Assigment 16, Jesse Konopka

Well, this right here is one assignment I've struggled with for a while. I'm not the sort of person who really goes out and does things like see movies and such. I live most of my life in my house, and I probably always will. So, in the end, I really can't remember the last time I've seen a movie. I really can't. This isn't the response I'm supposed to give, nor is it one that even I'm satisfied with, but it's the truth. I believe that staying true to myself here is more important than doing something I'm inclined not to do just to complete a project. This is my decision, and I support it.

Assignment 13, Jesse Konopka

Honestly, I think one of the biggest problems in the world today is people who are just too stubborn to accept change. Even when the change make TOTAL sense. These people just want to ignore change simple because of the fact that it changes things. A solution to this problem is very obvious, simply separate society into two group: those who are stubborn about change and those who are not. Sure, it might take a war, violation of several human rights, and a needlessly large amount of resources. But think about it. It would make sure that I am never irritated by one of my biggest pet peeves again. All in all, I think the effort would be worth it in the end. It would solve many problems, and we could change whenever we wanted to. I think this justifies a drastic change to the whole of society's structure.

Assignment 8: Jesse Konopka

Fears: Spiders, planes, elevators, small spaces, open spaces, bugs, everything else. 

Annoyances: Misuse of the words effect and affect, misspelling my name with the letter "i", and people having incorrect information. 

Accomplishments: Not really anything to put here. 

Confusions: I can't seem to pay attention to anything on a constant basis. 

Sorrows: Lack of self-confidence, loneliness. 

Dreams: To find a purpose for myself. 

Idiosyncrasies: Lover of all things video-game. 

Risks: NONE. 

Beloved Possessions: Video games, computer, TV, friends, family. 

Problems: Easily distracted, procrastinator, forgetful, messy, lazy. 

Out of all of these, the one I want to elaborate on is my fear of spiders. It is completely irrational, and I have never been able to get over it. I simply don't like spiders. I don't know what causes it and I don't know If I will ever find a way around it. This also overlaps with my intense fear of insects, mainly for the reason that spiders and insects are very similar in how they look. I just DON'T LIKE THEM. I CANNOT EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH. Spiders I something I just can't stand in any way, shape, or form. I'm sorry if this sounds like I'm just repeating myself over and over again, but I just really hate spiders with a burning passion.

Assignment 7: Jesse Konopka

On the day September 29, 1936, radio was used for the first time in a presidential campaign. This had a very good effect on the world because it allowed people to actually ear from the candidates themselves what they were saying instead of listening to the media tell them, which means it may be inaccurate. This revolutionized the U.S. by allowing voters to make more educated decisions on presidential candidates due to a decrease in the inaccuracy  of information on the candidates themselves. I really do appreciate this event because it marked a new age for American politics. Overall this event also marked the start of the practical uses for radio, as before then they were mostly used for music and not news broadcasts. This marked a transition from radio being a tool for recreation to a way to spread information over a large area near instantaneously. 

Assignment 4: Jesse Konopka

 

This picture inspires me to be philosophical. Just look at it. The color of the sunset, the curvature of the streak-like clouds, and the line of trees. It is beautiful, and just inspires one to contemplate the simpler things of life and make them overcomplicated in every way (philosophy). Honestly, It's just a nice picture, and I like it. I don't really know why, but it does, and that's what matters to me in the end. It might be the sunset, it might be the clouds, it might be the colors, or it might just be nothing at all. In the end, though, I still like it. It just makes people feel emotion, even if they don't know why, and I believe this is the true nature of art, not just overanalyzing a work until it loses all emotional meaning, but just appreciated for what it is, art.

The Perfect Playlist - Taylor Stewart

Nervous Breakdown: when the only way to keep your adrenaline up is to work yourself into a neurotic frenzy, these near - psychotic tracks will make sure you don't fall asleep at the wheel or your desk. No disco.


Everybody's Got Something To Hide - The Feelies
Motorik, German for "motor skill," is a propulsive 4/4 drum pattern popularized in 1970s Germany by acts like Neu. Though The Feelies have more of an overall post-punk/jangle pop style, this particular album has cleaner guitars and more percussion experimentation. The motorik rhythm here is great for this playlist, and has kind of a jittery feeling paired with manic melodies and opaque lyrics. It's also the perfect starting song, because of how it begins so bluntly.

Outside World - XTC
Nonstop-upbeat, tense, jerky, and ska revival-esque, this song shakes off the last of any lull you may have been experiencing. The aural equivalent of an afternoon cup of coffee.

Through Being Cool - Devo
This song has an interesting story behind it. The album New Traditionalists brought a new look for Devo, who wore self-described "Utopian Boy Scout uniforms." This song was written as a reaction to their newfound fame from "Whip It," an attack on their new fans that misinterpreted the song—and Devo's—message. With an almost uniquely electronic sound, the feeling of paranoia-dance-party is rampant through this song. 

Debaser - Pixies
Pixies are the most grunge-y of these artists, although this song may not be the best example - it's still a great song, and the drum part especially is very fluid. the jagged guitars and stop-start dynamics combine with with melodic pop hooks to create a less structured sound than the previous songs. Here, the playlist is transitioning from ultra-synth to a more raw sound, although still structured.

Psychotic Girl - The Black Keys
It's easy to call them counterparts of The White Stripes - but the Black Keys are their own distinct thing; a tougher, rougher rock band with a purist streak that never surfaced in the Stripes. This song completes the transition from structured and neat to eerie, haunting, and more blues-y - I felt like I had to include an extra here. It makes curtains all the more fitting and better to end.


Curtains?! - Timber Timbre
Not exceedingly fast or upbeat like most of these songs, it's still super eerie and should be in a Scooby-Doo episode. Especially the ending. The whole sound is beautifully restrained, rooted in swampy, ragged blues - creating a spooky, cinematic atmosphere. A slightly calmer way to end before you return to the real world.


*note: sorry for the six-song thing, I had to do it

The Perfect Playlist-Sydney Taylor

Driving in the Rain playlist

"I Want You"-Savage Garden

This song is honestly just fun to try and sing along to. You basically have to spit out the lyrics, but they're great lyrics. It's kind of a different song too so it mixes up your playlist. 

"Canary in a Coalmine"-The Police

This song is very upbeat which is ironic considering the context of the song being canaries dying in coal mines due to toxic gases that would have otherwise killed the miners. It's a reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things.

"Beth"-KISS

This one hits me in the feels every time and sometimes you just need that. And what better time to have an emotional moment than while driving with a cheesy movie-esque scene going on around you with dramatic rain and dark skies?

"Makes Me Wonder"-Maroon 5

This song is fairly relatable. "One day I'll wake up and it won't hurt anymore". It also has a great beat so it's fun to rock out to. 

"Picture"-Sheryl Crow

This song includes the wonderful lyrical stylings of Kid Rock and the harmonies with him and Sheryl are perfection. The instrumental aspect of this song is fabulous as well. 

Fictional Character-Sydney Taylor

If I could be any fictional character, I would definitely have to go with Supergirl. Though I prefer Batman over Superman, Supergirl has been my favorite super hero since I was a kid. She is beyond fierce and hella sassy. She is everything I want to be in life. She kicks butt and takes names and doesn't take crap from anyone. She is just as strong as any of her fellow guy super heroes and she shows them that. She demands the respect she deserves from everyone around her. I collected comic books about her and watched all the kids Justice League cartoons with her in them. I grew up with her and she inspired me by showing me the true meaning of girl power. 

Right Now-Sydney Taylor

At this very moment, somewhere in the universe someone just met the love of their life. Someone had a loved one die. Someone is watching their favorite tv show, eating their favorite ice cream, drinking their favorite soda. Someone is thinking about the person they love and the same person is thinking about them. Someone is dreaming about a person who doesn't think twice about them. Someone is struggling and feeling alone. Someone is anticipating spring break and putting off their responsibilities. Someone is watching cat videos online. Someone is listening to the new Kendrick Lamar album. Someone is craving someone or something they don't have. Someone feels disappointed for disappointing people. Someone is giving themselves a pep talk about getting up and going to school tomorrow morning, saying at least they have college to look forward to.

Assignment 23 Ian Harrison

This is really gonna expose my lack of knowledge of music in general, but here we go. A playlist for those summer nights when you can see all the stars and you're just thinking about how good life can be.
Burning - The War On Drugs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
This song has some classic rock and modern folk influences that blend beautifully to create an upbeat and quick yet laid back anthem to a lost lover.
Moon Taxi - Running Wild
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD70oKDlemE
This slow burning dreamy pop tune will make you want to run on the beach with your best friends, it's just so uplifting.
Passion Pit - Little Secrets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAnRpZUfRak
The fantastic use of synths and keyboards would make one think this song isn't about doing addictive drugs, but if you forget the lyrics, it actually just makes you feel truly alive.
Bleachers - Wild Heart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qnQz8kxte0
This song does a great job of building continuously to a rapturous and decadent chorus.
M83 - Midnight City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMDXPAM8RwE
A classic modern pop ode to the night life, this song feels almost ethereal despite its realistic subject.

Assignment 22 Ian Harrison

Great prompt, there are so many fictional characters that I would love to be. There are many characters I admire, but definitely would not want to be (i.e. Oliver Queen or Terrence Fletcher). There are many who are great, powerful, and interesting but who are, in fact, terrible people (i.e. Lou Bloom or Philip Lewis Friedman). There are those who are great people but lead tragic lives (i.e. Sandra (Two Days, One Night) or Solomon Northup). I know what you're thinking and, believe it or not, I actually have seen movies and TV shows that pre-date 2012, but I digress. If I had to choose one character's head to live in, it would likely be that of Larry "Doc" Sportello of Thomas Pynchon's novel Inherent Vice and Paul Thomas Anderson's film of the same name. He's a relaxed hippy stoner who gets the pleasure/pain of witnessing the end of an era. He's a PI who gets to work with colorful underbelly of 1970's Southern California. I also wouldn't mind looking like Joaquin Phoenix with mutton chops.

Assignment 22: Fictional Character, Fictional Life Jacob Faulkner

Out of all the fictional characters that I have ever known, my favorite of all time would have to be RAMON-4, from the Kids Next Door episode, Operation S.A.T.U.R.N. In this episode, Numbah 3 finds that all of her rainbow monkeys are flying into the sky, never to return. So, to get all of her rainbow monkeys back, the KND go into space to see where they're all going. It turns out that all of the rainbow monkeys have been revolving around Saturn, and the KND are going to have to stop it. So, the KND get to business, and find out that a sentient living rainbow monkey has been using some kind of power to abduct the rainbow monkeys from Earth. It turns out that this living doll was developed by the US government, competing with the Soviet Union to develop space-age technology. When distributed, kids hated him, for his nerdy appearance. So he went to space, unloved, and developed intelligence and robot powers, connecting with the other space junk around him. Through this, he grew the power to have kind of a tractor beam, and steal all of the rainbow monkeys off of Earth, thinking if he couldn't be loved, no other rainbow monkeys could be loved. Numbah 3, having pity on this poor robot rainbow monkey, hugs him. He feels love, and sends all of the rainbow monkeys back to Earth. He is my favorite fictional character because he is a robot monkey, and that is dope. If I was any fictional character, I would have to be Tim Allen in Home Improvement. Self Explanatory.

Assignment 21: Right now Jacob Faulkner

At this very moment, SXSW is in the midst of happening, where many artists go to perform live.  For example, you have 2 Chainz, A$AP Rocky, Allan Kingdom, Casey Veggies, Chance the Rapper and the Social Experiment, Chynna, DeJ Loaf, Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt, Father, Freddie Gibbs, Gansta Boo, Ghostface Killa, Hodgy Beats, ILOVEMAKONNEN, Joey Bada$$, Lil Durk, Migos, Mike WiLL Made-It, Rae Sremmurd, Raekwon, Rome Fortune, Run the Jewels, Travi$ Scott, Trinidad Jame$, Wiz Khalifa, Young Chop, and Young Thug. That is the hypest squad of hip hop artists I've ever heard of, and I've heard of some hype squads. That's not even all the people there. There's more hip-hop artists, and so many more different genres of music being performed, including Alternative Country, Americana, Avant/Experimental, Bluegrass, Blues, Classical, Comedy, Country, Dance, DJ, Electronic, Flatstock, Folk, Funk, Gospel, Jazz, Latin Rock, Metal, Pop, Punk, R&B, Reggae, Rock, Rockabilly, Singer Songwriter, Spoken Word, Tejano, and World. Too bad it's in Texas.

Assignment 22: Fictional Character, Fictional Life-Keionna Bailey

"Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me." This was the best theme song of all times. If I could be Kim Possible my life would be so interesting. Kim Possible was a triple threat. She had everything in the world. She fought crime, was a cheerleader, and do I even need to continue. I wish I could jump out of planes and travel to all of those places. One thing I couldn't wrap my head around was the traveling expenses. Who paid for all of that? Not only that but how did she meet Wade if he's just always on a computer screen. The best part of the show was her best friend/ side kick. I would love to save the world over and over again with my bestie. That's the best part of a superhero; the sidekick. And I have to admit that Rufus was so cute and made me want a naked mole rat as a pet. Kim Possible made me excited for high school, I wanted to have an after school hang out spot like her. The major reason why I want to be Kim Possible is because she has so many advantages over people. She knows people in pretty high places. I would love to call the CEO of a Japanese toy company  whenever I need help and act nonchalant about it. But lets just take a moment to appreciate her house. Screw the Barbie dream house; I want the Kim Possible house. 

Assignment 23: the perfect playlist

A Blast From the Past

"High Fidelity" (2000) was a film that was remarkably ahead of its time. The film tells the story of Rob Gordon, a washed-up music junkie (played by the fantastic John Cusack) who spends his days creating perfect 5 song playlists. There's his playlist for his worst break up ever, his playlist of the top 5 soul tracks released between 1955 and 1965, and his playlist for his ex-girlfriend's dad's funeral.

Today, thanks to Spotify,  Limewire, iTunes, the "genius" Itunes feature, and Pandora, creating a "perfect" playlist has never been easier.

On the other hand, Rob probably would be appalled by the slapdash way some of us throw together any group of songs above a certain tempo before we head to the gym, or take all those below a certain tempo and thoughtlessly label it “chillaxxx.” As Rob forewarned, “The making of a good compilation tape is a very subtle art. Many do’s and don’ts. You’re using someone else’s poetry to express how you feel. This is a delicate thing.”

So for this blog assignment, create a "perfect" playlist for something. It could be your perfect playlist to listen to at the gym (boring!), perfect playlist for a rainy day, perfect playlist for anything. . . be as creative as you can. Once you have chosen a topic, select 5 tracks for this playlist, noting the song and artist, and write a few sentences explaining why you chose this song, what this song adds to your playlist, why you put it where you did, and how it works with the other songs you selected to create a cohesive perfect playlist.

If you want link it to a spotify playlist and share a link.

Minimum of 150 words - due Sunday, April 12th at 11:59 pm

(Last day to turn in make up assignments 21-23)

entry inspired by John Cowgill

Fictional Character, Fictional Life-- Raiffa S

So at first I was gonna make this post all “you can't make me pick one character, Mr. Logsdon” but then I remembered how much I love the movie Big Hero 6 and how desperately I want to live in that world. Now I probably can’t pinpoint the exact character I would be... I just wanna live in that world and play with all the badass inventions they create in the “nerd lab” and actually be the one mixing chemicals with a periodic table purse to defeat monsters and BAYMAX how great would having a Baymax be.

Like life goals tbh.

Also everything in the world is so pretty and SanFran is one of those places I’ve also wanted to go to. So yeah. Definitely would live in Sanfransokyo, would probably be Honey Lemon. But with a Baymax. Also Tadashi would still be alive (woops spoilers...).

Assignment 22: Fictional Character, Fictional Life--Amir Abou-Jaoude

Pablo Picasso was the famed Cubist artist of the 20th-century. Starting with his Les Demoiselles d'Avignon in 1907, Picasso pursued an abstract aesthetic in which traditional artistic subjects were broken up into geometric shapes and flat planes. Critics of Picasso believed that his art was groundbreaking, but they felt it lacked emotion and true meaning. After all, a Cubist painting could not capture the spirituality of The Last Supper or the pathos of The Death of Marat, could it?

In 1937, the organizers of the Paris Exhibition invited Picasso to create a piece of art for the Spanish Pavilion. However, Picasso suffered from a kind of artist's block. He could not find anything to paint. Then, the small Spanish Basque town of Guernica was bombed by Nazi forces. There were no military targets in the town, but many civilians died. Picasso felt that he had to paint something to immortalize the victims of the bombing. He created horrific images of the bombing--a woman on the floor, crying out, a horse neighing in terror, and a mother cradling her dead child in her arms. These images were mixed with traditional Spanish imagery of bulls and horses to create a singular statement on the horrors of war.

Picasso's painting is filled with many figures, all representing a different aspect of the bombing. One of the figures that stands out the most is a candle bearer, rushing into the room, shining light on the horrible events that have happened in Guernica. Art historians have theorized that Picasso is the candle bearer, as his painting has put the bombing firmly in the public conscious.

As I was thinking about this prompt, I realized that I admired Guernica's candle bearer. If I could be any fictional character, I would want to be him. He runs into the room and sheds light on the darkness--the darkness represented by the evil electric light hanging above all the characters. He represents the conscious of the world, decrying the horrors of the bombing. I would always like to stand for what I believe is right and not be swayed by what is convenient or what everyone else is doing or saying. I would like to work in the arts, and I hope that in the future, my art will shed light on what everyone else is afraid to look at or has not explored. The candle bearer allows us never to forget what happened at Guernica, and I would like my art to be firmly imprinted in people's minds. The candle bearer may represent Picasso, but in a more general sense, it represents the duty of the artist in society. In the future, I would like to fulfill that duty to the best of my ability.

Fictional Character, Fictional Life- Mikaela Gatewood

Ok, if I had to be any fictional character, I'd be Mulan. First of all, she rejects the whole arranged marriage, finding a husband type deal, and kinda just wants to be herself, which is super cool. Second, when the Hun attack China and her super old dad gets called to war, she's like screw that, and takes his place. She cuts off all her hair and rides into a thunderstorm in the night on a horse, like god damn. Then, once she's at the army training camp, she goes from being hella weak to like the best warrior of them all. She can shoot off apples from the top of people's heads and hit like the bullseye like 5 times in a row. And when it's actually time to fight the Hun, she ends up battling the leader in the emperor's palace, swinging across the court yard on ribbons and stuff. She defeats him, saves all of China, and earns the respect of the emperor. Overall, I think Mulan is a fantastic role model for young girls and generally an overall badass. She was one of the first Disney princesses whose story line didn't primary focus on a love story, and I think that's fantastic. Also she has a talking dragon as a pet and who wouldn't want that.

Fictional character, fictional life - taylor stewart

Quick, what's the most powerful pokemon in the world? You're probably thinking like Arceus, right?

WRONG

it's freaking magikarp, stupid.  ("it's just a stupid little fish," "it's so weak and useless," "why is it so ugly and dumb") OK PAY ATTENTION

-71% of the planet's surface is water
-90% of life in the water is magikarp
-100% of the magikarp's body is pure pain
NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO, YOU WILL NOT BE SAFE. here are some simple numbers

20 base HP

10 base attack

80 base speed

if it's raining, its speed DOUBLES

LOOK AT THIS JUNK

-SPLASH: a magikarp that lives for years can use this to LEAP OVER MOUNTAINS

-TACKLE: that's ten kg of solid death being thrown at your face right there

-FLAIL: if you can somehow get magikarp to 1 HP, this move gets a base power of 200. that sound was your bowels leaving your body in sheer terror

LOOK AT THIS I MEAN WHAT THE HECK

here's another terrifying stat 4 u

the highest level a pokemon can reach is 100. only one pokemon can be found in the wild at this level. GUESS WHO 

magikarp.

that's why I would be a magikarp

Fictional Life-Andrew Hardy

The potential to be someone other than myself tempts the strangest depths of my psyche. I assembled a list as soon as I read the prompt, ranging from Deep Thought in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, to Lady Cregga Rose Eyes the Badger Lord in Brian Jacques The Long Patrol. I even considered the unnamed narrator in the Mountain Goats 2002 song Jenny. All of these characters accomplished something significant in their life, experienced beauty, or had incredible intelligence. I was quite tempted by a brand new Kawasaki, but my final decision transcends any of those mediums. I want to be FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper in Lynch's absurdist television show Twin Peaks. Dale Cooper is the perfect human being. He has none of the limitations of Lady Cregga or Deep Thought. Even though he fails in his ultimate goal, unlike Deep Thought, it is not because of a character flaw. Cooper has mastered ancient arts of Tibetan meditation, and is a top notch detective. He also experiences things more out of his norm than any of the other characters I can think. His growth as a character is profound and moving. While his enemy is shrouded in mystery, he has no moral ambiguity that plaques so many of my favorite protagonists. He has the added bonus of eating the best apple pie in the United States.