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| danlewis | "Christ in the Huse of Levi" | Controversial Art | 0 | Jun 3 2007, 2:48 PM EDT by danlewis | ||||
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Thread started: Jun 3 2007, 2:48 PM EDT
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In Paolo Veronese’s painting “Christ in the House of Levi,” Veronese makes a mockery of a religious scene, the Last Supper or the Supper in the House of Simon. This painting, made in 1573 during the Late Renaissance in Italy, offended many religious figures. The Holy Office accused Veronese of heresy for making a ridicule of the religious scene. The presence of Jesus in the scene with drunkards, dwarfs, fools, and other vulgarities offended the Holy Office. The root of their discomfort was whether or not Veronese was trying to represent the holy scene of the Last Supper. Veronese never made it clear if his painting was depicting the Last Supper or the Supper in the House of Simon. After the Inquisition accused him of heresy, Veronese changed the name to “Christ in the House of Levi.” This change made it acceptable for the vulgarities to be in the painting in the same presence of Jesus. Veronese made the argument that his images were not offensive compared to previous artists who depicted Jesus nude. Veronese’s painting was made to represent everything in the world and all the people in it. He is appealing to the visual sense of the viewer through the feast. The involvement of the vulgar characters makes it on the level of every viewer. Along with offending religious qualifications, the decorum shown in the painting is in violation of typical decorum. The decorum in this painting is very lavish and dramatic for the Late Renaissance. Although Veronese made this painting out of the typical outlook, he was ahead of his time and was showing early signs of Mannerist painting. The qualities shown in the decorum and the religious infractions were merely an artistic expression. Veronese was emphasizing how religion was making society a self-indulgent machine. The lavish scene was expressing Veronese’s views. His feelings toward religion were nearly punished but having such controversy about his painting got his point across to people.
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| danlewis | visual culture | Visual Culture | 0 | Jun 3 2007, 2:40 PM EDT by danlewis | ||||
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Thread started: Jun 3 2007, 2:40 PM EDT
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After discussing visual culture in class, I began to realize how much art has influenced everyday visuals that we see. Commercials and advertisements have become such huge productions and in mass quantities. Even art itself has become commercialized through mass printing and using commercialized objects as the subject matter.
People today have become creatures more susceptible to images over literature. Appealing to the population has become easier through the media. Advertisements are borrowing common images seen in art such as Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and Andy Warhol’s “Marylin” and “Campbell’s Soup.” Articles are connecting today’s youth with the classical history of art from the past by revamping it with today’s culture. Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” has been recreated with Mona Lisa replaced by Monica Lewinsky. We discussed how Mona Lisa and Monica Lewinsky are tied together with the bond of having a secret. Mona Lisa’s smirk was depicted by Da Vinci but left mystery to the viewer, wondering what she was thinking about. Monica Lewinsky is the modern day Mona Lisa, in the public eye with a secret that everyone seems to know. Advertisements are also using art to complement their layout. Absolute Vodka ads are very reminiscent of Andy Warhol’s single print of “Campbell’s Soup.” The layout is simple with the object presented in the middle. Minimal shadowing is used around the bottle, emphasizing the bottle. Warhol’s art is commercial because of his use of commercial products. Campbell’s soup is very recognizable; making everyone see beyond just a soup can when it is screen printed onto a canvas. A big part of visual culture is appealing to the demographics that it is trying to reach. Using art to influence modern day visuals is connecting the past with the present day generation. Comic relief used in today’s visuals pulls in the viewer. By relating past history to present day, visual culture appeals to the new and upcoming demographics. |
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| dunlap.146 | The Past | Descriptive Examples from Hopkins | 0 | May 25 2007, 2:25 PM EDT by dunlap.146 | ||||
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Thread started: May 25 2007, 2:25 PM EDT
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I chose to comment on our descriptions because it is one of the first assignments that we had to do. They are a very descriptive and basically tell what the object is that they are looking at. The one thing I noticed is how far we all have came as group and have individually increased the quality of our writing about art through this quarter. Personally I am better at critiquing art, because I had no experience with studying art prior to this class. I see things differently now and it is not just one tracked mind which I am accustomed to be. Also, I can visualize thee descriptions and relate back to the gallery. I think everyone has progressed and has benefited from this course in one form or another.
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| underwood.145 | Glenn Ligon | Glenn Ligon | 0 | May 22 2007, 9:27 PM EDT by underwood.145 | ||||
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Thread started: May 22 2007, 9:27 PM EDT
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I like the work of Glenn Ligon. His ideas that he used expressed himself in a way that was very creative and seem to be well thought out. He uses many different forms of art to express his ideas and thoughts. Text in his work was also very useful to catch his messages.
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| skiball | News media | A Television-ish Discussion... | 0 | May 1 2007, 4:50 PM EDT by skiball | ||||
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Thread started: May 1 2007, 4:50 PM EDT
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I believe the news media is going way to far when it comes to tragedies that happen in our society. Now i believe that news should be reported but the media goes above and beyond the regular fact of just reporting the events. The media records private moments of people crying over the deaths of their friends and or family and shows it to the world. Privacy for most people involved doesn't exist because the media floods the scene and the town in hopes of getting a glimpse of people's responses first-hand. They bring in specialists and psychologists who give responses that any person with a high school education can say. Then they begin to raise questions about what the possible causes are, Columbine was Marilyn Manson and violent games, Virginia Tech brought about an outcry for gun control. The media needs to be objective and only report the news; not bring on debates about the causes and what should be done to prevent it in the future. Some people are nuts its as simple as that, people kill each other everyday and there will always be people killing each other, no matter if Marilyn Manson goes away, violent games are abolished and there is gun control, there will be always be murders.
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| ERubenstein | TV - VA TECH | A Television-ish Discussion... | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 11:52 PM EDT by ERubenstein | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 11:52 PM EDT
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One thing that has always particularly interested me about news programming is the speed by which televion both introduces an issue and then how quickly it leaves the cultural news of the day. The speed by which the VA Tech shootings exited "Breaking News" is baffling-- we, as a country, have not even come close to undertsanding the cultural implications of such an event and yet is already off the news.
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| ERubenstein | Genre in Television | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 11:50 PM EDT by ERubenstein | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 11:50 PM EDT
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- My favorite genre on televion is comedy-- however, my like is not limited to just the sitcom. My favorite show on televion is Curb Your Enthusiasm, which does not have typical sitcome formatting-- as Bignell writes "Audience laughter is clearly important to the genre" (121); however, this aspect of the sitcom is changing. My favorite comedies on currently on TV producing new episodes (Curb, Entourage) do not have a studio audience. In fact, the most cutting edge TV shows these days do not have studio audiences. Bignell argues that the purpose of the studio audience is to tell us when to laugh-- to inform us what is funny. However, hit shows without audiences seem to achieve laughter without this signifier. It is interesting to see the historical development of the sitcom in regards to a studio audience.
I think that the most valued genre on TV in America today is the news; however, as far as fiction is concnered, comedy isthe most valued genere on TV. TV is a meansof escapism for many and comedy is an excellent means by which to escape from a world that demands more and more of us each day. Comedy, particularly on television, is also an excellent historical/cross cultural tool-- knowing what is funny in a culture tells a lot about the culture itself and about the time period in which the comedy was written. |
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| marmar0306 | Genres in Television | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 10:47 PM EDT by marmar0306 | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 10:47 PM EDT
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Looking back at all the television I’ve watched throughout my life, it is really hard to pinpoint one particular genre that I like more than any other. I really think the biggest thing in attracting an audience is in the story lines presented, which can be done across a large variety of genres. I feel as though if an audience can connect or relate to a show that is the most significant piece of the puzzle. That being said, I would say I tend to watch a lot of shows merging the characteristics of drama and comedy. The biggest thing in that is how true to life many of the situations can be; at no point in life is everything fall of your seat hilarious, but at no point is everything serious. A good television show is about finding that happy medium between the serious moments and the funny, light hearted ones.
Unfortunately, it seems as though we as a public have bought into reality tv which is why it is still around. However entertaining these shows may be to some individuals, I really don’t see the value in them to the viewing audience. The value comes in the financial rewards being reaped by the networks from all the advertising money brought in by a show using pre-determined twists in a plot line to dupe people into watching. I think that if these shows were really all they are made out to be, they wouldn’t need to throw surprises into the formats to draw viewers in, rather they would be able to show a more natural situation. But that isn’t what America wants; they want to be able to benefit through their happiness by watching others suffer through ridiculous situations most will never even imagine of encountering. But then again, it is the job of the networks to exploit what is hot at a given moment, and right now that seems to be reality television, so I give props to those executives who are seeing all the benefits of our infatuation with voyeurism. |
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| Karlj | Most Valued Genre in America | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 9:37 PM EDT by Karlj | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 9:37 PM EDT
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I would also say that comedy in the most valued genre in America. Comedy allows us to look at reflections and characterizations of ourselves and realise our imperfections in a lighthearted way. Comedy is escapist, and it's escapist in a benign manner. Shows such as the Daily Show allow us to look at our news, which is often tragic, in a manner we can deal with. Shows such as The Office make the mundane not seem so mundane. These shows give us a different look at reality that we would not always look for on our own.
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| Karlj | Genre I enjoy | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 9:31 PM EDT by Karlj | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 9:31 PM EDT
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Like many of the people who have already responded, I would name comedy as my genre of choice in television. Although I like many newer live action comedies, a potentially embarassing amount of my time is spent watching cartoon comedies such as The Simpons and Futurama (and to a lesser extent South Park and Family Guy). These shows provide an interesting twist on traditional sitcom-type comedy and storylines by eliminating the boundaries of live action production. Animation allows for expansive storylines that would be extremely expensive, or impossible to produce in a live action show. While these shows still focus on dialogue, and often do it better than live action shows, there is another element of comedy that can be derived from the freedom they have, such as the antics of a doctor who happens to be a giant crustacean on Futurama. These shows also eliminate the laugh track, which as others have mentioned, is becoming increasingly cliche. By allowing the viewer to decide for themselves what is funny, it adds an element of credibility to a format that is generally considered to be for children
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| SpaghettiDan | Most Valued Genre in America | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 8:29 PM EDT by SpaghettiDan | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 8:29 PM EDT
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Again, I believe that the comedy is a very important genre in American society. It has been around since the dawn of television and continues to thrive. What we find funny has changed, but the fact that we crave comedic relief and light entertainment to balance our heavy workloads and stressful lives will probably never change. Our society has been evolving into a more work-centric culture with less and less time off in recent decades and television (all forms of entertainment) must accomodate this change to stay popular. We crave an escape from our lives, whether in the form of a Schwarzenegger film or in a quicker, easier-to-swallow dose of Seinfeld or The Simpsons.
And oh yeah, this is Dan Lundy. |
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| SpaghettiDan | Genre I enjoy | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 8:23 PM EDT by SpaghettiDan | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 8:23 PM EDT
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In response to Whitney's comment about the sitcom/comedy in television, I believe that the laugh track is a lazy and uninspired tactic that will hopefully fall out of practice shortly. My favorite TV genre is the comedy, most notably ones that do not have a laugh track; those that have something new to offer the genre. While newer (better) examples of the comedy genre continue to have the same signifiers - simple plots, interesting yet non-complex characters, plots that can easily be wrapped up in 30 minutes - as those in the past, I believe that the genre is moving in a good direction. Realism in comedy is important; things are funny to a subject when he or she can relate. Comedies such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, and The Office are strong examples of this trend.
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| StewartGilchrist | Virgina Tech Shooting | A Television-ish Discussion... | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 7:48 PM EDT by StewartGilchrist | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 7:48 PM EDT
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I believe that even though tragedies like this does not affect most of the people directly, I believe it is great that our nation reacts so quickly to show love and support. I am glad that I live in a country where people have big hearts and care for others so freely. I know that if myself of someone that was close to me was in a situation such as this, I would greatly appreciate the fact that so many people across the country wanted to do something to show their love and support. Also I thought it was really cool that even in the sports world they had many teams honoring the victims and their families. All over ESPN they shows team across the MLB wearing Virginia Tech baseball caps in honor of the school. Also during Ohio State's annual spring game the players helmets had a VT decal on the side to show that they were supporting them. This weekend I attending a Columbus Crew MLS game against D.C. United and they had D.C.'s colors of their jerseys changed to Virgina Tech colors in honor of the University, after the game they were auctioned off on VT's webpage and all of the proceeds went to the school. Even though it is a terrible tragedy and the news coverage at times was somewhat rude, I believe that it allowed people across the country to learn about it, which in turn brought out the good in Americans. In all it is a terrible tragedy and it is sad that something like this or 9/11 has to bring America closer, but it shows that we are a caring nation and we will do anything for our fellow Americans when they are in pain.
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| em0zebra | Most Valued Genre in American Culture | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 7:44 PM EDT by em0zebra | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 7:44 PM EDT
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If I had to choose one genre as the most valued in American culture, I would have to go with the sitcom. While there has been an obsession lately with "Reality" TV, the sitcom is still considered most valuable by most. I think most people know that "Reality" shows are trash, even if they watch them. I feel like the sitcom is a very "Americanized" genre that provides the easiest way for people to relate to the characters on the show. They provide cultural codes that most people can identify with and understand. And because the sitcom is such a broad genre (it can follow any type of person or group of people) it can be valued by any person. They also deal with popular issues, without getting too serious. And the humorous aspects provide comic relief.
-Zach |
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| em0zebra | Genre I enjoy | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 7:34 PM EDT by em0zebra | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 7:34 PM EDT
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I find comedies the most entertaining. More specifically, I like comedies that provide social commentary or satirize every day life. I think that these types of shows invoke more thought than most types of programs. The narrative structure is usually used as a tool to criticize some aspect of American life or culture. Some examples of this are The Daily Show, Colbert Report, and The Office. These shows usually take an ironic stance, or critical realism to convey a message. For the most part I enjoy the shows that do this without being too over the top or offensive, because they accomplish these things intelligently, without resorting to crude jokes and cheap shots (although shows that do that can still be humorous). And on top of all of this, they make us laugh, which I feel is something everyone needs to do more.
-Zach |
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| StewartGilchrist | Genre I enjoy the most | And what about Genre? | 1 | Apr 30 2007, 7:19 PM EDT by StewartGilchrist | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 7:06 PM EDT
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1)I would have to agree with Dan, I believe sports are the most enjoyable genre to watch on television. There are many great shows on television that are enjoyable but you do not get the type of narraration or camera angles that you do when you are watching sports on TV. The games are always in your face action, which might be the reason I enjoy it so much, because I am an action junky. There are many sports that are sometimes better to watch on television rather than live because you do no get the narraration and facts throughout the game like you do on TV. A good example for me would be something not so popular such as baseball or golf. In baseball the different camera angles play a big part in letting the viewer be part of the action, like the way the camera angle changes when the batter hits a line drive down the first base line, it allows us to see if it was fair or a foul ball. With this camera technique sometimes we are able to disagree with the call because we actually have a better angle or view of the ball than the referee. Also with sports on television the broadcasters and commentators can pull up stats and personal achievements that we might have not known about. They also do cool specials on players, maybe telling their life story and the obstacles they had to get over to get to that point in their life. I just feel with the sports genre on television we are able to understand the players and the game better while watching it on TV. Also for people that may not be too familiar with the sport the narraration from the commentators explaining every play also plays a big part in allowing us to understand what might have just taken place.
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| StewartGilchrist | Most Valued Genre in American Culture | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 7:16 PM EDT by StewartGilchrist | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 7:16 PM EDT
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The most valued in American culture is probably reality television. I do not agree that this should be our main focus but if we took a poll I am sure this would come out on top. I feel that this is the most popular because as Americans we thrive on seeing how others live and the mistakes they make in their lives. I know many people that watch shows like MTV's the Real World and their competition shows like Road Rules vs Real World and the new one that are out just because they want to see what the new drama is for the week. Also I think a lot of watching these reality shows are watched out of pure jealousy and what we wish our lives were like. An example, even though it is not a reality show for the most part, is MTV's Cribs! Many people tune into this show to see how the "celebrities" are living, it makes people want that life style because obviously is it possible. A few other shows that I know people are obsessed with may not be watched for the same reason, but shows such as Viva La Bam and Rob & Big are typically watched because of the humor. I have nothing against these shows because this is just showing the reality of someones life that has fun, they may be millionares but they are still having fun just as we would. I believe people like to watch shows that they can relate to as well as dream about doing. I believe that a few sings and codes in these shows are just the simple ones like the big houses and all of the expensive material goods these people have, it shows that if you work hard and follow your dreams anything is possible.
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| POF | Genre | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 2:32 PM EDT by POF | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 2:32 PM EDT
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Reality is America's genre. These programs supposedly bring a greater sense of reality than other genres such as sit com, drama, or soap opera. They create a sense of reality through hand held cameras, "night vision shots and by placing the viewer in you are there situations through editing. Reality programing is also bound to the early days of moving image media and its ability to bring the viewer to far off places and situations. These shows have seemed to parallel the rise of the internet and individualized entertainment made availble by TiVo and its off shoots. In an age of increased electronic communication viewers wish to be involved in their television programs to a greater level. Shows like American Idol and Survivor allow viewers to direct the action and personal interactions of the cast members by voting them off the show. These shows also send very American messages. Voting on American Idol follows the electorial process. The supposed open casting on many of these shows signal that anyone can strike rich in this country. And while a hollywood movie star may be a celebrity, Sanjia on American Idol is still a regular person. One of us whom we can identify with and choose to vote for or not. Interestingly the reality style has crept into other shows. "Drive" for example is a drama about what seems to be a different take on "The Amazing Race." I though Chris'(?) comment about wispering during golf relates to reality programing. Reality television viewers seem to have a similar imediate realationship with what is being shone.
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| eddie27 | Most valued genre | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 1:09 PM EDT by eddie27 | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 1:09 PM EDT
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I would have to say news by a long-shot. People in this country base many of their decisions about politics, foreign policy, as well as decisions about everyday life in their local community on what they see on the news. I am not sure that this is such a good thing because I don't believe the news is always honest about what they show. As long it is newsworthy it gets aired whether it is truthful or not. I think it is best to look for all of the sides to a story if it interests you enough to make a decision based on its content. Many people take what these national news anchors say as gospel and fail to look further into it, get both or all sides of the story and then make an informed decision on what they believe to be true or false.
-Chris |
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| eddie27 | Genre I enjoy... | And what about Genre? | 0 | Apr 30 2007, 12:57 PM EDT by eddie27 | ||||
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Thread started: Apr 30 2007, 12:57 PM EDT
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Probably the genre I enjoy the most is sports. I especially enjoy golf because it is also my favorite sports to play. I love how all of the crew for NBC or whichever network is covering the tournament whisper when a player is ready to hit. Even the main commentators always speak in really quiet voices even though they aren't anywhere near the golfers. I have even caught myself doing it while watching the coverage. Of course they have hundreds of cameras all over the course, of which 95% of them are trained on Tiger Woods, 3% on the guy who is leading (usually Tiger), and the other 2% on the rest of the field. I like the replays and especially the super slow motion of the players' swings and ball contact.
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