Brainstorming Berlin

I am still unsure of which research focus I'd like to take, however, here are some ideas...

1.) NATIONAL IDENTITY
- How are Berliners attempting to create a national identity? (Soccer, Medical Research & Technology...)
- What kinds of tensions are preventing a national identity? (East & West, Germans & Jews, immigrants etc.)

2.) YOUTH PERCEPTION
- How do the youth feel about Germany's history?
- Does history play any role in their daily lives?
- What kinds of changes do they want to see in Germany?

3.) NEO-NAZI
- Although this subject was described as creepy and depressing in class, I am very interested in this party. What exactly do they want? How are they perceived by Germans? How can they sit as government leaders? What kinds of plans are they making? etc. etc.

Rethinking Thinking

"TO CHARACTERIZE PEOPLE BY THE DIFFERENT THINGS THEY MAKE IS TO MISS THE UNIVERSALITY OF HOW THEY CREATE (p11)."

I have always wondered how the great mathematicians came up with their mind-blowing formulas or how engineers developed the innovative technology that we have. However, I was never awed by how artists came up with an idea for their paintings. I was not intrigued by the thought process of artists, because I knew that they created artwork based on feelings, emotions, and instinct. After reading this excerpt, however, I realize that scientists are the same way. Despite their mathematic brilliance, they are also driven by the same feelings and intuition. The common discourse of science is that no emotions are involved, only logic.
This perspective that math, art, words, etc are only a medium to communicate thoughts and internal feelings is an uncommon one. Yet it definitely makes geniuses like Einstein appear a lot more human.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

A ballet interpretation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was the perfect performance to observe how a story can be told without words. The dancers were forced to use facial expressions, body language, and of course the music to tell the tale of three couples.
The scenes with the two couples (Hermia & Lysander and Helena & Demetrius) were very well crafted in the dance to show that they were either in love, or not in love. When Hermia cries, the dancer covers her face and throws her body forward to represent mourning.
Even comic relief was portrayed through dance by the character, Puck. His hilarious expressions and awkward body movements immediately revealed to the audience Puck's goofy spirit.
I thought it was very interesting when the set brought out a huge spider web and spider. This occured during the scene of chaos when Puck accidentally confuses the love spell. The spider web was purposely staged because it alludes to the bad. Since the story takes place in the forest, it was a reasonable and clever idea to set the mood with a gigantic spider.
Overall, I really enjoyed the ballet. I loved how the PNB was able to tell Shakespeare's story without taking away the focus on dancing. The many solos and duets showcased very, very envious ballet skills. (Did you notice their huge, muscular calves?? :D)

PIONEER SQAURE: the residence of Seattle's ghosts...

When reflecting back on the history of Seattle, the first place that comes to mind is Pioneer Square. This is the location where the city of Seattle was first founded and developed by men such as Henry Yesler and Arthur Denny. Two of the streets in Pioneer Square are named Yesler Way and Denny Way. Also, if you look closely at on the buildings, Denny's name is still engraved on the front.
Just as Potsdamer Platz in Berlin had two ghosts, one in the 1920s and another in the 1930s, Pioneer Square has had two identities. These identities are divided by the Great Seattle fire of 1889. Pioneer Square represents both the failures and successes of Seattle. The underground railroad is still open to the public today to experience the time prior to this fire.

Also, a more contemporary monument is the Space Needle. People worldwide can recognize the space needle and relate it to the city of Seattle. Although not of any necessary function, the space needle symbolizes Seattle and is a must-see tourist attraction.

Even in the popular show "Grey's Anatomy" most of the scenes are shot in North Hills, California. However, the audience can set the story in Seattle in their minds because of one shot of the space needle in the opening.

Montage Reflection

When Shanga told the groups to meet back in 3 minutes, I thought he was joking. All five of us had to direct a montage composition of our most memorable moment. It was tough to get the ball rolling without introducing ourselves first. So, that was the first thing to eat up time. Another challenge was that our group was not very outgoing. However, when a one-minute warning was announced, the tires began to spin.
The Viewpoints Book mentioned the importance of allowing the right amount of time. It advised to set a constricted amount of time and to lengthen as needed (without removing "exquiiste pressure.") Such pressure really helped ideas to flow more efficiently. People began to speak out and get creative after they realized the time crunch. It is fascinating how the best ideas come when there is a limited amount of time. Everyone's composition was very different in idea, structure, and feeling. The authors mentioned that in theater, what the audience hears should differ from the visuals. My understanding of this concept was enhanced after the montage performances. I was amazed at the creativity my peers brought to the table, despite the majority being science majors. =D