Twitter used by our Founding Fathers?

I saw this comic, and thought it was pretty darn hilarious. These kind of comics use a lot of exaggeration in terms of social media use, but in it’s own way captures some of the downside of social media use as well.

Proper citations! This comic was illustrated by Kiersten Essenpreis, a New York-based artist. Obviously was written for Mashable which has a series of these kind of comics. This one happened to be the funniest. Great job Kiersten. Look forward to more!

By the way Clean Cut Media has it’s own twitter account, follow us! == Follow @cleancutmedia

• Let us know if you found that funny!
• Then visit some of other funny twitter video links below!

Related posts:

1. Viral Video: ‘Twouble with Twitter’ & Flutter the New Twitter
2. Twitter Statistics: Visitor Growth
3. How is Twitter Doing? What is it For!

Google Chrome Speed Test Videos in Slow Motion

Couple weeks ago, Google came out with a video that demonstrates the speed of it’s latest Chrome web browser. Why is it posted here on Clean Cut Media? Because we like to highlight videos that are well-made or are just simply clever. It needs to be Clean Cut of course.

In case anyone is interested. Google Chrome uses a JavaScript engines called V8 that is extremely fast. This new beta is reported to be about 35% faster than the previous. The previous in my experience is easily the faster browser out there, followed by Safari, then Firefox. I don’t even bother with Internet Explorer – it’s unbelievably slow.

Google Chrome – Speed Test Video

Opera’s Spoof

Always smart to let a competitor spend a lot of money on promotion, then piggyback off of it by making fun of it or challenging it.

Also I always tell people how hilarious it would be to suddenly slap someone with a fish. Yes!

Making Of Google Speed Test

For you film geeks. Fun stuff.

• 2700 frames per second
• Pyrotechnics Expert
• Ballistics Expert

Short Videos & Short Films

All the recent posts have been about heavy topics, so here is a breather both for the artists out there as well as the casual video viewer. I’ve put together links to a few well made (and of course Clean Cut) short videos & short films. I’ve only included ones you may have not seen. So no pixar shorts!

Short videos are very difficult to create because the producer needs to sum up a quick story within a very short time frame usually around 1:30-2 minutes. Short films can range anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes. To develop a story, create the right mood and have character development in such a short period takes much planning and creativity. Below are some of the excellent short films & videos I’ve ran across in the past.

Distraxion – Short Video

Check out this awesome animation short video called Distraxion. Very clever and well made. All the story is developed in 1 minute and 48 seconds. Very entertaining.

Signs – Short Film

2009 Cannes Lions Winner. I really enjoyed this short film. The main characters don’t say a single word throughout the film. I love how it really highlights the monotony of life. I had wanted to make a film similar to this (but more serious, without the love twist). This film is 12 minutes and 12 seconds. Despite a lack of words, the music and shots are done well to create a sense of buildup. The story develops well throughout. (One character does make an inappropriate joke though.)

The Black Hole – Short Film

I had written a whole postings on the subtle messages that can be gleaned from this short. Check it out here: The Black Hole – Underestimating the Subtle Power of Desire.

If you like the soundtrack of this film you can purchase it here

Kiwi – Short Video

A very touching little short. Very entertaining, though the ending makes you really wonder about this particular Kiwi’s life and end.

My Name is Lisa – Short Film

I have mixed feelings about this video. On one hand, it is not a very well made video. Nothing fancy, very simple. Not much of a deep development. However it’s a clear and simple depiction into, well you’ll see.

Hey readers, I have feelings to. Spare a minute and share your thoughts!
(I should make a short film about the blogger’s work)

• Tell us what you thought about the videos!
• Which one was your favorite?
• Which one had the best message?
• Which one had the most interesting message?
• Which one was the most well done?
• Which one touched your heart the most? Why?

Related posts:

1. Black Hole Short Film – Underestimating the Subtle Power of Desire
2. Creativity: Great Little 3D CG Short Film – Oktapodi
3. Children See, Children Do. Media & Parents

What is HDR Photography?

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. The purpose is to extend the dynamic range of digital imaging technologies. What does that mean? It means the range of color and what is visible to the normal eye is shown and mixed together using a variety of exposure shots. As a result you get beautiful pictures with very fine detail top to bottom, normally unseen through normal photography techniques.

We will post an explanation and tutorial on HDR photography on a later post! For now enjoy these 15 Beautiful HDR photos. Let us know what you think in the comments section!

Beautiful, Stunning HDR Photography & Images

HDR Photography Images: Town Garden Shop
The beauty of HDR photography is the ability to reveal the fine details of a photo. This shot is a wonderful example as you can see the fine cracks in walkway and the worn wood walls of the doorway. Also notice the fine details in the plants and the clouds. Overall an amazing picture.

HDR Photography Images: Festival at Viña del Mar
Another amazing HDR Photo. I love the details found in the details of old buildings. I also love the way HDR captures the intricacies of different cloud formations.

HDR Photography Images: Ominous Barn
Another awesome HDR photo. Love the details in the clouds and in the high grass.

HDR Photography Images: Cathedral Windows
HDR Photography seems magical because the utilization of multiple exposures allows the details to shine out from the shadows. Notice all the small details on the walls in the shadows of this room. It also allows details to be crisp where normally it would be too bright such as the intricate windows. All is seen in one HDR photograph. Wonderful.

HDR Photography Images: City Town Landscape
Another beautiful HDR photograph. Love the colors and the sunset.

HDR Photography Images: Old Bike on Pier
I love HDR pictures with antique objects. Beautiful colors, detailed wood pier and the rusty old bike.

HDR Photography Images: Old Boat on Beach
Check out the details of the sand and clouds on this fantastic HDR picture. Very surreal.

HDR Photography Images: Death Desert Landscape
Another detailed HDR Photo. Check out the detailed dry grass on the plains, the shapes of the cloud, the close up details of the skull and wagon wheel. Notice the rainbow! Awesome.

HDR Photography Images: Classic Car Closeup
I love the vivid colors of this HDR photograph. The bright green of the grass and shrubbery next to the car. The contrasting blues and whites of the skies. The gradient fade on the old classic car.

HDR Photography Images: Old House
HDR photography really shines when there is a lot of details to notice. This run down old house is a perfect example, there is so much intricate detail here that suddenly this old house is turned into a work of art. Beautiful!

HDR Photography Images – Green Tree Field
Another stunning HDR Photograph. Look at the details of grass. The colors are just simply amazing. Makes me want to run through it!

HDR Photography – Thompson Falls New Hampshire
I love photos with moving water and vivid colors. I love it even more when HDR techniques allows the small details in the trees and in the rocks jump out. Amazing.

HDR Photography Images – Beach Shore
A seemingly normal beach photo, but wait, notice the details of the sand and the waves. HDR at work!

HDR Photography Images – Lighthouse
Another beautiful HDR photograph. Look at the details in the rocks beneath the lighthouse. You can’t capture that with the amount of light coming from the left without utilizing some exposure techniques. Thus is HDR.

HDR Photography Images – Water House
Stunning HDR Photograph. Love the dark, mysteriousness of the mood. The fog, tall trees, and the empty little room. Wonderful.

Let us know what you think about HDR Photography

Hope you enjoyed these. I have a whole collection of these and hope to post these up periodically in the future. I will also eventually post a tutorial on how to do HDR photographs.

• Let us know what you think about HDR photography!
• Which one was your favorite?
• Were you aware that such techniques existed?

See More Photography Art at our Facebook Page: HDR Photography Facebook Pictures

Related Posts
Incredible 3D Chalk Street Art
Awesome 3D Building Art

The users here at Clean Cut Media really enjoyed looking at the 3D Chalk Art postings in the past. Here is the 3rd installment of these wonderful 3D Chalk Art. These 3D artworks are amazing. Check them out. If you missed on the first two installements the links are at the bottom!

3D Chalk Art Butterfly by Julian Beever

Simply amazing. How is that not real. I imagine myself sliding my hands beneath the butterfly to see if it is really afloat.

3D Chalk Art Butterfly

3D Chalk Art – Waterfall by Julian Beever at Madrid

If I was walking by and saw this waterfall I would be instantly drawn in and delighted to discover it is actually a piece of art. Think about the careful angle calculations that were involved in making this happen.

3D Chalk Art - Waterfall by Julian Beever at Madrid

3D Chalk Art – Laptop – Julian Beever

I can imagine someone trying to steal this laptop when no one is looking, only to discover how foolish they look.

3D Chalk Art - Laptop - Julian Beever

3D Chalk Art – Mirror Image

Here Julian Beever actually draws himself. Which one is the real one? Well it’s easy to tell, none the less pretty amazing. Reminds me of that one music video “take on me” where half of the video was in drawn format.

3D Chalk Art - Mirror Image

3D Chalk Art – Hole of the Dead

Don’t want to be walking next to this hole in the ground. Scary stuff. They should have a real person lie there and grab people as they walk by. Excellent…

This piece is by Kurt Wenner. Some info relayed by one of our readers. (thanks Ann!)

“Kurt is an American-born artist who spent time studying and training in the methods of classical Italian art, which can be seen in the style of his drawings. As a result I think his style is appreciably different from Beever’s.”

3D Chalk Art - Hole of the Dead

Julian Beever at Copenhagen – 3D Chalk Art

Julian Beever is way to lose to the edge! I hope he didn’t fall over and hurt himself! Amazing he can draw from so far up!

Enjoy those?

Check out the previous installments here!

• 3d Chalk Art Part I
• 3d Chalk Art Part II
• 3D Building Chalk Art Special

Which one is your favorite? Let us know below! Don’t be a lurker now…

Follow Clean Cut Media @CleanCutMedia Twitter!

For those new to Clean Cut Media, here we like to post not only the latest news and commentary on media influence and social issues, but also post wonderful pieces of art and media that are clean and well done. Occasionally we also post videos that went viral so we could be a source in which to keep up with the latest viral video.

See this beautiful piece of music below. If you appreciate music, it will knock your socks off. Such a beautiful things to hear.

Love Story (Taylor Swift) Meets Viva La Vida (Coldplay)

Piano: Jon Schimdt
Cellist: Steven Nelson (cellist)

This arrangement was created by Jon Schimdt’s for his daughter. His daughter loved the song “Love Story” by Taylor Swift especially a particular transition in the song. Jon Schimdt thought it would transition really well with Viva La Vida by Coldplay so he created this arrangement.

Oren Lavie – Her Morning Elegance

From the album “The Opposite Side of the Sea”, released in March 2009. This song is titled “Her Morning Elegance”. This video is a very artistic use of stop motion utilizing a bed as the frame and bed items as the everyday object. Just play the video below and see what I mean.

Related posts:

1. Creativity: Toshiba Timesculpture Advertisement Video
2. Black Hole Short Film – Underestimating the Subtle Power of Desire
3. The Short Film List – Distraxion, Signs, Black Holes & Kiwis

Children Influencing Culture through Media?

We always talk about media influencing children and culture, but how about children influence culture through media!?

A creative speech video that has been making the rounds a few months ago is the video of a young Canadian 12 year old Lia who chose the topic of abortion as her topic for a school speech contest. Her teacher wanted her to pick a different topic but she chose to continue. As you’ll see below she was an excellent speaker and crafted her arguments with thought and strategy.

“What if I told you that right now, someone was choosing if you were going to live or die?”

“What if I told you that this choice wasn’t based on what you could or couldn’t do, what you’d done in the past or what you would do in the future? And what if I told you, you could do nothing about it?”

“Fellow students and teachers, thousands of children are right now in that very situation. Someone is choosing without even knowing them whether they are going to live or die.”

“That someone is their mother. And that choice is abortion.”

Lia’s mother initially tried to help her find other topics but Lia was adamant because it was a topic she was passionate on.

Though her principal and teachers thought she was clearly the winner, her abortion speech was initially disqualified due to the controversial topic of abortion. There was a disagreement among the judges then one voluntarily stepped down because she did not want to cast her vote due to the topic. The rest of the judges then reversed their decision and declared Lia the winner advancing her to the regionals. (That one judge must have held a lot of power!).

She did not win the regional contest despite an apparently flawless delivery. The pro-life video has now accumulated over 500,000+ views on youtube though comments were disabled due to the hateful comments directed at the young little girl.

Though she lost the speech contest, her and her family were able to celebrate what they deemed the “best trophy ever” when a person who saw the video, then decided not to abort her child. In one of the comments someone mentioned that her aunt saw the video and decided not to have an abortion.

“Why do we think that just because a fetus can’t talk or do what we do, it isn’t a human being yet?” She asks in the video. “Some babies are born after only five months. Is this baby not human?

“We would never say that. Yet abortions are performed on 5-month-old fetuses all the time. Or do we only call them humans if they’re wanted?”

Please keep comments civil.

Related posts:

1. Obama Pro-life Abortion Video?
2. No, Mr. President: John Piper’s Response to President Obama on Abortion
3. There is Media, then there is Reality – Abortion

3D Building Chalk Art

Following are some incredible 3D Building Art drawn on the side of buildings and other large structure. The 3D paintings look fantastically real forcing those passing by to stop and gaze in awe, of course if they even notice it!

I’ve also added one more 3D Chalk Art below due to it’s popularity on this site. Enjoy!

3D Building Art – Building Tunnel

3D Building Art - Building Tunnel

This 3D Building Art is by far the most intricate and my favorite. Amazing details and the depth of the 3D work is quite amazing. If I had a car I would probably drive into the wall and get seriously injured. Be grateful you saw it here first!

3D Building Art – Oceanside Pool

3D Building Art - Oceanside Pool

This is what you do to make your pool look like the greatest pool there ever was. Look at that awesome ocean view! I want to swim there!

3D Building Art – Building Archway

3D Building Art - Building Archway

Another picture I am thankful I saw here before seeing it live. If I had friends I would say, look at that amazing view, I’ll race you to it! Then proceed to watch my friend run straight into the wall. That would be cruel, your evil.

3D Building Art – Building Archway Waterfall

3D Building Art - Building Archway Waterfall

I know what you are thinking evil man. What people do for entertainment…

3D Building Art – Building Ripped Open

3D Building Art - Building Ripped Open

My Other Favorite. Wish I had this in my college campus. Just incredible 3D Building Art if I ever saw one. They should paint the inside too so it looks like you are looking out.

3D Building Art – Tunnel of Barrels

3D Building Art - Tunnel of Barrels

This is also drawn on the side of a wall. I can imagine people walking up to it to see what is going on.

Some More 3D Chalk Art

3d Chalk Art by Kurt Wenner

- Another amazing street artist known for his Baroque religious themes and surrealism. His art is often tied to classical themes specific to myths and allegories. Wenner is an architectural designer in Europe and in the US. One example of his work below.

3D Building Art – Reflection of Church – Kurt Wenner

3D Building Art - Reflection of Church - Kurt Wenner

3D Building Art – Reflection of Church Closeup – Kurt Wenner

3D Building Art - Reflection of Church Closeup - Kurt Wenner

3d Chalk Art by Edgar Mueller

Edgar Mueller – 3D Chalk Art – Riverstreet River Waterfall

- Another brilliant 3D Chalk street artist. Nearly 1000 Square feet, this Mural takes up an entire block. Brilliant 3D Artwork.

3D Chalk Art - Riverstreet River Waterfall - Edgar Mueller

3D Chalk Art - Riverside River Waterfall - Edgar Mueller

Please come back and see the poll votes! I also have a grip of 3D Wall Art I will eventually post as well! Also if you haven’t visit our 3D Chalk Art posts links below!

Click Below to See More Incredible Chalk Art!

• 3d Chalk Art Part I
• 3d Chalk Art Part II
• 3d Chalk Art Part III

Follow Clean Cut Media @CleanCutMedia Twitter!

The Long Awaited! 3D Chalk Art in the Streets Part II!

This batch of 3D Chalk art is even more amazing then the ones you saw in the previous post. Huge list of amazing pictures below. Pick your favorite at vote at the bottom!

3D Chalk Art – Batman & Robin

- How in the World…

3D Chalk Art - Batman

3D Chalk Art – Prison Hole

- Someone help them!

3D Chalk Art - Prison Hole

3D Chalk Art – Dive Plank

- Looks refreshing!

3D Chalk Art - Dive Plank

3D Chalk Art – Fountain Pipes

- Don’t slip now!

3D Chalk Art - Fountain

3D Chalk Art – Hole Slide Pole

- Looks pretty fun down there

3D Chalk Art - Hole Slide

3D Chalk Art – Art Hose to Drain

- This has to be real

3D Chalk Art - Art Hose

3D Chalk Art – Playing with Puddles

- I want to touch it

3D Chalk Art - Boat Puddle

Which one is your favorite? Vote Below. [Pick 2]
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Click Below to See More Incredible Chalk Art!

• 3d Chalk Art Part I
• 3d Chalk Art Part III
• 3D Building Chalk Art Special

Follow Clean Cut Media @CleanCutMedia Twitter!

3D Chalk Art in the Streets Part I

This is the first of four posts highlighting the beautiful 3D chalk art of Julian Beever. Julian is famous for his incredible 3D chalk art he draws in the streets. It is carefully drawn at incredible angles so that when the viewer stands in front of it, the art looks like it jumps off the street completely in 3D. His 3D chalk art is often drawn in long stretches of pavement. It is hard to make out what is is supposed to be from the back or the sides but from the front you can’t help but be awed by the artwork. I do not know if all the artwork posted below is Julian’s work but I know most of it is. Enjoy! Many more below the jump. Vote for your favorite!

3D Chalk Art – Coke Bottle – Unbelievable!

3D Chalk Art - Coke Bottle

A very simple 3D Chalk Art piece, but none the less very clear and amazing. Making me thirsty!

3D Chalk Art – Shark – Scary!

3D Chalk Art - Shark

Ok don’t be scared. This 3D Chalk Art Shark is pretty awesome. Might startle some bystanders.

3D Chalk Art – Cityscape – What in the World am I looking at!

3D Chalk Art - City Scape

Now this is just amazing. 3D Chalk Art at its finest. This cityscape 3D piece covers such a huge area. I am guessing many did double takes trying to figure out what they were looking at!

3D Chalk Art – Brick Hole – Careful, under construction!

3D Chalk Art - Brick Hole

Simple 3D piece, but very fun. Notice the guy walking around it.

3D Chalk Art – Man Fall in Hole – AHH! Watch out!

3D Chalk Art - Man Falling in Hole

Great looking 3D Chalk Hole, too bad the people don’t look so realistic. But still simply amazing.

Example of what the chalk art looks like from a different angle. It just looks like a stretched drawing, hard to make out….

3D Chalk Art - River Angled

When looking at the art from the correct angle. Magic.

3D Chalk Art - River Rafting

Just appreciate it. Wonderful. A feast for the eyes for any artist.

Making Of – See this Transformer 3D Chalk Art being Drawn over a span of a week.

Which one is your favorite?
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Click Below to See More Incredible Chalk Art!

• Clean Cut Media – 3D Chalk Art Part II
• Clean Cut Media – 3D Chalk Art Part III
• Clean Cut Media – 3D Building Chalk Art Special

Follow Clean Cut Media @CleanCutMedia Twitter!

It’s that time of the year again. Superbowl! Though most people don’t care too much about who wins the big game, everyone wants a reason to get together and enjoy some good food and good company.

Another tradition of the Superbowl is the million dollar TV commercials in between the coverage. Advertisers spend several million dollars and pour hundreds of man hours try to capitalize on the large Superbowl viewer base. Due to the expensive nature of these TV Commercials, these TV advertisements get critiqued and scrutinized on how creative and effective each spot is. Hundreds of articles and top ten lists discuss how good or bad each Superbowl TV Commercial was. Hundreds of sites will take polls and stream every Superbowl TV ad to be viewed again and again long after the game is done. But what about the cleanliness of the ad? How about ethics?

No one seems to scrutinize the fact that with each successive Superbowsl many companies are throwing up more classless, sex focused ads that are completely inappropriate for adults let alone teenagers or children who may be watching the game. A good test is whether or not you would be comfortable watching such an ad with your own child or in front of your parents.

My biggest gripe has been the advertiser’s attempts to gain attention by coming out with more promiscuous, blatantly attention grabbing ads that talk very little about the product itself rather just aims to draw attention to itself. There are particular companies who are expected to come out with ridiculously inappropriate ads every year just so everyone will talk about it. Unfortunately we have come to a time where there is no outcry over the type of images being shown in these commercials.

• Have you noticed that the boundaries of what is taboo is being stretched every year?
• Do you feel any sense of problem with the level of promiscuity in these commercials? or feel they are ok the way they are?

Don’t get me wrong, there has been a history of well done commercials which remain classy, clean and very creative. My concern is the general trend of where media is heading and how the standards have been lowered year after year.

You will of course, find no such ads here. But for your enjoyment below are a few Superbowl TV commercial ads that has found creativity without having to compromise on message or ethics for that matter.

Tide – Talking Stain Superbowl TV Commercial
The Talking Stain. A very clever TV commercial highlighting the distractions of a strain during a business interview.

FedEx Pigeon Superbowl TV Commercial

Cars.com – Ring of Fire Superbowl TV Commercial

Etrade – Talking Baby Superbowl TV Commercial

Careerbuilder.com – Celebration

Related posts:

1. Creativity: Leave Nothing Nike Commercials
2. Are Superbowl Ads Not Good for Kids?
3. Creativity: Classic Honda TV Commercial

 

 

Electrabel Happy New Year TV Spot

Can you believe the picture above is made with small tiny tea candles? Amazing.

A company called Electrabel, a Belgium based energy company created this TV spot to wish a Happy New Year to their customers. The light show effects are done using small tea candles transforming an underground car park the attic area of one of the production company’s (CZAR) office locations, into a night sky full of cityscapes, fireworks, stars and other beautiful images.

This video was done in Famous, Brussels by creative director Christophe Ghewy, art director Nicholas France, agency producer Lander Engels, copywriter Oliver Roland and shot by Director Raf Wathion with producer Fred Vranchken and executive producer Ruben Goots.

The video utilizes 288,000 Candles and 1,600 Photos.
See the Videos below!

The Making Of Electrabel Happy New Year Candle Light Show Video

What do you think of these spots? Comment below!

Related Spots:
Creative MasterCard & NBA Commercials – Very Creative
Nokia N96 Bruce Lee Ping Pong Nun Chuck Commercial – Pretty Cool!
Toshiba Timesculpture Advertisement Video – Incredible
American Airline & Holiday Inn TV Spots – Very Funny

Related posts:

1. Creativity: Clever Play on Words – Commercial Video
2. Creativity: Toshiba Timesculpture Advertisement Video
3. Creativity: Great Little 3D CG Short Film – Oktapodi