New York times Subscriptions

Pay for the NY Times?

You're gonna need to soon if you want to get a regular fix!


Is this where printmedia is going to have to venture in order to survive? Are there other strategies that they could undertake to avoid the subscription route? I guess we'll all find out soon enough.

Augmented Reality in our daily lives?

I found an interesting article from my twitter feed that showcases a video the possibilities of integrating augmented reality (AR) into the real world. It's another video from Keiichi Matsuda (he has an exhibit at the Modern Wing at the AIC). Rather than viewing AR from a mobile device or a computer screen, we can actually see it all around us. Just like the article asks, will this be through special glasses? Will we be the only ones able to see it? It will have to so people nearby don't read our emails or private messages. And another good question, how would AR be displayed, especially the ads littered on the sidewalks from the video? Holograms come into mind and we've already developed certain technologies that incorporate this. How far would this become into a real and usable medium? I can see a lot of potential for this technology, especially in a learning environment (remember this scene in Iron Man 2?).

Interim CPS chief criticizes predecessor Ron Huberman, crafts a new long-term education plan but hasn't talked to Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel - chicagotribune.com

Interim CPS chief criticizes predecessor Ron Huberman, crafts a new long-term education plan but hasn't talked to Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel

Hope for CPS? Just the same old retooling and patching up we've seen in the past? Unfortunately we won't really know whether anything (even if the plan is solid) will happen until the Mayor-Elect gets in office and hires his new CPS CEO. Keep your fingers crossed!

Augmented Reality Apps for Art Education?

So like I mentioned last Tuesday, AR (Augmented Reality) apps are slowling becoming a possibility for mobile devices, especially among cell phones and portable tablets. I remember seeing the first version early last year where a person with a camera on their phone, mounted on their car dashboard, viewing the cars ahead of them. As the camera shows on the screen (live video) it also shows the average speed, warnings if you get too close or if you're driving to fast, the exact distance between you and the car(s), and more. AR was also shown as a possible game ability, especially in the creature-collecting aspect like Pokemon.

Here is a link that talks about the subject of AR with video examples. Check it out!

• Top 6 Augmented Reality Apps

Today there are several apps out there, some free to try, that incorporate AR with iPhone and Android devices (I recommend doing a search "AR" in the app store). With this capability it would be possible to interact in the real world and have it digitally calibrated or recorded on the phone, say, trips to the museum, art project in class, etc.

Art Education, the Innovation Economy and the PISA tests

While checking my twitter account, I stumbled upon an interesting article from The Huffington Post regarding USA's art education is falling behind in global comparison. What do you think about PISA testing? Why is Shanghai at the top? And do you agree with this quote: "America is not going to succeed through cheap labor or cheap raw materials, nor even the free flow of capital or a streamlined industrial base...to compete successfully, this country needs creativity, ingenuity, and innovation."?

Just what is your position on the arts?

Looking at Devan's choices for articles this week reminded me of something I saw recently on the tribune's website. A series of questions that were asked of each major candidate regarding the arts and culture in the city. Some pretty standard answers here, but a couple of interesting insights. Take a look.

Mayoral Candidates answers questions about Chicago's arts and culture

It's Big. It's fun. And it's Art!

Lee's making me look bad, jumping on the blogging and even putting up one of the links that I love, the TED talk re: smart boards and wii remotes. Instead I'm going to share with you all a site maintained by one of your very own, a current art education student. Abigail Rudner is one of the minds behind Big Fun Arts, which you may or may not have already come across. If not, check it out. video based tutorials for the arts. Very cool stuff.