Proposals for Spring 2001

From: Matt 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Assignment 1

Matt Steitle
Harold Rogers
Dean Hengst
Garret Price
Marc Krueger

The Twisted Body

After a semester of collaboration, countless hours in the ACT Lab and
multiple meetings, our group achieved everything it initially set out to.  
We were five people that had never met before who came up with an idea and
successfully executed it.  Now it's time to expand.

Our original goal for the project was to explore a body that seemed out of
place in this real world.  With this notion in mind we chose the
contortionist as our medium.  The contortionist's is a body that operates
outside of the limitations by which the world is bound.  Our idea was to
make the freedoms of the contortionist available for ordinary people to
manipulate and explore.

Now, we have decided to enhance this project by transforming it from a
human puppet show into a farsical, contortionist gaming arena.  We have
two ideas for an entertainment based interactive performance.  First, a
battle of the contortionists rages through a game of contortionist
twister.  Two people compete head to head to see who lasts the longest in
the game of flexibility.  The second is the bone-breaking synthesis,
ensuing between the computer and its human counterpart.  Every contortion
that is executed beyond the limits of the human body raises the total of
fractures that a mortal form could withstand.  Points are tallied for a
possible high score.

We anticipate the possibilites of using sensory equipment, and therefore
will be researching their capabilites and costs.  Hopefully, these will
sufficiently replace our original, and more constrained, mechanical system
(i.e.- rope and pully system).  Our group is unfamiliar with this
technology and it will be necessary to research for research on sensors,
so if any one is familiar with this area, it would be very helpful for
your insight.  Computers will play a large part of the system, and we will
be exploring the best methods by which to have maximum interaction.  
Materials include but are not limited to: a media projector, enough
sensory equipment for three people, computers, an attractive enclosure,
appropriate lighting, life-size dummy and an enthusiastic audience.


From: ana boa-ventura 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Dinner project

The Dinner Project

The dinner project is an installation piece in which sensory elements are 
combined with actual physical implements in order to create a translucent 
transition between the virtual and the actual. In our effort to accomplish 
this, we focused on the theme of isolation by immersing the participant in 
an auditory and visual experience.

The prototype consisted of a table with one place setting; the sound
consists of typical sounds of a family dinner. As the participant
approaches the table, s/he sees a circular image, on the table, of someone
eating soup.  The viewer sees the video from the bowl^Òs point of view.
There is a glass, a fork and a knife on the table. As the participant
touches any of these objects, a second audio layer is introduced. This
layer consists of series of phrases expressing a sense of loss, regret, or
a missed opportunity.

The prototype utilized two separate sensory channels to transmit the
participants^Ò interaction to the computer. The first channel consisted of
the perimeter of the table, while the second sensed proximity to the
objects on the table.  The sensors utilized a proximity sensing technology
in which the electro magnetic fields produced by living cells triggered
electrical responses in the sensors.  In turn, the sensors are interfaced
to the computer via elements that triggered either an on or off response.  
These on/off responses were then interfaced with Director to trigger the
desired video and audio events.

The April installation expands on the prototype in several major ways.  
The implementation of the sensory elements will be altered to include
other media.  In addition, the computer interface will be enhanced to
detect variances in the sensors rather than the single state response
currently implemented.  We would also like to take advantage of the
additional place settings in the installation by incorporating
interactions that depend on different combinations of participants.  For
example, if a participant approaches Position A of the table, and another
participant approaches Position B there will be a sensory input (^ÓAB^Ô)
that results in some reaction by the installation.  If a participant then
approaches Position D, this results in an input ^ÓABD^Ô that triggers
other elements of the installation independent of the individual elements
of either Position A, B, or D.

The resources that we will need will deal mainly with the sensory
elements.  Since the current elements available only produce an on/off
reaction, we are working with the manufacturer to produce a new type of
sensory element that will output variable readings.  For a detailed
description of our goal for the development and completion of our project
this semester, please refer to our project: click here

The Dinner Project group consists of:

Ana Boa-Ventura
Kathy Vajda
Wei Yeh


From: Annaka Johnson 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Virtual Reality Goals

Annaka Vonn Johnson
Virtual Reality

My goals for this Virtual Reality class are pretty extensive. They
include, but are not limited to:  getting a better understanding of all
the ways to produce Virtual Reality, to learn all the terminology relating
to Virtual Reality, to explore ways of producing cost efficient,
commercial quality Virtual Reality. I would also like to see some examples
of current Virtual Reality worlds that are out on the market today. I want
to learn and experience all the different types of gear used to navigate
through virtual worlds and examine how they work. One day, perhaps not
this semester, I would like to produce a piece that incorporates the use
of VR gear. Iâ^À^Ùd also like to be introduced to some of the ways that
this technology might be changing in the future.

Another goal of mine is to produce quality virtual spaces and to network
with fellow students to insure a well rounded, well thought out product.
In addition, I'd very much like to become less intimidated by Virtual
Reality and the technology that creates it. Basically, I'd like to learn
everything there is to know about the making and utilization of virtual
realities.  While I investigate the above, I'd also like to participate
in the development of the Dinner project. I am familiar with Flash,
Director, TrueSpace, 3d Studio, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere,
FireWorks and others. I am asking for your consideration in becoming a
member of team: Dinner Project. I am eager to begin the journey.

Annaka Vonn Johnson Shoelace19@aol.com


From: Robert Linton 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Virtual Voodoo Doll

 Voodoo Doll

The Virtual Voodoo Doll project intends treat our misperceptions of
"Voodoo Dolls" with humor.  It does not relate to or intend to disparige
the Vodun spiritual practice.

The project consists of two elements:  hardware (the doll) and software
(the interface).

Last semseter a prototype doll was created from a Mac ADB keyboard circuit
and an interface developed in Flash using action script.

The finished project will consist of the Doll, and a web based interface
which will allow users to select celebrities, politicians, etc. and and
see animated sequences of the "curses" users decide to place on them.  A
specific "curse" sequence will play depending which part of the doll's
body the user selects(by sticking it). For example, a user could select to
place a curse on Calista Flockhart (the actress that plays Ally McBeal)
and then stick the doll in the stomach to see Calista become sick from
food poisoning (ironic?).  Then the user could put another curse on her by
stick the eye of the doll, and something terrible would happen to her eye,
etc.

The project is being developed as an installation, but will become an
ongoing source of amusement for bored people surfing the web.  The
"victims" list will grow by adding public figures that users suggest, and
by adding customized "curse" sequences for users who submit digital photos
of someone they despise, (ex. their boss).

The project has several goals to accomplish this semester:

1. Develop a USB (Universal Serial Bus) compatible Doll - We are currently
searching for Electronic Engineering majors who would be willing to
collaborate.

2. Develop a animated sequences for 10-15 characters

3. Develop entire website from which animation would launch based on
scripting (probably Lingo) written for the doll

The website for last semester explains the prototype and our plans: Click Here

You will need Flash 5 to view it.  Flash 4 will only show some of the
text, images, but no sound.


From: Jackiepassmore@aol.com
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Installation

Jacqueline Passmore
Maciek Sokalski

Eyes for Ears

           Our project, true to its tentative title, is meant
toprovide/explore the auditory through visual and tactual means; to engage
aparticipant audience in two separate experiments that will make evident
the tangible connections that exist between sound and the physical world.
For many,seeing is believing. Recognizing this tendency in ourselves, we
are hoping to break down, at least in part, what could then be considered
the ephemeral nature of the world of noise--sound for visual thinkers, the
examination of sound through sight and touch. We have designed two
separate installationset-ups for the piece:

In one darkened room/space, participants will be given flashlights and
invited to interact with an optical theremin, which produces sound when
exposed to/denied light. Thus the light produces the noise, building a
soundtrack that allows the participant access to sight, the creation of
noise being the result of an effort to see, the creation of sight as the
result of making noise.

In the other space, chairs will line a room, a theatre-like setting, where
very loud noises are being played (extremely heavy bass, to the point of
slight discomfort, but droning and rhythmic, like a heartbeat.) 
Participants are invited to seat themselves in front of a video
projection. Seismographs monitor the vibrations that the chairs absorb,
both before and after people sit in them,and the results are projected via
live video feed/video projector onto the screen. Thus, participants view,
in essence, the presence of sound vibrations/energy that their bodies are
absorbing.

Over the course of last semester, a great deal of conceptualization and
research wasimplemented in efforts to bring the project to fruition, yet
the majority of production remains to be tackled. We will need a variety
of materials, in particular schematic and parts for theconstruction of the
theremin, specific seismographs, video camera andprojector, audio
equipment for Seismograph piece and assorted othercomponents. Our goal for
this semesteris hefty but not out of reach; we must continue to research
basic electronicsand construct the theremin, continue researching audio
equipment necessary toproduce sound appropriate for the seismograph piece,
and as well identify and secure ideal seismographs, as well as consider
possible appropriate forms ofdocumentation (i.e., videotaping, etc.) of
the actual interactions ofparticipant/work to further represent the piece
in an audio/visual format onceremoved from the actual experience. We hope
to gain deeper understandings of the construction and thus the
deconstruction of noise, of sound as energy, an entity present in, even,
inaudible capacities. Sound is everywhere, contained in objects, absorbed
and produced by the human body, and thus, perceptible on a multiplicity of
levels, infinitely sensible.  As well, we will be forcing ourselves into a
crash course in physics, electronics, geology, the nature of physical
sensation and the ensuing reaction of the human body to exposure to these
very basic physical realities, hopefully impressing on ourselves and
others an accentuated awareness of the manifestions of physical energy and
the correlations between the senses.

Any comments, questions, and suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.


From: danielle mcmillen 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: assignment one

Stars

    This semester, I hope to collaborate with other students to learn the
software programs and to physically achieve an interactive element in
space.  I hope to talk to more groups so I can add new ideas, and see if
they would want me in their group, but it would help to look at the other
groups web-based designs first.
    In class today I was talking to a few other new students who were
willing to collaborate to make an interactive universe - in a tent that
is.  By touching the stars, images and sound would appear so the
star-gazer would be interacting physically with the stars, and would learn
more about our universe through the computer.  To achieve this, we would
all have to work hard to learn the software programs we would be using,
and make a website for our project, and to produce the physical
interactive tent.  The final project would take up the physical space of a
tent, and a computer would be necessary to interact with the stars.
    After reviewing other students proposals I hope to either find a
willing group to collaborate with this semester, or produce an interactive
universe with a new group.  Overall, I hope to achieve knowledge about
software and how I can manipulate it for technological projects.

-danielle mcmillen-


From: Sarah Fusco 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Ass. #1

Stars Again ?

My name is Sarah Fusco-Sparacio & I am new to this somewhat intimidating
class. If any of you read the proposal that Danielle wrote, we thought of
this together. The installation piece would consist of a tent with the
universe (or at least the more famous features -stars, galaxies-) on the
cieling of the tent. If possible, we could connect sensors to certain
stars or galaxies which would respond to a remote controlled pointer that
the visitors could use. The visitor could point to something they'd like
to "go to" and using sound, possible extra visuals or other media, they
would learn about the universe & interact with it. I'd like to take this
an extra step and include theoretical entities, such as worm holes, black
holes, and other space phenomena. Space travel might be simulated through
this installation, as well, but maybe more so in the web version. Of
course I can't do all this on my own - I am not comfortable with any of
the programs mentioned in class, so therefore, if anyone is interested in
this or has ideas to compliment my proposal, please email me soon. If
nobody wants to work on this with me, I might kindly confront another
group to join. I realize I have a lot to learn this semester & I can't
wait to dive into this project, so my fellow classmates, email some
feedback or if interested, let me know. Thank you & have a nice cold
weekend.

- Sarah


From: alexander daboub 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: space 

Experimental Composing

Alex Daboub

    Although I am not very familiar with what actual technologies we have
to work in this class, I do have some preliminary and vague notions of
interest for future work.  Overall, I would like this semester to involve
the learning of computer software and other technology as a result of
studying conceptual notions of sound, space, energy, music, mind, and
reality. I have been inspired by the ideas of experimental composers such
as LaMonte Young, John Cage, David Tudor etc.  However,I haven't fully
explored their ideas and would like to incorpoarte them into my studies
for this class.  In particular, I am curious about the difference betweemn
noise and music.  Also, the sounds that are all around us and can be
really pleasant to hear iff augmented or distorted.  I have an
underdeveloped idea of having an installation that will create random or
not random sound that may or may not be considered music. Possibly there
could be a computer with music recording capabilities in which one person
records sound for a given length.  Then another person(either hears the
first part or doesn't) and records another part. Possibly with another
type of instrument or sound.  Eventually the composition of several
peoples collaborations could be listened to as a finished piece.  I would
also like to record and amplify either the participants themselves or the
computer sounds that are always present.  The space would be used to
create sound and also contribute sound on its own.  Iwould like it to
eventually somehow combine both of these aspects into some whole which
could be infinite.


From: Samantha Harte 
Cc: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Teamrocket's animation segment for the main project.

Theseus And the Minataur: 

The Animation aspect of the Teamrocket video game project.

The Fall semester was very nerve racking for me, I didn't really
accomplish what I originally planned to do.  My director originally wanted
me to attend this class to learn Flash Animation and possibly photoshop
and illustrator to help me be more of an asset to his animation company
and maybe for other studios when I move on from this job because Flash is
really being used a lot in Animation.  Unfortunately, the amount that I
learned about flash isn't enough for me to be of any use at other
animation studios.  Lifeforms and poser are also not used in the animation
industry.

So my main goal is to try and learn more about Flash and possibly about
Illustrator and Photoshop and work on my perspective and drawing skills so
that I can become a better animator.  I have talked with a few other
animators who are willing to take time from their jobs to teach me some of
the shortcuts of flash and that will help me out a lot and as soon as I
learn more about flash I will be able to put my animation skills to good
use for teamrocket's project.  I intend to learn about tweening,
perspective, timing, flippings, on models, character volume and mass
differences in animation and other essential elements for animation to
make the group project a very well animated game.  I intend to make this
game be the best animated game that I possibly can so that it can make my
director proud and have him believe that his money that he has spent to
pay for this class has not gone to waste.  I am his investment and I
intend to put his money to good use.

Questions and concerns:  I was concerned about animation programs...will
we be learning some this spring semester?  When I talked with Professor
Sharir before I started this class in August he mentioned programs like 3D
studio Max, 3D raydream, and USAnimation to me and I was curious if he
still intended to teach us a about these programs because these programs
are still being used in some game animation companies and would help out a
lot if we could learn them.  Another concern is with a conversation that I
had last semester that I've been pondering over this whole winter break.  
Professor Sharir and I talked a little about my animation and how it was
really nice but how he also wanted to see if I could create something that
could make the animation change with use of either light, the audience's
movement, or sound....and i can't even begin to think about how I'd do
that, I've asked a bunch of other animators at a couple different
companies to help me out with this but they just gave me weird looks and
said that I'd need to learn about electronics and when I talked to a
couple engineers they offered to build me a machine that could do that for
a price but I don't want to go that route because I don't feel that it
would teach me what I need to know to help out with the group project.  
Could someone put my mind at ease about that?  I dunno anything about
machines except email.  (sheepish grin)

My main resources will be my animator peers who have agreed to help me out
with my animation skills, they will help teach me perspective, about
movement, about how things change shape in space, and to make things flow
smoothly.  I will probably be investigating other companies' techniques of
animation to aid in our group project.

Mostly I will be using regular animator tools:  Paper, lots of pencils,
erasers, eraser shields, etc.  But as soon as I learn more about the
different programs I will try to incorporate the new information with the
sketches to try and make the animation convey the story in the way our
group feels necessary.  All of this is just a small part in the main group
project and will fit together to make the piece complete.

The final form of this part of the project will be incorporated into the
whole to become a game.  The animation will convey the characters "on
model"  throughout the game and will give the audience a subject to relate
to.  The audience will be seeing how the characters move and will be able
to manipulate the movements so that they can get the main character in and
out of the maze through the use of the "game engine" which the Teamrocket
leader will create.  The animation is just a small part of this project
but once it is fitted into the whole it will probably be a pretty good
game.


More Space Rocket Stuff Gee
Topics in Convergent Media: Space
Virtual Reality, Cyberspace and the Arts
Assignment One: Reflections

The Team
Homer Sanchez
Samantha Harte
Nestor Hernandez
Keduse Agonafer
Jason Mollner
Michael Agustin

Our Accomplishments 

We feel that we did a good job last semester, all things considering.  
The fact that we were able to organize ourselves so early in the semester
as well as our obvious interest in the project helped pull us through.  
After all, we don't consider ourselves as a professional game studio, but
then again, we shouldn't be, because we are students and we have other
obligations.  Thus we think we balanced everything out very well and
achieved everything that we were supposed to achieve at or above our
expectations.

We also believe that our diverse backgrounds and common interests helped
us go far.  Many of us had similar career goals and interests, yet we all
chose different paths to achieve those goals.  Our diversity allowed us to
bring together different experiences for working on this type of project.  
Through meetings we were able to quickly identify things we needed to do
in order to better communicate our ideas such as the Design Document, our
Mailing List, and our Project Site.

We feel that we are well under way with the conceptual portion of our
project. Though we had originally wished to create some content that we
could actually implement into our game, we feel we are still on track. Our
weekly meetings were a constant help in keeping everyone informed of our
progress and keeping up to date on our objectives.  Our website turned our
great, which makes our primary objective for the fall a successful one.

Our Goals 

Are obviously to finish our project. That includes getting all
of the coding, artwork, renders, music, and display done. We may have to
cut down on some of our original ideas; however, due to time constraints.
For this to be accomplished, we will need to work out our storyboard and
document every idea we feel would be in the project.

We would like to manifest everything that we did last semester in a real,
working game.  While we should follow the KISS philosophy (Keep It Simple
Stupid) due to the short amount of time that we have, we should not
sacrifice the integrity of out project.  We should concentrate on our core
elements of this project.  Of which the final goal is to have a full
working game that IS FUN TO PLAY.  All of the extra things like the
temple, the control panel, etc. are all extra, and while we should do them
and they are important, they are not a core part of what we are making,
and so they need to come second.

Our Concerns

Time.  We really need to get moving on this, yet at the same time we don't
have all that much time.  We have deliberated upon spending more time on
post-production (i.e. the temple construction, eye-candy, and the web
site). We could probably finish the temple architecture in a week at the
most. Moreover, we would like to devote more time to the main project to
add extra features or just in case we do need more time.

We feel we have all of the necessary areas covered in terms of skill set.
However, a few of us are concerned because of our specializations in our
particular areas. If one person finds an obstruction, in the sense of
creative flow, we may not have others that could help out.

The Resources

We will be taking conceptual ideas from projects similar to ours as
knowledge based resources.  These could answer a few of our questions such
as "How did this team get around this problem?" or "Why did they choose to
go this route rather than this one?"  Common places to find these resource
would be the library and online.  A few of us have played a few games from
which we could also draw from.

The Material & Technological Components

For the final project we will need a computer, at least two monitors,
speakers, wood, nails and other building materials. Other optional
equipment would be lights, smoke machine, and other aesthetic equipment.

The Description

Architectural Elements

   All that will be visible from the outside is a Greek temple-like
structure, along with a monitor on display, for passer-bys to observe.  
We will have the playable model in an enclosed space within the temple and
outfit the proximity of the space with speakers; so that the audio portion
becomes part of the experience.  We hope to have a proprietary input
device as our interface, which will be in front of the monitor.  And
possibly a Foghorn, or siren and lights, which will go off if the player
succeeds in defeating the Minotaur.

Interactive Elements

   The project itself will be as the website explained, an odyssey through
the Mycenean labyrinth of myth, home of the dreaded Minotaur. The
participant will have to traverse the labyrinth to find its secrets to get
out, however, the end will be a confrontation with the Minotaur. The
mechanics of the project will be mostly the character moving about the
static background, solving various puzzles in order to find a means of
escape.

Most of the interactive elements of our project is described in our
design document online.

Rated E

On Another Note : One of our new members, Keduse has also put in his two
cents for this class:

For the upcoming semester, I have several goals I wish to accomplish.  
First and foremost I would like to further develop myself in Internet and
media practices.  In this the information age, convergent media can be
both the head and heart of the world as it leads into a new era and we as
simultaneously students and developers of the new world must make the most
of it.

Secondly, I would like to accomplish a new understanding of the idea of
"Space" with regards to convergent media and how to manipulate that
concept for the development of future media.  In our early forms of
"virtual reality" and "cyberspace" that exist today, the world of
convergent media can be compared to a small egg with a developing chick
inside.  I feel it is our duty to break the world's shell and open our
"cyberspace" into its full potential.  Computers must no longer be the
only tools we use for access into this other plane.  Homes, vehicles,
active wear, all things must eventually play their part in advancing the
human race into a higher level of consciousness.  If convergent media is
the heart of the new world then "space" is most definitely the
imagination.

Last but not least, I would like to learn and become acquainted with all
the different software and hardware that the university has given us
access to. Not only to use it but also to learn how to develop it further
for the future.

 
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 11:32:06 -0600 (CST) 
From: Kaz Raad  
To: Space Community

Anger, No More Anger - Think about the Children !

Last semester's inspiration, which fed my motivation with sporadic and
fragmented ambitious moments was based around the theme of anger... As the
semester was unraveling and the panic button yearned for by more and more
of us in the class, my anger had faded out by at least two thirds of its
initial state. Yet, interested and still somewhat bitter, cynical and
sarcastic, I pursued into building this Anger Project, called Whipped
Anger.

The Anger project was an installation piece in which the individual was
plunged in a space of frustration, anger, and discomfort. Physicality of
constrained spaces, gloomy colors, freaky sounds montages and music,
darkness and disgusting images and sensations, all the elements of
different sensory realms were meant to induce anger and frustration and
discomfort. The mix of all physical senses under the constant oppression
offered by the installation induced eventually a profound disturbing
feeling on a moral level as well. I recall a few fierce commentaries. The
passage from a physical discomfort to a mental discomfort was often
attained, and glad fully so. If I have managed to turn some of the
physical discomforts into a moral disturbance, a nightmare, a dream, a
memory, or even simply an afterthought, then I consider having succeeded
at least partially in my creation.

The prototype consisted of precarious installation made with a little
budget. The materials I collected did not cost too much, and I used many
subterfuges to obtain most of this stuff (it's called survival of the
fittest). Building a massive structure out of these feeble elements was
quite an all the while tedious and enlightening experience. The weakness
of the primary materials and the lack of stability engendered by that,
along with merely burgeoning construction work skills led my angry mind to
a new conclusion. To compensate this inadequacy of premium supplies, I
judged necessary to overemphasize the amount of pictures and other
artifacts present within the installation. My eternal attention to detail
made me want to go astronomical in the number of thingies, doohickeys,
doodads, thingamabobs and gizmos. And yes, Clutter became overwhelming in
my opinion. Clutter was distracting.

As the time went by and as my project was taking form, along with more
recent experiences, I realized the unnecessary aspect of these artifacts
and cluttering objects. The review triggered these feelings in me, and
over the break I encountered several spaces that really affected my moods.
Some constrained Hallways make me feel even more angry than my project,
yet they are bare, simple and uncluttered. That was an important
discovery. I have decided to get closer to Architecture than other
discipline involved in this project. Sound is always my favorite, and I
will combine Sound and Space. But that's all.


From: Trey Bennett 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Dreamachine 2.0

DreamMachine??

In this second semester of "Convergent Media:  Space" I mainly plan to
seek out and eliminate the culprit who stole our Dreamachine.  The
Dreamachine was the culmination of a semester of my group, the
Spacemunkeez, precious time.  (There are many 12-step programs that deal
with Dreamachine addiction.)  Should the Dreamachine remain vanished other
arrangements must be made.

To continue our original plans another Dreamachine, Dreamachine 2.0, could
be created.  We could then arrange ways to demonstrate the Dreamachine
2.'s influence on viewers.  This could be done my displaying the
participants' brainwaves visually using an EEG.  We could then use the EEG
to control a midi synth, thus validating Dreamachine 2.0's effects
aurally.

At this time please refer to Our webpage

Or, my talents and concepts could be utilized in another project.  I'm a
SWM Sagittarius who likes long walks on the beach and collects r&b
accapellas on twelve-inch vinyl.  I'm seeking a semester long
relationship with like-minded individuals or group affairs.

Go 'Horns!


From: Jason Mollner 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: TEAM ROCKET PROPOSAL

Team Rocket More More

I am not sure if this is the correct list to post our proposals to because I 
have yet to suscribe to any list for F A 360.  If this is the wrong list 
will someone please tell me before I have to turn this in late...

I have joined Team Rocket as 2nd programmer and sound engineer.  As sound
engineer, I will be providing sound effects and, if I have time, I will be
composing the music for the project.  If I do not have time to compose the
music, I believe my team has already chosen a few songs by other musicians
to use.  As programmer, I will be assisting Mike in creating a 2d engine
with openGL.

I am hoping to create a totally immersive environment for the user with
the sound in our project.  I am going to put a speaker in each of the top
4 corners of the room that we are building for our project in order to
create 3-dimensional sound that will surround the user.  The 3d sound card
I have right now supports A3D, if anyone has experience with A3D, I would
love to spend an afternoon learning how to best take advantage of A3D
sound.

If I have time to compose for this project, I want to take some live
improv performances that I have recorded myself in and play with them on
the computer to give them a more mythological feel so that they will fit
with the game.  Again, if time permits, I may even give these compositions
a 3d feel as well because I have always been interested in working with
more than the standard two channels of stereo music.

Since Mike is the lead programmer for TeamRocket, I am simply going to
follow his lead and try to learn as much as I can along the way.  I expect
that most of my work will be doing what Mike doesn't have time to work on
himself.


From: Adam Armentor 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Adam Armentor, Assignment 1

Dream Space and the Bending Universe

Thinking upon the lines of this class's focus has been harder than
expected.  This may be because I get a bit lost in the technology, and ny
ideas wander.  But after thinking explicitly about the concepts of space
and relationships between bodies and objects, I've decided to focus on
creating an environmental installation aimed at assaulting physiological,
and some psychological, equilibrium.

The space will be sultry and inviting using dream imagery and subtle
design.  The intent is to create a surreal, dream-like environment, and
while the spectator innocently appreciates the campy installation, s/he is
barraged with various apparati designed to affect or alter consciousness
and the feeling of peace with one's environment.  These apparati will be
in the forms of binaural tones and strobe lighting, and may further
include humidity, odor/aroma, location-sensitive switches on various
lighting or sound effects, set movement, etc.  I expect to induce feelings
of discomfort accompanied by nausea with limited vomiting.

To expand a bit on the topic of set movement, I wanted a fixed floor
surface, but at a given cue, I wanted the walls around the space to move.  
The spectator/subject's brain should be taken off guard and thus not able
to compute the physical feelings triggered by the visual effect of the
walls moving in relation to the body's own balncing mechanisms.  There
should also be a limited amount of actual enclosue so that the
spectator/subject feels mildly threatened or violated.  These things will
require the most work in order to pull off effectively.

Otherwise, I'll need some research on dream imagery and architectural
design, some electronics configuration, and a grant for materials.


From: Amanda Bendon 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: For your spatial consideration#1

Amanda's Stuff
Status: Free Agent
 
Short Description of topics covered:
1. reality and virtuality
    :sound
    :vision
2. cognitive psychology/ mystery of consciousness
  -substances
     :antidepressents
     :depressents
     :illegal
3. technology
 
Personal Rants:  The beginning point for me this semester is in learning
how to utilize all of the wonderous technologies all around me. I am
taking this time to set aside my rebellious attitude toward technology and
learn how to do something! to CREATE! I want to begin with by learning
more about Flash perhaps, action script and learning Dreamweaver.  In the
last 10 hrs. I have come into a laptop and rrunner so, I guess as they say
the sky is the limit...pretty cheesy... I'm planning to start off at the
the very beginning and work my way up to an intermediete level.
Interested? Lets motivate eachother in times of frustration!!
 
Detailed project Idea:
 
Using a Dreammachine is not the only way of showing how people have tried
to mimic an altered state of consciousness
     Dreammachine 2.001----  souped up, what would it have become if
socially accepted and mass produced up to this point from the time of its
conception...
Adding sound, sppeed, graphics...etc. Perhaps themed Dreammachines
  - Possible themes (create your dream...hypnotism)
        : personal
        : self-help
        : euphoria
Lets put this into perspective:
 
2001:  The time we live in, a new president, a .com depression, let downs,
and personal communications obsessions. goal: Find out how to utilize the
new dreammachine physically and virtually in such a way its creations are
fully loaded messages ready to be distributed to others. through-
   email
   sound
   cell phone
   instant message
   flash movie
   photography
   art
   whatever
 
needed:
building a dreammachine
utilizing technology
dreammachine interface
music engineering
research on 2001
 
interviews after exposure:
a. young
b. old
c. poor
d. rich
e. apathetic ( sorry had ta throw that one in)
 
Hope this makes sense!! If not email me, we will chat, find out more,
Lets make this thing as real as possible.
 
Thanks for your consideration
I'll be figuring out my laptop now.:)


From: Craig Burk 
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Assignment 1

Sorry

	I am sorry that I did not posted this earlier.  In this class I
hope to learn the programs that are on the computers that will help me and
my group develop a good project.  I talked to a couple of the other new
additions to the class and we kind of decided to form a group.  We came up
with the idea of a interactive universe.  So I spend this past weekend on
the computer learning how the use some of the programs that would help us
make an interactive medium.
	I did not know how the other group members of mine where think of
doing this project.  My idea was to make an interactive movie.  The person
would come in the room that we made and sit down in front of a control
deck.  Made like a space ship.  Each button on the deck would make the
movie do something different.  First I thought that it would start by the
person starting the engines and then pushing on the gas.  the space ship
would take off and then get to outer space and then you would be able to
choose which planet you wanted to go to and push that auto pilot button.  
Some other features would be eject and abort.
	An idea that I came up with on my own was an interactive trash
can.  It would use a scale to tell you when the can was full.  It would
also use a magnetic alarm sensor to say thank you when so one opened the
flap to throw away any trash.  Not only would it say thank you and please
throw away your trash. It would also use visually words, with lights
behind them.

Craig