understand how such behavior can be taken to an extreme in which animals can be put through unpleasant or even harmful situations, such as costumes or sweaters for dogs and cats.

Saturday, May 30, 2015

My floor mate showed me this video of a hedgehog trying to flip over. I thought it was soo cute and in a way I connected with it. Because of it's short arms it can't flip over and continue with it's day and in the end it gets help from someone. That's me, I have short arms and sometimes I can't do things because of the length of my arms and I need that help sometimes. My arms may not seem short to people but they are to me. This little guy trying to flip over made my day.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

How Wolves Changed Rivers


Here is a very cool video discussing the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park. The wolves were relocated to the park in 1995 and have since made a big impact on the ecosystem around them. Wolves are powerful, loyal, family oriented animals which is why the repopulation has so greatly affected the area.

Munchkin the Teddy Bear

So this is Munchkin and I absolutely think she is adorable but I think it's crazy what a large following this little dog has. This video alone has over 4 million views on YouTube and she has over 89,000 followers on Instagram. This dog is famous and all it does is wear a little bear costume. For some reason animals are becoming extremely famous nowadays, it started off with grumpy cat and now we have Munchkin the Teddy Bear.

"Thinking like Animals" by Temple Grandin

After reading "Thinking like Animals" I thought about how heartless some individuals can be. We go on everyday of our lives worrying only about ourselves and our problems. Most of us are so egotistical that we forget about everyone and everything else that surrounds us. For instance, we go to the market and purchase food brands without knowing the story behind the food we are about to eat. I have gone to the store many times, and when I buy chicken I just compare prices and the cleanliness of the chicken wrapped inside the plastic. Yes, many times I have stopped and looked for organic chicken, but it is not something I do all the time. I began to think that if we would take the time to learn more about the companies that we buy food from, then maybe we could contribute to the to betterment of animal welfare standards. Just like I do not always stop to think about how these animals are treated nobody else does either. "Many of the animals were scared because people were rough with them...They chased them, yelled at them, and prodded them" (Grandin, 618). Animals suffer so much because we are so greedy and demand so much. Animals have emotions just like humans and they are mistreated and harassed in order for us to have food. We have to learn to understand the emotions going through an animal when they are being raised then sent to the slaughter plant. What are some ways in which we could work together as a community to treat the animals fairly and not give them such a harsh life? Do you think that your plan would work? Why or why not.

Werewolves, House Cats, and Humans! Oh my!: Hemlock Grove's Depiction of the Werewolf Myth

Trigger Warning: This video contains spooky happenings of the bodily fluids nature. Those faint of heart should avert their eyes.




This video clip comes from the Netflix original series Hemlock Grove. One of the main characters is a Werewolf and you can see his graphically-rendered transition above.

The thing I particularly love about this rendition of the Werewolf myth is that the wolf-form literally sheds the human features during the transition (eyes, teeth, and skin all essentially melt off). I know a lot of the imagination for this comes from the desire to up the horror and gore for dramatic effect, but it doesn't take away from the unique details of this depiction of the Werewolf.

Also I would like to point out that when confronted with whacky, human-melting wolf appearances the cat runs away (presumably to safety) and the humans just stand there watching (presumably because being ripped to shreds by a wolf doesn't raise any alarm bells for them).

Monday, May 25, 2015

American Werewolf in London - Complete Transformation





(For Week 7 post)
Well, I remember seeing this film when I had stayed home from grade school, I had the flu and my older sister had rented it on VHS and recommended I watch it.  A day I'll never forget...needless to say, I didn't sleep that night! I thought this was an interesting rendition of the 'werewolf' and the transformation of human to wolf. Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Re: Savage Beauty: Aquatic


I’m a few supereons late to the Savage Beauty (Week 6?) project, but I spent roughly 40 grueling minutes coloring this drawing and I didn’t want it to be for nothing. The rest of my group posted about 12 parsecs down, but here’s my finalized design:




Piece Name: Aqua Fortis
Category: Armory/Defense Wear
Description: Surface your old style and keep yourself current in these hydrophytic designs. Make a splash this season and always be prepared to drown your enemies with vigor. These streamlined angles and uniquely-submerged pieces will make sure to keep you afloat in fashion.

*aquatic animal inspiration are listed in the photo


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Mighty Joe Young


This is the trailer to the 1998 Disney Movie "Mighty Joe Young". 

The movie is about a "legendary" 15-ft gorilla who was raised by a young girl named Jill after both their mothers are killed by a poachers (Jill's mother was trying to protect the gorillas).  After they have grown up, a wildlife refuge director convinces Jill that Joe would be safer in the US, so they move to a wildlife refuge in Hollywood.  Here, one of the poachers who attacked them when they were younger finds out they're in the US and seeks revenge on Joe for taking his thumb in the attack all those years ago.

Animal and Human Bonding

If I were ever to see this animal anywhere I would run, because we are taught to stay away from them. Seeing this picture makes me think that all animals can be tamed, it is just a matter of time. Just like a human can be happy one moment, then get enraged at someone animals do the same.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

This is a boy hugging a chicken.
Reddit claims: "Chicken didn't recognize him at first because he got a haircut".
Chickens are terrifying but I guess this is pretty cute.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

JAWS

The classic movie about a massive rogue great white shark that inspired nightmares in everyone who has seen it. I know I flash to certain scenes in the movie every time I swim in the ocean or go cliff jumping. Also, I thought it was fitting to post about this film since it was screened last night at the pool.

While sharks are terrifying, they're also amazing creatures that keep our oceans clean, and increase species diversity through their role as an apex predator. Many species of sharks are listed as vulnerable or on endangered species lists, and efforts to conserve them are much needed. We need sharks!




This picture demonstrates how arbitrary human eating practices can be in regards to meat. Why do we eat pig and not cat? Well for me, I think the cat has too much fur.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Sea Fashion Cont.

Sea Fashion cont.

Jelly Nightgown

"Flowing and delicate, this sheer nightgown will allow you to emulate the elegant locomotion of jellyfish. The movement of this dress will mesmerize all those you pass! Pale blue translucent chiffon reminiscent of clear waters is carefully stitched onto a reinforced jellyfish bell skirt and tentacle train to provide flounce and flair with every step. The minimalism of this piece will suggest a liberating and organic feeling as you float through the crowd." -Jill

 Great White Evening Gown


"Lavish and large, this dress is sure to make a statement when you walk into the room. A savage shark gives off a feeling of ferocity that tells people not to mess with you. The bottom of this evening gown is reminiscent of a crashing wave, and contains just as much of its natural energy in the design and pattern. Stark white with a tint of blue, the dress as a whole is similar to the magnificence of the great white shark breaching the surface of the water, hunting for prey." - Ryan

Squid Dress


"A squid outfit. Binding, yet free." - Elijah

Abalone Shell Dress


Cat-Friend vs Dog-Friend



I chose a funnier video which I hope works for the blog this week. These two guys do a great depiction of how different a cat and dog are. I find everything they do so relatable to my own dog and cat at home.


The Elephant Man




This is a trailer for the David Lynch film, The Elephant Man (1980), which portrays the tragic life of John (Joseph) Merrick, a man who suffered from extreme deformations and ridicule that followed with his plight. He was force into performing in circuses and constantly abused by the unaccepting yet astonished public, much like how zoo and circus animals are treated today.

The famous quote from this film come from a scene where John is nearly stampeded by a group of angry and awestruck ridiculers, and he yells out, "I am not an elephant! I am not an animal! I am a human being! I am a man!" I think this quote and the film as a whole says a lot about the emotion we feel from seeing a human so horribly brutalized, yet often times we ignore the same treatments toward animals.

I really recommend watching this film if you haven't already yet.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Week 7: Post and Comment



Share a article link, meme, video, image that you think we will find entertaining and/or informative. In that post give us 1-2 sentences summarizing what it is. If it comes with a trigger warning, please specify what nature. 
Next, I want you to find and comment on a post from any one in Sections A or B.


Here is a video game in which human and animal are both companions and one in the same when the roleplayer transforms into various animals.

The New Yorker: NOVEMBER 17, 2014



Post in this thread as a comment or as a new post.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Aquatic Life-Style

The focus is under sea life and I've chosen to represent the animal crab. Traditionally people associate the crab with the color red but not all crabs are the same. My muse was a blue, yellow and red crab and I've tried to follow the pattern of the crab by using blue at the top where its face would be and red downwards where its legs would be, and there is also a black joint where the knees would go which is why I've added black arrows on my pants. The hands have also been made to look like claws and I've made them the signature red.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

The Controversial Tribbles


Taxonomist (Dustin Pfeiffer)
       Tribbles are a non-intelligent mammal classified in the genus Polygeminus. Native to the planet Iota Geminorum IV, studies show that these furry creatures are born pregnant and use about half of their natural metabolism to reproduce. Each tribble, when provided with sufficient food, has an average litter of ten babies every twelve hours, causing a massive boom in the population in a very short amount of time. The only reason that Iota Geminorum IV wasn't overrun by these creatures is the astounding number of reptilian predators that feast on them. Tribbles were discovered by humans in the early 2150s. When touched, tribbles emit a cooing sound that is known to have a tranquillizing effect on the human nervous system. This effect has made them a very popular pet in human households. However, tribbles are not fond of all touches. Klingons, for example, make tribbles react violently. This response angered the Klingons, leading to the destruction of Iota Geminorum IV, the tribble home planet, in the late 23rd century.

Dr. Red Anolis (Gina Troquato), Herpetologist
       Tribbles are utilized as a high protein food source for the reptiles involved in my experiments. Tribbles are excellent prey items for reptiles since they proliferate at astonishing rates and have no defenses; they are an important fuel source for the booming populations of lizards, snakes, etc. As tribbles only eat and reproduce, and offer no benefit to communities, using them to further scientific experiments is a worthy cause. Ensuring their populations are not exterminated is of the upmost concern.
Klingon General K'Thul (Charles Knoble): 
       These creatures are a disgrace. They live for no greater purpose than to feed their reptilian superiors. It knows this to be true, and doesn't even fight back. Indeed, all this vile creature can do is consume food and reproduce. If I had my way, I would destroy their entire planet, taking the Tribbles as slaves. They may be useful as a source of efficient protein for the Klingon race, the true masters of the galaxy.

Bioterrorist Group TRBL (Tribbles Ready to Banish Lifeforms)(Norberto Sanchez) 
“In Tribbles We Trust” 
       The Tribbles are an incredibly prolific creature and we thought this would be perfect for us, we just had no idea where to attain them legally. Our first fateful encounter with a Tribble vendor happened while docked on Deep Space Station K7. While we discussed new plans on how we could conquer new territories in the space station cantina, a merchant walked around trying to sell Tribbles. Nobody had any idea what they were, including the merchant, so we took advantage of this and purchased as many as we possibly could.

       We start off small by spreading a couple of Tribbles where they will be spotted in the territory we want to conquer. Thanks to the tranquilizing effect on the Human nervous system that their cooing produces, our enemies will be seduced by the Tribbles and take them to their home bases. Once at their bases, the Tribbles will begin to show their prolific nature! It’ll be so grand, we’ll watch from far away as the Tribbles slowly begin to take over the territory and our enemies are forced to retreat! Such a cute but pesky creature that is perfect for dominating new territories. Once the area has been evacuated, we’ll come in and introduce some repitilian predators to take care of the Tribbles, after which we will claim the territory as our own. All hail the glory of the Tribble!

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Posted by Norberto Sanchez

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Savage Beauty: The Roadkill Collection


A fine piece of evening wear, both beautiful and horrific. This enticing piece is complemented with a squirrel mask and squirrel ears. Perfect for a night on the town. --Amit Khatri
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It's here. It's now. It's wow!!!! The Beetle Sports Coat. A sports coat made out of the shells of tiger beetles. --Henry Vogt
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This dress, made from the recycled fur of a raccoon, is both cute and fierce.  Perfect for a variety of occasions, this dress, with its blood-red splashes of color, is sure to turn a few heads. --Martina Stepisnik 
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This look is focussed on the skunk,  The yellow stripes represent the road and are best seen in the night.  Perfect for evening wear, this look can catch the eye of anyone with its bright colors and bushy tail. --Veronika Cuddy
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He is wearing a classic black suit. Both the blazer and the slacks are made with crow feathers. His button up is a simple silky red with a skinny tie made of a raccoon's tail. On the blazer's collar there is a possum fur collar, and in the pocket there is a rabbit's foot as a handkerchief. Finally, to hold those slacks up he has on a snake skin belt. Pretty fabulous, I'd say. --Yajaira Venegas
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I created an evening look which is inspired by the unfortunate deers who are victims of roadkill. My look includes an authentic deer skull, as a headpiece and a dress made of faux fur, to resemble the body of the deer. The dress is slightly distressed, and has 'bone-like' shapes made of delicate thread, around the torso, arms and legs. I wanted this dress to resemble the death of the deer, with hopes of bringing greater awareness to the mishaps of roadkill. -- Jazel Munoz


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posted by Martina and Yajaira

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Week 6: Six-word stories

You know the drill. "For sale, baby shoes: never worn."

Post a 6 word story summary of any one chapter of Black Beauty AND another 6 word story summary from any of the critical essays we've read so far that is in conversation with that chapter. So, 2 six-words stories. THEN Give 1-2 sentence explanation how you are making a connection, observation, or argument.

EXAMPLE
April night, a drunk ruins me.  ("How it Ended" Black Beauty, chapter 25)
They can suffer. You can talk.  ("Principles of Morals and Legislation", Jeremy Bentham)

Black Beauty's first person narrator suffers at the hands and whims of many careless human masters. When he stumbles and throws Rueben, Beauty has to endure both the physical pain of his injuries and, even if momentarily, the harsh judgements on his character.  In the following chapter, forensic evidence exonerates him but he is still sold because his knees are bruised and so starts a chain of events for him and many horses who are "abandoned without redress to the caprice of a tormentor" (Bentham qtd in AR 9).

Week 5: Animals in Human Imagination


"Make it work!" Social documentation & Legislation animal projects

Tribble
This is a social and scientific documentation project.  Based on your one-on-one interaction with the tribble (toy) I brought in give a NatGeo, Animal Planet, or BBC Planet Earth script for the habitat or the tribble. You have to imagine this is a creature on earth now now in the time of Star Trek. Imagine Morgan Freeman reading your script in a documentary. Please its taxonomy delineating its scientific name and  description. Think of this script coming together in pieces. How would you as taxonomists, anthropologists, conservationists, biologist, activist, hunters, celebrity chef, or urban planners, etc. characterize the tribble?  Taking a different social position may be a good way to create a holistic and realistic picture of this animal. Again, use Star Trek as a reference but this ought to be documentation relevant to our real modern not our fictive future. On Tuesday, you will work as a group, again, to make it cohesive script (in parts). The students in discussion today may have already come up with ideas so those who were absent should be prepared to modify accordingly.





Please post by Saturday, May 9th. 

SECTION A: Anthony, Gina, Dustin, Marshall, Charles, Kyle U, Norberto
SECTION B: Annie, Kyle S, Holly, JJ, Marlo, Deseary, Shalaina, Diana


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Wild (Wom)an Rights:
This is a social justice project. You are in a modern time where wild wo(men) exist. Again, reading Seth in the general reader will be vital. We are going to use Dr Jekyll as a real historical figure, not fiction.  So, in 1886 a Dr. Jekyll unleashed this wild-man capacity available in all humans. OR,it could be that this was simply the first time in modern times it was recorded so now, across the sea in America, the prospect of wild (wo)men must be dealt with in terms of rights and social order.   

 You, as a lawyer or Supreme Court Judge will need to ratify or rewrite an amendment. Pick any US Amendment and rewrite it for the “wild (wo)men” as emerging on the scene in the late nineteenth century after the unleashing of Hyde (c. 1886).  I attach a comic book version of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and a short silent film to help you understand the “wild” that is now in our modern world. If you don’t have time to read or view these Jekyll/Hyde material, the Seth paper will be enough to guide you.



Section B already chose to rewrite the 2nd Amendment. I don’t know what Section decided but will let you know soon.  Again, you can hold off until Tuesday to do any writing. I will allow 15 minutes of cell/computer research on Tuesday. You should each think about contributing one amendment article (2-3 sentences) or  2-3 sentence court case summary (an imaginary case) that helps to paint the picture of the amendment working in the world (e.g. Brown vs. Board of Ed and the 14th amendment)

Please post by Saturday, May 9th. 

SECTION A: Michael, Clare, Kaylie, Laura, Jimmy, Sarah Mc
SECTION B: Maya, Carlos, Sal, Abigail, Dylan, Cedar

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Savage Beauty: 
This is a visual representation project. Inspired by Project Runway, create a new look(s) for the late Alexander McQueen collection. Yup, you have to draw. In addition, create a short 2-3 sentence artist statement about that piece. You may include a short quote from anything read so far. Each person in this group is responsible for one look that, as McQueen narrates, repurposes animal remains and naturally cast-off animal material or recreates it.  Each person should write their own artist’s blurb.  I will bring in the Savage Beauty art book but you may find some images and statements online.  This is not so far off from your thesis/arguments. On Tuesday, you will work as a group, again, to make it a cohesive collection. I will bring in color pencils and paper. The students in discussion today may have already come up with a theme (e.g.: banana slug or bay life) so those who were absent should be prepared to modify accordingly.


Please post by Saturday, May 9th. 

SECTION A: Amit, Alyssa, Veronika, Jazel, Henry, Yajaira, Martina

SECTION B: Anna, Nadya, Rachel, Jill, Ryan,  Elijah, Sarah B


Please post "comment" In this thread. Thanks!

Monday, May 4, 2015

In "Snake" by DH Lawrence the animal felt that the snake had to be killed, yet while thinking so it felt shame. "Was it cowardice, that I dared not kill him..Was it perversity, that I longed to talk to him...Was it humility, to feel so honoured" (DH Lawrence, 149).  This animal was content with the way the snake had approached the water-trough, because the snake was silent and respectful. Although the snake was peaceful, the animal believed that the snake had to be killed because it had drank from its water-trough, yet the animal was happy for the appearance. So if the animal was happy to have the snake as a guest, yet had thoughts about killing the snake does it make the animal a bad? If an animal or human have thoughts about committing murder does this justify what kind of a person they are, or  does having shame for one's thoughts make up for thinking that way?
"Disquisition" by La Fontaine states, "Animals are just machines; no sentiment, no soul...they act from instinct, without thinking, driven as by springs" (118).
La Fontaine says that animals are machines, yet I believe they are not just machines. If animals are considered machines because they act upon their instinct without first stopping to think of their actions, then are humans considered machines too? Humans too act without first stopping to analyze what they are about to say. Does this mean that they have no feelings? I believe both animals and humans have feelings and they are able to feel all different kinds of ways as well as act out of pity or anger. I myself have acted many times without stopping to think of the situation first, does this mean I am not human and rather a machine? How do you feel about this?