Thursday, September 11, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
3D modelling
[edit] Pioneers in graphic design
- Charles Csuri
- Charles Csuri is best known for pioneering the field of computer graphics, computer animation and digital fine art, creating the first computer art in 1964. Csuri has been recognized as the father of digital art and computer animation by Smithsonian, and as a leading pioneer of computer animation by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and The Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group Graphics (ACM-SIGGRAPH).
- Donald P. Greenberg
- Donald P. Greenberg is an internationally recognized pioneer in computer graphics, Greenberg has authored hundreds of articles and served as a teacher and mentor to many prominent computer graphic artists and animators. Five former students have won Academy Awards for Scientific or Technical Achievements, five have won the SIGGRAPH Achievement Award, and many now work for Pixar Animation Studios. Greenberg was the founding director of the National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for Computer Graphics and Scientific Visualization when it was created in 1991. His former students include Robert L. Cook, Marc Levoy, and Wayne Lytle.
- A. Michael Noll
- Noll was one of the first researchers to use a digital computer to create artistic patterns and to formalize the use of random processes in the creation of visual arts. His initial digital computer art was programmed in the summer of 1962 at Bell Telephone Laboratories in Murray Hill, NJ, making him one of the earliest digital computer artists. In 1965 Noll along with two other pioneers within the field of early computer art, Frieder Nake and Georg Nees in Germany, were the first to exhibit publicly their computer art. During April 1965, the Howard Wise Gallery in New York City exhibited Noll's computer art along with random-dot patterns by Bela Julesz.
- Other pioneers
[edit] The study of computer graphics
[edit] Computer graphics
The study of computer graphics is a sub-field of computer science which studies methods for digitally synthesizing and manipulating visual content. Although the term often refers to three-dimensional computer graphics, it also encompasses two-dimensional graphics and image processing.
As an academic discipline, computer graphics studies the manipulation of visual and geometric information using computational techniques. It focuses on the mathematical and computational foundations of image generation and processing rather than purely aesthetic issues. Computer graphics is often differentiated from the field of visualization, although the two fields have many similarities.
[edit] Connected studies
Connected studies include:
- Scientific visualization
- Information visualization
- Computer vision
- Image processing
- Computational Geometry
- Computational Topology
- Applied mathematics
[edit] Applications
- Computational biology
- Computational physics
- Computer-aided design
- Computer simulation
- Digital art
- Education
- Entertainment
- Graphic design
- Infographics
- Information visualization
- Scientific visualization
- Virtual reality
- Web design
[edit] References
- ^ What is Computer Graphics?, Cornell University Program of Computer Graphics. Last updated 04/15/98.
- ^ ISS (2002). "What are computer graphics?". Last updated: 19 Feb 2002
- ^ a b c Wayne Carlson (2003) A Critical History of Computer Graphics and Animation. The Ohio State University
- ^ HISTORY OF COMPUTER GRAPHICS 1960-69.
- ^ Ira Greenberg (2007). Processing: Creative Coding and Computational Art. Apress. ISBN 159059617X.
- ^ Rudolf F. Graf (1999). Modern Dictionary of Electronics. Oxford: Newnes, 569. ISBN 0-7506-4331-5.
- ^ Blythe, David. Advanced Graphics Programming Techniques Using OpenGL. Siggraph 1999. (see: Multitexture)
[edit] Further reading
- James D. Foley, Andries Van Dam, Steven K. Feiner and John F. Hughes (1995). Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice. Addison-Wesley
- Donald Hearn and M. Pauline Baker (1994). Computer Graphics. Prentice-Hall.
- Francis S. Hill (2001). Computer Graphics. Prentice Hall.
- John Lewell (1985). Computer Graphics: A Survey of Current Techniques and Applications. Van Nostrand Reinhold.
- Jeffrey J. McConnell (2006). Computer Graphics: Theory Into Practice. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
- R. D. Parslow, R. W. Prowse, Richard Elliot Green (1969). Computer Graphics: Techniques and Applications.
- Peter Shirley and others. (2005). Fundamentals of computer graphics. A.K. Peters, Ltd.
- M. Slater, A. Steed, Y. Chrysantho (2002). Computer graphics and virtual environments: from realism to real-time. Addison-Wesley
envioroment
History:
In 1960 William Fetter, a graphic designer for Boeing Aircraft Co., was credited with coining the phrase "Computer Graphics" to describe what he was doing at Boeing at the time. Fetter has said that the terms were actually given to him by Verne Hudson of the Wichita Division of Boeing. In a 1978 interview Fetter stated, that there had been a long-standing need in certain computer graphics applications for human figure simulations, that as descriptions of the human body are both accurate and at the same time adaptable to different user environment. His early work at Boeing was focused on the development of such ergonomic descriptions. One of the most memorable and iconic images of the early history of computer graphics was such a human figure, often referred to as the "Boeing Man", but referred to by Fetter as the "First Man".[3]
The field of computer graphics developed with the emergence of computer graphics technology. Projects in this field like the Whirlwind and SAGE Projects helped to open the door to the computer graphics discipline by providing the CRT as a viable display and interaction interface, and introduced the light pen as an important input device. Continuing the development of the digital computer, the TX-2 computer in 1959 at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory was key in the evolution of interactive computer graphics. Their display, a lightpen, and a bank of switches were the interface on which the first interactive computer graphics system was based. The TX-2, integrated a number of man-machine interfaces that were just waiting for the right person to show up to use them in order to make a computer that was "on-line". With a simple cathode ray tube and light pen on the TX-2's console and thought one should be able to draw on the computer, the Sketchpad, and with it, interactive computer graphics were born. In the Lincoln Labs on their TX-2 computer Ivan Sutherland's PhD work made him to be the "grandfather" of interactive computer graphics and graphical user interfaces.[3]
The activities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology would help to shape the early computer and computer graphics industries. It wasn't long before major corporations started taking an interest in computer graphics. TRW, Lockheed-Georgia, General Electric and Sperry Rand are among the many companies that were getting started in computer graphics by the mid 1960's. IBM was quick to respond to this interest by releasing the IBM 2250 graphics terminal, the first commercially available graphics computer.[4]
The organizations, conferences, graphics standards, and publications in the field of computer graphics emerged since end 1960s. In 1969 the ACM initiated a A Special Interest Group in Graphics (SIGGRAPH) which interest ran from simulation and modeling, to text editing and composition, to computer generated art, cartography and mapping, computer aided design and, computer graphics software and hardware. In 1973 the first annual SIGGRAPH conference was held, which has become one of the compelling aspects of the organization. Over the years, Panels and Courses were added, an Art Show became a mainstay, and venues for emerging technologies were provided. Several related conferences have occasionally co-located with SIGGRAPH, and an Education track became part of the overall conference offerings.[3]
During the late 1970s, personal computers became more powerful, capable of drawing both basic and complex shapes and designs. In the 1980s, artists and graphic designers began to see the personal computer, particularly the Commodore Amiga and Macintosh, as a serious design tool, one that could save time and draw more accurately than other methods. 3D computer graphics became possible in the late 1980s with the powerful SGI computers, which were later used to create some of the first fully computer-generated short films at Pixar. The Macintosh remains one of the most popular tools for computer graphics in graphic design studios and businesses.
Modern computer systems, dating from the 1980s and onwards, often use a graphical user interface (GUI) to present data and information with symbols, icons and pictures, rather than text. Graphics are one of the five key elements of multimedia technology.
3D graphics became more popular in the 1990s in gaming, multimedia and animation. In 1996, Quake, one of the first fully 3D games, was released. In 1995, Toy Story, the first full-length computer-generated animation film, was released in cinemas worldwide. Since then, computer graphics have become more accurate and detailed, due to more advanced computers and better 3D modelling software applications2D computer graphics
the computer-based generation of digital images—mostly from two-dimensional models, such as 2D geometric models, text, and digital images, and by techniques specific to them. The word may stand for the branch of computer science that comprises such techniques, or for the models themselves.
2D computer graphics are mainly used in applications that were originally developed upon traditional printing and drawing technologies, such as typography, cartography, technical drawing, advertising, etc.. In those applications, the two-dimensional image is not just a representation of a real-world object, but an independent artifact with added semantic value; two-dimensional models are therefore preferred, because they give more direct control of the image than 3D computer graphics, whose approach is more akin to photography than to typography.
[edit] Pixel art
Pixel art is a form of digital art, created through the use of raster graphics software, where images are edited on the pixel level. Graphics in most old (or relatively limited) computer and video games, graphing calculator games, and many mobile phone games are mostly pixel art.
[edit] Vector graphics
Vector graphics formats are complementary to raster graphics, which is the representation of images as an array of pixels, as it is typically used for the representation of photographic images.[5] There are instances when working with vector tools and formats is best practice, and instances when working with raster tools and formats is best practice. There are times when both formats come together. An understanding of the advantages and limitations of each technology and the relationship between them is most likely to result in efficient and effective use of tools.
[edit] 3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics in contrast to 2D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images. Such images may be for later display or for real-time viewing.
Despite these differences, 3D computer graphics rely on many of the same algorithms as 2D computer vector graphics in the wire frame model and 2D computer raster graphics in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, the distinction between 2D and 3D is occasionally blurred; 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and primarily 3D may use 2D rendering techniques.
3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models. Apart from the rendered graphic, the model is contained within the graphical data file. However, there are differences. A 3D model is the mathematical representation of any three-dimensional object (either inanimate or living). A model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed. Due to 3D printing, 3D models are not confined to virtual space. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering, or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations.
[edit] Computer animation
Computer animation is the art of creating moving images via the use of computers. It is a subfield of computer graphics and animation. Increasingly it is created by means of 3D computer graphics, though 2D computer graphics are still widely used for stylistic, low bandwidth, and faster real-time rendering needs. Sometimes the target of the animation is the computer itself, but sometimes the target is another medium, such as film. It is also referred to as CGI (Computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging), especially when used in films.
To create the illusion of movement, an image is displayed on the computer screen then quickly replaced by a new image that is similar to the previous image, but shifted slightly. This technique is identical to the illusion of movement in television and motion pictures.
[edit] Concepts and Principles
[edit] Image
In common usage, an image or picture is an artifact, usually two-dimensional, that has a similar appearance to some subject—usually a physical object or a person. Images may be two-dimensional, such as a photograph, screen display, and as well as a three-dimensional, such as a statue. They may be captured by optical devices—such as cameras, mirrors, lenses, telescopes, microscopes, etc. and natural objects and phenomena, such as the human eye or water surfaces.
A digital image is a representation of a two-dimensional image using ones and zeros (binary). Depending on whether or not the image resolution is fixed, it may be of vector or raster type. Without qualifications, the term "digital image" usually refers to raster images.
[edit] Pixel
In digital imaging, a pixel is the smallest piece of information in an image.[6]) Pixels are normally arranged in a regular 2-dimensional grid, and are often represented using dots or squares. Each pixel is a sample of an original image, where more samples typically provide a more accurate representation of the original. The intensity of each pixel is variable; in color systems, each pixel has typically three or four components such as red, green, and blue, or cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
[edit] Graphics
Graphics are visual presentations on some surface, such as a wall, canvas, computer screen, paper, or stone to brand, inform, illustrate, or entertain. Examples are photographs, drawings, Line Art, graphs, diagrams, typography, numbers, symbols, geometric designs, maps, engineering drawings, or other images. Graphics often combine text, illustration, and color. Graphic design may consist of the deliberate selection, creation, or arrangement of typography alone, as in a brochure, flier, poster, web site, or book without any other element. Clarity or effective communication may be the objective, association with other cultural elements may be sought, or merely, the creation of a distinctive style.
[edit] Rendering
Rendering is the process of generating an image from a model, by means of computer programs. The model is a description of three dimensional objects in a strictly defined language or data structure. It would contain geometry, viewpoint, texture, lighting, and shading information. The image is a digital image or raster graphics image. The term may be by analogy with an "artist's rendering" of a scene. 'Rendering' is also used to describe the process of calculating effects in a video editing file to produce final video output.
- 3D projection
- 3D projection is a method of mapping three dimensional points to a two dimensional plane. As most current methods for displaying graphical data are based on planar two dimensional media, the use of this type of projection is widespread, especially in computer graphics, engineering and drafting.
- Ray tracing
- Ray tracing is a technique for generating an image by tracing the path of light through pixels in an image plane. The technique is capable of producing a very high degree of photorealism; usually higher than that of typical scanline rendering methods, but at a greater computational cost.
- Shading
- Shading refers to depicting depth in 3D models or illustrations by varying levels of darkness. It is a process used in drawing for depicting levels of darkness on paper by applying media more densely or with a darker shade for darker areas, and less densely or with a lighter shade for lighter areas. There are various techniques of shading including cross hatching where perpendicular lines of varying closeness are drawn in a grid pattern to shade an area. The closer the lines are together, the darker the area appears. Likewise, the farther apart the lines are, the lighter the area appears. The term has been recently generalized to mean that shaders are applied.
- Texture mapping
- Texture mapping is a method for adding detail, surface texture, or colour to a computer-generated graphic or 3D model. Its application to 3D graphics was pioneered by Dr Edwin Catmull in 1974. A texture map is applied (mapped) to the surface of a shape, or polygon. This process is akin to applying patterned paper to a plain white box. Multitexturing is the use of more than one texture at a time on a polygon.[7]
[edit] Volume rendering
Volume rendering is a technique used to display a 2D projection of a 3D discretely sampled data set. A typical 3D data set is a group of 2D slice images acquired by a CT or MRI scanner.
Usually these are acquired in a regular pattern (e.g., one slice every millimeter) and usually have a regular number of image pixels in a regular pattern. This is an example of a regular volumetric grid, with each volume element, or voxel represented by a single value that is obtained by sampling the immediate area surrounding the voxel.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
GEOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
FORCES OF NATURE-About EARTH'S atmosphere, powerful storms, ice and snow, weather forecasting, Earth's changing climate etc.
Environmental Information A huge list of links to information on the environment, sorted by both subject and world regionRiver -A one-stop resource center for rivers.
Epa.gov/kids/ - EPA Environmental Kids Club, useful resource for teachers and students.
Children of the Earth - Site also provides a forum for people to share their creative ideas and knowledge of the environment.
Earth and Animal Facts - An educational web site about earth ecology, plant and animal life, and wildlife.
Earthforce - National non-profit youth organization empowers kids to help solve local environmental problems.
Natural Resources - For kids interested in the environment, about salmon and wildlife, hazardous substances, recycling, and choosing recycled products.
Clouds - different kinds of clouds
Environmental Fun and Games - Information, online fun and games, for kids of all ages.
Environmental Science - Offers environmental news, issues, quizzes, facts, and links in a kid-friendly setting.
Awesome - explore tree biology and conservation, as well as track the impact of trees on weather.
Young Environmentalist's - Tells kids what they can to do protect the environment.
The Global Habitat Project - Environmental education by kids for kids.
Kids for Saving Earth - great ways they can help take care of the earth.
Kid's PlayStation - All kinds of weather information, science project ideas, Oceanography - "More than 70 percent of the planet is covered by water..." and this site is all about it.
Earthzone - A children's site about the environment
Kids in Action - learn how materials are recycled, tips on how you can help the environment, a word find, and experiments and activities to do at home.
Wild Arctic Activities -Learn more about this chilly, frozen environment through mazes, puzzles, games, and other activities.
Penguin -the mess people have made of our planet. He suggests how kids can help make things better for all of us.
Tour of Biomes - Learn about tropical rain forests, tropical savannahs, deciduous forests, deserts, subarctic taigas, and polar tundras.
WATER-Water cycle, properties & uses of water, water treatment in urban centers.
STORMS AND HURRICANES-Tropical storms, how they move, how the environment is affected, and more. Includes illustrations and photos.
OCKS, FOSSILS AND MINERALS-You will enjoy learning about rocks, fossils and minerals, pictures etc
.Water Science - Information on many aspects of water, along with pictures, data, mapsRainfall - Explains what causes rain to fall.
Rainbow- the most spectacular light shows observed on earth
The Sahara Desert - General information and photos of the largest desert in the world.
Carbon For Kids - learn about greenhouse gases and global warming.
Global Warming - Focuses on science and impacts of global warming or climate change, and on actions that help address global warming.
Air pollution - Information on air pollution, indoor air pollution, fly ash, acid rain and smog.
Fun Activities:- the environment and pollution
Rainforest Live - An educational website on tropical rainforests with links to projects, research and expeditions.
Tundra - Evergreen Project tells all about tundras, where they are and what kinds of plants and animals live on them.Weather Page - classification of clouds, the greenhouse effect, tornadoes, lightning, rainbows, and the water cycle. Also includes a weather dictionary and links.
The Seasons - All about the four seasons of the year, what causes the seasons, and a description of seasonsal changes such as autumn leaves in temperate climates and hurricanes in tropical regions
All About Geology:Links to sites about geology
Geologist's Field List:Photographs; important facts; a list of essential or desirable locations for geologists or travelers to visit. It contains many of the interesting geological wonders of the world, with links for most of them
Geologic Hazards Team (Earthquakes / Geomagnetic / Landslides):US Geological Survey (USGS) conducts research into the causes of geological phenomena such as landslides and earthquakes; interactive maps
Geology Labs On-Line:Web-based lab activities that enhance the learning and teaching of Geology and other Earth Science by offering virtual learning activities
GeologyLink:Breaking news on geologic events all over the world, the latest news and discoveries, hot topics, virtual field trips, interactive forums, an image gallery and more; this site has something for everyone, from preschoolers to professional geologists.
Geology Museum: Displays minerals, rocks, fossils, a 6-foot globe, and a walk-through model of a Wisconsin limestone cave.
EarthForce:Earthquake and Volcano facts and information
Earthquake Information for Kids: Created especially for students; cool earthquake facts; earthquake history; earthquake ABC's and related terms; suggestions for science fair projects
Earthquakes: LOTS of links to information sites about earthquakes
Earthquake: Virtual Earthquake:An interactive computer program designed to introduce the concepts of how an earthquake epicenter is located and how the Richter magnitude of an earthquake is determined
Earthquake Links:Links to sites which contain information about earthquakes
More Earthquake Links:Lots of informational links to facts and information about earthquakes
Plate Tectonics, the Cause of Earthquakes:Facts, information; graphics; photographs
Recent Earthquakes in California and Nevada
Today's Earthquake Activity:Track today's earthquake activity and predict the location of the next quake.
Understanding EarthquakesComprehensive earthquake information; graphics; animation
Earth's Interior:Facts and important information
Earth's Interior:Continental drift, plate movement, volcanoes, earthquakes, important facts and information
Earth's Interior:Diagrams, facts, important information; - beginner, intermediate, and advanced reading levels
Geo-Globe:Geo-Layers, Discover what's below--and above--the Earth's surface with this matching game
Geology: History of the Earth: Environments of Our Past:Photographs, important facts and information
Grand Canyon Explorer: The Geology of the Grand Canyon:How was it formed?Where did all the rock come from? Why does it look like it does? When did all this happen?
GeoThermal:Facts and information
GeoThermal Energy:Facts and information
Geothermal Energy: The Plus Side of Volcanoes:Facts and information about geothermal energy
Image Gallery of Landforms:Major kinds of landforms with a link to a picture or image.
Introduction to Glaciation: Detailed site devoted to glaciers and their properties; see photos of many locales, as well as learn about the scientific aspects of glaciation; glossary
Landforms; Bodies WaterDefinitions of the earth's landforms
Diamonds: The Nature of Diamond:Facts, information, diagrams, photographs
He Ain't Nothing But a Rock Hound, A Diggin' All The Time:Important facts and information about the study of rocks, links to other rock sites
How Gems are Formed:This site examines the most common and important environments and formation processes of gems
Rocks and Minerals: LOTS of links to sites about rocks and minerals
LINKS to information about Rocks and Minerals
Mamma's Minerals in Cyberspace: Provides resources on: A carefully selected and annotated list of resources on rocks and minerals fossils of dinosaurs, plants, creatures of the sea, and other land animals.; meteorites and tektites (pieces of glass that form when a large meteorite strikes the earth).
Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom: Information on all types of gemstones; interesting facts about all minerals from A to Z; searchfor minerals not only alphabetically, but by color, chemical group, and other ways; Each mineral has a detailed description, information about its uses, its chemical formula, and colorful photos; dictionary
Rocks and Minerals:Created by The Franklin Institute Science Museum; Photographs, important facts and information
Rocks and Minerals: From the Kentucky Geological Society: a great deal of information on sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks; images of rocks; information on minerals, methods used in identifying minerals; photographs
Rocky the Rock Hound:For K-6; Explore how sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks are made; facts and information; quiz; puzzle
Smithsonian Gem and Mineral Collection:Photographs; facts and information
How Volcanoes Work:An online resource that combines print information, movies, and interactive quizzes. Quicktime is required for viewing movies/animations
Learning Web at the U.S. Geological Survey:Volcanoes in the Learning Web; Explore why and where volcanoes erupt.
Smithsonian Institution - Global Volcanism Program:Documentations,Photographs, important facts and informations: Lots of links to information about volcanoes
Volcanic and Geologic Terms:A glossary
Volcano Observatory:Phhs
Monday, August 4, 2008
World Environment Day
Recently evangelicals have become the surprise proponents of policies promoting care for creation, including halting global warming. Though by no means are evangelicals of one mind on the subject, stewardship of God's creation is a Biblical principle most evangelicals agree on. Below, we have collected Christianity Today's coverage of climate change and creation care.
Second Coming Ecology
We care for the environment precisely because God will create a new earth.
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Climate Change Is Here to Stay
Debate over global warming has only intensified since conservatives targeted Cizik.
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Dobson, Others Seek Ouster of NAE Vice President
Interim president Leith Anderson says he supports Richard Cizik's work on creation care.
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Cool on Climate Change
New Christian coalition says fighting global warming will hurt the poor.
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The New Climate Coalition
Evangelical leaders bolster the fight against global warming.
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Environmental Wager
Why evangelicals are—but shouldn't be—cool toward global warming.
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Climate Change Briefing Brings Together Christian Aid Groups
Rising temperatures will disproportionately affect the poor, say analysts.
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Heat Stroke
The climate for addressing global warming is improving.
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Tending the Garden
Evangelicals and the environment.
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Religious Leaders Rebuke Bush Administration Over Kyoto Protocol
Officials from the National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Methodist Church, Disciples of Christ, and African Methodist Episcopal Church say U.S. must limit greenhouse gas emissions.
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U.S. Churches Join Global Warming Debate
Environmental stewardship is an act of compassion toward the poor, say mainline Protestants and evangelicals, who are joining with other faith groups to reduce the effects of global warming.
Weeping for the Jordan
Revered river endangered by pollution, overuse.
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DO LIKEWISE
Old-Fashioned Creation Care
Thrift and care for the environment go hand in hand.
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Cleaning Up La Oroya
How American and Peruvian Christians teamed up when factory pollutants were poisoning children.
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Bald Eagles and Babies
The case for compassionate conservationism.
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Eco-Myths
Don't believe everything you hear about the church and the environmental crisis.
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CT CLASSIC
Why We Love the Earth
Our belief in a Creator, not crisis scenarios, drives our environmental concerns.
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Greening of the Gospel?
Evangelical environmentalists press to add creation care to the church's mission.
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God's Green Acres
How Calvin DeWitt is helping Dunn, Wisconsin, reflect the glory of God's good creation.
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AMERICA HOT
Blogs at America.gov
How should the U.S. or any country, for that matter, defend itself against terrorists? At the White House July 28, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said, “This is our own war; this is a war which is against Pakistan.” Speaking about fighting terrorists, Gilani said, “We can do it ourselves.”
Both U.S. presidential candidates talk tough about terrorism on the campaign trail and promise they will pursue terrorist threats wherever they exist. Presumed Republican nominee John McCain told the World Affairs Council in March, “We must also have an aggressive strategy of confronting and rooting out the terrorists wherever they seek to operate, and deny them bases in failed or failing states.” In July, presumed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama said, “It’s time for sustained and aggressive action - to take the offense against new dangers abroad, while shoring up our defenses at home.”
At the same time, both candidates say they would work with allies and seek diplomatic solutions before considering other actions. Should the next leader of the United States be willing to act unilaterally to halt a terrorist threat?
MTV’s Street Team 08 – Political eyes on Michigan
Swing state Michigan’s 17 electoral votes could go to either candidate and “Michigan is finally feeling the love,” according to MTV’s Michigan reporter, Nadir.
Because the state violated the national political parties’ rules with an early-primary, campaigns ignored Michigan during the primary season. But now, with the general election under way, John McCain, Barack Obama and their campaign surrogates are regularly visiting the state. Nadir filed this report:
“In the last two months, however, the Democrats have piled it on thick with three visits by the presumptive nominee, and appearances by former candidates John Edwards and Hillary Clinton (before she dropped out of the race), former VP Al Gore and hopeful first lady Michelle Obama. The Republicans are working hard to catch up.
“President George W. Bush spoke at a GOP fundraiser in Livonia in late June. McCain and first lady nominee Cindy McCain conducted a town hall style meeting in Belleville on July 10 with their first trip to Michigan in two months. Another followed in Warren on July 17. Local campaign staffers advise that he will be here “a lot” between now and November.
“The recent surge in activity underlines Michigan’s role as a critical battleground state. Due to a strong union tradition and the large African American population in the Detroit area the state has leaned to the Democratic side during past presidential elections. But conservatives can be mobilized for important issues and elections. As a result, voters elected to ban affirmative action and same sex unions on ballot initiatives in recent years.”
For more on what Nadir thinks the candidates need to do to win Michigan, see “Battleground: Michigan.”
As part of its U.S. elections coverage, Campaign Trail Talk features reports from MTV’s 51 youth reporters, one from every state and the District of Columbia, who provide regular Internet updates on political issues that matter to their generation.
With 99 days until Election Day, it’s time to advertise
As November 4 draws closer, both presidential candidates are rolling out more television ads.
Presumed Democratic nominee Barack Obama, with a significant fundraising advantage over Republican rival John McCain, has spent a lot of money running promotions in key battleground states. But the Washington Times reports recent polls suggest the ads aren’t having much impact.
Both candidates launched their general election campaigns with biographical ads – Obama touted his working class roots while McCain emphasized his military experience. But now both have released ads critical of the other, and one topic – rising gasoline prices – is getting a lot of attention. If you believe the ads, one candidate is causing higher gasoline prices and the other is unwilling to address the problem.
In Obama’s ad, the narrator says, “On gas prices, John McCain’s part of the problem. McCain and Bush support a drilling plan that won’t produce a drop of oil for seven years. McCain will give more tax breaks to big oil.”
The ad then says Obama would improve alternative fuel-technology and raise fuel economy standards for motor vehicles.
In the McCain counterpart, the narrator says, “Gas prices — $4, $5, no end in sight, because some in Washington are still saying ‘No’ to drilling in America; ‘No’ to independence from foreign oil. Who can you thank for rising prices at the pump?” Then a crowd chants, ‘Obama, Obama, Obama!’
“One man [McCain] knows we must now drill more in America and rescue our family budgets. Don’t hope for more energy, vote for it,” the narrator says.
For more on why the rising price of gasoline is such a big campaign issue, see “Americans Feeling Effects of Higher Oil, Gas Prices.”
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Campaigning for the U.S presidency … from Europe
“Tonight, I speak to you not as a candidate for president, but as a citizen – a proud citizen of the United States, and a fellow citizen of the world,” presumed Democratic nominee Barack Obama told an estimated 200,000 people in Berlin July 24.
Why is Obama spending precious campaign time addressing 200,000 people who don’t vote in U.S. elections? Because in an age of satellite communication, the U.S. news media broadcasts that speech right back to millions of American voters. A campaign is about creating compelling images, and Obama’s campaign is betting the candidate’s rock star appeal with a European crowd will impress the folks back home.
Even though it’s not unusual for presidential candidates, including presumed Republican nominee John McCain, to travel overseas, none had ever given such a high-profile speech to such a large crowd. A McCain spokesman called the speech “a premature victory lap.”
An important part of Obama’s message to his German audience was that the United States and Europe need to repair relations that have been strained over the Iraq war. He said it’s important for the United States to work with its European allies to protect human rights, fight terrorism and curb climate change.
The candidate seems to have struck a chord in Germany, but will his Berlin speech win American votes? The latest polls show more than 40 percent of Americans say Obama’s visits to Afghanistan, the Middle East and Europe haven’t change their opinion of the Democrat. Nevertheless, some political experts believe trips made by Obama and McCain will affect the election. Find out more in “Presidential Candidates’ Foreign Trips Matter.”
So what do you think? Does Obama’s trip make him a stronger candidate?
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“Tasteless and Offensive” – Round 2
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines satire as: 1. a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn; 2. trenchant wit, irony, or sarcasm used to expose and discredit vice or folly.
The New Yorker sparked an uproar last week when its magazine cover featured the presumed Democratic nominee dressed in a turban with his wife as the pair stands in the Oval Office with a portrait of Osama Bin Laden over the fireplace where an American flag burns. Its editors called the sketch a “satire” on “the use of scare tactics and misinformation in the presidential election to derail Barack Obama’s campaign.”
Neither presidential candidate was amused. Obama spokesman Bill Burton said, “The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Senator Obama’s right-wing critics have tried to create. But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree.”
John McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds said, “we completely agree with the Obama campaign, it’s tasteless and offensive.”
Not surprisingly, another magazine has followed suit with a similar style portrait of the McCains . Vanity Fair’s version features the 72-year-old McCain using a walker and his wife Cindy in the White House with a portrait of President Bush hanging over a fireplace where a copy of the U.S. Constitution burns.
Many critics of the New Yorker’s cover found the Vanity Fair cover equally tasteless and offensive. What do you think? Poor taste? Poor judgment? Shameless marketing ploys to boost circulation? Share your thoughts in the comments field.
Have more opinions about editorial responsibility? Campaign Trail Talk is excited to welcome the newest addition to America.gov’s blog collection: Freedom of Expression. This blog explores the evolving relationship between citizens, the news media and government.
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MTV’s Street Team 08 – Consumers vote with their wallets
American consumers can show support for their candidate by purchasing T-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, posters, pins and hats featuring the names “Barack Obama” or “John McCain.” MTV’s Kentucky reporter, Lauren, went to a local clothing store to see which candidate was connecting better with shoppers:
“Gene Pierce (25) works retail at a local clothing store which has Obama and McCain shirts and hats for sale. She says that Obama paraphernalia is pretty trendy among the 30 and younger crowd … and not much McCain stuff is actually sold in comparison.
But is this because there are more Obama items to buy? I saw shirts in a variety of colors with several slogans on them, and they were more than just your average Joe t-shirts. They were really cute! From polos to tank tops, Obama was everywhere. McCain … he had a white t-shirt and a navy one that looked like a carbon copy of one another … not one baby doll style shirt in sight.
How does this [the paraphernalia] relate to who is selectable? Pierce says she is normally a conservative voter, but this time around, she might jump on the Obama train. ‘Yeah, he [Obama] has better looking stuff, and he seems like he can relate to me.’”
Campaign Trail Talk would like to remind you that July T-shirt sales in Kentucky are not necessarily a reflection of national political trends or an accurate forecast of the November election results. But please let us know which T-shirt you’d buy.
For more, see “Dress Up and Support Your Candidate.”
As part of its U.S. elections coverage, Campaign Trail Talk features reports from MTV’s 51 youth reporters, one from every state and the District of Columbia, who provide regular Internet updates on political issues that matter to their generation.
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Michelle Austein keeps you up to date on the candidates, issues and quirky happenings in the 2008 campaign, the third national election cycle she’s covered. Full biography
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