Monday, January 24, 2011

Alex J's Computerless Algorithm





For my computer less algorithm, I decided to make an algorithm that would simulate CSI character David Caruso’s infamous puns. If you do not watch CSI and have no idea what I am talking about, this comic provided by the internet should give you the basic gist of it:

http://cheezcomixed.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/129189543486164869.jpg

He actually does this, all the time. So as a parody and mock-homage to this, I made a complex pun/sunglasses algorithm created with the syntax and structure of a processing sketch. It was hand written, and the only copy I had was handed in, so I can’t show the whole thing here. I’ll just summarize it:

- Analyze for pun function (checked If the situation, and timing were appropriate for a pun, as well as checking if the people around would be receptive to it)

o If return= true, say the pun

o Else , wait until opportune moment

- The Pun class contained the basic structure of a David Caruso Pun (“Well I guess” + pun + “YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHH”)

- There was a move function that contained instructions for putting on the sunglasses as you said the pun

As far as placing this into a new media context goes, I have always been interested in computer-generated sentences and communication. Chat bots for example, and David Rokeby’s Giver of Names project in particular are prime examples of this. The creation of a David Caruso pun generator that used input not from hilariously unlikely crime scenes, but from prominent and important issues of the day (terrorism, poverty, etc) would be a shocking installation. The combination of light-hearted pop culture with important serious issues would create great contrast and emphasize how the modern issues of today are often overshadowed by the latest trend or phase. News papers give coverage to some Justin Beiber video gone viral, instead of reporting on stories that have validity and importance to them.

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