*beams* I'm just so good today! I finished Java ultra-early, and I demonstrated brilliant, radiant insight and intelligence in my Communications course. We were discussing the use of close-ups vs. long shots in cinematography, and Prof. Messaris was highlighting the three main functions of the close-up: information, identification with a point of view, and emphasis. I brought up the concept of the close-up as a method of convincing the audience and allaying skepticism, citing the increased use of close-ups in Lord of the Rings in scenes that use scale doubles. Because the faces of the scale doubles could not be shown (without a mask, at least), in order to convince the audience the audience that yes, indeed, these are the same characters, right at the point where the viewer could begin to doubt, Peter would cut to a close up of the actor's face to reassure the audience. I kind of went on about it for a while, also citing the use of close-ups in action sequences that used stunt doubles, and how shots are generally closer when actors perform their own stunts to showcase their faces to the audience whenever possible. When I finally stopped talking, my professor looked incredibly pleased and asked if I'd come up with this on my own. I told him yes, and he asked if I was considering going into filmmaking. He looked even more pleased when I told him I was DMD. So w00t! Fabulous day! Even freezing rain cannot drown my spirits! The only thing that could make my day better is Dean winning New Hampshire. And results will start coming in in just over an hour. Oooh, the excitement! In the meantime, run yourself!