Sunday, March 31, 2013

Music: No Regrets (NYC Hip-Hop)

Aesop Rock (Ian Bavitz) is an American hip-hop artist and producer.  In No Regrets, Aesop Rock tells the story of Lucy.  Throughout her life Lucy refuses to compromise, devoting her life to her art.  This is one of my favorite stories told through music.  

Because Aesop Rock raps quickly, the listening ability level is advanced.  I recommend becoming familiar with the lyrics, reading them a few times, before trying to read with the music. 

-Eric, NYC  


No Regrets, by Aesop Rock
This video shows the lyrics with the music.  You can read along with the video, or with the text below.


No Regrets Lyrics
Lucy was 7 and wore a head of blue barettes
City-born into this world with no knowledge and no regrets
Had a piece of yellow chalk with which she'd draw upon the street
The many faces of the various locals that she would meet
There was Joshua, age 10
Bully of the block
Who always took her milk money at the morning bus stop
There was Mrs. Crabtree, and her poodle
She always gave a wave and holler 

     on her weekly trip down to the bingo parlor 
And she drew
Men, women, kids, sunsets, clouds
And she drew
Skyscrapers, fruit stands, cities, towns
Always said hello to passers-by
They'd ask her why she passed her time
Attachin' lines to concrete
But she would only smile
Now all the other children living in or near her building
Ran around like tyrants, soaking up the open fire hydrants
They would say:
"Hey little Lucy, wanna come jump double dutch?"
Lucy would pause, look, grin and say
"I'm busy, thank you much."
Well, well, one year passed
And believe it or not
She covered every last inch of the entire sidewalk,
And she stopped-
"Lucy, after all this, you're just giving in today?"
She said:
"I'm not giving in, I'm finished," and walked away

(Chorus: x2)
1 2 3
That's the speed of the seed
A B C
That's the speed of the need
You can dream a little dream,
Or you can live a little dream
I'd rather live it
Cuz dreamers always chase
But never get it

Lucy was 37, and introverted somewhat
Basement apartment in the same building she grew up in
She traded in her blue barettes for long locks held up with a clip
Traded in her yellow chalk for charcoal sticks
And she drew
Little Bobby who would come to sweep the porch
And she drew
The mailman, delivered everyday at 4
Lucy had very little contact with the folks outside her cubicle day
But she found it suitable, and she liked it that way
She had a man now: Rico, similar, hermit
They would only see each other once or twice a week on purpose
They appreciated space and Rico was an artist too
So they'd connect on Saturdays to share the pictures that they drew
(Look!)
Now every month or so, she'd get a knock upon the front door
Just one of the neighbors,
Actin' nice, although she was a strange girl, they would say:
"Lucy, wanna join me for some lunch?"
Lucy would smile and say "I'm busy, thank you much"
And they would make a weird face the second the door shut
And run and tell their friends how truly crazy Lucy was
And Lucy knew what people thought but didn't care
Cuz while they spread their rumors through the streets
She'd paint another masterpiece

From www.laurelines.typepad.com
(Chorus x2)

Lucy was 87, upon her death bed
At the senior home, where she had previously checked in
Traded in the locks and clips for a head rest
Traded in the charcoal sticks for arthritis, it had to happen
And she drew no more, just sat and watched the dawn
Had a television in the room that she'd never turned on
Lucy pinned up a life worth's of pictures on the wall
And sat and smiled, looked each one over, just to laugh at it all

From chantelleferri.deviantart.com
Now Rico, he had passed, 'bout 5 years back
So the visiting hours pulled in a big flock o' nothin'
She'd never spoken much throughout the spanning of her life
Until the day she leaned forward, 
     grinned and pulled the nurse aside
And she said:
"Look, I've never had a dream in my life.
Because a dream is what you wanna do, but still haven't pursued.
I knew what I wanted and did it till it was done.
So I've been the dream that I wanted to be since day one!"
Well!
The nurse jumped back,
She'd never heard Lucy even talk,
'Specially words like that
She walked over to the door, and pulled it closed behind
Then Lucy blew a kiss to each one of her pictures
And she died.

(Chorus x2)

1 2 3...
A B C...


Level 4 NYC: Video Introductions from Maria, Blanca, and Julia

Maria, Blanca, and Julia would like to tell you about themselves.  In each of these videos, they prepared a short message, and rehearsed before they recorded.  Blanca and Julia shared introductions a few weeks ago, but they wanted to try again. They also have messages to the students in Bejaia.  They are eager to share with you!


Video: Maria's Introduction



Video: Introduction from Blanca



Video: Introduction from Julia



Respond
What did you learn about Maria, Blanca, and Julia?
What do you want to know?

Saturday, March 30, 2013

JUST DO IT. RUNNING!

First at all, I wanna thanks our teachers Mr. Hakim and Mr. Eric for theirs helps and 
encouragement to do all this activities that will be helpful for our learning and seeing how 
our blog grow up so fast. 
Thanks a million, Teachers. You're the best.

                                                                MY WRITING 
Hello everyone, do you know who I am? No!! oky! Let’s go, my name is Madjid CHIBANE I’m 27 years old I'm from two beautiful cities called Algiers and Bejaia, situated in Algeria. Now I’m living in New York City enjoying my new life here as I did it everywhere I go.

 I am a student and an English learner, since 10 months I got a new language in my life that I’m using it right now and feel how it could be helpful and wonderful to use it.


 I am a Graphic Designer and Printer Operator,  I studied Arts and graphic industries at the national institute. I do like my specialty that gives me everyday new tricks.


 I am an adventurer,  I know that if  I get a chance I’ll discover and visit all places around the world, as I have done in my country being in many different places during the days of the weekend.


I am a guitar player, usually in my free time I take my guitar and play some musical pieces. I listen all genre of music around me (classical music, jazz, rock, pop, kabyle music,…etc).


I am a naturalist, I always liked being in a place that has not construction. Surrounded  by green, yellow and blue colors. Its amazing to be there to feel the natural atmosphere and force. 


I am an internet user, honestly, I cannot live without the internet. It is the way to make me updated by using different programs and tools.


Hey guys, maybe you wanna know more about me, so be prepared to be continued and of course, “ JUST DO IT RUNNING!

   

Level 4 NYC: Video Introductions from Pablo

In this video, Pablo tells us about his biography.  He talks about being a professional wrestler, his later careers, and coming to the US.

He prepared a script before he recorded.  We are currently on a break.  When we return to classes, we will update this post with the text.

Video: Pablo speaks about his life


Respond
What did you learn about Pablo? 
What do you want to know?

Music: Who!

A few days ago, I shared a performance by the band The Talking Heads.  The lead vocalist and song writer for the band, David Byrne, has recorded many solo albums since leaving the band in 1991.  In 2009, Byrne began a collaboration with St. Vincent (Annie Clark).  They exchanged emails with song lyrics and ideas.  In 2012, they released the album Love This Giant.  Who, the song you will hear below, was the first single.  And I will admit, I was totally addicted after I heard it.

Don't expect to find any answers in this next song.  David Byrne and St. Vincent are more interested in asking questions. Below, you will find two videos.  First, a video that shows the lyrics, with their bizarre album cover.  Below the text lyrics, you will find their music video, which is equally bizarre.

It's the weekend.  For some reason, you're still visiting our blog.  You must really love learning English!  I hope you will take a short break: Turn up your speakers and enjoy.

Video: Who with lyrics


Lyrics: Who, written by David Byrne and St. Vincent
Who’ll be my valentine?
Who’ll lift this heavy load?
Who’ll share this taxi cab?
Who wants to climb aboard?

Who is an honest man?
Who is an honest man?
Who’ll help the tired soldier
Far from his own hometown
Carry these men and women
Who get lost when the Sun goes down
Who is an honest man?
Who is an honest man?

Who walks this dusty road?
Who always pulls their weight?
Who’s this?! Inside of me
Who made a big mistake
Who sees these constellations
Seen in those spinning round
Carry these men and women
Who get lost when the sun goes down?

Who is an honest man?
Who is an honest man?
With a graceful motion she sat down slowly
Drank a cuṗ of coffee and she’ll fold her laundry
She begins to tell us all her life story
All around the table, everybody’s staring

Who shouts out hallelujah
Who’s gonna sing out loud
Carry these men and women
Who get lost when the Sun goes down

Who’s getting out of here?
Who thinks they’re wide awake?
Who’s gonna be my friend
All around the table, everybody’s staring

Video: Who, the music video


Friday, March 29, 2013

Music: You Are My Sunshine

Update: I've made some changes to mistakes in the lyrics.

Most Americans know this song, yet most Americans know almost nothing about it.  I sang this song as child in school.  Many parents sung this song to their children before nap-time.  However, until recently I only knew the chorus.
From K. Enokson.
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are grey
You'll never know dear how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

This song was written by Oliver Hood, and was first recorded in 1939.  This song did not become popular until 1940, when Jimmie Davis recorded the song.  Jimmie Davis was a United States senator for Louisiana from 1944-1948 and 1960-1964.  He often sang this song at while he was campaigning.  There is a long history of entertainers becoming involved in US politics.

This song has been performed by many famous musicians, including Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan.  The version below was recorded by American folk musician Norman Blake, for the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack.  Below the video you will find the lyrics.  Further down you will also find more performances of the song.

Video: Norman Blake performs You Are My Sunshine
 


Lyrics
The other night dear, as I lay sleeping
I dreamed I held you in my arms
But when I awoke, dear, I was mistaken
So I hung my head and I cried.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

I'll always love you and make you happy,
If you will only say the same.
But if you leave me and love another,
You'll regret it all some day:

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

You told me once, dear, you really loved me
And no one else could come between.
But now you've left me and love another;
You have shattered all of my dreams:

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

In all my dreams, dear, you seem to leave me
When I awake my poor heart pains.
So won't you come back and make me happy?
I'll forgive you dear, I'll take all the blame.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

A short biography of Johnny Cash through one song and three performances 
In this next video, Johnny Cash performs with his wife June Carter for a TV special in the 1970s (This is my guess. I could not find a date for this performance.)  Johnny Cash proposed to June Carter during a concert in Ontario, in 1968. Cash and Carter remained together for more than 30 years.  He has often said that she is his inspiration.

Video: Johnny Cash and June Carter



In 1969, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan recorded a country-western version of the song.  In the 1960s, Johnny Cash was known as an "outlaw" and a rebel. Perhaps you can hear it in the next video.

Video: Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan perform




In 1997, Johnny Cash became ill.  But he did not stop recording.  His wife , June Carter, remained a source of inspiration for him.  She encouraged him to continue making music.  After Carter's death in May 2003, Cash recorded an additional 50 songs.  This next video is among them.  In this performance, the words seem to have a whole new meaning.  Johnny Cash died September 2003.

Video: Johnny Cash's last recordings


At Johnny Cash's last performance in July of 2003, he read a statement about his deceased wife:

"The spirit of June Carter overshadows me tonight with the love she had for me and the love I have for her. We connect somewhere between here and heaven. She came down for a short visit, I guess, from heaven to visit with me tonight to give me courage and inspiration like she always has."

Together, these videos and the song could seem tragic, and maybe they are.  I cried when I first heard Cash's last recording of the song.  However, I also think this song, and these recordings could show the power and hope of love.  And I can't think of any better message to share with you.

-Eric, NYC

Respond
What did you learn about American country music listening to these songs?
Did you have a favorite version (or performance) of the song?
Did you know this song before seeing this post?  Where have you heard it?

Level 4 NYC: The New Creature

Davila is eager to share his introduction with all of you.  He tells us about his career, where he's from, and some of his favorite things.  He also writes about a difficult time in his life, and how he found peace. 

I encourage all of my students write about what is most important to them in their lives.  What is written here represents his opinions and his beliefs.  In this story, Davila is sharing things about his life for the first time with the class.  I think he is being brave, and I am very proud of him.  Thank you, Davila.

-Eric, NYC

The New Creature

Hello everybody!!!

This is a short story of my life. My name is Nedin Davila but my families call me Bonie. I was born in Panama, but my parents are from Puerto Rico. I lived all my life in Puerto Rico. It was a hot country and the people call “The Island of the fruits and nuts”. My favorite food is chicken guise with white rice. I am Practical Certified Attendant, Home Health Aid and I am a Nursing school graduated. I came to New York in 1996 to visit a friend and stay because I love winter. The cold weather makes me feel fresh; my country is too hot. I took dance class in my 20s, love painting and swimming. But the more important for me in this moment of my life is let you know how wonderful are the love of Jesus Christ. God used my brother to talk to me about Jesus Christ (The word of God). I lived in a man’s body but in a wrong mind. One day my brother say to me, Bonie read the word of God because “ye come to hear the word of God ”. I can see on my brother life how come God make a wonderful change on his life. My past experience teach me how real is spiritual life. Its a spiritual world that we can not see, but is real, and the demons make a influences in our minds. The following pictures show my before and after and how wrong my life was before. I learned that the bible is the mind of God and that’s why my mind changes. I wish all of your dreams make come true and one day, not too far, we can get together and talk personally. Blessings!!! 


Before
After

Level 4 NYC: Video Introductions from Manuel

Here we have two videos from Manuel.  In the first video, Manuel prepared a short speech about his native country.  In Ecuador, Manuel was a farmer, and he tells us a little about the kinds of food he could grow in different seasons.

In the second video, Manuel and Hiba prepared an interview.  Hiba operates the camera and interviews Manuel.

Video: Manuel speaks about Ecuador



Video: Hiba interviews Manuel


Respond
What did you learn about Manuel?
What do you want to know about Manuel?

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Music: Take Me to the River

Young Love and Heartbreak
Like the Feist song (1,2,3,4) from two weeks ago, Take Me to the River seems to celebrate the bittersweet pain of first love.

This song was first recorded by American gospel and soul musician Al Green.  He recorded the song in 1974 for the album Al Green Explores Your Mind, two years before he became an ordained pastor at the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Memphis, Tennessee (USA).

Al Green's recording was not very popular at the time.  In fact, I had assumed that the song was written by The Talking Heads.  You can play both versions of the song on this post, and read with the lyrics.

Video: Take Me to the River, Al Green

Lyrics: Take Me to the River, Al Green
I don't know why 
I love you like I do
After all these changes that you put me through
You stole my money and my cigarettes
And I haven't seen hide nor hair of you yet

I wanna know
Won't you tell me
Am I in love to stay?

Take me to the river
And wash me down
Won't you cleanse my soul
Put my feet on the ground

I don't know why she treated me so bad
Look at all those things that we could have had
Love is a notion that I can't forget
My sweet sixteen I will never regret

I wanna know
Won't you tell me
Am I in love to stay?

Hold me, love me, please me, tease me
Till I can't, till I can't take no more
Take me to the river

I don't know why 
I love you like I do
After all the things that you put me through
The sixteen candles burning on my wall
Turning me into the biggest fool of them all

I wanna know
Oh won't you tell me
Am I in love to stay?
I wanna know

Take me to the river
I wanna know
I want you to dip me in the water
I wanna know
Won't you wash me in the water
Wash me in the water
Wash me in the water
Won't you wash me in the water


Video: Take Me to the River, The Talking Heads


Respond
Which version of the song do you like better: Al Green or The Talking Heads?

Technology Teachers

From HikingArtist.com
You Understand Technology
If you are reading this, you are probably pretty good with computers.  You know how to find our class blog on the Internet.  You know how to navigate the blog.  You probably comment frequently on posts.  Maybe you have even made a video.

Learning how to use technology can be frustrating for many students, and teachers as well.  The potential problems are endless.  Even after you finish making your movie, you have to move it from your computer to somewhere on the Internet.  And that requires skill.

You Can Help Other Students and Teachers
I knew this blog could be successful when I saw conversations happening in the comments. 



(Here's a secret: If you want to make a teacher cry with joy, compliment the work of another student.)  When I saw these conversations, I knew that this could really be a place where students from across the world could: 

  • meet other English learners, 
  • share their thoughts, questions, and creativity
  • and teach others.
But I want every student and English teacher at our schools to be able to participate, share their lives, and teach us something about English.

What can you do?
If you are reading this, you can teach us something about using computers, the Internet, and technology.  I would like to begin collecting tutorials about many different topics.  For example: 
  • How to open a Gmail address
  • How to make a movie (on Macs and Windows)
  • How to share photographs
  • How to use DropBox 
  • How to use Audacity
  • How to use Google Documents 
These are only a few examples.  If you recently learned how to do something on the computer, tell us about it.

But I don't know how to make a tutorial!
There are many ways you can help others with technology.  
  • Make a step by step list.
  • Make a video.
  • Record your computer screen.
  • Share a link to a helpful video or website.

But I don't know how to explain technology in English!
That's OK.  If you are a student in Algeria, your computer applications are probably in French.  If you are a student from South America, you probably use the Internet in Spanish. Learning to use computers is already difficult.  Learning to use computers in a new language can be overwhelming.  Tutorials in French or Spanish would be really helpful to other students using this blog.

Respond
What do you know how to do on the computer?
What is difficult for you on the computer?

-Eric, NYC


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Level 4 NYC: Aurelia's Video Introductions

Here are two videos about Aurelia. In the first video, Aurelia prepared a short introduction about herself, recorded by Hector.  In the second video, Waraich interviews Aurelia and asks her some questions about her life.

Video: Aurelia's Introduction



Video: Aurelia's Intro-Interview



Respond
What did you learn about Aurelia?
What do you want to know? Write questions in the comments and Aurelia can tell you more about herself.