Lianne and Alex's 9-11 Documentary/Interview

Song Analysis

A genre of music that people here may have never heard before. However, in a different part of the world, it's embraced as a part of culture and artistic style. It's usually portrayed as a heavier metal grind, with brass instruments and woodwinds backing the sharp metal tones.

The song "Dark Chest of Wonders" is a perfect example of symphonic metal.

The song starts off with a soft voice, that quickly transitions into a heavy metal guitar riff, with a keyboard providing orchestra hits in the background. More guitar follows, a vocal choir joining in as well.

Nightwish, the Finnish Symphonic metal band, specializes in this different style of music. This song in particular is one of their best, which is why I've chosen to write about it.

Dark Chest of Wonders, in comparison to some of the other songs Nightwish has produced, is relatively short. Some of the scores extend for up to 10 minutes in other songs, this song only about 3-4 minutes.

Upon listening, you'll probably be able to tell that it isn't exactly normal music that everybody listens to. It contains a lot of elements that aren't really in modern music. Opera vocals are sung by Tarja Turnenan, only the backing vocals being emulated by the keyboard.

The lyrics definitely apply a fantasy setting to the song, which is fitting for the type of music. There are plenty of songs that make reference to different Scandinavian legends and lore, some more than others.

The drumming is nothing too different from modern metal beats - Prominent, sharp double kick-pedal thumps, hard snare hits, and good technique. The guitar as well emits a common metal riff.

Nearing the end of the song, woodwinds join in as melody, accompanying the guitar riffs, giving the song much more of an epic feel. In the last few seconds of the song, the keyboard delivers a few more orchestra hits, before bringing the song to a close.

Music Quiz Questions

Around how much money were the earlier bands making?

Did a large majority of the profits go to the record companies like they do today?

How has the music industry changed since the 1950's?

Can you see the music industry changing in the future, as much as it has in the past 50 years?

How have musical instruments, such as the guitar, drums, or vocal-recording devices, changed and improved since the 1960's?

Why don't we see the same type and style that we did in 1960, as we do now?

How have the general population's musical tastes changed?

With the introduction of new equipment, alongside the rapidly changing musical tastes, has the recording and song-writing process become easier? Harder?

What style of music do you think will continue to remain popular?

How has the concert experience changed? Is there better lighting and sound?

1. List three shows that you like.

2. Explain one reason each why you like each show.

3. List three shows you do not like or watch.

4. Explain one reason each why you do not like or 

watch each show.

5. Estimate how much you watch TV in a regular 

weekday and then a weekend day.

6. Quickly do the same for your parents. (1 each)

7. WHY do you like the shows you chose? Be very 

specific and try to think about what attracts you to 

the shows you like.

Matt and Alex's product - E-Tip iPhone Gloves

With winter just around the corner, iPhone users nation-wide will face more or less the same dilemma. You might not know it, or you might not have realized it yet, but the iPhone/iPod Touch's screen relies on heat sensitivity, not pressure.

Ever try using a pencil eraser to unlock your device? Well, that's a prime example of the heat sensitive touch screen. It simply won't work. So what do you think happens when you're standing out front of your bus-stop, waiting to go to work or school on a cold winter day? Well, chances are, you're bundled up for the weather, wearing your favorite gloves, coat, and hat.

So imagine one's frustration when the iPhone user must either take off his or her gloves to activate the phone, or simply wait until they're some place warmer. That's where E-Tip gloves come in.

E-Tip gloves contain new, revolutionary technology. Mending traces of silver into the fingertips of the gloves, the tips of the gloves can stay warm enough to emulate a human finger, therefore completely eliminating the need to take off the gloves to use the phone. But that's not all.

Using bluetooth receptors built into the palm of the glove, you can wirelessly establish a connection between the hand-wear and iPhone/iTouch. However, the glove still flops and bends just like a regular glove, so there's no worry for breaking or damaging the components inside - You won't be able to tell the difference between our E-Tip gloves and regular gloves.

The E-Tip gloves will be selling for about $50 CND a pair.

Our campaign strategy would most likely involve marketing this product to people who own an iPhone - We would be buying ad places on websites that involve mobile phones in general, or any apple related devices. That way, we're more likely to catch the attention of any techies who are looking for new iPhone gear.

We would try to increase ad placement around Christmas, maybe renting out a kiosk in a mall in hopes of advertising it further, and letting customers try them out before purchasing. The only problem with our product (Something the general public may not even realize) is that it's a seasonal product - Gloves are most commonly worn in the winter, when it's cold. Right around this time. Once summer hits, there's a good chance people won't use the gloves as much as they did.

As I said previously, this product would most likely be aimed at people ages 17-40, along with technology sites that involve mobile phones.

***Start Script***

[male narrator] Tired of your iPhone's screen becoming unresponsive in the winter?  Maybe you're looking for a new way to sync your music and bluetooth?

M&A Corporation has finally found the answer to the inconveniences of winter. Don't let old Mother Nature get in the way of using your favorite piece of technology. Now with the E-Tip gloves, synching and typing in the winter is a snap.

By simply synchronizing the glove with your home computer, you can keep all of your music in check. The glove is Wi-Fi compatible, BlueTooth enabled, and tight and snug like any glove should be. The wireless capabilities allow the glove to charge the device as well, as long as you're holding it in the palm of your hand.

Now available at all Apple stores and major electronic departments.

***End Script***

Ad Analysis - Bioshock

The ad analysis I have chosen to do is a study on a magazine ad for the PC game "Bioshock".

Right off the bat, you notice the largest size of font on the top of the page. "MASTERPIECE". It draws the eyes right away, along with the smaller text underneath of it reading "-Game Informer", which implies that a critic has said this about the game.

There are many other one liners that the critics have said, such as "It's one of those rare games that comes along every five or ten years, sucks you in, knocks your socks off, and haunts you for years after you've played it."

Any gamer that has played video games before can relate and name several cases in which video games have done this to them. The ad is trying to tell the reader that this is one of those special games, the games that gamers love so much.

Below, it shows the title of the game, with the text underneath reading "A genetically enhanced shooter." Right away, this sparks interest. The idea is original, fresh, and intriguing, and is powerful enough to make people want to buy the game. Next to it, it shows the game box packaging for both the PC and Xbox 360 versions, the M for Mature rating directly below it.

The background portrays two of the most common enemies in the game, only a silhouette. The larger figure is bulky, huge, and has a drill coming out of his hand, which would be enough to make any gamer wonder just how formidable the foes will be. Gamers like a challenge, and I think the ad is trying to tell the reader that they'll get one.

Next, the ratings. All 10 out of 10, and 5 out of 5, all from very credible review websites. Wired, PC Gamer, Yahoo Games, Game Informer, and GamePro, all well known by gamers.

In the end, I think they did a very good job of marketing this game. The graphics are fresh and exciting, along with refreshing to look at as an alternative art style.

Devin Scully Leads First GDCI Student Walkout

Today, Devin Scully announced that he would be taking action against the unfairness and injustice he's been seeing in our school. Spreading around petition sheets and sneaking into the office to say a word or two over the intercom, he's finally decided that the best course of action would be a full-student walk-out.

"I know that it's drastic, but at the moment, it seems to be our only choice." Devin said when questioned about his actions. "We have to let the teachers and staff know that we mean business, and we're willing to go out of our way to make our school a better place."

He proposes that at a set time, every student wishing to make a difference is to stand up, leave the classroom, and meet at Tim-Hortons for complimentary bagels and coffee.