Module 2.2: Prownian Analysis

January 23, 2016 by Jessica F. 1 Comment

The object that I chose is a small black, square-shaped plastic case-like object. It is about 4 inches wide in diameter. On the inside there seems to be a tan substance on one side and a mirror on the other. The substance is powder like and seems to match my skin tone. This object is compact so it seems portable. Because of the mirror I can only assume it is a cosmetic product and is used for cover up. I believe someone who values beauty and looking presentable would use this object. I believe someone who is busy and needs to take this product with them can do so because of the size and mirror located inside the object.

2. Does the person using this object do so because they want to, or because society encourages it?

How does the person select the color of powder used in this object? Is it a personal decision or chosen by a professional?

At what age did the person start using this? And how often do they use it?

3. The information I found on the web was on the history of compacts on Wikipedia:

Wikipedia contributors, “Compact (cosmetics),” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Compact_(cosmetics)&oldid=624589229 (accessed January 23, 2016).

Compacts are dated back to the early 1900’s when makeup still wasn’t a socially accepted standard. They started to become more popular in the 1920’s and the styles of each compact represented what was popular at the time. For instance in 1922, Egypt inspired themes were all the rage. However starting in 1960 compacts went from being metal to plastic and disposable after the use of the powder inside. Which is what we see today, disposable cosmetics.

4. I found a peer-reviewed article on the Boise State Library database:

Chaudhri, S., & Jain, N. (2009). History of cosmetics. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics, 3(3), 164-167. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/0973-8398.56292

Cosmetics are a major part of our routine. But where did it begin and why is it such a big part of our lives? This article looks at where it all began. From the Roman and Egyptian cultures using organic materials cosmetically to the middle ages where Queen Elizabeth I used white powder to signify prestige. Using products to enhance beauty or hygiene was of high significance to each culture. For western culture it began with influences from early Hollywood and people such as Coco Chanel that dictated styles and what was important in regards to cosmetics.

6. The information I found on Wikipedia seemed to all come from secondary sources. It was also a very brief history of compacts. In my opinion it wasn’t anything like Prownian’s approach to material. I choose it because it gave a little history of the exact object that I chose for this assignment.

The peer-reviewed article that I found was more in depth. It wasn’t specific to the object that I chose, it was more broad and more information in regards to all cosmetics. I had some difficulty finding an article specifically on the history of compacts themselves. I thought this was an appropriate article because it discussed the history of cosmetics and why it is so important to many cultures, even into this century. The authors approach also included secondary sources but was similar to Prownian’s method because there were descriptions, deductions, and speculations on the products used by the different cultures.

01.2 Bridges

January 17, 2016 by Jessica F. 2 Comments

Reading through the information on both bridges it seems as if they are both suspension (cable) bridges. Both designed to withstand wind, and allow movement. The Brooklyn Bridge is classified as Neo-Gothic style and has beautiful archways. It looks very old and classic. The Golden Gate Bridge looks more modern and has become iconic due to its orange paint color. I found very interesting that one of the reasons they painted it this color was for it to be more visible when fog is present. It seems that would be an obvious reason, but I didn’t even think about that until it was mentioned. Both bridges are exposed to harsh weather, but the weather can vary due to the different locations; New York and San Francisco. New York has four seasons and experiences snow, heat, wind and rain. San Francisco doesn’t usually encounter snow but has dense fog, high winds and rain. Both cities are coastal and can experience hurricanes and earthquakes. Both bridges are depicted iconically in photos that I saw online. I have never seen either of these bridges in person, but looking at photos they seem enormous. I would be intimidated to drive across either of them! It is also common to see these bridges in movies and t.v. shows because they are so well known and respected.
The Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1883 and took years to complete because they obviously did not have the technology and equipment we have today. After looking at early photos of this bridge being built, I couldn’t help but think how dangerous it must have been to have been involved in the construction (cables, painting) as a worker. One thing I found fascinating about this project is the engineer (designer) John Roebling sustained a foot injury and decompression sickness during the early stages of the project and had to supervise from an apartment overlooking the bridge. But even more interesting is that he had his wife help by running information back and forth from the job site and she eventually helped their son oversee the construction. I wonder what that was like for her? As a women in the late 1800’s was she respected? The Golden Gate bridge was built in 1937 by Joseph Strauss (and many other engineers). This was much later in time compared to the Brooklyn Bridge, so I wonder if there was better technology available to them? Before construction began it seemed as if there was a lot of opposition from government and the Navy to build it. One piece of information that stood out to me is that during the build of the Golden Gate bridge, Joseph Strauss innovated safety nets to catch workers if there was an accidental fall. It seems this would have been a safer work environment than that of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Both bridges are still standing today because of the quality of construction and ingenuity of the engineers and designers of both projects. Both cities are very proud of these accomplishments and have worked hard to keep the bridges open and safe to drive on.

01.1 My lens

January 13, 2016 by Jessica F. 7 Comments

The majority of my upbringing was in rural Idaho. I spent my middle school and high schools years in Kimberly, Idaho. As soon as I graduated I moved here to Boise to attend college. I believe that the way I was raised and where I grew up has greatly influenced me as a person. I have great parents, who were strict and religious but loving and fair. I spent a lot of time with my family and still have a great relationship with my siblings today.

I remember reading Shakespeare and To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. I enjoy reading crime/thriller fiction, biographies, and I am fascinated with medical history and diseases.

I learn whats going on in the world by watching the news (KTVB), and speaking with co-workers and family.

I spend my leisure time with my family, cooking, watching movies, reading books, shopping for antiques, and completing household projects. I feel I have a very simple outlook of the world because I stay consistent with what I do and who I do it with. I feel more immersed in culture and the world when I get to travel to different places. This allows me to interact with other people/cultures, eat new food, and visit historical landmarks.

Growing up in a religious family gave me a specific perspective on what was right and wrong. Now that I am older and have experienced things in my own life, I have my own perspective. I feel like everyone has the right to live the way they want (unless they are harming others or breaking the law) because in the end its not my job to harshly judge others for their decisions. I am concentrating on my own life and trying to do whats best for me and my family. I think its important to have your own opinions and values as an adult but to still be open to new ideas.

My father has been a huge influence on shaping who I am as a person. His work ethic, independence, love of family, respect of others and genuine personality have all influenced my decisions and efforts to become a better person. I am so thankful to have such a strong and positive influence in my life.