Altered Photos

Digitally altered photographs are changed for many different reasons, and not necessarily just to hide flaws, which is why I am interested in the photo from the 1934 Berliner paper that shows a man flying on a contraption that supposedly only needs lung power. The man "flying" (or standing in a position to fly) was probably added into the picture of the men running. It was run in the April Fools' Edition, presumably, as a joke. It definitely seems like a comical picture many of us would laugh at today, but the time period must be taken into account. It would be interesting to find out how many people did not consider the possibility that the photo was altered, because the average person has much more knowledge of the advanced technology we use today. In this particular instance I don't think the alteration was harmful, because it was meant as a joke and the most damage that it could do was spur the question "Where can I get one of these things?" and some more laughs. One instance of a more severe consequence of a false public distribution comes to mind: the War of the Worlds broadcast aired in 1938 as part of the Mercury Theatre drama series. Because of the way that the broadcast was done, with interruptions about weather and details of time and place adapted to the current setting, many people flew into a state of panic, without realizing that the broadcast was adapted from H.G. Wells' novel. The broadcast sparked so much controversy, and I think it relates to visual alteration because it makes you think about how people perceive things, and how many people accept what they see or hear in the news, as well as how many things are altered for fame or financial gain.

Trinity Wireless Network

I think that the wireless network here at Trinity is one of the school's many technological assets. I use it for work and fun, just like most of the other students. I find it very helpful because I can get access to some assignments from blackboard and most of my professors respond to emails very quickly. I also like the ability to use my laptop for the internet from any location on campus. The wireless network makes online communication faster than ever because of its easy access. Here is a link to an article about the increasing number of wireless campuses: http://www.dailywireless.com/features/universities-lead-muni-wireless-041107/