Class I-Movie Project

We are learning I-Movie on MAC for Media Production.  I have been a PC guy until I started this class.  Prof (h) ET, thanks for the introduction to MAC and for the opportunity to stretch my brain a bit.  Below is my cut (edit) of some footage we shot in class.  I dropped in a few V.O.'s (voice over) and foley art (sounds) for fun....Hugo is so method (an acting style)!

The Roots Of Tradition- Episode 1: Excerpts from the book "American Negro Songs and Spirituals".

This post is my Sound Story Project.   It is the application part of the Sound Editing and Podcast Exercise for Dr. ET's class as well.  I have chosen to title this, The Roots Of Tradition-  Episode 1: 

Culture and the arts are two of my deepest passions.  The pursuit of Knowledge, Consciousness, Spirit and Soul are driving forces in my life.  Respect for and understanding of diversity, along with appreciation of what and how we believe as individuals and societies is paramount for the possibility of knowing more of what our own beliefs are and for a lasting peace among ourselves.

The title of this post, The Roots Of Tradition, will be the home of searches and knowledge of traditions that have shaped individuals and cultures of our little planet.  I create it in hopes of learning more myself and sharing this knowledge with someone else along the way.  Enjoy!

On to Episode 1: Excerpts and Audio Examples from the book American Negro Songs and Spirituals. Below is a podcast I have created from an excerpt from the book I mentioned above.  You will hear my voice and some of the original recordings mentioned in the reading.  I found the recordings on Archive.org.  Because of time constraints of the class exercise, this is a shorter version than what an episode will actually be.

Below is the transcript for my podcast...
AUDIO INSERTS
Intro:

Thanks for dialing in to The Roots of Tradition. I am your host, Larry Cashion.  The Roots of Tradition, is a once-a-month podcast of content, dialogue and interviews surrounding the rich and diverse cultural heritages of our world.  

You are listening to Episode1: Excerpts and Audio Examples from the book titled American Negro Songs and Spirituals. There is no author acknowledgment in the book, but is edited by John W. Work of Fisk University. The book is a comprehensive collection of 230 religious and secular folks songs and contains seven chapters that are titled "Origins, The Spiritual, The Blues, Work Songs, Social and Miscellaneous, The Songs and Bibliography". 

I have chosen to read an excerpt starting on page 18 of the book, which explains the three basic types of traditional American Negro spirituals.  Here's that excerpt...

V.O.  - book reading pg. 18

Segue: - "The Songs"

Now we have a base of knowledge regarding the structure of the songs.  I did some digging on "the net" and found sound tracks of some of the songs I mentioned in the excerpt.

The first song is, The Great Camp Meeting and the second you'll hear is, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Both of these are examples of the "Call and Response Chant" category.  Let's listen to some short clip

(Insert SONG: #1 and #2)

The third song is, Nobody Knows the Touble I Seen, and is an example of the "slow, sustained, long phrase melody"
(Insert SONG: #3)

The fourth and final song is titled, Shout All Over God's Heab'n, and represents the "Syncopated Melody".
(Insert SONG: #4)

Outro:

That wraps the show for today.  I hope you enjoyed it and that you'll find your way back around to these parts again...

I'm Larry Cashion and again, thanks for listening to The Roots of Tradition.

Garage Band Pre-Pre X 6/16/15

Below is my first Garage Band experiment.  Pretty cool audio capture / mixing / mastering program.  I created this post as part of an assignment for ET's Media Production class.  It includes a rant expressing an airplane ride I had.  The audio tells a story of my thoughts, observations and perceptions of people as we roam and why.  It is abstract and improvisational in style.
The cover art is a grab from the net and is a visual representation of the title I have given the selection...."Trppy-Airplane-Ride". 

 Trippy-Airplane-Ride

Movement Of A Nomad: A Documentary Film

Below is my first Adobe Photoshop generated project.  It is titled Movement Of A Nomad: A Motion Journey of Tunnels, Streets, Cracks and Holes with Sound.  MOAN is a speculative project for a documentary series created for online release and on my blog.  It will chronicle sights and sounds as seen through my minds lenses and captured via digital still and digital motion devices.  

I created this project for class.  The assignment is to learn Photoshop and to promote me while doing so.  Among other things, I am an actor, a photographer and videographer and a singer.  I am an observer and a lover of people and the world we live in.  Most of the time I would rather give than receive.  Giving means helping where I can and when I can.  Not for recognition, but because I enjoy it.  Observing is how I learn and how I find opportunity to help.  When I am performing, I see it as an opportunity to reveal what I have learned and show an audience a new perspective or something about themselves.  Being a fly on the wall, is another way of observing and popping in and out of moments to contribute along the way.  How I have designed this movie poster for MOAN is a collage of what you have just read.  There are not only literal "layers" within the poster, there are metaphorical layers as well.  Numbers, visual impressions and words and implied movement are intentional and symbolize alone and collectively in many ways.  You can do the math or just soak in the impressions.  Again the assignment is to promote me; all of me, the artist, the observer and the helper.  In this poster, I am a fly on the wall.  I shot three layers of the photos in the NYC subways.  The fourth layer is a photo taken by my friend and fellow classmate, Hugo.  He and I were partnered up by Dr. ET, on another assignment which included taking photos of each other.  As part of this poster project, we were to use one of the photos our partner took of us.  As required, I layered / dissolved / digitally manipulated it into this poster of MOAN.  Hint…A movie called The Fly?  This poster promotes me and parts of me…The Artist, The Observer and The Helper.   Leave a comment and let me know what ya’ think…

Those Photos Hugo Took Of Me In The Garden

Below is a photo taken by Hugo, a fellow partner in creative crime with me.  As per ET, we captured some moments within the confines of a structure that allowed freedom from none.
 

Would you admit to knowing this guy if someone asked if you knew him?
 The following are cropped images of the same photo in Three (3) different aspect:ratios...

Aspect Ratio 3:2

Aspect Ratio 4:3

Aspect Ratio 16:9

The same but different and yet all equally _____________?  Please leave a comment to fill the blank in with your thought...

Album covers and songs that tell stories...

I love music and listen to literally everything.  The band STYX is one of my favorite bands when it comes to lyrics.  The lyrics to their songs have always spoken to me.  Two of their songs The Grand Illusion and Come Sail Away, have always stuck with me.  Below is the album cover for The Grand Illusion.

Below are links to YouTube videos for the band STYX.  I am led to believe the bands name originates from the "mythological" river Styx and all of the adventures of worlds and mirrors a journey on/down/up/through it may reveal. The first link is the self titled track off of the album Grand Illusion.  Note the character of the band and the crowd...AWESOME!  

The second video is a song released from the same album (yes, a vinyl album Jesse). It does not have live coverage or a fancy MTV video, yes Sabrina I am mentioning you as well, as this music was before the time when "video killed the radio star"...This video rolls-scrolls the words as the band sails away through their story...Fly High, Sail Away and Enjoy!

I am moved, motivated and inspired by the art of motion media as well.  Here are a few of my favorites...

    

   

  

   

 

  

Perhaps you may be as well...Enjoy!

Perspectives of Hugo

 1. Symmetrically balanced 

2. Asymmetrically balanced

3. One that obeys the rule of closure

4. One that doesn't obey rule of closure

5. CU with appropriate headroom

6. LS with appropriate headroom

7. Balanced image...

Bonus. 1-Hail Mary

Bonus. 2-the spaces in-between

Legalization of Marijuana information: A Joint Effort

The topic I have chosen for this class assignment is the National Legalization of Marijuana.  Currently it "pot" is considered a class-1 drug.  For a better understanding of what that means, cocaine and codeine, an opioid (synthetic heroine), are considered class 2 drugs.  That logic means that cocaine is less of a street drug than pot and that cocaine has more medical use than pot.  It is a heated topic and I believe the pros far outweigh the cons for legalization.  It is said that police officers do not really care if it is legal or not, they will enforce the law either way.  Courts of law, detention facilities, lawyers, probation officers and the like have concern though.  Their jobs are at risk because the statistics for numbers of individuals on probation and or incarcerated for possession of marijuana is a large percentage of the case load.  Loss of that means decrease in revenue and cut backs on the need of employees.  Like other things in a commercial / commodity based economy of supply and demand, it is not an argument of right, wrong or ethics.  It is about money and the bottom line.  Legalization, regulation and taxation will change the paradigm within the part of an ill system.  There is fear around that because it is perceived as a loss.  The reality is that it is a gain.  It is my belief that National legalization of marijuana will eventually happen.  It's all in the pitch on pot.
Below are video, photo, graphic and virtual holdings I have researched for the foundation of a video documentary promoting the National legalization of marijuana.

NEWS SOURCES AND TELEVISION PROGAMING
Democracy Now- California Promotion of legalization in CA. Justify legalization to stop incarceration of non-violent offenders:
https://archive.org/details/dn2010-1014_vid

SOURCE: Archive.org
I would pay to license this as support of legalization.  It supports the argument for decriminalization and it supports non-violent offenders reforms and the expunging of legal cases regarding possession charges and or incarcerations. Democracy Now is a public television show that is known for fair, unbiased, well researched and rounded information and presentation.  The reputation of the program will serve as a credible source for information.

I will use this as part of the argument for a state's freedoms in choosing to make marijuana legal and in argument for a national legalization campaign based on monetary / taxation / federal revenue increase opportunities.  This would be a 9sec. cut from a 20+sec. teaser spot for the 6/7/15 - 60min. episode.  I am not using the entire spot in it entirety, just a segment of the commercial.  I think I could use it royalty free and under Fair Use.


Below is a Youtube video with Cheech and Chong talking legalization of the green herb.  I found it in an advanced Google search with the parameters of free to use, share or modify.
 

PHOTOS
The photos below are found in a Google search.  They are noted as being "free to share, modify and use commercially".

 

This photo is a cancer patient who utilizes marijuana as medicine for pain management, nausea and to increase appetite.

This photo shows states in the U.S.that have passed medical marijuana legislation.


NORMAL
www.NORMAL.org.
I contacted Allan St. Pierre, the Executive director of NORMAL-National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.  We had a great conversation.  He told me I could use anything on the website.  All I would have to do is send him an email stating what I want to use and what it is for.  It includes, text, graphics, photos and video.  He said, "He is willing to share.  NORMAL is a non-profit organization that is in part, a hub for information about cannabis."

The graphic below is taken from the Texas chapter of NORMAL and can be viewed at the weblink below...
 https://www.texasnorml.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/76percenttexans.jpg

Below is some pot on a scale being prepared for packaging and sale in a legal marijuana dispensary.

The photo stills below were taken from the CBS morning show on 06/08/2015.  It was generated from video in a segment on the CBS morning show about Gov. Christie's stance on upholding federal law that is anti-legalization of marijuana, which would continue to criminalize possession in any form.  The photo is a graphic showing the Nations view on legalization from "1979" until "NOW".  I would utilize it under "fair use" as its original context was to show the Nation's stance in relation to Gov. Christie who is potentially a 2016 Republican presidential candidate.

FURTHER RESEARCH AND CONSIDERATION...

I find it curious and funny that I had to change so many of the video settings, height and width, from 420.  420, as the story goes, is a symbol for several events within the culture of marijuana.

I will look for Cheech and Chong movie excerpts as visualization of social thought, feel and perception of marijuana use as portrayed in film.  Perhaps parody as statement on the chaotic and spastic nature of the "war on drugs".  

Reefer Madness, a film that depicts marijuana as a scourge.  It exhibits extreme character stereotypes and exaggerations about the effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol a.k.a. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

Interviews with individuals, medical professionals and politicians who have experience with the intricacies surrounding legislation, applicable medicinal and or recreational uses and or individuals who utilize marijuana.  This will increase credibility of the documentary by featuring sources with first hand and accredited professional experience.

This ongoing project will take time to develop and research, but I feel it is a worthy project to undertake.  It is high-time for the legalization of marijuana to occur.

    

Advertising RAID on pubic beliefs and cultural norms

Commercial advertising has a way of convincing us in ways that would otherwise be publicly and socially unacceptable.  War, fear and propaganda have always been a good means to build nationalism and cause in the hearts and minds of a population, in segments or in society as as whole.  The use of motion media as a tool to do so is an effective way of reaching a goal.  Within that thought is the parody.  Parody can be used to relay a message effectively if developed creatively and if it contains meaning that is associative to the audience.  Appealing to associative and shared belief and experience of an audience is a method to choose from in persuading an audience.  Below is a 1950's commercial for a bug spray called RAID.  The developers utilized symbols of a still very fresh post World War experience to pitch the bug spray product to the population of the United States via television.  Watch the short Youtube video below to see what you can recognize based on your historical knowledge of world wars and also from the stereotypes and shared cultural associations in the video.  Check it out a few times...  

What did you see? Anything at all?  Let's break it down a bit...

Figure 1. - The Usual Suspects

In figure 1, we see the notorious historical symbol of the World War 1, German spiked-pickle-haube helmet.  An instant association to an enemy for collective America at the time.  The "bugs" are a hybrid of and ant and a roach and vaguely resemble what is known as the German cockroach as well.

Figure 2. - "X" Marks the Spot

The cross legs of the picnic table is a symbol for "X" marks the spot and is also a symbol for foreshadowing death.

 

Figure 3. - Sour-Kraut

Kraut - Cannibal 
What is a picnic without sides?  Here we see two bugs joyously devouring sauerkraut, a food with stereotypically held to having German origins.  It can be argued that this is a cannibalistic act, as slang terminology for a German is  a "Kraut".  Calling a German a kraut would be the same as using nigger, spic, wop, frog, chinc or hamburger.  

 

Figure 4. -

I'll leave this one up to your imagination to chew on..."Don't get hot and flustered, use a bit of mustard!"

Figure 5. - Hot Dog any one?

Dachshund
Here we see that the bug has turned into the shape of a Dachshund.  Which of course is a dog with German origins. 

  

Figure 6. - Can you hear me now?

Gas Treatment
Here we see or unaware aristocratic bug character being gassed in by the form of disguise or the deception.  Upon contemplation within context, this is a statement on the treatment of Jews and others in WW2.  Notice the bug being gassed does not look like the other bugs.   

 

Figure 7. - Belly on Up

Kills Bugs Dead
The cumulative goal of the product on bugs and people if used like it is in the next screen grab.

  

Figure 8. - Flowers and Vegetables

 

Figure 9. - Home Sweet Home

Figures 8 and 9 are the antithesis of marketing without conscience.  Her we see "Betty Homemaker" gassing the house, plants and vegetables without any notice or consideration for the health effects on humans.  This visual makes it look alright to spay away. 

Ultimately, this commercial is filled with racism and permeates a mentality of revenge on Germans.  It is presented as a cartoon and a parody.  Advertizing and marketing companies are taking advantage of a shared collective conscious and mentality of hate and bitterness toward an enemy, greedily satisfying revenge seeker and metaphorically acknowledging an shared cultural desire to get back at / heal a still tender emotional wound of two world wars.  in combination with a vulnerable and even gullible viewer, this commercial acknowledges hate, justifies killing and promotes the fumigation of households with carcinogenic and cancer causing chemicals.Let's here it for capitalism, greed and gain-at-any-cost mentality.  Luckily, things have changed and our world does not do things like this any longer.  Luckily we are past presenting lies and manipulations of themes, merchandise and wars as alright and justifiable to a gullible, cattle-ly mental viewership?  Is this a blog or a rant.  Wait!  This is a class assignment...You said to be creative coach!  

P.S. for the record Dr.  I worked on the spacing as much as I could...The "source/jump break" symbols are still in the edit window and I had to do my best guess with regard to the spacing and layout of some of the sections....