Archive for the ‘Courses Section’ Category

Dr. George Chandy at the University of California, Irvine discovered a toxin in Caribbean sun anemones (see photo) in 1984 and has spent his career studying the toxin. Prior work by his team suggested that a synthetic version of a peptide (ShK-186) from the toxin may help treat autoimmune disease.  It works by blocking a specific potassium channel (Kv1.3) important in immune system reactivity. Since potassium channels are also important in the regulation of metabolism and body weight, his team wanted to explore whether this peptide could be used to treat obesity. Mice on a diet high in fat and sugar were administered ShK-186, which decreased weight gain, fat deposits, cholesterol, blood sugar, and fatty liver. The hypothesis is that ShK-186 reduces inflammation and activates brown fat, known for its calorie-burning properties.

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Todays filmmaker inspiration is a music video by director Vincent Haycock. The music video was shot for Rafferties single, entitled Build Me Up, off his most recent album. Dont forget to watch in HD.


Other Filmmaking Articles of Interest:

  1. Daily Filmmaker Inspiration: Jay Z Kanye West Music Video
  2. Filmmaker Inspiration: James Blake Music Video
  3. Filmmaker Inspiration: David Bowie Music Video
  4. Filmmaker Inspiration: Long Journey Skate Video

Although stories of students raising their scores by hundreds of points after taking SAT coaching classes abound, these anecdotes appear to be the exception and not the rule. On average, gains made from direct SAT instruction are rather small. According to a 2010, peer-reviewed study by Buchmann, Condron, and Roscigno, formal SAT coaching programs result in only 30-point boosts on the SATs. Specifically, coaching, on average, leads to a 20-point increase on the section and a 10-point increase on the Critical Reading section. Considering that the total possible combined score on the SATs is 2,400, a 30-point increase should not ostensibly increase admissions prospects; however, for some students, it may.

In a study administered by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), a third of participating, highly selective universities stated that small score increments on the SATs could improve admission prospects for high achieving students. These universities claimed that a 20-point increase on the Math section could boost admissions prospects for students with scores of at least 700 on the same section.

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Here is a presentation by Genie Scott of the National Center for Science Education.

Far more people are climate change deniers than evolution deniers, but both camps use similar strategies to promote their views. Genie Scott explores the connections, the similarities, and the divergent ideologies. Where: New York. When: 10/23/2011. Hosted by the New York City Skeptics.

Best Books On Screenwriting

Mia Pinnock on April 28, 2013 | No Comments »

Students in our online filmmaking class often ask what we think the best books on screenwriting are. However, the answer to this question really depends on what type of screenwriter you are, or want to become.

Some books cater to the story telling demands of the Hollywood system. Other books may focus more on TV writing. Yet others are directed towards the auteur and therefore place more emphasis on experimentation and dont necessarily equate good story with high grossing story.

Below weve compiled a list of what we feel are some of the best books available for screenwriters. Some of these books, such Screenplay or Story, are very popular amongst screenwriters and most of you will be familiar with these books.

However, weve also tried to include some lesser known books in our list. For example, we recommend screenwriters read The Birth of Tragedy by Friedrich Nietzsche.

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