The Hidden Meaning of Mass Communications: Cinema, Books, and Television in the Age of Computers

Book Description

In 1917, the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire predicted the "death" of books in one or two centuries and their replacement by film and sound. In the early sixties, Marshall McLuhan proclaimed the end of the "Gutenberg Galaxy." Neither of these predictions has yet happened. Nonetheless, the development of computer science and the spread of the Internet have already changed the landscape of the media and affected the fields of book publishing, journalism, cinema, and television. In his new book, Hoveyda, who was involved with cinema and literature for many years, scrutinizes the relationship between the different forms of media and art. Drawing on his varied experience as well as on his knowledge of the arts and media, he explains how "cinema" literally existed before literature or articulate language, and that all other forms of communication stem from this innate capability to think cinematically. Looking at the extraordinary technological developments in the fields of cinema, television, and communications, Hoveyda finds a "hidden purpose" behind them; a kind of "common thread" that illustrates and explains the quest of humans for communication. As far back as one can go, Hoveyda finds that humans were always preoccupied with the question of how to communicate what was going on in their minds. They tried--and found--ways of transmitting to one another the impressions and ideas churning in their heads. Prehistoric cave drawings, hieroglyphs, literature, and canvas paintings were and are part of such attempts. This progression of inventions seems to pursue a linear path toward "externalization" of their people's thoughts and dreams. The pinnacle of this "externalization" will be reached when it becomes "automatic" and foregoes the use of heavy equipment. Bunuel once told the author and his friends that he dreamt of the day when he would sit in a darkened room and project on a wall the film he was concocting in his head. This is exactly the goal of the technological progress we witness. Hoveyda's survey also includes a description of the evolution of modern cinema as he witnessed it; some new and revolutionary remarks about film appreciation and filmmaking; discussion of television and how it differs from cinema; and observations on the impact of media on one another as well as the influence of the more recent technologies on "narration" styles. A provocative account that will be of interest to scholars, researchers, students, and anyone involved with the development of communications.

Customer Reviews:

WONDERFUL ENTERTAINTMENT.......2001-07-27

Don't seek any academic insights from this book. This is a piece of pure entertainment, full of memories and anecdotes that can brighten up a hundred dinner tables over the years. Hoveyda was a founder of France's snootiest film review, the Cahiers du Cinema, but writes with the ease and wit of a free spirit. While recalling his friendship with many of the innovative film-makers of the last century, Hoveyda also debunks some of the myths about the New Wave and independent cinema. A READER IN LONDON

Thought provoking observations on media and life.......2000-11-03

This is a charming collection of a lifetime of thoughts about cinema, literature and TV by one of the founders of the famous Cahier de Cinema. Hoveyda was a film critic for years, and tells personal anecdotes about Truffaut, Godard, Rosselini, etc.

Some of the more whimsical thoughts are: cinema did not follow literature! It actually came before books, in the form of dreams in which we use cinematic techniques.

And Sheherezade, in 1001 Nights, provided the "late show" (minus the TV set) for her insomniac husband, who had no opportunity to dream.

Hidden Meaning of Mass Communications, a must read..........2000-10-18

With the "Hidden Meaning of Mass Communications," Exiled Iranian diplomat-writer Fereydoun Hoveyda has come out with a refreshing and most enticing undertaking on the Cinema and other stirring subjects affecting contemporary society. Hoveyda is a former contributor and renowned critic of the Cahiers du Cinéma, a French magazine that has highly influenced contemporary cinematic theory and technique. According to Hoveyda who has always refused to be a censor, "criticism can achieve responsible objectives by shifting in time, by taking place not at the beginning but towards the end of a film's run. It is not a matter of predetermining the viewer's choice, but of engaging in a dialogue with him about the work he has seen."

In this new book, Hoveyda's many delightful anecdotes, observations and memories are enticing, and remarkably his revealing relationship between film and dreams are new and very stimulating ideas. Do you know that when you sleep, you become a cinematographer, directing and inventing your mental images? Thus, it could be that exiled Hoveyda presently lives in one land but may well dream in another! That's a wonderful idea and there are many more in the book. For example, "light" being a character in a film! The last chapter too is of high interest for it deals on how the computer age has changed film, art, literature and our entire way of life. We are no longer in the age of the Cahiers du Cinéma. Much research went into this very personal and useful work, surely with the advent of wonderful new techniques it may well turn into an e-book made available to all, with all the amazing photographs included.

Guy Revol Paris - October 17, 2000

Average customer rating:
The Hidden Meaning of Mass Communications: Cinema, Books, and Television in the Age of Computers
Fereydoun Hoveyda
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ORRH6Y

Amazon.com

Combining history, subjective rumination, and a few nods to the occult, Joseph Lanza, author of Elevator Music, exposes the cocktail as a ritual, a religious ceremony that sates the modern mind and soul. He shows how cocktails have impacted politics, movies, popular songs, architecture, circadian rhythms, social interactions, and yes, even the mythic power of such American patriarchs as George Washington and his contemporary incarnation, Frank Sinatra. A funny, informative, and stimulating read.

Customer Reviews:

A quick read but that's about what it is worth.......2001-09-25

Somehow I expected more. Why? I don't know but it seemed the cocktail might present someone which a very interesting and diverse subject on which to write. Don't get me wrong there are some interesting things here both of an observation nature and some interesting historical facts but it just didn't keep my attention. The author has covered pretty much what I expected but not in a very interesting and enjoyable way. On the good side, it's not expensive.

Great subway reading.......2000-06-03

While this book is interesting to read, written in a prose style that keeps one reading, and flows logically through a wonderful historical framework, I felt at the end of every chapter that the author should have done a more thorough job. He should have developed his theses more, provided more depth to his topics, and offered information that is less general and more useful. This is an excellent introduction to the history of cocktails and drinking in the United States, but as a useful research tool, "The Cocktail" is of little value. But, as a strong point, I doubt that there are historical errors in the book - Lanza did do some research, that much is certain. But I still have the inclination that Lanza wanted to get another book in print without having to strain too hard writing it. I give this book two stars under the assumption that two stars means "okay reading for the subway", and one star ratings are solely for romance novels.

Great gift -- if you can bear to part with it!.......2000-04-20

This fun book has it all: histories of popular drinks, recipes, rituals. Written with humor and a unique perspective, Lanza's book explores the cocktail culture and its influence on America. From James Bond to Hugh Hefner, Elizabeth Taylor to the Rat Pack, this book charts how cocktails have influenced everything from politics to popular songs. Learn about Atomic Cocktails, see a Human Cocktail Shaker, and puzzle over Girl Drinks. For drinkers and tee-totalers.

A creative and refreshing take on a classic subject!.......1999-04-05

Most cocktail books are just recipes with a few dull trivia facts. But Lanza has brilliantly included some poetic and witty anecdotes that are guaranteed to positively impact the drinking experience.

Wordy and obtuse, Mr. Lanza's book is a big disappointment........1999-02-09

I bought this book thinking it would be a fun look at how social drinking has influenced and shaped our society. What I got was a glorified undergrad sociology essay that tries too hard to impress with syntax, but only succeeds in boring the reader. Take my advice, skip this one.

Cocktail : The Influence of Spirits on the American Psyche

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Cocktail : The Influence of Spirits on the American Psyche
Joseph Lanza
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OT1LFA

The Cocktail: The Influence of Spirits on the American Psyche

Average customer rating:

The Cocktail: The Influence of Spirits on the American Psyche
Joseph Lanza
Manufacturer: Picador
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTC4SI

Average customer rating:

Steelers fan in the 70s and fovever

Greatest football TEAM ever, Greatest football TOWN ever.

the 1976 Steelers, just like the 2004 Steelers

pittsburg?

About Three Bricks Shy: And The Load Filled Up
Roy Blount Jr
Manufacturer: University of Pittsburgh Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0822958341

Book Description

This is the thirtieth-anniversary edition of a book long considered a classic and one of Sports IllustratedsTop 100 Sports Books of All Time. The story of the 1973 Pittsburgh Steelers--a team that was super, but missed the bowl.

Customer Reviews:

Steelers fan in the 70s and fovever .......2007-05-29

This book is one of the best sports books I have read. Blount spent a year with the Steelers. The season he writes about was the year after the Immaculate Reception. This was the season before their first Super Bowl win. Many of the Steeler players and their coach went on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. At the time of the book they were young and just beginning to make their mark. It was interesting to read about their struggles and woes knowing that they would go on to be among the greatest of all time.

Greatest football TEAM ever, Greatest football TOWN ever........2006-10-06

This book is a classic. It gives the reader a feeling of what is was like in the "old Pittsburgh" of the late 1960's and early 1970's. And gives you an inside look at the birth of the best football team that ever played. And most importantly, the birth of the infamous "Steel Curtain defense". I really belive that parts of this book could be made into a full length feature film that all sports, and movie fans would enjoy. This story will explain the blood and sweat connection between the real Pittsburgh fans and their football team. Because of the people that worked in the huge steel mills, and all of the great NFL football players that were born in that area. It's a connection between the fans and the team that is unmatched in american sports.

the 1976 Steelers, just like the 2004 Steelers.......2006-02-14

Big Ben: 27-4 as a starter (2004-2005 seasons)---only losses (3 of which were injury-related): Patriots, 2004 AFC Championship game (if Plax holds on to sure TD pass, we are only down 7 with about 7+ minutes to go in that game; Ben did some good things and was battling thumb and toe injuries) and also in 2005 (if Randle El doesn't get `cute' and lateral that pass to Ward, we probably win; again, Ben did some good things), as well as the Bengals in 2005 (Ben has beaten Carson Palmer's Bengals 3 times: twice in 2004 and big-time in the AFC Wild-Card game in 2005; Ben had 3 TD passes in this lone defeat and was battling a thumb injury) and Indy in 2005 (as we know, he got revenge in the AFC Divisional Playoff game; Ben threw a TD pass to Ward in this Monday night defeat and was coming off an injury-induced layoff).

Ben's FIRST NFL game: 2004 Pre-season at Ford Field vs. the Lions...last game of 2005 season: 2/5/06 at FORD FIELD, SUPER BOWL XL VICTORY!!!

So Ben didn't play a superb game in Super Bowl XL and there was some controversy...

--Super Bowl IX, 1/12/75: Steelers win 16-6 over the Vikings---Future Hall-of-Famer Terry Bradshaw is only 9 for 14 for 96 yards...BEN WAS 9 FOR 21 FOR 123 YARDS...Bradshaw threw a lone TD...BEN RAN FOR A LONE TD... Future Hall-of-Famer Fran Tarkenton's numbers were putrid: 11 for 26 for 102 yards, 3 interceptions, NO TD's! We were only winning 2-0 going into the third quarter (on a safety); a boring game. The Steelers wore their white shirts and Terry had a beard (the other 3 Super Bowls: black-and-gold shirts, Terry clean shaven)...WE WORE OUR WHITE SHIRTS IN XL AND BEN HAD A BEARD...the game turned on a VERY controversial "fumble-that-wasn't" by the Steelers Larry Brown: the Steelers left the field dejected, the Vikings were in prime territory...then the officials ruled Brown was down before the ball came loose (no way!!!!!)...and the rest is history;

--Super Bowl X, 1/18/76: Steelers win 21-17 over the Cowboys---Future Hall-of-Famer Roger Staubach almost pulled out another miracle comeback...Swann's great falling-to-the-ground acrobatic catch led to no points (!);

--Super Bowl XIII, 1/21/79: Steelers win 35-31 over the Cowboys---the Cowboys' Jackie Smith drops a SURE TD pass that would have tied the game AND our go-ahead TD was aided by a very controversial tripping penalty that cost Dallas 33 yards: Lynn Swann fell over Benny Barnes's ankles and, as Bradshaw has admitted, it shouldn't have been a flag...we were ahead 35-17 at one point...Staubach almost brought them back (35-31);

--GAME BEFORE SUPERBOWL XIV: AFC Championship game vs. the Oilers, 1/6/80: Steelers win 27-13---late in the third quarter, officials ruled that Oilers receiver Mike Renfro did not have possession of what appeared to be a game-tying TD (WRONG!!!! He was in bounds; bad, bad call)...and the rest is history...

---Super Bowl XIV, 1/20/80: Steelers win 31-19 over the Rams---Bradshaw threw 3 INTERCEPTIONS and we were losing for most of the game...until Lambert saved our butts by intercepting QB Vince Ferragamo's pass...and the rest is history
(Steelers in the 1970's: regular season---99-44-1; playoffs: 14-4)

NON-STEELER SUPER BOWL "LUCK"---
Super Bowl XXV, 1/27/91: Giants defeat Bills BECAUSE SCOTT NORWOOD BARELY MISSES A RELATIVELY EASY FIELD GOAL, one of the biggest blown plays ever!;
All 3 of the Patriots victories were by exactly 3 points...and the Eagles really blew it with poor clock management (sound familiar?)!;
Super Bowl XXXIV, 1/30/00: Rams defeat Titans, 23-16--- The Rams' Mike Jones tackled Kevin Dyson at the 1-yard line as time expired. Dyson would have tied the game; Super Bowl V, 1/17/71: Colts beat Cowboys, 16-13, via a field goal... Dallas' Chuck Howley, who picked off two passes, became the first defensive player and the first player from a losing team to be named MVP.

The Steelers have been in the Super Bowl in the 1970's. 1980's, 1990's, and in the new millennium (2000's)---
IX (1975), X (1976), XIII (1979), XIV (played in 1980), XXX (played in 1996), XL (2006)

Big Ben---ONLY QB to ever go to Championship game his first two years; youngest to win the Super Bowl (Steelers: first 6th seed to go/ win; only team to beat #1, #2, and #3 seeds on the road and win; three-way tie for most Super Bowl victories: 5, along with Dallas and San Francisco; tied for second with most Super Bowl appearances: 6, along with Denver [who have `only' won 2])...comparison to other Hall-of-Fame and/or outstanding QBs---
Jim Kelly: 0 for 4; never won a Super Bowl;
Fran Tarkenton: 0 for 4; never won a Super Bowl;
Dan Marino: 0 for 1; never won a Super Bowl;
Kenny Anderson: 0 for 1; never won a Super Bowl
Len Dawson: won one Super Bowl (and lost one, as well);
Johnny Unitas: won one Super Bowl (and lost one, as well);
Joe Theismann: won one Super Bowl (and lost one, as well);
Brett Favre: won one Super Bowl (and lost one, as well);
Kurt Warner: won one Super Bowl (and lost one, as well);
Ken Stabler: won one Super Bowl
Joe Namath: won one Super Bowl;
Phil Simms: won one Super Bowl;
Steve Young: won one Super Bowl;
Also: John Elway: after FIFTEEN YEARS IN THE LEAGUE, won two...after losing 3 very badly!

BEST run in sports history (as confirmed by a Congressional resolution!): won 8 in a row---
Bears (who had an 8-game winning streak), Vikings on the road (who had a 6 game winning streak...and Cowher NEVER won in a dome stadium before!), Browns on the road, and Detroit on 1/1/06 (where, unbeknownst to us at the time, we were headed for 2/5/06!); Bengals on the road (#3 seed, previously beat us), Colts on the road (#1 seed, league's best record, heavily favored, dome stadium, previously beat us; the Fumble, the Tackle, and the Miss), Broncos on the road (#2 seed, favored, 10-0 at home)...and the #1 NFC seeded Seahawks "on the road" in another dome, Detroit's Ford Field (where Big Ben started his NFL career vs. the Lions in the 2004 pre-season!!!)

YOU HAVE TO GET THE TWO-DVD SET "STEELERS: THE COMPLETE HISTORY" (2005; NFL Films), 1933-2004 (too bad they didn't wait a year haha!)---the main feature is 2 hours and 20 minutes long and covers 1933 up to and including Beg Ben's 2004 season; incredible. All the `lean years' (1930's-1960's; 1980's) are covered, NOT just the "glory seasons"---Kordell, Brister, Malone, Stoudt, Hanratty, etc. etc. etc. The bonus feautures are awesome, ESPECIALLY the 45-minute Jerome Bettis special-VERY IRONIC!! You will see Tommy Maddox with the Bus when they were both Rams in 1995...excellent miked-on-the-field comments, often funny, by Bus, Ward, and Cowher...Jan. 2005 AFC lowlights, Hines Ward crying, Jerome's reaction, and the tantalizing hint that Super Bowl XL wil be played in Jerome's hometown of Detroit...which makes what they did in 2005/2006 VERY story book! Also: the Bill Cowher, Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, Myron Cope, Dick Hoak, and Bill Saul segments/ specials are very entertaining, as is the Super Bowl XIII feature..get this...as well as the SUPER BOWL XL DVD---2005 season highlights included, as well as the 2006 playoffs!

pittsburg?.......2005-09-29

this is the classic football book, on a par with jim bouton's "ball four." it should be enjoyable for any football fan, but fans of the 4-time super bowl winners should be especially appreciative of this chronicle of the team written during the year of franco's "immaculate reception." it is extraordinarily funny and informative, eye-opening even. this being said, it was no pleasure trying to struggle through all the mistakes that were made, either by the author or by this current publisher, the university of pittsburgh press (i am inclined to blame the publisher.) this is the 30th anniversary edition for pete's sake. can't you get it right after 30 years? it is so bad that the publisher even misspells the city in which it is located, pittsburgh pennsylvania has an "h" folks. you're not in kansas anymore.
but if you can get past the fact that you might have to read several sentences, maybe even paragraphs, an extra time or two to be sure what the author means, this is one great story.

About Three Bricks Shy...And the Load Filled Up

Average customer rating:

About Three Bricks Shy...And the Load Filled Up
Jr Roy Blount
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVGMY8

Book Description

Here's the book you need to prepare for the Oracle Database 10g Administration I exam, 1Z0-042. This Study Guide was developed to meet the exacting requirements of today's Oracle certification candidates. In addition to the consistent and accessible instructional approach that has earned Sybex the "Best Study Guide" selection in CertCities Readers Choice Awards for two consecutive years, this book provides:

Clear and concise information on database administration with Oracle 10g
Practical examples and insights drawn from the authors' real-world experiences
Leading-edge exam preparation software, including a test engine and electronic flashcards

You'll also find authoritative coverage of key exam topics, including:

Installing Oracle Database 10g Software
Creating and Controlling Oracle Databases
Administering Users
Managing Schema Objects and Data
Implementing Oracle Security Features
Monitoring Performance
Performing Database Backup and Recovery

Look to Sybex for the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's competitive IT marketplace

Customer Reviews:

A pretty decent study guide.......2007-09-12

Getting Oracle certifications is not easy. The material is difficult and extensive not matter how you approach it. The Sybex study guide does a good job of presenting the material in an organized manner.

Good to give you the basics but the test has changed.......2007-09-04

I used this book to study for the OCA test for a month and thought I would pass with my SQL & limited Oracle experience. I did not pass the test because the test has changed to Senario Driven with Multiple Choice & Multiple answers. You would receive a long paragraph about a user's needs. You would need to select two answers out of five; 1 would be easy to pick, 2 would seem wrong and 2 would seem almost identical and right. That is where the test has gotten harder.

Where this book gives you the foundation of all the "What's" involved, the test needs the "Whys".

I recommend SELFTEST software Oracle pushes on thier site. I find the questions and style are very similar to what I had experienced.

I still recommend this book if would like to understand the concepts and have an oracle DB at your disposal
If you then need or want the cert buy the selftest software because I'm positive half of my questions came from that product. By spending your money on both of those products you will still make out very well because the Live course for this subject is around $2,500.

My experience with Oracle has been from the Healthcare IT environment where the database is already set up and just needs tuneing and Reports. If you are an Oracle Finanicials person you may only need the SelfTest software to practice from.

BAD PAPER STOCK USED.......2006-12-13

I just received the book and it looks like it has the content. But I must say that the paper stock used is appalling. I have seen toilet paper thicker than this paper and its already yellowing. You can see the print on the other side of the page! The print and screen shots are so small, maybe they are trying to save paper? I almost considered returning it, but it does have the content. I don't think after the exam you can use this book for a reference since it should have deteriorated by then.

good if you have oracle preknowledge.......2006-05-26

this is the first book i read to prepare for my OCA exam. at first i was a bit overwhelmed because the chapters are quite long and the languages are not very easy to understand (sometimes i have to reread a sentence two or three times before it clicks). but i guess it was also because by then oracle was still rather new for me. if you are an experienced dba (maybe a 9i oca or ocp) then i guess this book alone should be enough to get you a 10g oca. but if you are new to oracle, i would suggest you to study John & Damir book first (OCP All-in-one exam prep guide), it's easier to absorb and the chapters are shorter (although there are more chapters). then, if you still have the time (and the money) get this book to wrap up your preparation for the oca. i'm sure you will pass the exam like i did.

Best Technical Book I've Ever Read..........2006-03-18

...and I'm a picky guy.

Seriously, this book has a clear concise language, is structured well, and has a wealth of examples, screenshots and very good diagrams.

What it luckily doesn't have: The occasional corny episodes other technical book authors include, like: In 1984 I had an incident when a customer stuck his finger in the floppy drive, and...

OCA: Oracle Application Server 10g Administration I Study Guide (Exam 1Z0-311)

Average customer rating:

A very average study guide

OCA: Oracle Application Server 10g Administration I Study Guide (Exam 1Z0-311)
Bob Bryla , and April Wells
Manufacturer: Sybex
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0471787574

Book Description

Complete coverage of the exam objectives, hands-on exercises, review questions, and more, this is the first and only book to offer such in-depth coverage of this challenging exam
Takes into consideration that candidates must not only know how to install and configure Oracle Application Server 10g, but how to use the robust tool set, including Oracle HTTP Server and OracleAS Portal
The book features an interactive CD-ROM, including the Sybex Test Engine with chapter review questions and bonus exams, a series of flash cards that can be used on a PC or handheld, and an e-version of the book

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Customer Reviews:

A very average study guide.......2006-11-15

The book does an excellent job of introducing Oracle Application Server and has a much easier learning curve than using the Oracle online documentation. I think it would be highly useful to take somebody to a basic level of understanding of Oracle Application Server.
On the other side, the book is inadequate as a means to prepare for the OCA exam. It does not cover the topics in enough detail and the practice questions/exams will at best encourage the test taker to think they are ready to take the exam when they are not.

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