This was a really powerful video for me...
I've been throw into chokes and armbars while training in MMA, been jumped by kids who did not know any better, and yet it is the words I had to deal with during my time at a poverty-striken high school that caused me the most pain.
The creators made such beautiful use of different mediums and storytelling techniques, all while capturing a message that is often ripe for target by those who commit these acts. This seems different to me.
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02/21/2013 16:45 #57273
To This Day02/05/2013 22:12 #57199
Street Art01/24/2013 00:00 #57168
If you owned an iPhone, Paul...03/15/2012 10:53 #56224
Tree TentAnother attempt at this concept:
http://www.tentsile.com/gallery.html
Obvious problems include finding trees in the right place, right spacing, and right strength to set it up (with setup being no small task itself), but seems like a step up from the last one we saw. I'm less optimistic that a better option exists than the classic ground-gear, but not less wanting.
http://www.tentsile.com/gallery.html
Obvious problems include finding trees in the right place, right spacing, and right strength to set it up (with setup being no small task itself), but seems like a step up from the last one we saw. I'm less optimistic that a better option exists than the classic ground-gear, but not less wanting.
metalpeter - 03/15/12 19:49
So I admit that I don't camp...... Went when i was a kid.... But there would be one other issue that might be kinda important to factor in..... Now before I get to that I admit it is a cool idea just not so sure on the getting up there and then down...... That would be weather.... If it is windy you are a sail on the tree of course rain ads more weight also.... I'm not saying it is a bad idea.... I think it is a cool idea but doing it safely must be a challenge ..... I also kinda wonder how things like Birds and bats react to a tent in a tree.....
So I admit that I don't camp...... Went when i was a kid.... But there would be one other issue that might be kinda important to factor in..... Now before I get to that I admit it is a cool idea just not so sure on the getting up there and then down...... That would be weather.... If it is windy you are a sail on the tree of course rain ads more weight also.... I'm not saying it is a bad idea.... I think it is a cool idea but doing it safely must be a challenge ..... I also kinda wonder how things like Birds and bats react to a tent in a tree.....
01/23/2012 22:19 #55976
Beauty and CheeringSo, I think a lot of people here will enjoy this:
I feel pretty confident this guy will be doing great things, of which we will probably come across again.
On a slightly related albeit completely different topic of discussion, this is one of a continuing series of performances that make me want to shush the crowd.
In western culture, particularly American, there is an urge (possibly even a responsibility) to vocally express approval of a performance while it is ongoing. While the energy in some events, such as a football game, justifies this action, there are many others where it seems to obviously detract from the performance and yet we do so anyway.
This performance was a stark example. The music is very intimate, the motions gentle, and the crowd jarring in comparison.
This happens on a lot of things that I consume these days, though perhaps that's because I've been watching so much dancing material. But, even things like mix martial arts see very different crowd responses in some parts of the world. Specifically, in Japan, they treat MMA as we treat an opera, a hush over the entire crowd, with the silence being broken only on the most spectacular and unexpected occurrences. While I couldn't argue against others cheering in this case, I personally appreciate the silence far more; I feel it expresses a deeper respect for the contest taking place, and eliminates the feel of blood-lust in the crowd (and, indirectly, the community).
I'm curious how others feel about crowd cheers and jeers.
This is actually a topic that I considered writing about during this last break before I was sidetracked. At some point I'd like to research the origins and growth of this phenomenon.
I feel pretty confident this guy will be doing great things, of which we will probably come across again.
On a slightly related albeit completely different topic of discussion, this is one of a continuing series of performances that make me want to shush the crowd.
In western culture, particularly American, there is an urge (possibly even a responsibility) to vocally express approval of a performance while it is ongoing. While the energy in some events, such as a football game, justifies this action, there are many others where it seems to obviously detract from the performance and yet we do so anyway.
This performance was a stark example. The music is very intimate, the motions gentle, and the crowd jarring in comparison.
This happens on a lot of things that I consume these days, though perhaps that's because I've been watching so much dancing material. But, even things like mix martial arts see very different crowd responses in some parts of the world. Specifically, in Japan, they treat MMA as we treat an opera, a hush over the entire crowd, with the silence being broken only on the most spectacular and unexpected occurrences. While I couldn't argue against others cheering in this case, I personally appreciate the silence far more; I feel it expresses a deeper respect for the contest taking place, and eliminates the feel of blood-lust in the crowd (and, indirectly, the community).
I'm curious how others feel about crowd cheers and jeers.
This is actually a topic that I considered writing about during this last break before I was sidetracked. At some point I'd like to research the origins and growth of this phenomenon.
terry - 01/25/12 16:37
Hm, I don't mind the cheering. I have at times found cheering very annoying. For example during a soft piece of a musical performance where you can't hear the music over the cheering. But in this case, I think the audience zeal only adds to the performance. As a performer in a past life I can tell you that audience feedback is terribly important and can turn a so-so performance into something much more.
Hm, I don't mind the cheering. I have at times found cheering very annoying. For example during a soft piece of a musical performance where you can't hear the music over the cheering. But in this case, I think the audience zeal only adds to the performance. As a performer in a past life I can tell you that audience feedback is terribly important and can turn a so-so performance into something much more.
metalpeter - 01/24/12 20:13
Yeah but what if the guy was not making a noise just video taping...HA To me this video is kinda like if one is at a musical and the one person sings and then they clap and yell before the other person sings back?
Yeah but what if the guy was not making a noise just video taping...HA To me this video is kinda like if one is at a musical and the one person sings and then they clap and yell before the other person sings back?
metalpeter - 01/24/12 20:02
I agree that cheering since the music doesn't stop should be held till it ends....
I agree that cheering since the music doesn't stop should be held till it ends....
tinypliny - 01/24/12 19:05
Oh and I have also fallen asleep and according to a bitter past friend, snored during a performance.
Oh and I have also fallen asleep and according to a bitter past friend, snored during a performance.
tinypliny - 01/24/12 19:02
Really? I had no idea there was pressure to cheer particularly in the US. Who knew.
On the other hand, I might not have noticed. I think I fall clearly into the selfish bin based on your classification. And I don't know if I can change it. I have walked out in the middle of plays/shows/films because I didn't support the concept anymore or been completely revolted/bored or both, cheered entirely too much, hooted at the stage, whooped and headbanged, got into fights (that was in my metal stage), thrown confetti, danced like a loon. You name an atrocious audience act and I have done it. ;-)
Really? I had no idea there was pressure to cheer particularly in the US. Who knew.
On the other hand, I might not have noticed. I think I fall clearly into the selfish bin based on your classification. And I don't know if I can change it. I have walked out in the middle of plays/shows/films because I didn't support the concept anymore or been completely revolted/bored or both, cheered entirely too much, hooted at the stage, whooped and headbanged, got into fights (that was in my metal stage), thrown confetti, danced like a loon. You name an atrocious audience act and I have done it. ;-)
tinypliny - 01/24/12 18:55
I watched that video again! I initially wanted to rush out and get that huge hoop and try it but I am now reconsidering. I get motion sick even on tame car rides! I think this may not be the sport for me....
I watched that video again! I initially wanted to rush out and get that huge hoop and try it but I am now reconsidering. I get motion sick even on tame car rides! I think this may not be the sport for me....
YesThatCasey - 01/24/12 18:46
I imagine he has puked more times than he can count, heh. But, like Ballet dancers, his body has adjusted.
I imagine he has puked more times than he can count, heh. But, like Ballet dancers, his body has adjusted.
YesThatCasey - 01/24/12 18:44
While I don't expect everyone to share my mindset, I do think it's quite selfish to ignore the cares and wants of those around you, so we are approaching this from very different perspectives.
As you touched on, the will of the crowd will change depending on culture, the quality of the performance, and the individuals personality. What I'm suggesting is that currently, in our culture, there seems to be an excessive pressure to cheer performances. That implies that there are plenty of times where cheering is not only acceptable, but appropriate, and possibly unavoidable. I don't want to suggest that any of that needs to change.
What does bother me is when these responses occur without consideration of whole picture. When people feel that by not cheering or laughing they are somehow letting down the entertainers. Similarly, I don't want performers to think that the silence of the crowd means they are not entertaining them. Neither one of these needs to be true; we are forcing these beliefs onto people.
A comedy show is a clear example of an event where the audience will always respond vocally, and where silence could be construed as failure. That is quite different from the performance above. I equate what happened there with sitting on an isolated beach, sharing a tender moment with a girl, and having some guy rush up and shout "WHOOOP!" out of nowhere. Not only is it completely out of place, but it takes away from the emotion you are experiencing.
This performance brings out at least two things: amazing physical prowess, and a tender expression of emotion. The cheers ignore and ruin half of the performance as far as I'm concerned.
While I don't expect everyone to share my mindset, I do think it's quite selfish to ignore the cares and wants of those around you, so we are approaching this from very different perspectives.
As you touched on, the will of the crowd will change depending on culture, the quality of the performance, and the individuals personality. What I'm suggesting is that currently, in our culture, there seems to be an excessive pressure to cheer performances. That implies that there are plenty of times where cheering is not only acceptable, but appropriate, and possibly unavoidable. I don't want to suggest that any of that needs to change.
What does bother me is when these responses occur without consideration of whole picture. When people feel that by not cheering or laughing they are somehow letting down the entertainers. Similarly, I don't want performers to think that the silence of the crowd means they are not entertaining them. Neither one of these needs to be true; we are forcing these beliefs onto people.
A comedy show is a clear example of an event where the audience will always respond vocally, and where silence could be construed as failure. That is quite different from the performance above. I equate what happened there with sitting on an isolated beach, sharing a tender moment with a girl, and having some guy rush up and shout "WHOOOP!" out of nowhere. Not only is it completely out of place, but it takes away from the emotion you are experiencing.
This performance brings out at least two things: amazing physical prowess, and a tender expression of emotion. The cheers ignore and ruin half of the performance as far as I'm concerned.
tinypliny - 01/24/12 18:42
Okay, try this experiment. Silence the soundtrack and play Kashmir (either Ofra Haza or the original over the video)!! It feels like a completely different performance. :O)
Okay, try this experiment. Silence the soundtrack and play Kashmir (either Ofra Haza or the original over the video)!! It feels like a completely different performance. :O)
tinypliny - 01/24/12 18:40
I cannot believe that bloke is not nauseous after all that spinning. He has some gut control!
I cannot believe that bloke is not nauseous after all that spinning. He has some gut control!
tinypliny - 01/24/12 18:10
LOL, I often yell at the screen.. like all the time and laugh like a maniac (probably why my neighbour doesn't like me so much!)
I often went to heavy metal concerts back home. I think crowd participation plays an big role in those concerts. Whole sections of audience often sing missing lines and phrases and there is this whole call-and-answer-with-chorus section to many songs.
I admit I feel somewhat out of place when the audience is too quiet. I love it when the whole theatre claps, chants etc during random movies and plays. The last time I was at a movie (bad choice, btw) many women were crying. I reached over and patted the hand of one woman who was really losing it. It was the highlight of that whole movie-going experience for me. Some shows like Fuerza Bruta rely on how the audience responds.
Isn't fighting all about competition and insanity of it all? I would totally shout my lungs out if I were into some fight! :) (which I am not, but just sayin...)
so I think it not only depends on the culture, it depends on how you feel about the performance, what kind of a person you are and in general, whether you care two hoots about who else is watching any show with you (I could not care less). I once gave a long and crazy standing ovation at a classical piano concert when there was no one else even willing to stand. After the show, at the reception, the pianist came and thanked me for clapping so hard. It was funny, and no I didn't know the pianist before the show.
LOL, I often yell at the screen.. like all the time and laugh like a maniac (probably why my neighbour doesn't like me so much!)
I often went to heavy metal concerts back home. I think crowd participation plays an big role in those concerts. Whole sections of audience often sing missing lines and phrases and there is this whole call-and-answer-with-chorus section to many songs.
I admit I feel somewhat out of place when the audience is too quiet. I love it when the whole theatre claps, chants etc during random movies and plays. The last time I was at a movie (bad choice, btw) many women were crying. I reached over and patted the hand of one woman who was really losing it. It was the highlight of that whole movie-going experience for me. Some shows like Fuerza Bruta rely on how the audience responds.
Isn't fighting all about competition and insanity of it all? I would totally shout my lungs out if I were into some fight! :) (which I am not, but just sayin...)
so I think it not only depends on the culture, it depends on how you feel about the performance, what kind of a person you are and in general, whether you care two hoots about who else is watching any show with you (I could not care less). I once gave a long and crazy standing ovation at a classical piano concert when there was no one else even willing to stand. After the show, at the reception, the pianist came and thanked me for clapping so hard. It was funny, and no I didn't know the pianist before the show.
metalpeter - 01/24/12 17:31
Now but I feel like having fun so.... That part of being Silent is part of the culture or at least it was... How I know this I have no idea... But on the subway you can't/Don't talk... That is the reason why texting got started... They had phones that slide or and flipped open with key pads.... But part of it was also the phone companies over there where if I understood what I saw correctly that charged a flat rate for text.... So Part of me thinks that it is just part of their culture and so that caries on to sports?
But there is another part of me that thinks but no cause we shut up for some sports like Tennis and Golf and maybe Gymnastics...... So maybe it is a tradition thing?
Just tossing a few idea out there.... I think that as Americans we are taught you like something clap.... Look at sports like Monster trucks and Freestyle Motocross you are supposed to get loud (like they can really hear you over the engines well maybe they can) as they do it so they do bigger and better tricks so they get pumped.... This will sometimes lead the everyone cheering at a show when the song starts or intro ends or at the end of the song but not when it is 100% over?
So maybe this way we are taught carry over into areas where it shouldn't ?
Again not only in Pro Wrestling, But with all kinds of live concerts now, and even (I don't mean heckling )Like improve comedy their is crowd participation and so that has to be at least a part of the factor...
Of course I have no way to figure out what causes what.... But being at home watching sports and yelling at the TV or watching you tube may factor in as well?
Now but I feel like having fun so.... That part of being Silent is part of the culture or at least it was... How I know this I have no idea... But on the subway you can't/Don't talk... That is the reason why texting got started... They had phones that slide or and flipped open with key pads.... But part of it was also the phone companies over there where if I understood what I saw correctly that charged a flat rate for text.... So Part of me thinks that it is just part of their culture and so that caries on to sports?
But there is another part of me that thinks but no cause we shut up for some sports like Tennis and Golf and maybe Gymnastics...... So maybe it is a tradition thing?
Just tossing a few idea out there.... I think that as Americans we are taught you like something clap.... Look at sports like Monster trucks and Freestyle Motocross you are supposed to get loud (like they can really hear you over the engines well maybe they can) as they do it so they do bigger and better tricks so they get pumped.... This will sometimes lead the everyone cheering at a show when the song starts or intro ends or at the end of the song but not when it is 100% over?
So maybe this way we are taught carry over into areas where it shouldn't ?
Again not only in Pro Wrestling, But with all kinds of live concerts now, and even (I don't mean heckling )Like improve comedy their is crowd participation and so that has to be at least a part of the factor...
Of course I have no way to figure out what causes what.... But being at home watching sports and yelling at the TV or watching you tube may factor in as well?
metalpeter - 01/24/12 17:18
Hold on wait a second I agree with you... Hold on that can't be correct.... HA
I have never seen the Japanese MMA but what I have watched is Japanese Wrestling Now mind you in was some years ago back when ECW was around ok maybe a year past that.... Now culture does change over time.... But it was the same way big move over big move and no sound I was like what... End of the match clapping or in a death match on nails nothing , barbed wire boards nothing, only a cheer like you said when something huge happened like the guy was thrown into the corner into the lights that are lite and they explode......
Hold on wait a second I agree with you... Hold on that can't be correct.... HA
I have never seen the Japanese MMA but what I have watched is Japanese Wrestling Now mind you in was some years ago back when ECW was around ok maybe a year past that.... Now culture does change over time.... But it was the same way big move over big move and no sound I was like what... End of the match clapping or in a death match on nails nothing , barbed wire boards nothing, only a cheer like you said when something huge happened like the guy was thrown into the corner into the lights that are lite and they explode......
tinypliny - 01/24/12 11:25
I was talking with a tango artist on the way to NYC last year. Tango is a fairly classical performance art and some traditionalists in tango place emphasis on silence during the performance. The artist I was talking to also performs in off-broadway shows in the city. She was telling me how she gets incredibly upset or nervous if the crowd does not clap or cheer during her dances - be it tango or other dances. I had forgotten about this encounter till you brought it up. It was such a fun time talking with her - best 1 hour in jetblue.
I was talking with a tango artist on the way to NYC last year. Tango is a fairly classical performance art and some traditionalists in tango place emphasis on silence during the performance. The artist I was talking to also performs in off-broadway shows in the city. She was telling me how she gets incredibly upset or nervous if the crowd does not clap or cheer during her dances - be it tango or other dances. I had forgotten about this encounter till you brought it up. It was such a fun time talking with her - best 1 hour in jetblue.
tinypliny - 01/24/12 09:31
Such a beautiful video! Thanks for sharing. :)
I think performance arts such as this one.. or things like CIrque de Soleil feed on audience enthusiasm and cheers, however loud they may be. What if the sound track was a slightly heavier cello track or maybe a Hendrix solo? Maybe the more classical bent of the music made the crowd response seem jarring,
Such a beautiful video! Thanks for sharing. :)
I think performance arts such as this one.. or things like CIrque de Soleil feed on audience enthusiasm and cheers, however loud they may be. What if the sound track was a slightly heavier cello track or maybe a Hendrix solo? Maybe the more classical bent of the music made the crowd response seem jarring,
yeah that is pretty cool thanks.....