Reflection Week 4

Today marks week 4 for my improvement for the mile run. I seen improvement in my run. This time in my mile run I burned off 8 seconds off my prior best run. I still been drinking lots of water. I try to drink at least one water a day but when I drink more than my minimum I get in trouble for drinking too much and not letting anyone else in my household get any water. I also been watching many videos on youtube that shows me how to become a better runner. I learned to breathe in through my nose and out of my mouth. I plan to continue improving.

Reflection 4

Once again, I'm sort of disappointed with my progress in guitar lessons. The past week I got caught up in more work that I didn't find as much time as I had originally planned to use. However, I did find more time to practice and learn than I did last week. I found out how hard it is to remember all of the different chords despite only learning a few. During class, I started looking up potential songs that I want to be able to play by the end of this semester, but nothing really caught my eye.. or ear haha. But I have a while to go, so I think I'm okay for now. I learned the G and C chord this week and memorized them. I also practiced my one minute changes that I've learned so far, which is a lot because the changes are between all of the chords I know. Although it may not seem like I did too much, it is still a big step forward in learning how to play the guitar.

Reflection 4

I think I might have had some bad luck this week. I actually got a few more rows done and then my project accidently fell apart. The yarn slid off the needle when I wasn't really paying attention and the stiches got loose and it was impossible to put back on. I'm not too upset because I didn't really have that much done, and I was using it as a practice scarf anyway. It was a dumb mistake, but at least now I'll get some more practice. I also have tons and tons of yarn so that's not a big deal either. Later today, I'm going to fix it. I'll have to create a new slipknot, but I think I might have forgotten how to do that so I'll use the instructions I found online the first time. I feel like a mess because I'm basically starting over, but then again I guess it won't be too bad because I've already done it once. I just feel like time is going by so quickly. I decided that I'm going to try to start taking pictures of my progress too.

Reflection 4

This week, I haven't done much with my project. This is mostly due to college deadlines coming up and my personal life being extremely busy. With that being said, I have continued watching tutorials by famous producers making beats using fruity loops; Boi-1da, Metro Booming, and Mike Will. They have given me inspiration and key ideas in crafting something.

When my upcoming November 1st deadline ens, I'll have much more free time. The biggest thing I need at this point is time. Time to fail, trial and error, to try and craft something, fail, and keep trying. To be able to let something that I create sit for a few hours, days, let other people here it, research what effects would go right, wrong.

On the side, I've also continued my search for plug ins that will lend itself to the sound I want to produce. I'd like to produce music that is slightly futuristic sounding, space sounding, with swooping synths and high tempo drums, only slightly slower than EDM music.

Reflection #4 10/22

Kamryn

Intro to Humanities

22 October 2015

Reflection #4

    My project is to learn how to braid hair, install, and style hair. This week, I forgot my hair doll in my kitchen so I was not able to practice braiding someone else's hair. In class, I researched hair that is typically used for weaving. A person can use human or synthetic hair. Human hair is more expensive and is broken into two types. One is stripped of the cuticle and the other is not. The one still in tact with the cuticle is more expensive because it can be colored, styled, and heat can be used on it. It also lasts and stays in better condition longer than the other type. Human hair breaks down into many more forms and textures, but stripped and not stripped is a very important difference. I decided since I forgot my hair doll I'd cornrow my doll's head and take a picture. As you can see, the dolls hair is very synthetic. It is a Bratz hair doll I got when I was younger and I thought it would be nice to use, but I don't know if I will be able to use it for the final project. Next week, I will try and show braiding in a circle if the hair doll permits it.

Reflection Week 4

This week, I created my first blog post. I wanted to make two posts this week: one about the blackout in India and the protests happening in South Africa. However, I couldn't properly formulate an opinion on the blackout since I didn't completely understand what was going on. I instead decided to write a post on the protests occurring in South Africa. The South African government proposed a 10% to 12% increase in tuition fees at the University of Cape Town, so many students have decided to peacefully protest against this idea. When I first wrote my post, it more informational than op-ed, and I'm looking to do a combination of both, so I edited my article many times so I could include some of my opinion. I was satisfied with what I wrote, but I know I can write better pieces. It felt good to finally have something on my blog, though.

REFLECTION TRES

This week I continued my focus on cooking breakfast meals. My dish this week was fried egg/omelette. The reason why I cannot properly distinguish whether it's an omelette or egg is because it takes the appearance of an egg, however it has ham, onions, and tomatoes inside of it so in a sense it's an omelette. I began this meal with my mom by assisting her in cutting the vegetables and mixing it with the egg, but she went on to fry the egg without my help. The egg came out astonishingly good as always and I think that learning how to cook this egg/omelette will be very beneficial in the future because I plan to combine with the pancakes I learned to cook a week ago. Overall, the egg came out well and I was able to keep good pace with my mom so my performance was pretty good. Next week’s dish is turkey.

Reflection Week 4

Christian

This week, I started to use the semi-automatic modes and manual mode on my camera. The first semi-automatic mode is Aperture Priority Mode. In this mode, the user chooses the aperture, (the opening in your camera when shooting) and the camera automatically chooses the shutter speed, ISO, white balance etc. This mode is useful when taking shots of a still object in which shutter speed is not a huge priority. If the user chooses a large aperture number, the hole will be smaller, letting less light in, have a larger depth of field, and a slower shutter speed. A smaller aperture number results in the opposite.

Shutter Priority Mode is very similar to Aperture Priority Mode except the user chooses the shutter speed rather than the aperture. This mode is useful when capturing moving objects such as using a high shutter speed to freeze an object and get a clear shot, or use a low shutter speed to blur and object for visual effect.

Lastly, Manual Mode is exactly what it sounds like. The user is in total control of all settings of the camera. This mode is obviously the most difficult available on the camera. I will continue to practice in Manual Mode to get more familiar with the different settings available on the camera.

Reflection #3

This week, I tried in German to say home-related things, foods, and drinks. I started to see as I practice more I can recall the things that I learned already much easier. As for talking to someone who speaks German, I haven't found a stationary partner but I'm still looking for one. I tried to speak what I know to friends and family but all they do is just repeat and ask what it means. Which is all expected from those who weren't interested in learning. But it helps me remember what I recently learned so its beneficial. I plan to continue my work in the German language and teach others as I learn myself.

Reflection Week 3

This week I looked further into the difference between ASL and Signed English. Signed English is a form of sign language that uses ASL signs but follows English grammar rules. I read that people who speak English regularly often find this much easier to learn, which makes sense because understanding grammar rules is the hardest part of any language, in my opinion. So, I decided that I am going to focus on Signed English for right now and maybe if I feel confident enough in it eventually I can try to learn the ASL grammar rules.
I found a YouTube channel that posts Signed English covers of popular songs, so I am watching some of those. Also, a tutorial for each song is posted along with the cover. I found that trying to learn songs I am already familiar with in Signed English makes it easier for me to remember words or phrases. This YouTube channel also provided me with some great Signed English resources that I starting using, such as the sign dictionary at Spreadthesign.

Reflection 3

This week i started editing my power point. I included my daily diet plan and the times for my starting mile time. I also continue to work out everyday through frequent body workouts, core workouts, and much more. Even if I don't get to the daily exercises me walking around my school's campus all day and the walks home from my town's high school fills in. I plan to continue my diet and to keep running.

20% Time Reflection #3

Chelsie: Scrap-booking


         
           This week for my 20% Time project I was able to print out some more pictures and instead of just pasting them on I cut them into different shapes  and made borders for them. I finished the next three pages. Instead of using stickers I made some of my own letters that I created and even gave the paper I used it's own texture. it is coming along beautifully and I cannot wait to see what the final product is going to be like. It is definitely more difficult than I thought that it would be but, I know that the final product is going to be worth the work.

20% Time Week 3

To start this post off, I've decided that with my packed schedule, I'll be forced to dropped my exercise schedule from seven days a week to five. This has been caused by a rigorous sports schedule that usually goes through the entire week, but as soon as the fall is over, my schedule should free up a bit more. This week I was very limited with my strength training days, so I decided it was best if had took one day of strength training(Friday), one day of anaerobic cardio(Sunday), one day of aerobic cardio(Thursday), and two days of flexibility training(Tuesday and Thursday). I'm beginning to get accustom to these routine schedule throughout the week, and I seems to be much easier for me persuade myself to continue rather than skip a day. Next week, I would like to start with more strength training. I feel that I should continue switching between strength training in the gym, and more simple forms of exercise at home, such as running or ab workouts. As far as what I'll be doing next week and my schedule, that is yet to be determined.

Reflection 3

This week I started to play with the software Animatron, which is an online software that allows users to create animations with amazing tutorials for beginners. I spent a lot of time learning about the tools such as pen and import settings to create character. The video listed below is my first ever animation with a possible draft for the intro of my cartoon video. Many new trials include learning to create scenes and how to insert scenes into chronological order. The first step is to draw a basic figure I wanted to practice with. After drawing the basic stickman, I then proceeded to move his hands or location on the canvas per each time frame to have the final product as shown below. 

One obstacle I face is understanding the anatomy of the body. Even the simple task of creating a waving hand is troublesome because I need to understand the joints and physical abilities of how humans interact. I'm very happy with the limitless possibilities that I can create with my new found knowledge and I can't wait to show you guys next week of the first draft for the introduction of my video.

https://www.animatron.com/project/d8eb22563054861837423459

http://clips.animatron.com/4e0389750ac9c1100a072cc274e75196

REFLECTION 3

So my new runners diet was going pretty well this week. Until the weekend... AGAIN. It's something about weekends. I'm always on the go, and therefore I'm susceptible to snacking. Not only that, there were two more birthday celebrations yesterday and today. And we all know what that means. Cake and pizza, pizza and more cake. And I didn't run or exercise at all the past two days. I'll have to work on my weekend workouts.

However, the week was very successful. I plateaued at 6 miles, but that's okay, Since I have time, I'll take it easy for a bit. After all, I'm half way there ! I'm no longer sore, and breathing is becoming easier. Once I hit 2+ miles in, I feel like I can run forever. Until my feet start to hurt.

The cold is taking a toll on my running though. Especially since I run at night, and it's even colder then. It hurts my skin and I'm worried I might get sick. I'm trying to dress appropriately for runs but it is difficult because I don't want to bundle up and over heat but I don't want my skin to freeze and fall off either.

Reflection #3 :D

Today my other friend and I are going to the UCTech design lab to use Krita. Since my friend is in the design program, she and I thought it would be a good idea to learn how to use Krita together because I have to master Krita for a project, and learning how to use artistic software will be very helpful for my friend in the long run.

In the design lab, there are drawing tablets the students to use and scanners to upload student work to the computers. We are going today because we are both free, but I imagine that sometime in the near future we will set up a regular date to meet.

Update: We couldn't go to the design lab today because the teacher in charge wasn't there, so we played Cards Against Humanity with her friends instead. This week was not in vain, though, I've started working on a sketch to scan to the computer and color in Krita. My friend said we could meet next week on a day she was sure the teacher was there.

Reflection 3

This past week I was really busy with tests, papers, quizzes, and homework, so I didn't have a lot of time to practice playing guitar. I realized that learning the guitar independently is really hard, especially in finding the time to practice while having to focus on schoolwork. I'm really disappointed that I didn't get to learn any new material and move forward. I only found the time to practice the chords I learned, mainly focusing on my newly learned chords from last week: Dm, Am, and Em. Last week when I learned them, I was still a little rusty and slow when it came to finding the chords, so I tried my best to improve and practice the changes between them. I didn't really do much this week and I'm kind of upset because of that, but I'm determined that I will do a lot more the next upcoming weeks.

Reflection Week 3

I HAVE IT. I finally got Fruity Loops, and man, is this baby complicated. I'll make strides over the course of the weekend, I know it, but the learning curve for using this bad boy will be immense. I'm constantly referencing prior tutorial videos and google on how to do relatively basic things. Most of it, at this point, is learning the fundamentals of using the program more than actual music creating, which is comforting, in a sense. It might take a while to get good at the music creating aspect, but what I'm aiming for is relative mastery in using the actual software, even mastery at a basic level. From there, I can build on complexity, layering upwards towards something amazing. On the side, I'm also looking into plug ins. Plug ins are general sound sets that are either native or non native to Fruity loops, and created by other people, available for download. They give you preset notes, piano rolls, and drums to play with and further edit. They're like templates, and being that they cost money, I'm researching ones that will aid my style and be worth their price tag. Things are moving, and this is exciting.

Reflection Week 2

In my second week working on music production, I continued to focus mainly on understanding the software of Fruity Loops, my music production software. Being that I still don't have it, it's tough to say how well I'll know what I'm doing until I actually get my hands on it. However, it's a very complex software, and these tutorials will be invaluable to help me give a head start. Most notable is learning how to make separate patterns (drum patterns, piano patterns, synths, etc). Another important thing noted from the tutorial is how to then edit the sounds of the individual notes and drum kicks and snares and claps. This is where there is no substitute except experience; there are hundreds of permutations when it comes to affecting even the most simple pattern, and only through trial and error will I learn what works and what doesn't.

On the side, I have also continued watching various youtube videos of how famous music producers producer their own music, general tips, mindsets. Some reoccurring themes seem to be finding your own style that you personally like, not trying to clone other people, being dedicated to your craft, and not being scared to fail. When I get Fruity Loops, I'll start watching more specific videos of producers using the actual software to remake the skeletons of certain popular beats; it's worth noting many professional producers use Fruity Loops, so this is a serious thing.

Reflection #3 10/16

Kamryn

Intro to Humanities

11 October 2015

Reflection #3

    My project is to learn how to braid hair, install, and style hair. This week, I cornrowed my hair into a few braids. The sections were a little uneven an it was kind of sloppy so I might need a little more work and start practicing braiding in a circle like I saw in this video I watched. The video I watched in class was"Cornrow Weave Foundation Braid Video" on Youtube. I found out that the circle technique is the best to use because it makes the hair look less like a wig and more natural because it is easier to sew in closer to the scalp. I am not proud to say that I did not accomplish as much as I thought I would in class. I was a little distracted, but next week I will work ten times harder ad focus on my goal. At home, I practiced braiding my mom's hair instead of doing mine like I did the past few weeks. Next week will be focused on braiding the hair in a circle and I will try to make a video of me doing it or take pictures along the way.