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.

The Prownian Method: Kyle Mitsunaga

January 20, 2016 by kylemitsunaga 4 Comments

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Prownian Method: Kyle Mitsunaga

Step 1 Description: This object is about 5 to 6 inches long, there appears to be a charging input built into this object. I also notice that this object has an oddly shaped head with razors on it. Looking closer to the razor it seems as if they are very sharp. The object at room temperature is not hot or cold to the touch. The object looks as if there has been some technological thought put into it. This object looks sturdy and durable that will last you a while if taken good care of.

Step 2 Deduction: The user of this object seems as if it would be a male or female. It would be safe to say that this object may be use by males that are older than 15 years old, with little leeway. Since there is a built in charger with a cord I could say that this person could use it if they were to travel. Also professionals could use this object.

Step 3 Speculation: Maybe the person or male that is using this object is trying to clean up his look. Going hand in hand with that maybe this person is looking to just trim a beard. Maybe the person that is using this object is a professional and needs this object to be able to carry out his or hers performance. The person that owns this electric razor understands how to use it, and know how to take care of the blades such as oiling it down from time to time.

Questions about the electrical razor:

Does the buyer of this object need instructions on how to operate it?
Are younger kids safe to use it? Is there any danger hazards relating to the product?
Are there different techniques how to use this product?
How does one electrical razor differ from competitors?
Does the shape make a difference for what you are using for?

Bibliography

“Effectiveness of Razors Put to the Test.” Dermatology Nursing 14, no. 6 (December 2002): 413. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed January 20, 2016).

In this peer reviewed article it tackles the scientific side of razors whether it be electrical or not. We get an understanding what razors are better for your skin and which one dermatologist suggest.

“The Razor Blade: History’s Cutting Edge : Culture: Scientists Know ThatAncient Man Shaved. But the Razor Was an Undocumented Implement until 1290.” Los Angeles Times. 1992. Accessed January 20, 2016. http://articles.latimes.com/1992-07-26/news/vw-4938_1_razor-blade-edge.

This article the author focuses on the history of the razor going all the way back to when they first tested it out. Furthermore we learn about Gillette the razor company and how they went from selling 50 razors to 300,000 razors.

Additional Information:

In the web based article found in the Los Angeles Times the author makes it clear the history of the razor. The razor industry stated in the article “was thriving by the 18^th century.” I connected this with the prownian method just by how quickly this industry because a vital part of our culture. I believe it is safe to say that most males and females that are the appropriate age would have had an experience using a razor whether it is electric or not. It is material culture since we use them frequently and most people today own one.

My peer-reviewed article took a different approach that made it a little harder to connect it to the prownian method. Like I said it took on the science on which razor is better for your skin. As we see new technology we are soon going to see new ideas with razors in the future I’m sure. In a since this razor phenomena is something that is so simple but yet such a huge part of our culture. People would look different today if we didn’t have razors; therefore it’s something that is connected to us, and our culture as a whole.

1.2 Bridges

January 17, 2016 by jonathanshoemaker 2 Comments

If we were to start the comparison of the two bridges it would be rather unique comparison. First, let’s start the comparison with the build material of the two. The Brooklyn Bridge is made of Limestone, Granite, and Rosendale concret. The material used to make to The Golden Gate Bridge is steel along with some other concret at the very base of it. Any who the main material is steel.

Now looking at the design The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge while the Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid of a suspension and cable-stay. This is somewhat important to answer one of the later parts of this assignment. Along with the comparison both bridges were built in May, just a cool little point out. Most of all in the comparison, they are photographed in many ways all with very similar features of the bridge as the focus points.

Now to look at what is commonly seen in the photos of each bridge. When scouring the internet for photos I noticed a trend. That trend being the Brooklyn Bridge commonly is shot showing its towers and cable structure whereas the Golden Gate Bridge is shot as a whole. The reason I think this may be is the Brooklyn Bridge at the time was unique and had a very beautiful neo-gothic design resulting in the cables being laid out in an exponential fashion. In the case of the Golden Gate Bridge it has the suspension cables running perfectly vertical from the bridge.

Taking a look at the bridges architectural design I think there is a lot it reveals. For example the Neo-Gothic design of the Brooklyn Bridge was indicative of the more ornate and decorative style of the Romantic movement that America was transitioning out of during the time. The Brooklyn Bridge has more English influences. The Brooklyn Bridge came out of the industrial revolution were advancements in technology and engineering made it possible. On the other hand The Gold Gate Bridge is Art Deco style and has French influences. The Golden Gate Bridge was built after the 1906 earthquake and Fire in San Francisco. Suspension was considered the most logical at the time

Now to answer the last and final point, why the bridges have only been renovated rather than removed. Both bridges are icons for the cities in which they are located. The Brooklyn Bridge is on historic preservation lists which protects the design from being changed other than to restore or retrofit. I think The Golden Gate Bridge also follows suit.