Another Favorite Song

I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don’t know where it goes
But it’s home to me and I walk alone

I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I’m the only one and I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk alone

I walk alone
I walk a…

My shadow’s the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart’s the only thing that’s beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
‘Til then I walk alone…

 

Another song I would like to share is “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day. Unlike the other songs of this artist, this song’s mood is somewhat quiet and calm. The lyrics mean that he feels like he’s alone in the world, and he wants someone to find him. He keeps saying that he walks alone, which makes the mood more depressing. The mood of the lyrics and the song combine into a song good to listen in the rain. This is why I like this song, and I listen to this whenever it rains.

Should adoption of children by same sex couples be allowed in Korea?

2-3 points you learned through experience

(evidence, stats, new ideas, debate strategies)

Our team suggested that first, same sex couples also have their right to adopt. They are same people as the others. Second, there are a significant number of same sex couples who want to adopt children. Third, there are no negative effects on the kids who are adopted by same-sex couples. Lastly, we’re in need of more adoption, and allowing same-sex marriage adoption will definitely increase the adoption rate, and it definitely has positive effect on our society.

The common prejudice that same sex couples are abnormal is the main reason why these couples are being segregated. These couples are not different from us; they just have different tastes for their mates. However, people tend to look at these couples with a tainted point of view. Simply because they have different tastes, people view gays as something abhorrent and disgusting, and that kids grown up from same sex couples will also become gay. But, do they have proof? No, they don’t. Instead, many studies show that kids of same sex parents do not have differences in self-esteem, gender identity, emotional problems, intelligence, type or prevalence of psychiatric disorders, well-being, peer relationships, couple relationships, or parental stress. Researchers also says that “Lesbian couples share household responsibilities and chores more equitably. And, the children of lesbian couples are less aggressive, more nurturing to peers, more tolerant of diversity, and more inclined to play with both boy’s and girl’s toys.” Thus, this shows that kids from same sex couples do not have significant problems within the family itself. The problem is the view from the outside. A woman called Ryan Malone, who had two lesbian mothers, say that “My parents over-parented because they felt like the whole world was watching.” Thus, same sex couples do not have problems; the real ones who have problems are the people who frown on them.

The fourth reason our side would like to present is that the society is in need of more adoptions. Allowing same sex marriage for adoption will definitely increase the adoption rate, which will have a positive effect on society. If adoption is limited only to straight parents, adoption rates will stay in a fixed level. Same sex couples can’t have babies naturally, obviously, so many couples would want to adopt kids. Therefore, if these couples are also allowed to adopt, adopting rates will increase dramatically. This will provide foster kids a higher quality of life, since they can live in houses with parents who genuinely love them and want them. Moreover, these couples prepare a lot in order to adopt kids; according to Dr.Gates, the parents tend to be better educated, more affluent and more open about their sexual orientation, and who deliberately conceive or adopt children with the intention of raising them in a same-sex parent family.

The opposition side said that same sex couples do not have the ability to raise kids. However, this is just an assumption because these couples prepare a lot in order to adopt kids; the parents tend to be better educated, more affluent and more open about their sexual orientation, and who deliberately conceive or adopt children with the intention of raising them in a same-sex parent family. Also, the strict process makes it able for parents to acquire the appropriate abilities to support the kids.

We did not only focus on the issues of Korea, but took a wider view onto other countries. By looking at a wider view, the government can be aware of current issues occurring globally. As we mentioned before, we can know that “the world is acknowledging the problem of same sex couple’s adoption” and follow the trend of the global society. Making same sex couples adopt kids is the right way to save and protect kids rights, in ways of protection, shelter, education, comfort, and love. We are trying to protect the most we can, and help both the adoptees and adopters. As we mentioned, it is better to do something than just stand there and do nothing. Therefore, for the development of the society, adoption of same sex couples should be allowed.

 

This debate was technically my first debate experience. Because I didn’t know what to do in an official debate, I was nervous and worried of ruining my side’s opportunity to win. Because of this, I prepared a lot, reading many supporting ideas and thinking about possible rebuttals. As I was preparing, I felt my brain actually working, and it was a fresh experience. The two things I learned from this debate are from other kids. First, as I watched other kids present their opinions, I felt that they are very confident of their side. Thus, I realized that it is important to seem confident even though you are not. Some ways to seem confident is to speak in a clear and loud tone, and stand still. The second thing I learned is the importance of transition phrases. When I can’t think of anything to say, I just stand there and say “um…” However, other kids tried to say anything. For instance, they summarized their previous point or said transition phrases to earn more time to think. This was a fresh experience to me, and it lead me to think that debate is not the worst thing in the world after all.

 

My favorite lyrics

Happy Ending – Mika

This is the way you left me

I’m not pretending

No hope, no love, no glory

No Happy Ending

This is the way that we love

Like it’s forever

Then live the rest of our life

But not together

Wake up in the morning, stumble on my life

Can’t get no love without sacrifice

If anything should happen, I guess I wish you well

A little bit of heaven, but a little bit of hell

This is the hardest story that I’ve ever told

No hope, or love, or glory

Happy endings gone forever more

I feel as if I’m wastin’

And I’m wastin’ everyday

…

 

This is the lyrics of “Happy Ending” by Mika. This is one of my favorite songs because of the artist’s marvelous voice and manner towards the audience. He is famous to have a high and feminine but unique voice, and this voice makes thousands of fans buy his albums. This song also well shows the artist’s voice, and the lyrics are well conveyed to the audience because of his voice. The lyrics are about not forgetting his love, and this beautiful love is depicted through his voice.

Meaning of My Name

My name means “comfortable treasure.” Even though this doesn’t make sense, I have always loved my name because it means that I am special. My grandfather had gave this name to me, and he said that he gave this name to me for a reason. He really wanted to have a granddaughter, but only boys were born before me. Thus, he expected that I will also be a boy even before I was born. This is why he prepared for a boy’s name. However, it turned out that I was a girl. Excited, he wanted me to have a special name, something unique for a girl .Thus, he just gave the boy’s name, so my name seems like a boy’s. When I was young, I was disappointed whenever people thought that I was a boy by only seeing my name. These days, however, I like my name very much because it is unique and masculine.

Favorite Quote

My favorite quote is “Practice makes perfect.” This sentence means that you should practice if you want to become perfect. This quote is very meaningful to me because my mother told this quote to me since I was young. Whenever I try to abandon hard burdens of my life just because they are boring, tired, or difficult, my mother always told me to practice and endeavor harder. This quote pushed me further to my limitations, and it encouraged me to practice more. For instance, when I was in fifth grade, I was bored of playing the difficult notes of the piano. Whenever I complained about this, my mother said that “practice makes perfect.” Encouraged by this, I practiced harder than before. As a result, I was complimented by my piano teacher. From then on, I really believe in this quote, and I try to remember this quote whenever I get tired.

The Analysis of Pixar Animation Studios

1. Introduction

     Pixar Animation Studios is an Academy Award winning computer animation studio full with potential to enhance the wave of animated films. By combining technology and creativity, Pixar’s goal is to develop computer animated films with vivid characters and amazing stories that appeal to audiences of all ages.

     I chose this topic because I am very interested in Pixar Studios. I have watched a lot of Pixar’s animations since I was young, and my future dream is to work for the company. Based on some books about Pixar’s history, such as “Pixar Touch” by David A. Price, I researched and analyzed Pixar Studios. Born in a garage, they have continually innovated their technologies and abilities. Even in the hardest conditions, such as the danger of becoming the property of Disney, they continuously endeavored to maintain the company. As a result of such overcomes, they have become one of the most beloved computer animated film companies, producing movies like “Toy Story 1, 2, 3”, “Monsters, Inc.”, “Finding Nemo”, “Up”, and lots of others which were loved and are still loved throughout the world.

 

2. The History of Pixar

Pixar Studios was literally “born” in a garage. They had no money, no supports, and no resources. All they had was passion and love towards their dream. The initial members met each other with a dream which others thought was crazy; they wanted to make an animated film with a computer. Someone in the group might have dreamed of becoming famous and succeed, but generally the members didn’t even imagine they would earn this reputation they have these days. The initial members of the group were Edwin Catmull, Alvy Ray Smith, Jim Clark, Christine Barton, Alexander Schure, Jim Blinn, Ralph Guggenheim, and so on. There were constant changes in the members, but their creativity and passion was the same.

As the group increased, Edwin Catmull felt the necessity to find a new home. After being kicked out from Lucas Films Inc., Catmull and Lasseter found Steve Jobs as a new leader. Therefore, they officially started as a company with the name Pixar in 1986. In the early days, they made several commercials which looked real using their techniques. Also, they made a device called “Pixar Image Computer”, which was a designing device for the high-end visualization markets, such as medicine. Even though they had such advanced techniques, they were not treated well just because they didn’t have enough reputation. Other companies didn’t want to buy Pixar’s products, doubting the devices’ quality.

Even though the company was financially unstable, the members kept on doing what they loved. Finally, Lasseter’s first short animation film “Luxo Jr.” caught the attention of the world (Price 161). “Luxo Jr.” was highly praised to be the combination of advanced technology and clear emotions. Furthermore, they designed a new protocol of programming 3-dimensional computer graphics called “RenderMan”. Their fame increased as they made several short films such as “Tin Toy” and “Red’s Dream”. Finally, “Tin Toy” won the Academy Awards, accelerating the development of Pixar (Price 183).

However, they had several issues which hindered the company’s growth. Lucas Films, which failed to buy Pixar, urged Pixar to give their building back. Also, Steve Jobs’s bad temper infuriated Lasseter; their fight resulted in shutting down the company. Because of Jobs, Pixar unwillingly became a subsidiary of Disney (Barreir 58). The members of Pixar were depressed by the fact that they could not do what they want anymore.

Their hardships worsened as Pixar was making their first computer-animated film “Toy Story”. Disney was initially not interested in the movie, so they didn’t provide enough support. Also, Jobs continued trying to sell Pixar to another company, which means that the workers of Pixar will lose their stocks. However, the workers of Pixar constantly endeavored in revising the story, creating the characters, and making the movie look real. Their future depended on November 22, 1995, the date which “Toy Story” was going to be launched (Price, 254).

The results were wonderful. Cities were full of “Toy Story” commercials, miniatures of the characters were made, and every kid wanted to have a Woody doll. The critiques were also stunned by the amazing and realistic story. The “Toy Story effect” was amazing; even the members of Pixar were shocked. This success resulted in the blast of Pixar’s fame and stock price. However, the workers of Pixar didn’t care about these; they were overwhelmed by the fact that they have achieved their dream of making a computer-animated film.

The company soon produced the movie “A Bug’s Life”. Making this film was even harder than “Toy Story”, because they had to illustrate ants like humans. At the same time, they were also making “Toy Story 2”. As Dreamworks, a competing company of Pixar’s, was also making a movie about ants, Pixar’s anxiety augmented. However, Pixar was confident with their movie, modifying the movie so that it was appropriate for children. Their technology and efforts brought greater success to the company. Both movies were applauded by the critics, showing that Pixar has competitive power which enables the company to survive in any situations.

After that, Pixar started making “Monsters Inc.”. However, when the launch date was near, a woman called Lori Madrid sued the company for copying her story. After several law suits, the case was cleared, and “Monsters, Inc.” was safe to launch. This movie also earned a lot of appreciation, due to a technique called “fur simulation” which enabled each fur to move independently. For “Finding Nemo”, the artists had to earn knowledge about underwater creatures by learning from professors, diving underwater, and researching information. It was equally hard to make “The Incredibles”, since it was their first movie which the characters were human figures (Desowitz 29). “Cars” and “Ratatouille” also had several technological shortcomings. However, these struggles were overcome by the members’ efforts, and the movies all succeeded. Even though “Cars” declined Pixar’s reputation a little, Pixar soon recovered by producing “Wall-E” and “Up”.

Nowadays, it is not an exaggeration to say that almost everybody knows Pixar’s movies. People admire Pixar’s amazing creativity and passion towards their dream. Since the members achieved their initial goal, they have made fortune and reputation enough to quit their jobs and rest. However, they will not stop making films. The group is confident about their achievements, but they still crave for creativity and invention. From an interview of John Lasseter with Harry McCracken, the interviewer asked, “Where do you see computer animation and yourself being in ten years or so?”(McCracken 10) Lasseter’s answer was that there is still a long way to go. They are now making a new sequence of “Cars”, “Cars 2”, which will also contain Pixar’s unique creativity and updated technologies. Since the company have an enormous potential, it is hard to predict which road they will take.

3. Analyzing Pixar

What makes Pixar unique? What is it that makes them have priceless value? In what ways is Pixar different from other companies?

The answer is creativity and passion. As mentioned previously in this report, Pixar followed their dream with infinite passion and effort. Most companies thought that making an animated film using a computer is crazy, and did not dare to start it. However, the members of Pixar endlessly challenged their limits, and finally achieved a ‘crazy’ dream.

The general characteristic of Pixar’s products is that they all have heroes. Characters such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Wall-E are all heroes who help their friends in dangerous situations. In “the Incredibles”, a whole family appears to be a superhero. By depicting heroes in every story, people can earn hope and try to become a hero too. Also, Pixar’s movies are vivid and bright. Usually about friends and families, their movies make the audience happy and relaxed.

Making a movie needs thorough consideration and cooperation (Pixar). There are four stages in making a movie; development, pre-production, production, and post-production. In these stages, they create the storyline, make the film, and modify the final product. First, an employee presents his or her idea to the others. If the idea satisfies the audience, then storyboards, which serve as a blueprint of a movie, are drawn and then presented. With the storyboards and recorded voices, the editorial makes the reels. A reel is a rough videotape which contains the general elements. After watching this video, the artists create the look and feel of the characters, setting, light, and other elements 3-dimensionally. The scenes are organized and animated by Pixar’s animation software. They also use other techniques which make the film more realistic. After the general movie is made, the data is “rendered”, which means all of the information in the files is translated into a single frame. This product is finally modified by the editorial. They add musical scores and effects, and finally prepare for projection.

Following these steps, Pixar has made numerous kinds of short films and movies. As for short films they have made “Luxo Jr.”, “Tin Toy”, “Red’s Dream”, “For the Birds”, “Jack-Jack Attack”, and so on. These short stories led people to a new era of computer-animated filmmaking. From “Tin Toy” (1989) to “Lifted” (2007), Pixar’s short films won nine Academy Award nominations and three Best Animated Short Film Academy Awards. Most recently, “Day & Night” (2010) was produced with “Toy Story 3”.

On November 22, 1995, Pixar shocked the world by releasing its first computer-animated film, “Toy Story”. The film, which opened the path of computer animation, became the highest grossing film of 1995 with $362 million in box offices all over the world. Lasseter, director of Toy Story, was honored with a Special Achievement Academy Award for his “inspired leadership of the Pixar Toy Story team resulting in the first feature-length computer animated film.” (Touch)

After “Toy Story”, Pixar has also produced “A Bug’s Life” (1998), “Toy Story 2” (1999), “Monsters, Inc.” (2001), “Finding Nemo” (2003), “The Incredibles” (2004), “Cars” (2006), “Ratatouille” (2007), “WALL-E” (2008), “Up” (2009) and most recently “Toy Story 3” (2010). The critics and the audiences were both awed by these superior films, and overall Pixar grossed more than $6 billion at the box offices worldwide. The first 10 feature films, through Up, have won 35 Academy Award nominations, nine Oscars, six Golden Globes and other prizes. Although some people criticize Pixar of leaving Disney, independence of a company is extremely important, especially to companies which require unbounded imagination (Unfolds).

Almost every technology they have invented was praised of its practicality. Pixar’s members have collaborated since 1986 to develop production software to create its movies and further help the creation of realistic movies. This technology allows it easier for artists to control and make animated images which have a high quality. Pixar continues to invest heavily in its software systems, trying to advance their techniques and produce a better and more realistic film. One of Pixar’s greatest achievements is the invention of “RenderMan”. “RenderMan” is an easier protocol for creating 3-dimensional images and effects at the best quality. It has been honored with an Academy Award for technical achievement. Also, Ed Catmull was honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences due to Renderman. In 2002, the Producer’s Guild of America honored Pixar with the Guild’s inaugural Vanguard Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in new media and technology.

The workers of Pixar require creativity, strength, passion, and talent. The president of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios is Edwin Catmull, an Academy Award-winning director and producer. The Chief Creative Officer is John Lasseter, also an Academy Award-winning director and animator. Under the guidance of Lasseter, Pixar divide their work into several groups; story department, art department, light department, and so on. They also have a production department that controls all elements of production of its films.

Where do their brilliant ideas come from? The fountain of their ideas is the group itself. The people in the group are abundant with ideas and imagination. As for the animators of Pixar, they should have superior acting abilities. They should be able to bring objects to life, as though they are the characters itself. In order to attract appropriate animators, the company founded Pixar University, which requires three-month long courses for new and existing animators.

4. Conclusion – To Infinity and Beyond

It is obvious that Pixar greatly developed their area of animation films. Besides this evident change, how did Pixar change the world?

Pixar influenced numerous kids to have beautiful and vivid dreams. The bright and hopeful themes, such as friendship and adventures, encourage young children to dream about their future. Some might dream of making a movie like Pixar, or some might dream of totally different things. Whatever they dream, the dreams will provide the children happiness and the courage to push their way towards their goals. Also, some of the characters act as role models and help children to keep dreaming. For instance, when kids watch the movie “Toy Story”, they first admire the heroic figure of Buzz Lightyear. Kids might dream of becoming an astronaut by watching Buzz’s amazing abilities and space shuttles. As the story develops, however, many children start to approve Woody, because he is depicted as a genuine leader. At first, Woody seemed to be greedy and egocentric, envying Buzz’s abilities. However, Woody truly loves his friends and tries his best to save them in perilous situations. Therefore, Woody’s sincere leadership leads many kids to set a role model.

These characteristics seem to be minor; however, from toys, bugs, monsters, fish and superheroes to cars, rats, robots and septuagenarians, Pixar’s talented creative and technical teams have given audiences of all ages some of the most beloved characters in film. Pairing these unique, relatable characters with compelling stories and immersive, believable worlds, Pixar continually delivers on its promise to truly entertain audiences all over the world.

 

5. Works Cited

Price, David A. Pixar Touch: The Making of a Company. Hardcover: Knopf, 2008

Barreir, Michael. Hollywood Cartoons: American Animation in Its Golden Age. Oxford, U.K.: Oxford University Press, 1999

Desowitz, Bill. “Brad Bird & Pixar Tackle CG Humans Like True Superheroes”. Animation World 8 (2004): 29-33.

McCracken, Harry. “Luxo Sr.: An Interview with John Lasseter”. Animato! 19 (1998): 10.

Pixar Animation Studios Home Page. 1986-2011. Pixar Animation Studios, California. 6 May 2011 <http://www.pixar.com>.

The Pixar Touch. 6 May 2011. The Blog and Web Site of the Pixar Touch, A History of Pixar Animation Studios, California. 7 May 2011 < http://www.pixartouchbook.com/>.

Pixar’s Future Unfolds. 7 May 2004. The Motley Fool Homepage, Rick Aristotle Munarriz, U.S.A. 7 May 2011 < http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2004/05/07/pixars-future-unfolds.aspx >