Our group is going to be focusing our podcast on the AcoUstiKats.
Group Responsibilities:
Muhammad- Editing/Audio Tech
Katie- Host/Interviewer
Charlie-Interviewer
Jenna-Interviewer
Chloe-Editing/Audio Tech
Everyone is meeting to work on the script.
There is an AcoUstiKat's competition this weekend and we were hoping to interview members and also possibly reactions from the audience.
Interview Questions:
1) How long have you been on campus? (Creator question)
2) What are some difficulties you've faced when joining/creating the group? (Members/Creator question)
3) How/Why did you join the AcoUstiKats? (Member question)
4) What was your reaction to the AcoUstiKats performance? (audience)
5) What do you think about the AcoUstiKats? (asked around campus perhaps)
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
It was a Thursday. The sun was almost sunken and the cool air was whipping against my face. The sky was bright pink and orange, and you could see the moon already. I was bundled up in tow with my heavy jacket and a scarf wrapped around my face. I clicked a button on my bike's rear end red light twice. I swung my leg over my white and red bike swiftly and I set out on my short journey from my apartment on Woodland Avenue to the Funkhouser building. The meeting was in room 311. I was nervous to go. This was the third meeting I was trying to attend and I wanted it work out. The first one was the Pokemon Trainer Association, also known as PTA. That one didn't work out because I simply chickened out. The second was the MAT club, which is the Merchandising, Apparel, and Textiles Club. That one didn't work out because they didn't have the correct times posted for the meeting. At this point, I was just desperate for something to work for me. This club meeting that I was currently heading towards is a club called Crafty Cats. When I was first looking at clubs to seek out on the Student Organizations website, I was interested in Crafty Cats, but I skipped over it because a time wasn't posted on that website. If you're wondering what Craft Cats is, it's a student organization at UK composed of people that enjoy doing crafty things, such as knitting or crocheting, or anything creative in general. The goal of Crafty Cats is to help out the community while doing something they love, like crafts. They help out the community mainly by doing things for underprivilaged or sick children. I chose to go to Crafty Cats because I really love to knit, and some community service is something that my resume is lacking, so I thought I'd give it a go.
I finally kicked on my pedals and sped off to the club meeting. Once I made it to Funkhouser, somewhat out of breath, I climbed up the steep front stairs of the looming building and took the elevator to the third floor. Room 311 was to my the first door across the hall to the right of th elevator. As I walked into the room, I noticed how many were in the room. There were five ladies sitting aroud one table. Their ages seemed to range from about 18 to 21. Once I caught their attention, they all had really big smiles on their faces. I said, "Hi! I'm Chloe, I'm the one who emailed you about observing your meeting." One girl replied by introducing herself as Jennifer. She had blonde, thick and wavy hair that was held up by a black ponytail holder. She was wearing thin black framed glasses with pale, blue eyes behind them. She had a black Nike nylon pullover on and she was wearing medium wash bootcut jeans with tennis shoes. She happily said, "Oh yeah, welcome and have a seat!" Everyone was immediately happy with having a newcomer, which I could easily understand since there were about six of them at the meeting. After Jennifer introduced herself, they all kind of went around the table and said their names. Jessica was the next to introduce herself. She was wearing a black graphic t-shirt with dark wash flare jeans and Chuck Taylors. She had wire framed glasses and long curly brown hair in a ponytail, and when she smiled, I couldn't help but notice how perfect her teeth were. The next was Emily, she waved and welcomed me excitedly. She had on a grey sweater that had fuzzy balls on it from wear. She was wearing glasses too and was very short with short brown hair. There was then Christina, who was asian with black hair and brown highlights, and she was wearing yoga pants and a zip up hoodie. The last to be introduced was Erin. She had deepset eyes with choppy short black hair and was wearing all grey sweats. She was also wearing sandal type shoes with white tube socks.
After the friendly introductions, I looked at the huge mess that was on the table. There was rice on the table. There was also an assortment of different colored and patterned felt and fabric. There was thread and sewing needles scattered around as well. I asked them what they were working on. I expected to come to the meeting and see people knitting and crocheting various clothing garments or something. Jennifer, the president, told me that they were making rice buddies. I must have looked extremely confused because she went on to explain that they are also known as hand warmers. She continued on to explain how they work and how to make them. She said that the rice buddies were little fabric bags of rice and you are supposed to pop them into the microwave for a few seconds before bed and either put them on your bed or use them for a hand warmer. To make them, you simply sew together two small pieces of fabric or felt, about the size of 3 by 3 inches, and then you fill them with rice before you completely sew them up. After you fill them, you sew up the tiny hole left and voila! You have a rice buddy to be your tiny, warm companion to help you fall asleep with sweet dreams. I then posed the question of who these rice buddies were being sent to. The group promptly started to explain that the rice buddies were being sent to the UK childrens hospital. I thought it was extremely sweet and the rice buddies would warm their hands at night, but making them would definitely warm my heart.
I was intrigued by some of the other projects they had done for the community. Jessica then told me about how for the children at the hospital, they made oragami flowers to send them, since they couldn't recive actual flowers because of the danger that germs and pollen from the outside world would bring to these already weakend children who were in sometimes critical conditions. Emily then told me that the Crafty Cats made about over 200 oragami flowers for the children, and they made serveral artificial boquets. They were quite lovely.
Almost immediately after Jessica was finished explaining, a newcomer joined us. She actually wasn't apart of the club yet, and it was her first meeting just like myself. Her name was Zhara, and she looked middle eastern. She had a lisp and was wearing marroon pants with a black peacoat. She seemed pretty shy and told us she was invited by Erin. Erin seemed ecstatic that someone she invited came to the meeting. After they were finished with talking about the serious stuff that I had asked them about Crafty Cats goals and accomplishments, the atmosphere immediately transformed into this sewing circle type of setting and mood. The girls were all very relaxed and cheery, talking about what they had done in their week and while making their little rice buddies. Erin and Emily were definitely the most talkative. Emily was actually really funny. She and Jennifer wear talking about how Emily loves knitting, but Jennifer loves crocheting, and apparently Jennifer made her own Angry Birds. When I say that she made them, I mean that she crocheted them. This to me, is extremely impressive. I was somewhat awestruck, I asked Jennifer more about it and she said that she even made her own pattern for the birds. Making a pattern in knit or crochet is not easy at all, especially for a plush toy such as Angry Birds. After Jennifer explained how cool she basically is, in my opinion, Emily suggested that she "make a real life crocheted Angry Birds obstacle game, video tape it, and put it on Youtube." I agreed that it was a brillant idea.
As the meeting went on, the group continued to tell stories and chat, and the conversation was mainly based on the notion of their crafting love. I was curious about something though, I asked the group about yarn bombing, and if they had yarn bombed the trees in front of Memorial Colossium. Yarn bombing is when a group of people, or I guess it could just be on person, knits of or crochets large pieces, and then sews it onto a tree or lamppost or something in public. I guess it's a form of vandalism, but it's really beautiful and cool and is extremely easy to take off. Going back to their reply, the told me that they wished they yarn bombed Memorial Colossium, but alas they didn't. They told me that maybe one day they would, but it couldn't be under the Craft Cats name of course, since they could get in trouble for it. They all seemed to have this fantasy of yarn bombing though, but I think every knitter or crocheter has the same fantasy; I surely do.
After an hour had passed with the Crafty Cats, and the sun had compltely set, it was time for everyone to pack up and head home. The girls bid each other a farewell and they thanked me for sharing an interest in their club, they encouraged me to invite my friends and to keep coming. I told them that I would probably be there next week. I had enjoyed myself too much to not go again. As I rode the elevator back to the first floor, I was really warmed by my interaction with the Crafty Cats and I was actually please, in a way, that I was forced to be involved in something on campus.
I finally kicked on my pedals and sped off to the club meeting. Once I made it to Funkhouser, somewhat out of breath, I climbed up the steep front stairs of the looming building and took the elevator to the third floor. Room 311 was to my the first door across the hall to the right of th elevator. As I walked into the room, I noticed how many were in the room. There were five ladies sitting aroud one table. Their ages seemed to range from about 18 to 21. Once I caught their attention, they all had really big smiles on their faces. I said, "Hi! I'm Chloe, I'm the one who emailed you about observing your meeting." One girl replied by introducing herself as Jennifer. She had blonde, thick and wavy hair that was held up by a black ponytail holder. She was wearing thin black framed glasses with pale, blue eyes behind them. She had a black Nike nylon pullover on and she was wearing medium wash bootcut jeans with tennis shoes. She happily said, "Oh yeah, welcome and have a seat!" Everyone was immediately happy with having a newcomer, which I could easily understand since there were about six of them at the meeting. After Jennifer introduced herself, they all kind of went around the table and said their names. Jessica was the next to introduce herself. She was wearing a black graphic t-shirt with dark wash flare jeans and Chuck Taylors. She had wire framed glasses and long curly brown hair in a ponytail, and when she smiled, I couldn't help but notice how perfect her teeth were. The next was Emily, she waved and welcomed me excitedly. She had on a grey sweater that had fuzzy balls on it from wear. She was wearing glasses too and was very short with short brown hair. There was then Christina, who was asian with black hair and brown highlights, and she was wearing yoga pants and a zip up hoodie. The last to be introduced was Erin. She had deepset eyes with choppy short black hair and was wearing all grey sweats. She was also wearing sandal type shoes with white tube socks.
After the friendly introductions, I looked at the huge mess that was on the table. There was rice on the table. There was also an assortment of different colored and patterned felt and fabric. There was thread and sewing needles scattered around as well. I asked them what they were working on. I expected to come to the meeting and see people knitting and crocheting various clothing garments or something. Jennifer, the president, told me that they were making rice buddies. I must have looked extremely confused because she went on to explain that they are also known as hand warmers. She continued on to explain how they work and how to make them. She said that the rice buddies were little fabric bags of rice and you are supposed to pop them into the microwave for a few seconds before bed and either put them on your bed or use them for a hand warmer. To make them, you simply sew together two small pieces of fabric or felt, about the size of 3 by 3 inches, and then you fill them with rice before you completely sew them up. After you fill them, you sew up the tiny hole left and voila! You have a rice buddy to be your tiny, warm companion to help you fall asleep with sweet dreams. I then posed the question of who these rice buddies were being sent to. The group promptly started to explain that the rice buddies were being sent to the UK childrens hospital. I thought it was extremely sweet and the rice buddies would warm their hands at night, but making them would definitely warm my heart.
I was intrigued by some of the other projects they had done for the community. Jessica then told me about how for the children at the hospital, they made oragami flowers to send them, since they couldn't recive actual flowers because of the danger that germs and pollen from the outside world would bring to these already weakend children who were in sometimes critical conditions. Emily then told me that the Crafty Cats made about over 200 oragami flowers for the children, and they made serveral artificial boquets. They were quite lovely.Almost immediately after Jessica was finished explaining, a newcomer joined us. She actually wasn't apart of the club yet, and it was her first meeting just like myself. Her name was Zhara, and she looked middle eastern. She had a lisp and was wearing marroon pants with a black peacoat. She seemed pretty shy and told us she was invited by Erin. Erin seemed ecstatic that someone she invited came to the meeting. After they were finished with talking about the serious stuff that I had asked them about Crafty Cats goals and accomplishments, the atmosphere immediately transformed into this sewing circle type of setting and mood. The girls were all very relaxed and cheery, talking about what they had done in their week and while making their little rice buddies. Erin and Emily were definitely the most talkative. Emily was actually really funny. She and Jennifer wear talking about how Emily loves knitting, but Jennifer loves crocheting, and apparently Jennifer made her own Angry Birds. When I say that she made them, I mean that she crocheted them. This to me, is extremely impressive. I was somewhat awestruck, I asked Jennifer more about it and she said that she even made her own pattern for the birds. Making a pattern in knit or crochet is not easy at all, especially for a plush toy such as Angry Birds. After Jennifer explained how cool she basically is, in my opinion, Emily suggested that she "make a real life crocheted Angry Birds obstacle game, video tape it, and put it on Youtube." I agreed that it was a brillant idea.
As the meeting went on, the group continued to tell stories and chat, and the conversation was mainly based on the notion of their crafting love. I was curious about something though, I asked the group about yarn bombing, and if they had yarn bombed the trees in front of Memorial Colossium. Yarn bombing is when a group of people, or I guess it could just be on person, knits of or crochets large pieces, and then sews it onto a tree or lamppost or something in public. I guess it's a form of vandalism, but it's really beautiful and cool and is extremely easy to take off. Going back to their reply, the told me that they wished they yarn bombed Memorial Colossium, but alas they didn't. They told me that maybe one day they would, but it couldn't be under the Craft Cats name of course, since they could get in trouble for it. They all seemed to have this fantasy of yarn bombing though, but I think every knitter or crocheter has the same fantasy; I surely do.
After an hour had passed with the Crafty Cats, and the sun had compltely set, it was time for everyone to pack up and head home. The girls bid each other a farewell and they thanked me for sharing an interest in their club, they encouraged me to invite my friends and to keep coming. I told them that I would probably be there next week. I had enjoyed myself too much to not go again. As I rode the elevator back to the first floor, I was really warmed by my interaction with the Crafty Cats and I was actually please, in a way, that I was forced to be involved in something on campus.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
I'm transported inside of a house. I'm introduced to a young woman who's sitting at a table. She looks astonishing. Although maybe not in the astonishment that you might be thinking of. She's blonde... Not just blonde though, she is white blonde. All over. White blonde eyebrows, white blonde hair, and extremely pale skin. With a naughty bright pink shirt and an even naughtier attitude to her. The shirt simply says "Who Needs TITS?" Not to mention that haircut, it almost looks like someone buzzed the front half of her hair and left a mullet for kicks. Now I've met who she is with. There are two men and a woman. I guess you could call them a family. They are all white and blonde as can be. The woman is plump. She's wearing a shirt that says, "Worlds Best Mom!" The younger man has a yellow tank top on with lots of tattoos covering his body. The older man is lighting a cigarette.
The mother hands out food as the younger man says "Mmm! This looks delicious mom!" They aren't speaking my native tongue. The son asks his mother if they have anything to drink. The mother then tells the girl, who I now know is Yolandi, to get him something from the fridge. Finally, Yolandi's tit shirt makes sense. The front says, "Who Needs TITS?" while the back says, "With an Ass like THIS?" With an arrow pointing down to her ass, which has a winking face on the left butt cheek. Yolandi asks her brother what he wants to drink, and he simply says "Redbull." She brings it to the table and he chugs the energy drink and then throws it in a corner of the room. They then join hands to pray before dinner and Yolandi leads. She says she is thankful for the food, their sold out concerts overseas, her new and nice clothes, her magazine cover, and their pitbull, Satan. Her brother gives her eyes that could possibly shoot lasers out of them halfway through the prayer. After the prayer is over, Yolandi asks if JP can come over to show her his new motorcycle. Her brother then freaks out and says "I don't want that scumbag motherfucker hanging around my little sister. I don't want any of these scaly motherfuckers from this hood getting fresh with my little sister! They've just got one thing on their minds! You hear me? One thing!" Yolandi then replies with a roll of her eyes and a "whateva."
The mother hands out food as the younger man says "Mmm! This looks delicious mom!" They aren't speaking my native tongue. The son asks his mother if they have anything to drink. The mother then tells the girl, who I now know is Yolandi, to get him something from the fridge. Finally, Yolandi's tit shirt makes sense. The front says, "Who Needs TITS?" while the back says, "With an Ass like THIS?" With an arrow pointing down to her ass, which has a winking face on the left butt cheek. Yolandi asks her brother what he wants to drink, and he simply says "Redbull." She brings it to the table and he chugs the energy drink and then throws it in a corner of the room. They then join hands to pray before dinner and Yolandi leads. She says she is thankful for the food, their sold out concerts overseas, her new and nice clothes, her magazine cover, and their pitbull, Satan. Her brother gives her eyes that could possibly shoot lasers out of them halfway through the prayer. After the prayer is over, Yolandi asks if JP can come over to show her his new motorcycle. Her brother then freaks out and says "I don't want that scumbag motherfucker hanging around my little sister. I don't want any of these scaly motherfuckers from this hood getting fresh with my little sister! They've just got one thing on their minds! You hear me? One thing!" Yolandi then replies with a roll of her eyes and a "whateva."
This is a depiction of the opening scene but I suggest you watch the entire video, along with every other music video they have.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
"Oh god..." My first thought that came to mind when I started watching my speech video playback. As I progressed through the video, I guess I'd say it wasn't that terrible. I think everyone is probably hating watching themselves as well. After watching my speech two more times, I wish I had done only a few things differently. One thing that somewhat bothered me about my performance, however, was my posture. It wasn't horrible, I wasn't completely slumped over… But I know that I definitely look better and exude more confidence when I stand upright. I also didn't like how I looked at the screen more than I should've. Making eye contact with strangers is weird for me. It's something I've definitely been working on. I also should have directed my entire body towards the front of the audience.
Moving on, the content was definitely lacking. I'm alright with that though, last semester, I actually wrote out my speech and practiced it a LOT. I also did horribly. I was so worried about how I was going to present myself last semester and I was afraid that I was going to forget what to say next. Although my content was lacking, I think it was better for me to not have everything planned out exactly perfectly. I think not having silly note cards helps as well. While watching people's speeches the first day, I decided that they were extremely distracting and didn't even entertain the thought. It also showed how much people were shaking. I think not writing out my speech, trying to memorize, and also read off note cards surprisingly helped me. The lack of these elements in the preparation of my speech made the outcome a little bit like a conversation, in which I would say is good and bad. It was a speech about myself, and I acted in a manner that I would in my daily life but, it's also a speech which should be slightly more professional. I was relaxed, and I was basically talking about my life. Definitely the only subject I'm an expert on.
Moving on, the content was definitely lacking. I'm alright with that though, last semester, I actually wrote out my speech and practiced it a LOT. I also did horribly. I was so worried about how I was going to present myself last semester and I was afraid that I was going to forget what to say next. Although my content was lacking, I think it was better for me to not have everything planned out exactly perfectly. I think not having silly note cards helps as well. While watching people's speeches the first day, I decided that they were extremely distracting and didn't even entertain the thought. It also showed how much people were shaking. I think not writing out my speech, trying to memorize, and also read off note cards surprisingly helped me. The lack of these elements in the preparation of my speech made the outcome a little bit like a conversation, in which I would say is good and bad. It was a speech about myself, and I acted in a manner that I would in my daily life but, it's also a speech which should be slightly more professional. I was relaxed, and I was basically talking about my life. Definitely the only subject I'm an expert on.
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