What I Learned Today.

Never imagined that my new zealand graphic design history tutor would be googling what black people look like as part of lecture. (Okay, I can explain.  She was talking about how Obama has more "white" features than African American...see this photo: http://bit.ly/IpxGiZ)

Today we discussed the Art-Nouveau period (late 1800's - early 1900's) and it's influences, such as Japanese wood block printing, Chinese calligraphy, Celtic manuscripts, yadda yadda yadda.

I was particularly amused by the Art-Nouveau artist, Jules Cheret because, according to Lynn, or Meggs, or whatever, he was the liberator of the modern woman.  Because he depicted images of women *gasp!* smoking cigarettes!  And wearing dresses that *gasp!* showed ankle!  So I got a kick out of that.

After lunch Lynn was tired about Art-Nouveau-whatever, so we shared cool things on youtube instead!  I thought I'd throw them on here a) so I don't forget, b) so you can have a good laugh/cry/wtf-moment.

Forgetfulness, a poem by Billy Collins.  Kind of depressing.  Cool animation, though.  And well-written.

Len Lye.....he paints directly on the film and makes cool videos like this:

Why America is.....yeah this one has swearing.  But Graphic Designers generally appreciate this.

Google - don't be evil!  (whatever, I'm not gonna stop using youtube or blogspot or google chrome or google maps or....yeah) *Also, if you weren't aware, there is a bit of a rivalry between NZ and Australia.  After watching this video someone said, "I don't like her accent." Well what accent is it? "Australian." Of course.  I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference.  I'M SORRY I'M SORRY.

A ridiculous ad about immigration and global warming. 

Barack Obama slow jams the news with Jimmy Fallon.

That's how we got onto the whole Obama subject.

Aaaaaand that's what I learned today at school Mom and Dad!