The sheer computing power of modern information technology is changing the face of research not just in science; technology and mathematics; but in humanities and cultural studies too. Recent decades have seen a major shift both in attitudes and deployment of computers; which are now vital and highly effective tools in disciplines where they were once viewed as elaborate typewriters. This revealing volume details the vast array of computing applications that researchers in the humanities now have recourse to; including the dissemination of scholarly information through virtual ‘co-laboratories’; data retrieval; and the modeling of complex processes that contribute to our natural and cultural heritage. One key area covered in this book is the versatility of computers in presenting images and graphics; which is transforming the analysis of data sets and archaeological reconstructions alike. The papers published here are grouped into three broad categories that cover mathematical and computational methods; research developments in information systems; and a detailed portrayal of ongoing work on documenting; restoring and presenting cultural monuments including the temples in Pompeii and the Banteay Chhmar temples of the Angkorian period in present-day Cambodia. Originally presented at a research workshop in Heidelberg; Germany; they reflect the rapidly developing identity of computational humanities as an interdisciplinary field in its own right; as well as demonstrating the breadth of perspectives in this young and vibrant research area.
#4065399 in eBooks 2012-11-19 2012-11-19File Name: B00AKIF7RI
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy R. Montrosean interesting story on the hold that television has and still has on society.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great ReadBy ReviewerBurns captures the spirit of the era. His writing is witty and sharp and the depth of his research is evident on every page. Through wonderful anecdotes he tells the tale of TVs effect on America in its first major decade. Its a story thats all the more resonant for being told now -- while our country attempts to discern how the Internet has changed it in the preceding decade. Some of the stories have the "Pleasantville"-like charms of 50s nostalgia; others are more chilling (this was; after all; the decade when gas companies had the word "gas" excised from a program on the Nuremberg trials and when McCarthy was harassing most of the media Burns so deftly portrays). All in all; you will be engrossed by this trip through a decade and its mythmaking.8 of 9 people found the following review helpful. The medium is the messageBy woganTelevision is perhaps one of the most widely addictive things in modern life. Eric Burns describes the beginnings of TV from its invention to its acceptance today; but mainly delving into its early stages in the 50s and how it changed American culture and family life. It is written in an interesting style and whether you grew up with television or are of the younger generation it makes for fascinating reading.The problems and complaints of lessening physical activity is well covered. There are many thoughts given by `authorities regarding this new product; they vary from; it knit families closer together; improved moral standards; to the descriptions of how viewers would believe anything they saw or heard on their TV set - where the same type of humor would just have been amusing on a radio.All the changes in life are described; TV dinners and alterations in meal times and school work given by teachers is analyzed.The comparisons between movie and TV stars is well done; how the fans and even Hollywood treated each in a different fashion. Interesting observations are made about how the men who served in WWII and their families needed to get their minds off of the past and television gave them a much needed respite; " a kind of spoil of war; a down payment on a wondrous world promised". It served as a step in getting back to normal life.There is good examination of commercial power and many amusing instances of how advertisers changed dialogue or situations in their sponsored programs. You couldnt say `ford a river in a western if it was sponsored by Chevy. It does become puzzling when it is claimed that Judgment at Nuremberg looked into the minds of Nazi judges; when it was the Americans who were judging; but the details of the program being sponsored by the American Gas Association are strange to behold.This is an engrossing book that also includes much information on the different types of programs and people in them and then in a second section deals with 3 senators; Estes Kefauver; Richard Nixon and Joseph McCarthy and how television changed the style of politics - you could present your `case to the people themselves. The growth of presidential advertising and being able to reach out to the American citizens as well as the cynicism of the quiz show scandals is well covered.In all its an appealing book to read; as well as one that will give a good history of the 50s and America itself.