Why does music make us feel happy or sad? Or angry or romantic? How can simple sound waves cause so much emotion? I went from my comfy chair to the streets of Austin to investigate how it might be written into our neuroscience and evolution. Modern neuroscience says our brains may be wired to pick certain emotions out of music because they remind us of how people move!
Humans are the only species we know that creates and communicate using music, but it's still unclear how or why we do that, brain-wise. Is it just a lucky side effect of evolution, like Steven Pinker says? Or is it a deeper part of our evolutionary history, as people like Mark Changizi and Daniel Levitin argue?
New evolutionary science says that we may read emotion in music because it relates to how we sense emotion in people's movements. We'll take a trip from Austin to Dartmouth to Cambodia to hear why music makes us feel so many feels. The connections between movement and music go far beyond dance moves! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nT3O93-nxDc#!)
A rumination is a deep or considered thought about something. I am resuming my blog in July of 2020 after almost 2 years of not posting. During those 2 years much has happened in my life - retirement from teaching - a pilgrimage to the Holy Land - and the continuing ramifications of Covid-19. I hope that my words will resonate with your spirit and nourish your soul.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Piano Guys - HOME
Here's a new one from The Piano Guys - an arrangement of Phillip Phillip's "Home." See if you recognize the Largo theme from Antonín Dvořák's "New World Symphony." There is a version of the original symphony's 2nd movement here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNTDpU... and a version of the spiritual-like vocal adaptation here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FMUtt....
A beautiful way to begin a Friday morning!
A beautiful way to begin a Friday morning!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Our Brain....on wifi!
How often during your day do you check email? Face Book? Text? For many of us, the answer is OFTEN! Will a beep on your phone take you away from what you are doing to check out what's going on? Do you take time during your day to chill. Turn off the electronics? Chat with your family and friends and really look into their eyes and listen? I am as guilty as anyone about "multi-tasking." Sometimes I will be checking email and realize that I don't even remember what my husband just said! I myself need to daily stop, slow down, immerse my energy into a specific project/person/thought/prayer.
This video by Epipheo is an interview with Nicholas Carr, the author of "The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains". Learn about how our long-term memory is affected when we are constantly absorbing small bits of information and not digging deeper. Our creativity, our ideas, our thought process is all affected. What do you think about his theory?
This video by Epipheo is an interview with Nicholas Carr, the author of "The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains". Learn about how our long-term memory is affected when we are constantly absorbing small bits of information and not digging deeper. Our creativity, our ideas, our thought process is all affected. What do you think about his theory?
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
"Ground Control to Major Tom"
The first Canadian to command the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield was scheduled to make his return trip to Earth late Monday after five months aboard the International Space Station. He came back in a Russian capsule, unlike his previous missions in 1995 and 2001 when he traveled aboard one of the now retired space shuttles.
He decided to commemorate his final hours in space with a spectacular music video. Hadfield covers David Bowie's classic (and incredibly appropriate) song "Space Oddity." In the video, he sings a "revised version" of the song and plays the guitar solo while floating through the hulls of the ship.
Check out his YouTube Page for more!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Media and Children
Change the beginning and you change the whole story!
The typical child, before the age of 5, is watching an average of 4.5 hours of television per week, approximately half of their waking hours! How does this influence our childrens' brain development? Does it affect attention problems later in life? How does cognitive stimulation affect our children? (reading, talking etc.)
This TEDxRainier - Dimitri Christakis video discusses this subject. Mr. Christaskis is a professor of pediatrics at the Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development in Seattle, WA. Below is a snapshot summary of his talk.
Watch the video below for more insight!
Monday, May 13, 2013
The shadow theatre company Attraction from Hungary with an amazing performance at Britains Got Talent. Breathtaking!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
God Is Here!
Believe in the promise of a TRUTH that will last! God is Here, by David Haas.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Bill Bailey....
Bill Bailey is a British musician and author. His creative combination of comedy and music is appealing to all audiences. I hope to share his Guide to the Orchestra video with students before the end of the year. Here is a sampling of his talent, with an unusual twist to a favorite Metallica hit!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Music...what is it exactly?
Music can be as simple and sweet as a nursery rhyme or as complicated as a symphony. This motion animation is a creative way of looking at the pieces of what we call music!
Understand Music from finally. on Vimeo.
Music is a good thing. But what we did not know until we started with the research for this piece: Music is also a pretty complex thing. This experimental animation is about the attempt to understand all the parts and bits of it. Have a look. You might agree with our conclusion!
Understand Music from finally. on Vimeo.
Music is a good thing. But what we did not know until we started with the research for this piece: Music is also a pretty complex thing. This experimental animation is about the attempt to understand all the parts and bits of it. Have a look. You might agree with our conclusion!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
A Little Old, a Little New
We have been having fun these last weeks of school! Students have been reviewing some musical terms and symbols lately. As you all know, I'm quite the techie, but rest assured, there is variety in my instruction! Students had fun using both "new" technology (ipads) and "old" technology (chalk) this past week! Take a look.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Gerald the Giraffe drawings
After the Kindergarten students read and discussed the book Giraffes Can't Dance, we explored our illustrating skills. First, we drew and colored Gerald. Each Gerald is unique! The next class period, we used colored chalk to create a background on black construction paper for our giraffes. It was great fun! Here are some shots of giraffes in the making! **click on the previous sentence!
After we were finished, Jennifer, the Kindergarten aide, hung them in the hallways by their rooms. Below are two videos of those artistic masterpieces!
After we were finished, Jennifer, the Kindergarten aide, hung them in the hallways by their rooms. Below are two videos of those artistic masterpieces!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Giraffes Can't Dance!
Inspired by a fellow music educator, I got out one of my favorite books. Last week, Kindergarten music students read the book, Giraffes Can't Dance by Andreae, Giles and Illustrator Parker-Rees, Guy. It is a story about Gerald, a giraffe who is made fun of at the annual jungle dance because he is not a very good dancer. He comes to find out that there is someone who DOES believe in him! "Everything makes music", says the cricket, "if you really want it to". From then on, Gerald listens, and hears his OWN music and gracefully, beautifully dances!
After we read the story, we discusses what kind of musical things WE wanted to become better at. Responses included, singing, dancing, playing a variety of instruments, which included LOTS of drums and guitars! Not everyone is good at a special skill right away! Sometimes it takes time to get better and learn.
Here is a video of the book in musical form! We will be watching this video this week.
Coming tomorrow....the students use their artistic skills to portray Gerald and his story!
After we read the story, we discusses what kind of musical things WE wanted to become better at. Responses included, singing, dancing, playing a variety of instruments, which included LOTS of drums and guitars! Not everyone is good at a special skill right away! Sometimes it takes time to get better and learn.
Here is a video of the book in musical form! We will be watching this video this week.
Coming tomorrow....the students use their artistic skills to portray Gerald and his story!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Charlie Brown Medley with the Piano Guys
Get ready to dance...
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Handel and God
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.--John 14:27
The video below is an interesting take, using the life of Handel as an example, of God's constant care for us, and the serendipities in life that often occur when we are open to them! Did you know that when Handel wrote The Messiah in 1741, it took him 23 days to complete the entire work?
Saturday, May 4, 2013
A Boy and His Atom
IBM research has created this movie that holds the Guinness World Record for the World's Smallest Stopp-Motion Film. They used a scanning tunneling microscope to move thousands of carbon monoxide molecules into a movie! The first video shows the movie. The one below will take you behind the scenes to the lab. The scientists will talk about how they made the movie with atoms as well as their research in the field of atomic memory an data storage.
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Friday, May 3, 2013
Google Glass
You have probably heard about Google Glass. Do you think it will become commonplace? What apps do you think would be useful to have in Glass? Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Nike, Shopping?
To engage the headset you will speak, "OK Glass". From there you can take video, connect with friends, find directions, google a topic....LOTS of things. It even comes in a variety of stylin' colors! Glass currently markets around the $1500 price range. Some say in mass production the price should come down to about $500-$600. The possibility (eventuality?) is that it will also be integrated with eyeglass prescriptions. Will you be the first in your neighborhood to own one????
Here's a basic tutorial on how to operated Glass:
To engage the headset you will speak, "OK Glass". From there you can take video, connect with friends, find directions, google a topic....LOTS of things. It even comes in a variety of stylin' colors! Glass currently markets around the $1500 price range. Some say in mass production the price should come down to about $500-$600. The possibility (eventuality?) is that it will also be integrated with eyeglass prescriptions. Will you be the first in your neighborhood to own one????
Here's a basic tutorial on how to operated Glass:
Thursday, May 2, 2013
New iPad app from the Black Hills of South Dakota!
Living Puzzles, is a new iPad app, just released on April 25. A new company, Puzzleroo, developed the game. It features various levels of jigsaw puzzles....with MOVING VIDEO! Puzzleroo is a company in the Black Hills area, and many puzzle scenes are from our beloved Black Hills as well!
There are 4 difficulty levels, and a variety of categories of puzzles including African Animals, At the Beach, and Autumn Beauty. More categories can be unlocked by earning stars with fast completion of puzzles.
Any puzzle can be played in either "Puzzle Stretch" or "Living Jigsaw" mode. Both modes contain pieces that are themselves an ongoing movie! Makes for a challenge in placing the pieces!
Right now, it is being offered at a special introductory price of .99! I downloaded it on my iPad to check it out. It is WAY cool! Here's a new article from KOTA featuring the product:
KOTA Territory News
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Crystalize
This is a violin original from Lindsey Stirling. Awesomenes! This was the #8 top-viewed video on YouTube for 2012 with over 42 million views!
Stirling is working on a new album which should be ready to Spring of 2014.
Stirling is working on a new album which should be ready to Spring of 2014.
“‘Crystallize,’ on the other hand, is a much deeper song: the crystallization of water is affected by its surroundings to create either beautiful patterns or meaningless masses. Similarly, I believe that through our thoughts, beliefs and the environments we create, we each possess the power to make a positive change within ourselves and others.”--http://www.lindseystirling.com/lindsey/
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
I'm Waking Up I Feel it in My Bones!
Pentatonix always has something cool in the making! Lindsey Stirling joins Pentatonix for this take on Radioactive. Check out Lindsey's YouTube page too!
Monday, April 29, 2013
TOTALLY AMAZING!
This dance couple, Duo Flame, from the Ukraine, wowed judges on Ukraine's Got Talent. They are totally amazing artists! Khadzh Khamed Aiusha and Vladyslav Ivashkin were both born in Kiev, Ukraine. Both were school in gymnastics beginning at an early age. As you will see, it is their passion. Their love for each other is expressed in their dance as well I think!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Spirit of God
Blow where you will...
Saturday, April 27, 2013
They are on WHAT????
QR codes are found on shirts, McDonalds wrappers, DQ cups, Ketchup bottles, bank windows, and magazine ads and some even have them tattooed on their body! An article from the NY Times in September of 2011 contained some interesting QR photos, some of which were from the "Talk to Me" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art. Take a look! My favorite is the building in Tokyo! For more information on each of the photos, refer to the NY Times article.
A smartphone user can scan the QR code on a Skanz bracelet and see select personal information.
Alexander Reeder
A still photo from a video of a code on a Tokyo building, part of the “Talk to Me” exhibition at MoMA (scanning the code at the building provided information and allowed interaction with occupants).
A code used to facilitate donations to the Red Cross in Japan.
A cookie with a QR code in frosting was given out during a Fashion's Night Out event at the Tiffany & Company store.
Friday, April 26, 2013
QR Codes, Barcodes, and RFID. OH MY!!!!
The students and I have explored QR codes quite a bit this year. They have used the QR scanner on their iPads to scan everything from a website, to a listening selection for a composer, to a quiz. We have discovered that QR codes are EVERYWHERE!
QR codes, bar codes, and radio frequency identification (RFID) codes are all unique and all serve different purposes. All convey large amounts of information in a small physical space. They might link to a website, a text document, a photo, someone's business card, or even your voice!! Basically it connects the online world to the physical world.
QR codes were created in Japan in the 1990s, although they didn't get much attention until very recently. A QR code always has a filled-in box in every corner. QR codes can easily be read by any free QR scanner on a smart phone, notebook or iPad. There are also a variety of free QR code generators if you want to create your own QR code. The QR code below will take you to this blog!
QR codes, bar codes, and radio frequency identification (RFID) codes are all unique and all serve different purposes. All convey large amounts of information in a small physical space. They might link to a website, a text document, a photo, someone's business card, or even your voice!! Basically it connects the online world to the physical world.
QR codes were created in Japan in the 1990s, although they didn't get much attention until very recently. A QR code always has a filled-in box in every corner. QR codes can easily be read by any free QR scanner on a smart phone, notebook or iPad. There are also a variety of free QR code generators if you want to create your own QR code. The QR code below will take you to this blog!
Barcodes have been around for decades. We are used to seeing them on packaging for things that we purchase. They are not only handy for the point of sale (linking to the cost), but also for managing inventory. Here's an example of a bar code, also easy to scan from any free scanner app.
RFID has similar uses to that of the barcode, but are especially useful in situations where vast quantities of goods are moved or tracked. Large chains such as Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense us this to track the vast quantities of items required for their situations. RFID tags are applied to items or boxes or pallets. They vary in size, shape and capability. The tag has a small antenna that emits a radio frequency signal, picked up by a special wireless RFID reader. Here is an example of one.
Coming tomorrow.....some VERY unique uses of the QR code!!!!!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
PS 22, Delta Rae and "Bottom of the River"
Another PS22 Chorus collaboration that rocks! Delta Rae performs their breakout hit, "Bottom Of The River" with the PS22 Chorus!
For more on Delta Rae check out:
http://www.twitter.com/deltarae
http://www.facebook.com/deltarae
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Earth Chorus
"The Earth has music for those who listen"
--George SantayanaI read about this on Mashable yesterday. In October, 2012, radio waves emanating from Earth were recorded by satellites investigating the Van Allen belts. There are intense radiation zones that surround our planet. This recording was given the name "Chorus". Here is the original recording:
What does it remind you of?
Now, here is a remix of that "earthly" sounds, using interpretive dance. The music was composed by Kerry Muzzey. His song Looking Back was featured in Glee. He has written other TV and movie themes as well. The dance is performed by DS2DIO (D-studio). Check out their YouTube Channel.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Ed who??
During the TIE Conference, we have been using Edmodo to connect with each other, as well as a place for presenters to store their presentation material and other information to share. I had heard of Edmodo before, but never really explored it very much. I'm learning how to use it this week, as well as contemplating ways that I might use it in my classroom.
The format of Edmodo is very similar to that of Facebook. This alone makes it appealing to students! It's like Facebook for education in a way. Besides communication between students and educators, Edmodo can be used for assessments, assignments, alerts, and polls to name a few. Edmodo also has apps. Some of these are free, others are purchased. There are LOTS of apps. These are great ways to engage your students with games and interactives, content creation tools as well as classroom management tools. They are easy to install. One thing I noticed yesterday, was that some of them seemed to not work on the iPad. That is something I'll have to check out further.
I will be spending some time this summer exploring how to use Edmodo. I think it is worth a try! Here are a few sites to look at to get an idea of what Edmodo can do for your classroom:
http://help.edmodo.com/teachers/teacher-rollout-resources/twenty-ways-to-use-edmodo/
http://blog.edmodo.com/2010/11/23/we-asked-you-answered-15-more-brilliant-ways-to-use-edmodo/
http://blog.edmodo.com/2010/11/17/7-brilliant-ways-to-use-edmodo-that-will-blow-your-mind/
http://www.slideshare.net/seyfert6/20-ways-to-use-edmodo
Monday, April 22, 2013
Got Coffee??
Today I'm attending the TIE Conference in Rapid City. It's always fun for me to attend conferences, see people who I don't get to see in person except for these conferences, and to make new connections! Networking is amazing! Sometimes I am overwhelmed at the amount of information...how do I try all of these new things???
When I feel overwhelmed with new information, a strategy that I've used is to pick one or two goals say for the next school year. I will incorporate them into my classroom, personal life, wherever it applies. I focus on these goals daily, striving to learn, explore, share. If I try to do too many "new" things, especially in my classroom, I find that I don't have time to do any of them very well. When I focus on one or two "new" things for a period of time, I tend to do a better job of going "deeper". I find this is true in my personal life as well. Focusing on creating one or two new habits, or creating one or two new things, will probably result in feelings of accomplishment - not feelings of failure!
In technology this year, I focused on blogging with several classes (new), and it has been a WONDERFUL experience! We have also focused on creating with the iPad. These are in addition to other items already in place in our curriculum. I hope to get some ideas (already have some!) of what I'll be trying out next year! I have also maintained my goal this school year of blogging each and every day!
Yesterday I presented an in-depth session entitled, "Pinterest IS for Educators!". I had a great time exploring and gathering information for the session. Pinterest isn't JUST for recipes and clothes! Educators can use Pinterest to collaborate with each other, create student projects, even to publish their online curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV. It is a longer (two or more pages), more detailed synopsis than a resume. While you can use the social networking site to showcase your work, why not take it one step further and get into details about your skills, your education, where you went to university, what special skills you possess, what languages you speak, where your online profiles are, and more. You can create a visually interesting professional profile that, if you’re applying for a creative job, will definitely help you stand out in the crowd.
If you are not an educator, use your imagination with Pinterest. Think outside the box. Incorporate Pinterest in the decision-making, creative, or assessment areas of business or other professions.
The nuts and bolts of my presentation can be found here if you are interested! (the cup represents my coffee cup, which is usually beside me as I pin away!)
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Jesus My Shepherd
Chapter 10
- 27
- My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
- 28
- I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand.
- 29
- My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, 1 and no one can take them out of the Father's hand.
- 30
- The Father and I are one."
We are reminded in this weekend's liturgy that Jesus is our Shepherd. How do we know Him? We know His voice! "Just the pleasure of knowing YOU, fills all of my desires!" I love you Jesus, thank you for loving me first!
Robin Mark sings this song of praise. Enjoy!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Dave Brubeck's Take Five - Pakistan style!
The Sachal Studios Orchestra, based in Lahore, Pakistan, playing an innovative cover of “Take Five,” the jazz standard written by Paul Desmond and performed by The Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1959. Before he died last year, Brubeck called it the “most interesting” version he had ever heard. Once you watch the performance above, you’ll know why.
According to The Guardian, The Sachal Studios Orchestra was created by Izzat Majeed, a philanthropist based in London. When Pakistan fell under the dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq during the 1980s, Pakistan’s classical music scene fell on hard times. Many musicians were forced into professions they had never imagined — selling clothes, electrical parts, vegetables, etc. Whatever was necessary to get by. Today, many of these musicians have come together in a 60-person orchestra that plays in a state-of-the-art studio, designed partly by Abbey Road sound engineers.
You can purchase their album, Sachal Jazz: Interpretations of Jazz Standards & Bossa Nova, on Amazon and iTunes. It includes versions of “Take Five” and “The Girl from Ipanema.”
Pakistani Musicians Play Amazing Version of Dave Brubeck’s Jazz Classic, “Take Five” is a post from: Open Culture. You can follow Open Culture on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plusand by Email.
Friday, April 19, 2013
The Evolution of Music
Pentatonix presents a medley of selected songs from the 11th Century to the present. Some interesting choices! Here's their repertoire: (video below)
11th century-
Salve Regina
1600s-
Canon in D - Pachelbel
1800s-
Symphony No. 5 - Beethoven
1910s-
Danny Boy - Frederic Weatherly
1920s-
Old Man River - Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II
1930s-
Minnie The Moocher - Cab Calloway
1940s-
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - The Andrew Sisters
1950s-
I Walk The Line - Johnny Cash
La Bamba - Ritchie Valens
1960s-
Stand By Me - Ben E King
Barbara Ann - Beach Boys
I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
Respect - Aretha Franklin
1970s-
ABC - Jackson 5
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
1980s-
Celebration - Kool & The Gang
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Thriller - Michael Jackson
1990s-
Can't Touch This - MC Hammer
...Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
Say My Name - Destiny's Child
I Want It That Way - The Backstreet Boys
2000s
Hey Ya! - Outkast
Drop it Like Its Hot - Snoop Dogg
Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
Hips Don't Lie - Shakira
Single Ladies - Beyoncé
I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
I Gotta Feelin - Black Eyed Peas
2010s-
Baby - Justin Bieber
We Found Love - Rihanna
Some Nights - Fun.
Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye
Gangnam Style - Psy
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
11th century-
Salve Regina
1600s-
Canon in D - Pachelbel
1800s-
Symphony No. 5 - Beethoven
1910s-
Danny Boy - Frederic Weatherly
1920s-
Old Man River - Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II
1930s-
Minnie The Moocher - Cab Calloway
1940s-
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - The Andrew Sisters
1950s-
I Walk The Line - Johnny Cash
La Bamba - Ritchie Valens
1960s-
Stand By Me - Ben E King
Barbara Ann - Beach Boys
I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
Respect - Aretha Franklin
1970s-
ABC - Jackson 5
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
1980s-
Celebration - Kool & The Gang
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Thriller - Michael Jackson
1990s-
Can't Touch This - MC Hammer
...Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
Say My Name - Destiny's Child
I Want It That Way - The Backstreet Boys
2000s
Hey Ya! - Outkast
Drop it Like Its Hot - Snoop Dogg
Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
Hips Don't Lie - Shakira
Single Ladies - Beyoncé
I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
I Gotta Feelin - Black Eyed Peas
2010s-
Baby - Justin Bieber
We Found Love - Rihanna
Some Nights - Fun.
Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye
Gangnam Style - Psy
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
Thursday, April 18, 2013
The Impossible Duet: Handel-Halvorsen Passacaglia for Cello and Violin
Cellist Wells Cunningham couldn't find a violinist to play this duet with him, so he just played the part himself! What a great piece of music!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Talk about big!!!
And we complain about our iPads being too big!!
“Norwich City Council’s first computer, being delivered to the City Treasurer’s Department in Bethel Street, Norwich”
- Norfolk Record Office
- Norfolk Record Office
via: retronaut
Monday, April 15, 2013
Oh my, what that piano can do!
ThePianoGuys have so many cool videos! They definitely think "outside the box" - the piano box that is! Here's their take on "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
The Voice of Truth
Voices all around me. Truth? Lies? Evil? Blessings? How do I know what is true? How do I know what is real? How do I know which path to take? Signs point me one way, then another?
This is how I will know. I choose to listen to the voice of TRUTH, Jesus Christ! He has called me by name. I am His. Forever.
This is how I will know. I choose to listen to the voice of TRUTH, Jesus Christ! He has called me by name. I am His. Forever.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Vintage Advertising
What would advertising for social media giants have looked like in the 1950s?
Sao Paulo ad agency Moma Propaganda made this series of vintage ads for YouTube, Facebook, Skypeand Twitter. The campaign titled “Everything Ages Fast” was used to promote the Maximidia Seminars.
Friday, April 12, 2013
The Technology of TOUCH!
HAPTOGRAPHY (Haptic Photography)
Haptography, like photography in the visual domain, enables an individual to quickly record the haptic feel of a real object and reproduce it later for others to interact with in a variety of contexts. (https://www.grasp.upenn.edu/research/haptography)
Imagine being able to feel the fiber of a fabric, the smoothness of the keys of a piano, the fragility of a blood vessel, the terrain of a video game - all imported directly into virtual objects, felt through your digital screen. Think about how often you use your sense of touch as you go throughout your day. The sensations, the reactions of our body to what we feel. Katherine Kuchenbecker has been exploring this science, along with other researchers, for several years now. In this TED-ed lesson, she shares about the field of haptics. How would it change your world? Would it change the way music lessons were given? Would it change your shopping habits? It's fascinating to think about!
Also, check out the Project Homepage: http://haptics.grasp.upenn.edu/index.php/Research/Haptography
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Vintage Social Networking
Have you asked your child if they know what a LP record is? Are you ready for the blank stare? How about a cassette tape or a Rolodex? Our ways of connecting to others have transformed our world. I know that I will first text a person if I have a quick question instead of calling them on the phone. I've known of instances of couples breaking up via txt messages! I don't know that I would go for that! All of my contacts are found on my phone or computer, not in an address book or Rolodex. Heck my elementary kiddos are always surprised to learn that floppy disks used to be "big"! A whopping 5 or 3 inches! They are familiar with USB flash drives as as quick portable device for transporting files. Storage on the cloud is most common.
My phone is not JUST for calling people any more! I can check my bank balance, play games, take photos, take videos, surf the net, text my friend, check in with Facebook or Foursquare, check the weather, record my WW points, listen to music, set my alarm, edit my photos, leave a tweet, check in and download my board pass for my flight at the airport, transfer money with Pay Pal, create an art project, read the newspaper, take notes at a meeting, talk face to face with my grandkids, watch a Netflix movie, shop Ebay or Amazon, make a grocery list using my store's app with their specials, well, the list goes on and on. In fact, I would say that the "phone calling" option of my phone is probably the "app" that I use the least!!
The world is a changing! I wonder what our children are using now in their technological world will be obsolete when they are adults?!
John Atkinson in his blog Wrong Hands had a cute depiction of comparing things that us "Old people" might remember as being part of our everyday life at one time.

And this one is cute (but so real!) also, from Shoebox Blog.

My phone is not JUST for calling people any more! I can check my bank balance, play games, take photos, take videos, surf the net, text my friend, check in with Facebook or Foursquare, check the weather, record my WW points, listen to music, set my alarm, edit my photos, leave a tweet, check in and download my board pass for my flight at the airport, transfer money with Pay Pal, create an art project, read the newspaper, take notes at a meeting, talk face to face with my grandkids, watch a Netflix movie, shop Ebay or Amazon, make a grocery list using my store's app with their specials, well, the list goes on and on. In fact, I would say that the "phone calling" option of my phone is probably the "app" that I use the least!!
The world is a changing! I wonder what our children are using now in their technological world will be obsolete when they are adults?!
John Atkinson in his blog Wrong Hands had a cute depiction of comparing things that us "Old people" might remember as being part of our everyday life at one time.
And this one is cute (but so real!) also, from Shoebox Blog.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
HOT HOT HOT!
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are awesome!
This group, formed in 2002, has taken their "bagrock" sound worldwide. They have released 4 albums so far, going platinum in Scotland!
They will amaze you, entertain you, inspire you!
This group, formed in 2002, has taken their "bagrock" sound worldwide. They have released 4 albums so far, going platinum in Scotland!
They will amaze you, entertain you, inspire you!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Drum Cam
According to their website, Drum Corps International (DCI) began more than 3 decades ago. It has developed into a powerful, nonprofit, global youth activity with far-reaching artistic, educational and organizational influence.
You can see the entire playlist of these videos here: DCI Drum Cam.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Love Has Come For Me
This piece by Colton Dixon reminds me that I am nothing without my Source, my Light, my LIFE, Jesus Christ!
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
Music's Effect on Learning
Did you know that one study revealed that students were more productive while listening to jazz? Read this for more interesting tidbits on how music effects our brain!
Please include attribution to OnlineColleges.net with this graphic.
Please include attribution to OnlineColleges.net with this graphic.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Thriller
YouTube user Inhyeok Yeo uploaded an a capella version of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Every instrument and voice in the piece is layered to produce this final product.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
The Chromatic Typewriter
This is the coolest typewriter I've ever seen! Using an html color guide, Tyree Callahan rigged the machine so that each key corresponds to a different hue. He modified his 1937 Underwood Standard typewriter to transform simple keystrokes into beautiful works of art. Tyree Callahan grew up in Bisbee, Arizona before moving to Bellingham, Washington, in 1993. He is a member of the Waterfront Artist Studio Collective, located on Bellingham's waterfront. You can also find him on facebook on his page Painting and Poetry.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Christ Is Risen by Matt Maher
Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
come and rise up from the grave
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