Blog 4B

These are my audio critiques of 3 different songs. I critiqued the songs of Stephen Hicken, Steven Martin, and Mary Swick.

Mary Swick: http://swickaroo.blogspot.com/2011/04/4b.html
Stephen Hicken: http://media203hicken.blogspot.com/
Steven Martin: http://mdia203steven.blogspot.com/

Blog 4A

For this blog, we were instructed to read Seth Godin’s “Brainwashed” on http://changethis.com/ . Everyone should check out the article, it will make this blog make more sense. In the article, Godin talks about seven layers of reinventing yourself.  Anyways, we were also instructed to summarize two of the layers from the article, as well how those two layers connect to us and this blog we are doing, so that is what I am going to do. 

         So the first layer I am going to summarize is “Acknowledge the Lizard.” This layer is based on the idea of the lizard brain, the prehistoric brainstem that all of us contend with, and it doesn’t like being laughed at. It is about the part of the brain that fears rejection, so we shut down our art and creativity. This shutdown is called resistance, and it is what forces to keep our heads down, and simply follow instructions. In almost every aspect of our life, the resistance wins. Over time, artists have figured out that resistance is the sole barrier between them and their art. So, in order to ignore the lizard, we must acknowledge

The second layer that I looked at is “Connect.” This layer is all about social media, and the internet, and it how it connects all of us, and makes the world a smaller place. How you use social media, and the internet is ultimately up to you. If you are to focused on how many followers you have, and the little things like that, it won’t really do you much good. However, if you use it to make connections, and interact with people you normally wouldn’t, then social media can actually be incredibly helpful for you. We used to be an isolated world, but now we are connected to almost everyone, and these interactions can change everything, if we allow them to.

I think that these two layers do connect to this blog, and this class in a couple of different ways. For the obvious, the layer of “Connect” is exactly what this blog is all about. Blogger is another example of the social networking that is out there for us to use, and this blog for class allows us to interact with other people in the class that we may not normally talk to. For “Acknowledge the Lizard,” this layer connects to the blog because the blog forces us to overcome our fears of putting our art out there, and basically forces us to show it to the world. I think that these various exercises are good for us because they help expand our creativity, and make us better artists, which is really the point.

Music/Song project

Blogs I Commented On (3B)

Brie’s Soundscape

http://briezilla.blogspot.com/2011/04/soundscape-pity.html

Katie’s Soundscape

http://mdia203mack.blogspot.com/2011/04/soundscape.html

Maddie’s Soundscape

http://mcschneidy.blogspot.com/2011/04/soundscape.html

Blog 3A

        The song that I have chosen to look at is Don’t Stop Believin’. While many versions of this song have been done, I choose to compare the original by Journey, and the version done by the cast of Glee. This song has always been one of my favorites, as it is for many people. I chose to use these two versions because they are probably the two most popular versions of this song. Journey’s original version was released in 1981, and became a huge hit. In 2009, the hit TV show, Glee, covered the song in their very first episode, as well as another version later in the season. I have chosen to use the second version of the song that Glee did. Glee’s version of the song became on of the top selling singles from the show, and Journey’s version also recharted in the process. The lyrics in both versions of the song remain the same, so I have decided to take a look at the melody and musical quality.

The melody in both versions of the song are pretty similar for the most part. However, they do have some differences. The melody in the Glee version in the a little bit more upbeat, and faster than the original. Also, Glee puts more of an emphasis on parts, by having beats actually sung by cast members, when they were originally just played with instruments in the original, and weren’t made to stand out as much. The melody in the Glee version has a much pop dance feel to it, while the original is much more rock & roll.

While the melody and lyrics are quite similar in both versions, the musical qualities are very different. For a start, the Glee version has a faster rhythm than the original. The original has a much basic, easygoing rhythm, while the Glee version is very upbeat, and a little bit faster. The intensity is also very different in some parts of the song. Going into one of the verses, the Journey version is very basic, and the Glee version goes up a few notches when it comes to intensity on the very same verse. The differences in the pitch really comes from the fact that the Journey version is sung by one lead singer, with a few backup vocals. The Glee version is done by a group of 12 people, guys and girls, so that changes the pitch of the song, as well as the intensity. The Glee version has a much more complex timbre. There are many more voices, and other sounds going on in the Glee version than their are in the original. However, when it comes to the organization, the Glee version is much more chaotic with crazy background vocals, while the Journey is much more ordered. The final difference between the two songs is in the end. The Glee Cast version ends with a bang, while the Journey version just kind of fades out. 

While I am a huge fan of this song in general, I have to say that I think I actually like the Glee version better. There is something really exciting and upbeat about the Glee version that just catches your ear. It is easy to jump around and dance to, and automatically puts a smile on your face. The Journey version is a little more basic, and low intensity than the Glee version. The Glee version just has an infectious beat to it that is actually being sung in the background by the cast members, whereas that beat in the Journey version wasn’t as noticeable, so you don’t really pick up on it. I know people may think that liking the Glee version better is crazy, and don’t get me wrong, I love the Journey version as well, there is just something about the Glee version that I adore.

Soundscape

Blog Assignment #2

Link to Johathon Flaum's story at www.changethis.com

My podcast for the assignment: http://www.box.net/shared/spnju29ivh

Blog 1B

Check This Out:   http://changethis.com/   

On this website, Mitch Ditkoff’s decsrbes 14 ways to get a breakthrough idea. The 14 different ideas that are presented are follow your fascination, immerse, tolerate ambiguity, make new connections, fantasize, define the right challenge, listen to your subconscious, take a break, notice and challenge existing patterns and trends, hang out with diverse groups of people, brainstorm, look for happy accidents, use creative thinking techniques, and suspend logic. These 14 ideas lay out the steps to finding a breakthrough idea, and setting it free. Ditkoff states that people are the ultimate spark behind innovation, and people are sparked by inspired and breakthrough ideas. Ditkoff also states that there are two different schools of thoughts when it comes to the origin of an idea. One school ascribes the origin of ideas to inspired individuals who, through a series of purposeful mental processes, conjure up the new and different cerebral shamen. The second school ascribes the appearance of ideas to a transcendent force. One approach follow the idea “I think therefor I am”, while the second follows “I am, therefore I think.”  Both of these approaches are valid and effective, and lead to Ditkoff describing the 14 steps to a breakthrough idea. The three steps that I am going to look at are follow your fascination, fantasize, and hang out with diverse groups of people.

The idea of fascination is actually a pretty basic and simple concept. It simply to means, that if you find yourself enchanted by an idea, chances are that there is a good idea somewhere in that. Feeling fascination for an idea usually means that we are being called to the idea, and that it is worth our attention and time. I think that the suggestion of fascination is a very good way to lead to the start of a new breakthrough idea. I would use this in my creative life in a couple of different ways. I would think about all of the different topics, ideas, and things that I am fascinated by, and then I would simply choose that one that inspires me the most, and try to delve deeper into a breakthrough idea that is inside that fascination. The prompt at the end of this suggestion states “What new idea is fascinating you? What new possibility has captured your attention? In what ways can you honor this inspiration today?” A new idea that is fascinating to me is the popularity of children’s programs causing a huge splash in TV ratings. This idea has captured my attention because of my recent interest in shows on Nickelodeon. I have kind of become obsessed with shows like iCarly, Victorious, and Big Time Rush. I can honor this inspiration today by watching the shows, and learn more about them.

The suggestion of fantasize is usually what leads to the beginning of many breakthrough ideas. Humans have the ability to fantasize about whatever they want to. They can create and come up with unique stories and ideas in their own minds, even if they aren’t possible or real. Humans have this rare ability, and we can use it to up with brand new breakthrough ideas. Dreaming can help to lead to a small something that can ultimately lead to incredible and inspiring idea. I truly believe that this is a good suggestion, and can lead to the creation of some very good ideas. I would use this in my creative life by taking all of the ridiculous and crazy stories that go through my head, and look at them for ideas that can lead to something greater. The prompt for this suggestion states “Think of a current challenge of yours. What would a fantasy solution to this challenge look like? What clues does this fantasy solution give to you? A current challenge that I am dealing with is keeping in contact with my best friends from back home. A fantasy solution to this project would to bring us all together at one school. This fantasy solution gives me the idea to try an Skype with them more, because it is as close as I can come to be with them in person.

The final suggestion I chose to explore is to hang out with a diverse group of people. This suggestion is pretty self explanatory, but that doesn’t mean that it is easy to act out. People have a tendency to spend time with people that are similar to them. While you may get along great with people, constantly being around the same people as yourself isn’t very inspiring. However, spending time with people outside of your usual circle can help open you up to so many new experiences and ideas. That is why breaking the bonds of the familiar is the perfect way to help you find a breakthrough idea. I think that this a very good suggestion, and I would use it in my creative life by getting to know some new people that I would never normally talk to. The prompt for this suggestion is to make a list of ten people outside of your traditional “posse” who you can spend time with this month.” Those ten people would be Katie, Brianna, Emily, Tia, Beth, Mary, Angela, Robyn, Michelle, and Erica. Katie would probably be first because I am seeing her tomorrow.

One final prompt that I want to take at look at is at the end of suggestion 9 “Notice and challenge existing patterns and trends.” The prompt states “What trends in the marketplace most intrigues you? In what ways might these trends shift in the coming years - and how might your most inspired idea by in sync with this imagined shift?’ I think a trend that I am most inspired by right now is the expansion and use of social networking sites. I think that this trend could shift upward in the coming years because more types of social networking will be created, and more people will continued to get involved. My most inspired idea might be in sync with the imagined shift by thinking about what kind of social networking hasn’t been created yet, and if it will actually work.

Blog 1A

          When it comes to being a creative person, I am someone that views, and comes up with the things in my mind. I have always said that my mind is like one constant TV show that never ends. I am constantly coming up with different ideas and pictures in my head based on the things that I see and hear. When it comes to inspiration, I look to all the different things around me, from my friends and family, and the shoes and movies I watch, and the music I listen to. The world around me is the ultimate inspiration for me to be creative.

When it comes to an artist that I truly admire, that would be Mark Schwahn, the creator and executive producer of One Tree Hill. My admiration for Mark Schwahn is based on his work on One Tree Hill, one of my favorite shows, and the show that started to inspire me to get into the entertainment industry, and my desire to work on TV. Schwahn often uses tension and release on One Tree Hill during important moments. While the show is considered to be a drama, it has its fair share of funny moments. In One Tree Hill, Schwahn often uses the idea of conscious and subconscious to help further the story lines of the characters. It would be impossible to talk about One Tree Hill without talking about theme, and the idea of active and didactic.

When it comes to creating a dramatic television, having no light moments of joy and laughter, or release, can be incredibly exhausting and taxing for the audience. So in order to break up the dark and tension-filled moments on One Tree Hill, Schwahn interjects them will small jokes, and funny awkward moments to keep the audience interested. I love how Schwahn is able to take a scene or moment that is incredibly awkward, scary, strange, and filled with tension, and lighten the scene just a little bit by adding one funny line. Schwahn also has the ability to take a scene that would normally by incredibly terrible and awkward into something that is hilarious and entertaining. This is very evident in a scene between haley and her sisters. In this dinner scene, Haley and Quinn have to deal with the fact that their sister, Taylor, is now dating Quinn’s ex-husband. The are also joined at dinner by Haley’s husband, Nathan, and Quinn’s boyfriend, Clay. The idea of your sister dating your ex-husband, and then having to have dinner with them is incredibly awkward and terrible. But, with some well place lines and moments, Schwahn turns a awkward dinner scene, into one of the funniest scenes from the episode. Tension and release is a perfect to keep an audience on their toes, make them laugh, and continue the story line.

When it comes to expressing conscious and subconscious, Schwahn uses a couple of different ways. Sometimes, he has the characters come right out say to one another what they are thinking, and feeling. Whether its Lucas refusing to play basketball because of Dan, or Brooke lashing out because of her parents, some of the characters choices and the reasons for the choices are obvious and not hidden at all. Sometimes, Schwahn doesn’t come right out and say what a characters motives, and why they act the way they do, including Mouth helping Brooke, or Chris helping Haley. And sometimes, Schwahn is able to show both the conscious and subconscious at the same time, which is most evident in this scene with peyton vs. dark angel. Peyton is confronted by her subconscious when she imagines an alter ego of her self that is very blunt, and doesn’t hold anything back. Peyton’s alter ego says all of the things that Peyton is thinking right to her face, but she isn’t really there and is technically her subconscious. For me, I found this way of revealing Peyton’s true thoughts very unique and creative, and that us part of the reason why I admire Mark Schwahn. Schwahn has used this technique multiple times in the show, especially when characters are injured or actually unconscious. Schwahn will show alter versions of character viewing the world around them, and what is going on, even though they are technically not able to do so themselves, like in this scene with Clay and Quinn.

If One Tree Hill is known for anything, it is definitely the amount of themes and lessons that it shares in its episodes. In most episodes of One Tree Hill, Schwahn places a quote at the beginning or end of the episode to help foreshadow or wrap up what happens in the episode. Sometimes the quotes are easy to understand, and they explain exactly what the audience is supposed to think about what is going on, like this quote from season 3 that says “and when you find yourself lost in the darkness and despair remember it's only in the black of night you see the stars. And those stars will lead you back home. So don't be afraid to make mistakes, or stumble and fall, because most of the time the greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare you the most.” The meaning behind this quote isn’t really one that is left up to interpretation. It clearly states to do the things that scare you, and lean on the people around you in hard times. This quotes also perfectly describe what was going on characters at that time in the show. However, sometime, Schwahn uses quotes that aren’t so cut and dry. Sometime their meaning is left up to the viewers to figure out, like this quote “There comes a time when every life goes off course. In this desperate moment you must choose your direction. Will you fight to stay on the path? Will others tell you who you are? Or will you label yourself? Will you be haunted by your choice? Or will you embrace your own path? Each morning you choose to move forward or to simply give up?” In this quote, Schwahn leaves it up to the viewers to decide what they will take from it, as well as how it relates to the characters on the show. Some themes are shoved right in your face, and they are actively describe and shown to you. Others, are expressed quietly, and requires the audience to come up with their own ideas and meanings. 

I have been a fan of Mark Schwahn, and admired him for many years. His work in creating the world of One Tree Hill is truly inspiring to me, I wish to one day create a show that can inspire someone else in the same way.

Harbor Bridge in Sydney

This is a photo from my senior trip to Sydney, Australia. The photo is of the Harbor Bridge, one of the prominent land marks in Sydney.