The last day of Black Box was really fun with a somber undertone. I was worried about this and wanted to teach the class how to be extra happy with the help of a young puppy named Gambit. Training Gambit has taught me a lot about pedagogy. Teaching is about patience and observation. Not all people have the same learning styles, neither do dogs. Gambit has a short attention span, but when he is ready to learn he is very devoted to the skill you are trying to teach him. Training Gambit had three main ingredients, love, obedience and fun. The first skill we needed to develop was love in the form of trust. I took him in as a complete stranger, and we needed to find the right bond. We did this by spending a lot of time playing and resting with each other. Obedience was where the “hard core” training took place. I would reward Gambit when he listened to me and did what I asked. I would withhold treats if he chose to ignore me. I did not hit him, and he learned very well. A lot of people believe that using violence is a quick way to make a dog obey, but the dog will never trust them. Treats are a great way to make a dog listen. The third most important rule is to have fun. When you reward your pup always pet him/her, praise him/her then award a treat. This reinforces the thought that you’re touch and praise are just as good as treats, meaning your affection is one of the most fun things the dog can get. If you don’t have a puppy, I would suggest you adopt one. There is nothing better you can do. I mean look at the cute dog in the video!
Posted in Project Two/Final Project | No Comments »
For my second project I wanted to create my own song and video to accompany it. I thought it would serve as a reminder of how to make a bad video. The song “When I’m Alone” was recorded in my bath room with an acoustic guitar and my own shoddy voice. I added my own cocktail of effects to it with my macbook using garageband. I know most musicians will laugh at the thought of that, but it is a very useful application for the non pro-tool savvy. The program allows you to record and adjust your levels in a very user friendly way. The video was shot at bull creek. My friend Kate and I went out with a camera and a plan. I sang my song twice fast in order to make my mouth move in real time while my body and everything around me was in slow motion.
The effect was okay. I have since found out that when bands do it they usual play back the song at 1.5x speed not 2x. Building off of my last song (a love song about fruit) “When I’m Alone” is a love song that is actually written about my highly intelligent and occasionally disobedient Australian Shepherd. Gambit is the real star with his cute ears and dazzling looks.
I hope you enjoy this entry!
Posted in Project One | No Comments »
Play this!
One day while eating a canteloupe I told a girl we can’t elope. She thought it was funny, so I decided it would make a great song! I wanted to make a song that was one long string of word play and metaphor.
Lyrics
verse 1:
Can’t elope cause we’re two young melon’s basking in the sun
Our love ripens on the vine, warm sand wraps around our spine
Our navels scream orange you love lemon drops from up above
Citrus tears begin to cry, grapefruit fears seem so divine
chorus:
This song is a metaphor that leaves you craving lunch
But if you’re lucky it makes you think too much
About Meter and Form a Poet’s Flaura and Fauna
Nonsensical metaphors the aura of the Madonna
verse 2:
Snow Peas and Tangerines couldn’t peel you away from me
But this biting Frost could be the end of a budding love that just began
The farmers all look down at us they say it’s just some budding lust
But we’ll show them one fine day, oh yes it’s best we’ll make the pay
Repeat Chorus
verse 3:
Harvest time has come dear friend I guess this is the bitter end
Our roots are roughly upheaved Please please please don’t you forget me
Maybe one lucky sunny day together we’ll happily proclaim
Two for a dollar ninety nine canteloupes fresh from the vine.
What qualifies this project?
Creative: I created an original song that points out the wackness of metaphors.
Risk: I am terrified of singing in front of people… check!
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
Posted in Make-a-Thon | 1 Comment »