I just finished a small chapter in life. Yet another job to provide a little financial stability has come to a close. Sussex School lost their music teacher during the summer and contracted YMusic to provide music instruction for it's middle schoolers. Being an employee of YMusic and having teaching experience, myself and 3 others signed up to split up the school year and take on the challenge.
I got the mid-January to April slot. 2 days a week I stood in front of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders teaching everything from Guitar, Drums, Bass, Piano, to Recording, "Being in a Band", Wilco, Led Zeppelin, and Stravinsky. Which brings us to what I learned...
The "Mighty Travis' Guide to Middle School"
1. Shut Up.
I know they can't control it and I love 'em to death, but they do not shut up. Nothing stops them. You can't bribe them and you can't trick them.
2. Plan all you want.
No lesson plan that I made, was what we did that day. I would walk in with a listening activity and end up teaching them to play a Cake song. Then we would write songs in small groups on the day that we were supposed to watch "Stop Making Sense". We even had a whole day of "how did he/she die?"
3. Hate.
You and I know what hate it is. We use it everyday and we know how to use it. They have just discovered/acquired this feeling/ability. They point it in every direction. They have no ability to control it and it is either on or off. No middle ground with a couple dirty looks or smart ass remarks, no, it goes straight to yelling and crying.
4. "Dating"
It is fucking weird when that age group "dates". That is all I have to say.
5. Drumset
If you have a drumset or percussion item set up, each student will walk into the classroom and immediately beat the living shit out of it. With anything. As loud as they can. Then if it happens to break and fall to the floor, they walk to the next thing to hit with out missing a stroke.
6. Choices.
If you don't assign instruments and you give them a choice to play what ever they want, they will choose either Guitar, Rain Stick, or the shitty-out-of-tune-toy-steel-drum. A lot of them can play guitar really well and have great rhythm, but the others will beat the holy hell outta that stupid steel drum or mindlessly turn a rain stick over and over.
7. Surprise.
Everyday they will surprise you. Everyday someone said something that blew me away. "Is it OK if I put away all the chairs?" "Can I just finish the project today?" "Will you teach me how to play like John Bonham?" "I just want to write a song today" "Thank You" "Can we do that again tomorrow?" "I want my guitar to sound like THAT"
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Instincts are amazing.
I love my dog. He is turning 4 years old in a couple of days. He is one of the most friendly dogs on the planet and loves everyone. But if you come around the corner while he is eating and move slowly towards his food bowl...
He's so cute when he's mad, but wagging his tail...
He's so cute when he's mad, but wagging his tail...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Give me back my $8.25
We are living in age where the 3rd and 4th sequels are coming out for all the huge late 70's and 80's blockbusters. There is nothing better then sitting back and watching the same characters from 20 years ago, do the same shit, the same way, with the same clothes, and the same one liners. There are 4 men to blame for the majority of this sequel-prequel-shmequel-money-grubbing-bullshit.
George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Bruce Willis, and Sylvester Stallone. From now one I will refer to them as one, known as.....SpeilLucaBruVester.
SpeilLucaBruVester will try to fool you with some horseshit about how they couldn't make this script back then because they didn't have the technology, or the money, or the time. SpeilLucaBruVester will entice you with promises of closure or the final chapter in the saga. SpeilLucaBruVester will bring in the same actors out of their comas and coffins, but also add your new hip and favorite stars. But in the end, all you are watching is a scaled down rip off of the original movie and its sequels.
and now..."The Mighty Travis' Guide to making a Shitty Sequel"
Step One-
Set the script in a time that is about 10 or 15 years later then the last movie. Put the main character in a "they didn't have these back then/fish out water/show the new rookie the ropes" time of his life. He might be sore and his back ain't what it used to be, but he'll still put together the "plot turn" and "have a few tricks up his sleeve".
Step Two-
We are living in a post 9/11 world and you need to tap into that by making the main character serve his country or a veteran of serving his country. By god, you are going to salute him when he first appears on screen or want him to lead you into battle by the end credits. Flag waving is perfect, but don't stop there, make sure to mention his hate of the Cold War Russians, Vietnam's Charlie, or Nazi Germans. He may be a rebel, but he still bleeds red, white, and blue. But who do you fight now? Don't use Iraq directly, make the enemy some ambiguous terrorist with a beard and turban. Better yet, someone that could be your neighbor or friend, someone who would violate our own system of homeland security, just to get his hands on the gold.
Step Three-
If the first movie has a car chase with the enemy climbing all over the truck and trying to get to the driver's seat, the 2nd movie with a roller coaster ride, and the 3rd a tank chase in the desert, then the 4th has to have a car chase with 6 tanks careening through the jungle maze with a sword fight and a helpful clan of wild monkeys.
Step Four-
Any actor that was in the original that says "no" to doing the shitty sequel, is discovered to be dead in the first 10 minutes of the movie. If they don't do the movie because in real life they are actually dead, make sure they are discovered to be dead in the first 10 minutes, but with some sort of plaque, statue, or even a framed picture of them and the hero arm in arm at a party, possibly sharing the last fun moment of their youth.
Step Five-
Save the big catch phrase for the final scene. You remember that one, I think it was something like, "I too old for this may the force be Adrian yippie ki yay he no nuts he crazy frankie says relax live for something or die for nothin'"
Step Six-
All weaponry must remain the same. If a hand made knife, a bull whip, 9mm, a punching bag, or a light saber, got them out of a jam 1-15 times, then it will work for another 16-23 times.
Step Seven-
Treat the audience like they will believe anything.
...Now sit back and wait for the 5th installment of those crazy LA cops, Riggs and Murtough, because nothing has dollar signs all over it like a bad sequel with Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, and Joe Pesci.
George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Bruce Willis, and Sylvester Stallone. From now one I will refer to them as one, known as.....SpeilLucaBruVester.
SpeilLucaBruVester will try to fool you with some horseshit about how they couldn't make this script back then because they didn't have the technology, or the money, or the time. SpeilLucaBruVester will entice you with promises of closure or the final chapter in the saga. SpeilLucaBruVester will bring in the same actors out of their comas and coffins, but also add your new hip and favorite stars. But in the end, all you are watching is a scaled down rip off of the original movie and its sequels.
and now..."The Mighty Travis' Guide to making a Shitty Sequel"
Step One-
Set the script in a time that is about 10 or 15 years later then the last movie. Put the main character in a "they didn't have these back then/fish out water/show the new rookie the ropes" time of his life. He might be sore and his back ain't what it used to be, but he'll still put together the "plot turn" and "have a few tricks up his sleeve".
Step Two-
We are living in a post 9/11 world and you need to tap into that by making the main character serve his country or a veteran of serving his country. By god, you are going to salute him when he first appears on screen or want him to lead you into battle by the end credits. Flag waving is perfect, but don't stop there, make sure to mention his hate of the Cold War Russians, Vietnam's Charlie, or Nazi Germans. He may be a rebel, but he still bleeds red, white, and blue. But who do you fight now? Don't use Iraq directly, make the enemy some ambiguous terrorist with a beard and turban. Better yet, someone that could be your neighbor or friend, someone who would violate our own system of homeland security, just to get his hands on the gold.
Step Three-
If the first movie has a car chase with the enemy climbing all over the truck and trying to get to the driver's seat, the 2nd movie with a roller coaster ride, and the 3rd a tank chase in the desert, then the 4th has to have a car chase with 6 tanks careening through the jungle maze with a sword fight and a helpful clan of wild monkeys.
Step Four-
Any actor that was in the original that says "no" to doing the shitty sequel, is discovered to be dead in the first 10 minutes of the movie. If they don't do the movie because in real life they are actually dead, make sure they are discovered to be dead in the first 10 minutes, but with some sort of plaque, statue, or even a framed picture of them and the hero arm in arm at a party, possibly sharing the last fun moment of their youth.
Step Five-
Save the big catch phrase for the final scene. You remember that one, I think it was something like, "I too old for this may the force be Adrian yippie ki yay he no nuts he crazy frankie says relax live for something or die for nothin'"
Step Six-
All weaponry must remain the same. If a hand made knife, a bull whip, 9mm, a punching bag, or a light saber, got them out of a jam 1-15 times, then it will work for another 16-23 times.
Step Seven-
Treat the audience like they will believe anything.
...Now sit back and wait for the 5th installment of those crazy LA cops, Riggs and Murtough, because nothing has dollar signs all over it like a bad sequel with Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, and Joe Pesci.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Summer's On!
Winter is over. Bring on the short rainy spring, the hot early summer, and the nasty-ass-smoke-filled August. Bring on the shirtless guys and nearly shirtless girls, all watching the same 5 local bands, down at whatever culture/nationality/food/beverage/drug/suffering they are celebrating at Caras Park. I didn't have much to write (complain) about during the last few months, unless you want to hear about how much I love Netflix. Anyway, put on your sunglasses and your cutoff jean shorts and keep checking back, because this blog is BACK!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
I Love Seattle
Setting: Laundromat, sunny day, 55 degrees, Missoula
Cast of Characters
-Seattle Lover: Girl who just returned to Missoula after living in Seattle for a couple of months.
-Friends 1 and 2: Didn't just go to Seattle, stayed in Missoula
-The Mighty Travis
Friend 1: So how was it, how was Seattle?
Seattle Lover: It was so great! I love it there. There are so many things that Seattle has that Missoula doesn't!
Friend 2: Like what?
Seattle Lover: There is so much to do, so much culture, it is beautiful, the ocean is right there, live music all the time, tons or art galleries, great places to live, all my friends are there now, great food, way cooler bars and nightlife.
Friend 1: That sounds great!
Seattle Lover: Yeah! You know what else Seattle has that Missoula doesn't?
Friends 1 and 2: What?
Seattle Lover: Let me tell you! More thrift shops, better used clothes shops, awesome grocery stores, better recycling, better bus system, amazing independent record stores, tons of places to buy vinyl, and even more amazing wilderness and outdoor activities. It is so much easier to go on a hike out there, then here.
Friends 1 and 2: Wow!!
Seattle Lover: Yeah! There is so many things there that Missoula doesn't have!
The Mighty Travis: So, why in the fuck would you ever move back to Missoula??
Seattle Lover: It costs too much to live there, it is hard to find a place to live, rent is too high, beers are 8 bucks, it rains 98% of the time, it costs too much to own a car, you can't afford to live with in walking distance of those great thrift stores and most of the time you still have to pay for recycling. But, that's what you have to put up with to live somewhere that is so cool!
The Mighty Travis: Wow! Tell me more!
Seattle Lover: Well, most of the "ocean" access is dominated by ferries, factories, oil tankers, fishing boats, and just general pollution. You just have to drive for 3 or 4 hours to get to the actual ocean.
The Mighty Travis: Awesome! It must be easier to live "green" there!
Seattle Lover: Yeah! All those really cool grocery stores have some much better produce and lots more organic products. It's just a lot more expensive, but that is because it is better.
The Mighty Travis: So, why in the fuck did you ever come back to this shit hole Missoula??
Seattle Lover: I moved back in with my parents and I'm working to save up enough money so I can eventually move back out there! Maybe I'll get to stay in Seattle longer this time. Maybe I'll try Portland, I have a friend down there that says that it is like the best place to live.
Cast of Characters
-Seattle Lover: Girl who just returned to Missoula after living in Seattle for a couple of months.
-Friends 1 and 2: Didn't just go to Seattle, stayed in Missoula
-The Mighty Travis
Friend 1: So how was it, how was Seattle?
Seattle Lover: It was so great! I love it there. There are so many things that Seattle has that Missoula doesn't!
Friend 2: Like what?
Seattle Lover: There is so much to do, so much culture, it is beautiful, the ocean is right there, live music all the time, tons or art galleries, great places to live, all my friends are there now, great food, way cooler bars and nightlife.
Friend 1: That sounds great!
Seattle Lover: Yeah! You know what else Seattle has that Missoula doesn't?
Friends 1 and 2: What?
Seattle Lover: Let me tell you! More thrift shops, better used clothes shops, awesome grocery stores, better recycling, better bus system, amazing independent record stores, tons of places to buy vinyl, and even more amazing wilderness and outdoor activities. It is so much easier to go on a hike out there, then here.
Friends 1 and 2: Wow!!
Seattle Lover: Yeah! There is so many things there that Missoula doesn't have!
The Mighty Travis: So, why in the fuck would you ever move back to Missoula??
Seattle Lover: It costs too much to live there, it is hard to find a place to live, rent is too high, beers are 8 bucks, it rains 98% of the time, it costs too much to own a car, you can't afford to live with in walking distance of those great thrift stores and most of the time you still have to pay for recycling. But, that's what you have to put up with to live somewhere that is so cool!
The Mighty Travis: Wow! Tell me more!
Seattle Lover: Well, most of the "ocean" access is dominated by ferries, factories, oil tankers, fishing boats, and just general pollution. You just have to drive for 3 or 4 hours to get to the actual ocean.
The Mighty Travis: Awesome! It must be easier to live "green" there!
Seattle Lover: Yeah! All those really cool grocery stores have some much better produce and lots more organic products. It's just a lot more expensive, but that is because it is better.
The Mighty Travis: So, why in the fuck did you ever come back to this shit hole Missoula??
Seattle Lover: I moved back in with my parents and I'm working to save up enough money so I can eventually move back out there! Maybe I'll get to stay in Seattle longer this time. Maybe I'll try Portland, I have a friend down there that says that it is like the best place to live.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Travis Sings?
Not really! Go here and check out what I did tonight! At least I remembered the words.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OHgUYo96lcY
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OHgUYo96lcY
Monday, February 25, 2008
Cell Phones
I love my cell phone. Chances are, I hate yours.
I'm all about technology. I love the little gadgets that make life a little easier. I love the digital age and all the shit your have to buy to participate. I've owned palm pilots, iPods, laptops, ebook readers, cameras, GPS, and tons of other shit with touch screens. I buy and sell electronic devices more often then Liquid Planet hires new employees. All I can say is...the cell phone thing is out of control.
The Mighty Travis' Suggestions for NOT being the asshole of society:
A. Your friend's joke wasn't that funny, stop laughing so hard.
B. I know that it's cold out, why are you telling me?
C. Your cell phone is not like the phone you grew up with.
Just a few years ago, when you heard the phone ring, you arose from the couch, answered the phone and had a conversation with your friend or family member while in the privacy of your own home. Since the telephone doesn't include a studio quality microphone and speakers, both parties spoke quite loudly so you didn't have to keep saying "what" or repeating yourself. You also talked about everything from the tedious and boring to the most disgusting and unreasonable, because it is a private conversation being shared by 2 consenting adults. The only difference between that phone and your cell phone is that you are now screaming to your friend about how pads with wings really are better while I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my razzleberry pie and coffee. I cannot stand to hear the bullshit that husbands and wives say to each other during the "please let this all end, make sure to pick up the dry cleaning" phone call. I actually don't want to hear those conversations so badly, that I don't break into your home and hide naked behind your shower curtain and spy on you. I'm doing you a favor. So why in the fuck do you choose to bring that phone call to me. I'm talking about the stupid college blond, squawking about how she got so drunk that she didn't mind having 3 dicks in her the night before. I'm talking about the guy who thinks the world is his office and that nobody minds him yelling about his roofing business. What about the kid who must do the "wander-stumble-sideways-backwards-one-footed-touch-everything-I-think-I'm-alone-because-I'm-on-the-phone-dance" right in front of the deposit slips at the bank. Do you ride your bike in your house? No? Really? You mean you never rode your bike in the kitchen while talking on the phone? So what made you think it is OK to talk to your sister while you swerve in and out of the bike lane? Are you really that busy and get so many calls that you can't stand in line at the cashier and not scream about your last doctor's visit? Why are your arms so tired that you need that stupid-ass bluetooth headset hanging off your ear? So you can drive safely? So you can order your McDonald's latte and still talk on the phone? How did industry, business, and boring-daily-family-affairs ever get taken care of before the cell phone? For you big-purse-carrying-the-world-on-my-shoulder-with-cute-straps-ladies...you have a decision to make. You can either carry the phone in your pocket with the vibrate on or turn it off and leave it in the bag. Because if I have to hear the shitty ringtone version of "I Will Survive" while you rummage through your "tote of denial", I will set you on fire with the magnifying glass, tissue, and hairspray you found during the second verse. Your call from Mary-Kay-Avon-Arbonne-Pampered-Chef can wait.
I'm no king of etiquette, but if the call is so goddamn important, answer with a quiet, "Hi, just one second" and either call them back or excuse yourself to the sidewalk or your car. Heaven forbid you miss a call from your buddy who was asshole enough to call when he only had 2 minutes spare.
The best thing about technology making things smaller and more portable is people being able to take their hobbies into public. I hope the coffee shops enjoy some of my really intense drum solos.
I'm all about technology. I love the little gadgets that make life a little easier. I love the digital age and all the shit your have to buy to participate. I've owned palm pilots, iPods, laptops, ebook readers, cameras, GPS, and tons of other shit with touch screens. I buy and sell electronic devices more often then Liquid Planet hires new employees. All I can say is...the cell phone thing is out of control.
The Mighty Travis' Suggestions for NOT being the asshole of society:
A. Your friend's joke wasn't that funny, stop laughing so hard.
B. I know that it's cold out, why are you telling me?
C. Your cell phone is not like the phone you grew up with.
Just a few years ago, when you heard the phone ring, you arose from the couch, answered the phone and had a conversation with your friend or family member while in the privacy of your own home. Since the telephone doesn't include a studio quality microphone and speakers, both parties spoke quite loudly so you didn't have to keep saying "what" or repeating yourself. You also talked about everything from the tedious and boring to the most disgusting and unreasonable, because it is a private conversation being shared by 2 consenting adults. The only difference between that phone and your cell phone is that you are now screaming to your friend about how pads with wings really are better while I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my razzleberry pie and coffee. I cannot stand to hear the bullshit that husbands and wives say to each other during the "please let this all end, make sure to pick up the dry cleaning" phone call. I actually don't want to hear those conversations so badly, that I don't break into your home and hide naked behind your shower curtain and spy on you. I'm doing you a favor. So why in the fuck do you choose to bring that phone call to me. I'm talking about the stupid college blond, squawking about how she got so drunk that she didn't mind having 3 dicks in her the night before. I'm talking about the guy who thinks the world is his office and that nobody minds him yelling about his roofing business. What about the kid who must do the "wander-stumble-sideways-backwards-one-footed-touch-everything-I-think-I'm-alone-because-I'm-on-the-phone-dance" right in front of the deposit slips at the bank. Do you ride your bike in your house? No? Really? You mean you never rode your bike in the kitchen while talking on the phone? So what made you think it is OK to talk to your sister while you swerve in and out of the bike lane? Are you really that busy and get so many calls that you can't stand in line at the cashier and not scream about your last doctor's visit? Why are your arms so tired that you need that stupid-ass bluetooth headset hanging off your ear? So you can drive safely? So you can order your McDonald's latte and still talk on the phone? How did industry, business, and boring-daily-family-affairs ever get taken care of before the cell phone? For you big-purse-carrying-the-world-on-my-shoulder-with-cute-straps-ladies...you have a decision to make. You can either carry the phone in your pocket with the vibrate on or turn it off and leave it in the bag. Because if I have to hear the shitty ringtone version of "I Will Survive" while you rummage through your "tote of denial", I will set you on fire with the magnifying glass, tissue, and hairspray you found during the second verse. Your call from Mary-Kay-Avon-Arbonne-Pampered-Chef can wait.
I'm no king of etiquette, but if the call is so goddamn important, answer with a quiet, "Hi, just one second" and either call them back or excuse yourself to the sidewalk or your car. Heaven forbid you miss a call from your buddy who was asshole enough to call when he only had 2 minutes spare.
The best thing about technology making things smaller and more portable is people being able to take their hobbies into public. I hope the coffee shops enjoy some of my really intense drum solos.
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