Media

Given my limited free time, and my affinity for spending it offline, I rarely keep up with the seemingly billions of posts, rants, editorials, etcetera that are tirelessly flying around the Internet. But, last night I landed at 02138 and actually read (do people do that?) Poking Facebook.

First off, it’s a magazine about Harvard alumni, and while you’d expect accolades and back-rubs, the few articles I read were scathing and exposing. Regardless of the overall tone, which I’m not one to judge because I literally read only two articles, the story of Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook origins is fascinating. Not just because it involves controversy that is still being debated in court, but because of the collaborative academic culture that spawned the social network.

Secondly, I’m quite fascinated with this whole social networking craze. Being an active participant who realizes the power of connectivity, both for the networks and their participants, I’m a bit weary of corporate integration, data-mining, and other profitable byproducts of huge social groups relinquishing very personal information with ignorant disregard.

Also, as a designer, the article offers some insight into how a great idea can be hijacked and executed to the tune of billions with a “b”. While it’s unfortunate for those who “got royally screwed,” it’s also a reminder that the web is still a wild, dynamic environment, where new ideas continue to emerge and forge huge shifts in the cultural landscape.

02138 - Poking Facebook

Daredevil skater William Spencer has been courted by MTV to develop a show based off of his Youtube uploads. We can understand why, and kudos for breaking in the front door, but what the hell are skaters gonna have to do to top him? (Think you’ve seen it all before, wait till the end.)

A special delivery from Burgerworld Media arrived today. What’s the auditory equivalent of licking your lips? I don’t know, but I think it just happened.

Friday’s morning show on 105FM received a caller with an enlightened observation, that Hawaiian language is ‘real’ and effective in the most modern settings, especially high school football. Go Anuenue! Via Soultree

Great image of Oahu from space, check the wing of the Space Shuttle in the lower corner. NASA has more where this came from, here. Ever wonder how the military view sunsets? If so, this gallery is for you.

We’re in the business of Identity here at ASWS, but sometimes you just gotta sit back and take notes from the masters. Who knew ‘phat’ meant that (hey! I’m freestyling.)

update: I guess I’m the only one who didn’t know this. I’ve lost my street cred, do we still use cred? Peeps, does this stand for something too? I’m so not l33t.