It's a shame the soundtrack is a bunch of screaming 15-year-olds but I love that it gives the feeling of what it was like standing out there for 3 fucking hours, dancing to a non-existent beat. It was fun!!
At 0.30, you can hear me 'having words' with two of the young girls next to me who drew a picture of a penis and stuck it on the glass, obviously trying to show their frustration at not getting in.
I thought it inappropriate and rude, and I told them so :) 'Nooooo!', I said. 'I thought you were fans!', and then I proceeded to rip down said piece of art work and throw it to the back of the crowd.
Yeah, I got the Presets' back, baby. Well, that's all I got that night at least!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Presets @ Apple Store - Deaf Music for the Hearing
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Captioning interview
888DAG.com
As we crank up the volume on our television sets this Olympics to catch the heart-racing live commentary of our favourite sports, the Deaf community will hear every ounce of excitement through captions.
Charlie is the ears of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired community. She started as an online/live speech captioner before she was promoted to her current job as solutions manager. AI-MEDIA provides captions for 27 channels across the FOXTEL network.
How did you get into captioning?
I used to work in a publishing company before I started captioning. My mother is also a captioner and a subtitler (Greek to English), and she introduced me to the captioning business.
What training and qualifications do you have and are they necessary to get the job?
There aren't any specific qualifications needed to get a job in captioning, although a university degree would definitely come in handy. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts. I majored in Linguistics, Modern Greek and Performance Studies, but I didn't have any captioning qualifications. I had to sit for several tests (grammar, general knowledge and transcription) before I was given the job.
There is usually onsite training for new captioners. Live speech captioning is another field, and it requires fairly intensive training, which is provided by most captioning companies.
What skills are needed?
Good English skills are necessary – both spelling and grammar. Captioning companies will usually ask you to sit a test in your interview to gauge your English skills.
Is there a demand for television captioners?
At the moment, The Broadcasting Services Regulations require free-to-air channels to caption all prime time, news and current affairs programs. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission also requires free-to-air channels to increase the volume of captioned programming progressively over a period of years with a goal to have 100 per cent captioned programming in the future. Due to the growing volume of captioned material, I believe the demand for captioners will continue to grow.
Besides television, what other industries need captioners?
We have provided live captioning for conferences in the past, and with the technology boom, the sky’s the limit. I would love to see captioning become commonplace on the Internet. There is a lot of worthy content being generated that Deaf and Hearing Impaired people don’t have access to.
Do you always work on the same programs?
We provide captions for 27 channels across FOXTEL, including Fox 8, Lifestyle & Food, Arena, and Crime & Investigation. So, there’s always a variety of programs to work on. It’s never a dull day in the office!
What projects are the most challenging and which are you most proud of?
The most challenging projects are always the live ones. As a speech captioner, there is a lot of preparation involved – for example vocab lists and dictionaries. It’s quite nerve-racking knowing that everything you’re saying will be on show for all the viewers, so there’s little or no room for error in that situation. When I pull off one of the live programs without a hitch, I’m always very proud.
Describe what a captioner might do in a typical day?
As an online captioner, when I was onsite at the TV stations, I would begin by creating caption files from the news room system, which provides journalists’ with new story scripts and content from the autocue. I also updated my dictionaries with any relevant vocab, in case we needed to ‘go live’ with any breaking stories. By on-air time, we must have our captions ready with the corresponding audio.
As an offline captioner, you’re more likely to receive programs that will be aired in the future, so you have more time to work on them. This involves transcribing the audio and ‘breaking’ the text into a readable and grammatically correct caption format, before timing the captions so they appear as the audio is being heard.
What do you most like about the job?
I love everything about captioning! I’ve always been a bit of a stickler for English use and grammar, and captioning suits me perfectly. I also love the idea that my work brings access to those who didn’t previously have it and really helps to include more people in our society.
What do you like least?
Probably the stress of preparing for live events.
Do you have flexible working hours?
Yes, my hours are very flexible, especially at my current job. One of the great things about being a captioner is that you complete your work and then you’re able to leave it behind. It doesn’t impinge upon your social life or your life outside of work hours.
What is your working environment like?
My working environment is very comfortable. It has to be, as a captioner spends a lot of time in front of their computer. Offline captioners often have the option of working from home, which is a big plus. I try to do some home-based work two to three times a week, if possible.
What are the reactions of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired to your work?
The Deaf and Hearing Impaired community are grateful for the fact that they’re getting access to this content that we, as hearing people, have taken for granted for many years. Obviously, and rightly so, the Deaf community are campaigning for more captioned programs to be on air. They expect high-quality captions in respect to spelling and grammar and also that the captions reflect the soundtrack of the program. As a captioner, I have maintained a high standard of quality and will continue to provide exactly what they deserve.
As we crank up the volume on our television sets this Olympics to catch the heart-racing live commentary of our favourite sports, the Deaf community will hear every ounce of excitement through captions.
Charlie is the ears of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired community. She started as an online/live speech captioner before she was promoted to her current job as solutions manager. AI-MEDIA provides captions for 27 channels across the FOXTEL network.
How did you get into captioning?
I used to work in a publishing company before I started captioning. My mother is also a captioner and a subtitler (Greek to English), and she introduced me to the captioning business.
What training and qualifications do you have and are they necessary to get the job?
There aren't any specific qualifications needed to get a job in captioning, although a university degree would definitely come in handy. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts. I majored in Linguistics, Modern Greek and Performance Studies, but I didn't have any captioning qualifications. I had to sit for several tests (grammar, general knowledge and transcription) before I was given the job.
There is usually onsite training for new captioners. Live speech captioning is another field, and it requires fairly intensive training, which is provided by most captioning companies.
What skills are needed?
Good English skills are necessary – both spelling and grammar. Captioning companies will usually ask you to sit a test in your interview to gauge your English skills.
Is there a demand for television captioners?
At the moment, The Broadcasting Services Regulations require free-to-air channels to caption all prime time, news and current affairs programs. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission also requires free-to-air channels to increase the volume of captioned programming progressively over a period of years with a goal to have 100 per cent captioned programming in the future. Due to the growing volume of captioned material, I believe the demand for captioners will continue to grow.
Besides television, what other industries need captioners?
We have provided live captioning for conferences in the past, and with the technology boom, the sky’s the limit. I would love to see captioning become commonplace on the Internet. There is a lot of worthy content being generated that Deaf and Hearing Impaired people don’t have access to.
Do you always work on the same programs?
We provide captions for 27 channels across FOXTEL, including Fox 8, Lifestyle & Food, Arena, and Crime & Investigation. So, there’s always a variety of programs to work on. It’s never a dull day in the office!
What projects are the most challenging and which are you most proud of?
The most challenging projects are always the live ones. As a speech captioner, there is a lot of preparation involved – for example vocab lists and dictionaries. It’s quite nerve-racking knowing that everything you’re saying will be on show for all the viewers, so there’s little or no room for error in that situation. When I pull off one of the live programs without a hitch, I’m always very proud.
Describe what a captioner might do in a typical day?
As an online captioner, when I was onsite at the TV stations, I would begin by creating caption files from the news room system, which provides journalists’ with new story scripts and content from the autocue. I also updated my dictionaries with any relevant vocab, in case we needed to ‘go live’ with any breaking stories. By on-air time, we must have our captions ready with the corresponding audio.
As an offline captioner, you’re more likely to receive programs that will be aired in the future, so you have more time to work on them. This involves transcribing the audio and ‘breaking’ the text into a readable and grammatically correct caption format, before timing the captions so they appear as the audio is being heard.
What do you most like about the job?
I love everything about captioning! I’ve always been a bit of a stickler for English use and grammar, and captioning suits me perfectly. I also love the idea that my work brings access to those who didn’t previously have it and really helps to include more people in our society.
What do you like least?
Probably the stress of preparing for live events.
Do you have flexible working hours?
Yes, my hours are very flexible, especially at my current job. One of the great things about being a captioner is that you complete your work and then you’re able to leave it behind. It doesn’t impinge upon your social life or your life outside of work hours.
What is your working environment like?
My working environment is very comfortable. It has to be, as a captioner spends a lot of time in front of their computer. Offline captioners often have the option of working from home, which is a big plus. I try to do some home-based work two to three times a week, if possible.
What are the reactions of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired to your work?
The Deaf and Hearing Impaired community are grateful for the fact that they’re getting access to this content that we, as hearing people, have taken for granted for many years. Obviously, and rightly so, the Deaf community are campaigning for more captioned programs to be on air. They expect high-quality captions in respect to spelling and grammar and also that the captions reflect the soundtrack of the program. As a captioner, I have maintained a high standard of quality and will continue to provide exactly what they deserve.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Pt 1 Wednesday, October 22.
888DAG.com
I know, I've been M.I.A for about a week now, but with good reason.
Let me preface this post by telling people that I have been excited about seeing Stevie Wonder in concert since we heard he was touring. My friend John-Paul bought our tickets on his credit card and offered to hold onto them until the concert in October.
I checked the date of the show so Barry could swap shifts because he works until 11pm. I confirmed with Mama Synesthesia as well - Thursday, October 23, 8pm.
Imagine my surprise, then, when on WEDNESDAY night, October 22, at 8pm, I got a call from John-Paul asking where we were... He said that he was waiting out the front of the Stevie Wonder concert, with our tickets!
All right. My bad. When I confirmed the date, the website was advertising the second show - and we had tickets to the first. :(
But I digress. When I got the call from JP, I was in my PJs settled for a night of TV-watching. Barry was at work. Mama Synesthesia was at home cooking fish for her brother.
I. Am. A. Virgo. I cannot handle surprises, things that are unplanned, randomness of any kind.
Without going into too much more detail, here's a brief rundown of events between 8:00 and 8:40pm:
* I threw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt - no shower, no make-up, and I collected some of Barry's clothes.
* My mum threw down her cooking utensils and picked me up from home.
* We drove to Barry's work. I ran in and made up a terrible excuse to get him out of his shift. (I apologise to his colleagues but it was a worthy cause!)
* We drove to ACER Arena, found a very lucky parking spot and arrived at the front desk to find our 3 tickets waiting at the door.
From then on, it was magical. We had the BEST time of our lives. Stevie Wonder is an amazing musician and a true musical genius.
The concert was worth all the stress and anxiety we went through to get there, plus more... Which is probably why my mum and I decided to go the next night as well... :)
Please enjoy some of the video footage I took, and remember to press pause on the playlist at the bottom of my page.
'Part-Time Lover'
'Lately'
I know, I've been M.I.A for about a week now, but with good reason.
Let me preface this post by telling people that I have been excited about seeing Stevie Wonder in concert since we heard he was touring. My friend John-Paul bought our tickets on his credit card and offered to hold onto them until the concert in October.
I checked the date of the show so Barry could swap shifts because he works until 11pm. I confirmed with Mama Synesthesia as well - Thursday, October 23, 8pm.
Imagine my surprise, then, when on WEDNESDAY night, October 22, at 8pm, I got a call from John-Paul asking where we were... He said that he was waiting out the front of the Stevie Wonder concert, with our tickets!
All right. My bad. When I confirmed the date, the website was advertising the second show - and we had tickets to the first. :(
But I digress. When I got the call from JP, I was in my PJs settled for a night of TV-watching. Barry was at work. Mama Synesthesia was at home cooking fish for her brother.
I. Am. A. Virgo. I cannot handle surprises, things that are unplanned, randomness of any kind.
Without going into too much more detail, here's a brief rundown of events between 8:00 and 8:40pm:
* I threw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt - no shower, no make-up, and I collected some of Barry's clothes.
* My mum threw down her cooking utensils and picked me up from home.
* We drove to Barry's work. I ran in and made up a terrible excuse to get him out of his shift. (I apologise to his colleagues but it was a worthy cause!)
* We drove to ACER Arena, found a very lucky parking spot and arrived at the front desk to find our 3 tickets waiting at the door.
From then on, it was magical. We had the BEST time of our lives. Stevie Wonder is an amazing musician and a true musical genius.
The concert was worth all the stress and anxiety we went through to get there, plus more... Which is probably why my mum and I decided to go the next night as well... :)
Please enjoy some of the video footage I took, and remember to press pause on the playlist at the bottom of my page.
'Part-Time Lover'
'Lately'
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Safety First... Sorta.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Instinct for Transcendence - from SydHappyGuy
888DAG.com
At about 2pm yesterday, I got this email from SydHappyGuy with the simple subject line (yet one of my favourites) - 'Thought you'd like this...'
As I told Mr T in my reply,
"Madame Synesthesia is a manifestation of that instinct in me."
Thanks for thinking of me and being so spot on.
All you need is soul.
At about 2pm yesterday, I got this email from SydHappyGuy with the simple subject line (yet one of my favourites) - 'Thought you'd like this...'
"Arianna Huffington, editor in chief of the award-winning online newspaper The Huffington Post, spoke to us about the deep human yearning for transcendence that she calls the “fourth instinct”:
Most psychologists and biologists look at human behavior in terms of three instincts: survival, sex, and power. I believe, however, that you cannot understand human behavior without recognizing a fourth one—the instinct for transcendence, the instinct to connect to the part of us that goes beyond our materiality and survives our death, that connects with our soul. That's what explains our search for meaning, whether it drives us to art or to religion or to altruistic behavior that cannot be explained purely in terms of self-interest.... You could say that the fourth instinct drives the evolution of consciousness—and the evolution of consciousness is the foundation of everything."
The Instinct for Transcendence is a concept I'd never heard of, but one that's truly beautiful to me. And, in retrospect, it's probably been the driving 'instinct' guiding most of my actions in life - especially the ones I haven't been able to explain.As I told Mr T in my reply,
"Madame Synesthesia is a manifestation of that instinct in me."
Thanks for thinking of me and being so spot on.
All you need is soul.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Close Captioned Sia on Jools Holland - Soon We'll Be Found
The beautiful Sia live on Jools Holland.
I captioned this performance in my spare time because I really think this song, this singer, should be shared and experienced by everyone.
I just hope my captions do the song justice.
** Remember to pause my music playlist at the bottom of this page before you watch the video.**
Enjoy xx
Monday, October 13, 2008
Happy Birthday, Mummie.
Those of you who know me know that my mum means the world to me. For the past 30-odd years, she has devoted her life, her time and all her love to my sister Leonie and me and has never left us in need of anything, ever. It's something I think about often and for which I am eternally grateful.
For a time during our teenage years, my mum was working three jobs simultaneously and raising two pubescent teenage daughters on her own. She never showed us she was struggling and she never let us go without.
Not only did she buy us tickets to every concert, gig or outing that we wanted to go to, she would do the 'hard yards' with us as well. In 1994 she bought us tickets to 3 consecutive Pearl Jam concerts and camped out at Eastern Creek Raceway overnight so we could get right to the front of stage. She then waited in the car for the concert to finish so she could drive us home.
That's just one of the times she's gone way beyond the call of motherly duty to keep us safe, to keep us happy.
I'm still in awe of her beauty - then and now - of her mind, her cooking skills, her athleticism (she goes to the beach every morning to swim laps and walk on the sand), her work ethic and especially her strength. My mother is one ballsy lady and she commands respect wherever she goes. She can also be REALLY scary when she's angry :)
It was Mummie's Birthday on Thursday, so Barry and I drove over and cooked her breakfast in bed (Barry's famous French toast with maple syrup, cinnamon and ice cream). We handed over her present which, for the first time in years, was not something I bought in a store. I made her 3 CDs with a mix of her favourite songs and songs I knew would touch her soul. She loved it. More than anything I could have bought in a store. I love her for that.
The Birthday email she received from Leonie (who lives in Athens) topped her morning off. My sister has inherited my father's writing ability and writes something amazing for Mummie every year. I always know she's read it when she walks out with a tear in her eye.
Nothing we can ever do, say, buy or create will repay her for what she's given us over the years, but hopefully the lives my sister and I lead today and the women we've become make her a proud mother.
For a time during our teenage years, my mum was working three jobs simultaneously and raising two pubescent teenage daughters on her own. She never showed us she was struggling and she never let us go without.
Not only did she buy us tickets to every concert, gig or outing that we wanted to go to, she would do the 'hard yards' with us as well. In 1994 she bought us tickets to 3 consecutive Pearl Jam concerts and camped out at Eastern Creek Raceway overnight so we could get right to the front of stage. She then waited in the car for the concert to finish so she could drive us home.
That's just one of the times she's gone way beyond the call of motherly duty to keep us safe, to keep us happy.
I'm still in awe of her beauty - then and now - of her mind, her cooking skills, her athleticism (she goes to the beach every morning to swim laps and walk on the sand), her work ethic and especially her strength. My mother is one ballsy lady and she commands respect wherever she goes. She can also be REALLY scary when she's angry :)
It was Mummie's Birthday on Thursday, so Barry and I drove over and cooked her breakfast in bed (Barry's famous French toast with maple syrup, cinnamon and ice cream). We handed over her present which, for the first time in years, was not something I bought in a store. I made her 3 CDs with a mix of her favourite songs and songs I knew would touch her soul. She loved it. More than anything I could have bought in a store. I love her for that.
The Birthday email she received from Leonie (who lives in Athens) topped her morning off. My sister has inherited my father's writing ability and writes something amazing for Mummie every year. I always know she's read it when she walks out with a tear in her eye.
Nothing we can ever do, say, buy or create will repay her for what she's given us over the years, but hopefully the lives my sister and I lead today and the women we've become make her a proud mother.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
An amazing Birthday present
888DAG.com
About a month before my birthday, Vicki the Viking asked me to name my four favourite soul singers. Of course I needed time to think about it, but I finally got back to her with the names of 4 singers who have really touched my soul.
1. Otis Redding
2. Aretha Franklin
3. Gladys Knight
4. Stevie Wonder
I couldn't quite work out why Vicki needed the names of four singers for my birthday present. Perhaps she was going to buy me four CDs?
I was waaaay off.
Just take a look at what she presented me with...
All hand-made by the Viking, with thought and soul - and a whole lotta talent. I still can't get over it. Thanks so much, Vicki. You're amazing.
By the way, I heard 'Idioteque' by Radiohead and I thought of you, Victoria.
Thanks for introducing me to this song, it means a whole lot to me, as do you.
About a month before my birthday, Vicki the Viking asked me to name my four favourite soul singers. Of course I needed time to think about it, but I finally got back to her with the names of 4 singers who have really touched my soul.
1. Otis Redding
2. Aretha Franklin
3. Gladys Knight
4. Stevie Wonder
I couldn't quite work out why Vicki needed the names of four singers for my birthday present. Perhaps she was going to buy me four CDs?
I was waaaay off.
Just take a look at what she presented me with...
All hand-made by the Viking, with thought and soul - and a whole lotta talent. I still can't get over it. Thanks so much, Vicki. You're amazing.
By the way, I heard 'Idioteque' by Radiohead and I thought of you, Victoria.
Thanks for introducing me to this song, it means a whole lot to me, as do you.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Deaf Music - A DAGger's Dream
888DAG.com
This is the new song from an Australian singer called Sia, who was the vocalist for Zero7 (if anyone remembers them). I'd never heard her solo work until this afternoon when I was checking my favourite gossip blog, Oh No They Didn't, where the video had been posted.
Not only is it a beautiful song, but the clip is amazing. It incorporates Auslan, shadow puppets and moving colour - a DAGger's dream.
I hope you enjoy it - whether you're listening or watching, or both.
xx
Speaking of shadow puppets, check out the video submitted by Smoke & Mirrors for the launch of DAG on 08.08.08.
This is the new song from an Australian singer called Sia, who was the vocalist for Zero7 (if anyone remembers them). I'd never heard her solo work until this afternoon when I was checking my favourite gossip blog, Oh No They Didn't, where the video had been posted.
Not only is it a beautiful song, but the clip is amazing. It incorporates Auslan, shadow puppets and moving colour - a DAGger's dream.
I hope you enjoy it - whether you're listening or watching, or both.
xx
Speaking of shadow puppets, check out the video submitted by Smoke & Mirrors for the launch of DAG on 08.08.08.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I heard 'Saint John' and I thought of you...
888DAG.com
..Stabby aka Sabrina aka Black Stabbath.
Stabby's been my partner in crime and music for a long time now.
We've always had very similar taste in music - our friendship was built on a shared love for Pearl Jam. But while I dabbled more in soul music, Stabby went on to personify Rock n' Roll - from the music she listens to, to her fashion, to her attitude.
'Saint John' by Cold War Kids is a song that ALWAYS makes me think of Sabrina, and one to which we always sing along very loudly. Cold War Kids is a great mix of rock and soul, just like our friendship. Rock n' Soul, baby!
Anyway, please check out Stabby's blog, 'In My Mind'. It's a feast for fashionistas.
But in the meantime, enjoy our very own footage of 'Saint John' (thanks for filming, Vicki! xx) from the Enmore Theatre in August this year.
..Stabby aka Sabrina aka Black Stabbath.
Stabby's been my partner in crime and music for a long time now.
We've always had very similar taste in music - our friendship was built on a shared love for Pearl Jam. But while I dabbled more in soul music, Stabby went on to personify Rock n' Roll - from the music she listens to, to her fashion, to her attitude.
'Saint John' by Cold War Kids is a song that ALWAYS makes me think of Sabrina, and one to which we always sing along very loudly. Cold War Kids is a great mix of rock and soul, just like our friendship. Rock n' Soul, baby!
Anyway, please check out Stabby's blog, 'In My Mind'. It's a feast for fashionistas.
But in the meantime, enjoy our very own footage of 'Saint John' (thanks for filming, Vicki! xx) from the Enmore Theatre in August this year.
Monday, September 15, 2008
I heard 'You Only Live Once' and I thought of you...
888DAG.com
..Barry.
Since we've been together, Barry has been making me mixed CDs. He obviously knew from the beginning that a way to Madame Synesthesia's heart is through her ears - and he knows what my ears like, even better than I do sometimes.
When handing over a new CD, he often prefaces it with, "Now I know you think you don't like (insert musician's name here) but just have a listen because I think you're gonna love it."
Needless to say he's usually right.
One such song is 'You Only Live Once' by the Strokes. I was never really receptive to the Strokes - not sure why - but when Barry sat me down and played me this song, I really changed my (usually monotone) tune. Now it will forever bring back memories of our drives, singing along to music, and just being happy together.
This one's for you, Buba.
..Barry.
Since we've been together, Barry has been making me mixed CDs. He obviously knew from the beginning that a way to Madame Synesthesia's heart is through her ears - and he knows what my ears like, even better than I do sometimes.
When handing over a new CD, he often prefaces it with, "Now I know you think you don't like (insert musician's name here) but just have a listen because I think you're gonna love it."
Needless to say he's usually right.
One such song is 'You Only Live Once' by the Strokes. I was never really receptive to the Strokes - not sure why - but when Barry sat me down and played me this song, I really changed my (usually monotone) tune. Now it will forever bring back memories of our drives, singing along to music, and just being happy together.
This one's for you, Buba.
Friday, September 12, 2008
I heard 'Hunger Strike' and I thought of you...
888DAG.com
..Sister Synesthesia.
There are so many great memories attached to this song... from swooning over Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell in high school, through to our own stirring rendition when we were together in Greece last year.
My sister features a lot in my life soundtrack, you'll notice, but I've chosen this song first because it evokes some of my more recent (very happy) memories with her.
"Far from you but closer than ever..."
xx
..Sister Synesthesia.
There are so many great memories attached to this song... from swooning over Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell in high school, through to our own stirring rendition when we were together in Greece last year.
My sister features a lot in my life soundtrack, you'll notice, but I've chosen this song first because it evokes some of my more recent (very happy) memories with her.
"Far from you but closer than ever..."
xx
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Which Song Are You?
888DAG.com
If there's one thing I can be sure of, it's that music is a BIG part of who I am. I can't sing to save my life (as you may have seen in this video), and my fingers are more suited to captioning than strumming a guitar, but, all that aside, my life has a soundtrack.
It's an ever-evolving soundtrack, with new songs being added every day. My family and friends know this about me and they're usually the ones updating the track listing.
One of the best things you could say to me is, "Charlie, I heard a great song and I thought of you. Have a listen."
So, in celebration of my favourite sentiment, I will be posting songs/videos that make me think of my loved ones, in one way or another.
And my very first dedication is for... Mama Synesthesia. Her music is the Intro to my soundtrack :o)
Whenever I even hear the word 'Summertime', I automatically think of my mum because I know how much she loves this song, and 'Porgy and Bess'. I also know that a soulful voice affects both of us the same way. We were lucky enough to see Sharon Jones in concert earlier this year and it was an amazing night, with which I'm sure Mama, Barry and JP will agree.
I'm sorry the quality isn't great, Mama, but I know the performance is going to blow you away.
xx
I'll have a different song for a different Synesthete tomorrow. It could be you...
If there's one thing I can be sure of, it's that music is a BIG part of who I am. I can't sing to save my life (as you may have seen in this video), and my fingers are more suited to captioning than strumming a guitar, but, all that aside, my life has a soundtrack.
It's an ever-evolving soundtrack, with new songs being added every day. My family and friends know this about me and they're usually the ones updating the track listing.
One of the best things you could say to me is, "Charlie, I heard a great song and I thought of you. Have a listen."
So, in celebration of my favourite sentiment, I will be posting songs/videos that make me think of my loved ones, in one way or another.
And my very first dedication is for... Mama Synesthesia. Her music is the Intro to my soundtrack :o)
Whenever I even hear the word 'Summertime', I automatically think of my mum because I know how much she loves this song, and 'Porgy and Bess'. I also know that a soulful voice affects both of us the same way. We were lucky enough to see Sharon Jones in concert earlier this year and it was an amazing night, with which I'm sure Mama, Barry and JP will agree.
I'm sorry the quality isn't great, Mama, but I know the performance is going to blow you away.
xx
I'll have a different song for a different Synesthete tomorrow. It could be you...
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Zorba the Greek Yolngu style
When my Motherland meets my Homeland... they Dance Like No-one's Watching.
(Remember to press pause on my playlist before watching the video)
Monday, September 8, 2008
In the spirit of Father's Day
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I thought I'd post part of one of my favourite Birthday cards from my Dad. I cherish all the old, yellowing, dog-eared pieces of paper that hold the beautiful words he penned.
I received this one for my 15th Birthday, a year before my Pappy died of cancer.
"Far from you but closer than ever.
Every moment in my mind a portrait of silent, all-accepting, indescribable beauty.
My thoughts a flight of scattered wondering birds in the midst of nowhere, but there - in a desert of broken mirrors - your face promising the fulfillment of all a thirsty human being might wish for - The Sphinx of Hope!
You are becoming an excellent, unique woman and I am so proud of you and happy that I can call this gift of God my daughter."
I still miss my father terribly 12 years after his death. I'm so glad I have his letters. They comfort me and guide me in his absence.
I thought I'd post part of one of my favourite Birthday cards from my Dad. I cherish all the old, yellowing, dog-eared pieces of paper that hold the beautiful words he penned.
I received this one for my 15th Birthday, a year before my Pappy died of cancer.
"Far from you but closer than ever.
Every moment in my mind a portrait of silent, all-accepting, indescribable beauty.
My thoughts a flight of scattered wondering birds in the midst of nowhere, but there - in a desert of broken mirrors - your face promising the fulfillment of all a thirsty human being might wish for - The Sphinx of Hope!
You are becoming an excellent, unique woman and I am so proud of you and happy that I can call this gift of God my daughter."
I still miss my father terribly 12 years after his death. I'm so glad I have his letters. They comfort me and guide me in his absence.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Phat and Phreaky
888DAG.com
DJMissUniv3rs3 has made a tremendous 888 teaser for the launch of 'Scaretember'.
The video is complete with dirty fat beats from producer extraordinaire Timbaland, who also produced '4 Minutes to Save the World'. It's all about the links :)
This month we're exploring your fears - what are you afraid of?
Feel free to leave a comment with some thoughts or, alternatively, I'll find you with my camera :)
Enjoy the video.
DJMissUniv3rs3 has made a tremendous 888 teaser for the launch of 'Scaretember'.
The video is complete with dirty fat beats from producer extraordinaire Timbaland, who also produced '4 Minutes to Save the World'. It's all about the links :)
This month we're exploring your fears - what are you afraid of?
Feel free to leave a comment with some thoughts or, alternatively, I'll find you with my camera :)
Enjoy the video.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Digital Art by Jack Haas
888DAG.com
A couple of people have asked me about the art I've used on my blog and I'm sorry I didn't reference it earlier.
A couple of people have asked me about the art I've used on my blog and I'm sorry I didn't reference it earlier.
In my search for the perfect 'Synesthesia' picture, I discovered an 'Abstract Digital Art Gallery' by an artist/author named Jack Haas. Amazing! Now I don't consider myself an art expert (far from it, actually), but I know what I like and I absolutely love his pieces.
Needless to say I found my elusive Synesthesia picture and 'The Perfection: Aquarian Awakening' has taken pride of place on my blog.
If you get the chance please have a look at his site and enjoy the wonder of his work, which he describes as 'Visionary digital and fractal art representing the new vibration of cosmic evolution.'
Something tells me Feelion will enjoy it, but I hope you all do.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Danced Like a True DAG
888DAG.com
We had a really fun day today at 888HQ. It was my first official DAG Day and I finally got to link with some of the other bloggers. It was great to be able to put a face to what has, up until now, been words on a screen.
I have a new camera in my hot little hands as well, ready for action. I know it will be put to good use! SydHappyGuy said it well - "If you're lying in bed, too sick to film... film it."
Needless to say I got some great footage today. We donned some of PommyGran8's fantastic costumes and danced like no one was watching :o)
It was a menagerie of dancing bloggers! We had 2 bunnies (Mrs AvNGav and myself), 2 cats (Feelion and EyeoftheLeOpard), a K9 and even a Big Bad Wolf!
Don'tMessWithMum, TomDiggleHarry, Mstr. T and the Funky Spunky Princess epitomised my idea of Deaf Music today - they all got Soul!
And last but not least, iamatreeagain showed us how to work it!
Now I know you wanna see how it all went down...
I'll show you... soon. You know where to find it, you just don't know when, so be on the lookout :o)
xx
We had a really fun day today at 888HQ. It was my first official DAG Day and I finally got to link with some of the other bloggers. It was great to be able to put a face to what has, up until now, been words on a screen.
I have a new camera in my hot little hands as well, ready for action. I know it will be put to good use! SydHappyGuy said it well - "If you're lying in bed, too sick to film... film it."
Needless to say I got some great footage today. We donned some of PommyGran8's fantastic costumes and danced like no one was watching :o)
It was a menagerie of dancing bloggers! We had 2 bunnies (Mrs AvNGav and myself), 2 cats (Feelion and EyeoftheLeOpard), a K9 and even a Big Bad Wolf!
Don'tMessWithMum, TomDiggleHarry, Mstr. T and the Funky Spunky Princess epitomised my idea of Deaf Music today - they all got Soul!
And last but not least, iamatreeagain showed us how to work it!
Now I know you wanna see how it all went down...
I'll show you... soon. You know where to find it, you just don't know when, so be on the lookout :o)
xx
Monday, August 18, 2008
From Big Sister Synesthesia...
888DAG.com
"Your blog has me thinking..and feeling..and dancing..and listening..and watching. Take a look at the clips for Bjork's Pagan Poetry and Unravel and read the lyrics. These two clips illustrate how music can speak to you on so many more levels - a delight for the senses!"
Thank you, Big Sister, for keeping the conversation going.
For your sensory pleasure, I present 'Unravel'.
Lyrics
While you are away my heart comes undone.
Slowly unravels in a ball of yarn
The devil collects it with a grin, our love, in a ball of yarn.
He'll never return it,
so when you come back we'll have to make new love.
He'll never return it.
When you come back we'll have to make new love.
While you are away my heart comes undone,
Slowly unravels in a ball of yarn.
The devil collects it with a grin, our love, our love, in a ball of yarn.
He'll never return it.
When you come back we'll have to make new love.
He'll never return it.
When you come back we'll have to make new love.
He'll never return it.
When you come back we'll have to make new love.
"Your blog has me thinking..and feeling..and dancing..and listening..and watching. Take a look at the clips for Bjork's Pagan Poetry and Unravel and read the lyrics. These two clips illustrate how music can speak to you on so many more levels - a delight for the senses!"
Thank you, Big Sister, for keeping the conversation going.
For your sensory pleasure, I present 'Unravel'.
Lyrics
While you are away my heart comes undone.
Slowly unravels in a ball of yarn
The devil collects it with a grin, our love, in a ball of yarn.
He'll never return it,
so when you come back we'll have to make new love.
He'll never return it.
When you come back we'll have to make new love.
While you are away my heart comes undone,
Slowly unravels in a ball of yarn.
The devil collects it with a grin, our love, our love, in a ball of yarn.
He'll never return it.
When you come back we'll have to make new love.
He'll never return it.
When you come back we'll have to make new love.
He'll never return it.
When you come back we'll have to make new love.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Pearl Jam - 'Given to Fly' interpreted in sign
888DAG.com
Just one more reason to love Eddie Vedder :)
Just one more reason to love Eddie Vedder :)
iPod Ad in Sign
Just some of my captioning handiwork.
The video below is the first Web/YouTube video I ever captioned.
Then came SydHappyGuy's 'Building Trust - One Conversation At a Time'.
The video below is the first Web/YouTube video I ever captioned.
Then came SydHappyGuy's 'Building Trust - One Conversation At a Time'.
Synesthesia
Synesthesia (SIN-ess-THEE-zha) - also spelled synæsthesia or synaesthesia.
From the Ancient Greek σύν (syn), meaning "with," and αiσθησις (aisthēsis), meaning "sensation" — is a neurologically-based phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway.
Some of us can hear the music.
Some of us can see it.
Everyone can feel it.
All you need is soul
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Deaf Music - Dance Like No One's Watching
We attended the Deafness Forum Summit in Canberra earlier this year.
We were lucky enough to hear Li Cunxin, author of 'Mao's Last Dancer', give a truly inspirational speech.
He spoke of the trials and tribulations of growing up in poverty-stricken China and the obstacles he overcame to become one of the world's best dancers.
He then introduced his daughter, Sophie, an 18-year-old HSC student who, like her father, is a talented and passionate dancer. Sophie has had to overcome her own obstacles in life.
Sophie's Deaf.
Everyone has the ability to feel the music.
All you need is soul.
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