S4 - Internet Meme's

A "Meme" is a unit of cultural information. It spreads through ideas. These used to be important to the development of our civilizations. Nowadays, memes are important to show us cats.

The earliest known lolcat - 1870 (no joke!)

You know memes, even if you don't know that's what they're called. They're spread through social networking, text, word of mouth, South Park episodes and email - basically, every way we use media to communicate.
Sometimes, they're just created by one person and they spread by themselves, usually for entertainment.
Sometimes, they're created by an Institution to advertise a product, service or brand.
Sometimes... they can impact the entire world! (Do a google search for "Mitt Romney Binders full of women")

Your task today is as follows - do a little research on Internet Meme's. Find out what an "image macro" is. Just how stylish is "Gangnam Style"? Who was Rick and why was he rolling? Do all your base really belong to me? Who is Leeeeeroooyyy Jennnnkiiinnnnnssss? Beware - websense will try and block you every step of the way; It's only trying to help. Keep going.

Once you think you've got a handle on the World of Memes - try and create your own.
The first person to get on South Park gets a credit stamp.

WE WILL REVIEW YOUR MEME'S ON WEDNESDAY!


The following was an early internet meme - reported to be an actual conversation between an American Navy Commander and a Canadian... Unfortunately, it's not true. Still good though.

This is the transcript of a radio conversation of a US naval ship with Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland in October, 1995. Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10-10-95.

Americans: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a Collision.

Canadians: Recommend you divert YOUR course 15 degrees to the South to avoid a collision.

Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.

Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.

Americans: This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States' Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers and numerous support vessels. I demand that YOU change your course 15 degrees north, that's one five degrees north, or countermeasures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.

Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.^[2]