camera by Rudie Diaz :: theatrics by the nasanasa crew.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Interview with Reading Rainbow
Hey ya'll!
Herewith for your reading pleasure is an interview I conducted with Sarah of Reading Rainbow for the now-on-hold iBook. Digi-publishing comes to the rescue when hard-copy publishing fails! Thank you internet!
Who/What/Where is Reading Rainbow?
Reading Rainbow is a lo-fi, no wave style band from West Philly. They are a duo. They also might be a little obsessed with LeVar Burton (but who isn't really?) Sergio suggested that we ask them to play for NASA's launch event. A good majority of us first listened to their stuff through myspace. I think what I like most about them, other then the songs Feral Kids and Oh Deer Lord, is how they co-opt vales from the television show to the way they work as a band. The feel of their music reminds me of a combination between the books Where the Wild Things Are and Lord of the Flies (…uh minus the violent hierarchy & replace with a collective utopia). Regardless, there's a zip of their songs for free available on their myspace, in addition to an 8$ CD, Songs to Sing to, purchasable through Paypal. The following is an e-mail interview done with RR’s Sarah.
Jamie: Who is Reading Rainbow?
Sarah: Rob Garcia and Sarah Everton
J: How did you come together?
S: We played music in another no wave style band, and came up with the idea for Reading Rainbow over a year ago. Then last April when we were supposed to play a show, our drummer couldn't make it, so we took it as an opportunity to finally do it. So basically, we wrote 8 songs, and I kind of learned how to play the drums in the 2 weeks before our first show. That's also when we recorded our cassette tape on a 4 track!
J:Who plays what? What do you use to make sounds?
S: Rob plays guitar, and keyboard/organ on the recordings, I play a snare, floor tom and symbol and we both sing. We also try to use as much tambourine as possible.
J:Where do you live now?
S: West Philly!
J:Is Reading Rainbow your first released album?
S: We never really named it, so I guess?
J:Are the voices on the album only yours?
S: Yes, except on the cassette our roommates at the time Caroline and Corey sang on 'Money and Prizes' with us!
J:Do you have a certain way you usually develop your songs?
S: Rob writes a lot of it, and I sometimes give input/write lyrics!
J:In addition to selling your album yourself though Paypal, your music is available for free on your myspace. Why?
S: Ultimately the point of making music is to share it. We want it to be accessible to anyone who wants it.
J:Can you tell me the lyrics to Feral Kids?
S: "Feral children! No future! Wild savage! We arreeee etc etc etc!"
J:How did you feel when LeVar Burton presented the character of Geordi La Forge on Reading Rainbow?
S: I loved the episode where they went behind the scenes of Star trek the Next Generation! I was a big fan of both shows! It was sweet when they showed how they used swirling glitter in water when they beam people up!! I was even Dr. Beverly Crusher for Halloween when I was 10!
J:Will you be going on tour?
S: As much as possible as soon as possible
J:Who influences you?
S: The Urinals, Velvet Underground, Half Japanese, Sun Ra, and The Magic Twig Community and all our other friends who we play with.
J:What other bands do you most often play with?
S: Eternal Summers (VA), Hologram (Brooklyn), Hermit Thrushes from here in Philly.
J:Who illustrated the fliers and album cover etc?
S: Me! I am in grad school right now for art actually. NO BIG DEAL.
J:Do you guys enjoy camping? If you do, can you recommend any sweet spots?
S: NO, which is lame! We really want to go camping! We have no camping cred. I hear the Pocono’s are nice though.
J:Hot dogs or marshmallows?
S: Turkey dogs and fish gelatin marshmallows!
J:What is success?
S: Putting out as much music we can on as many awesome small record labels as we can and being able to not work because we are too busy playing shows and doing art!!
J:(Sarah requested the following question:) What are your spirit animals?
S: I think mine would be a majestic grizzly-polar bear hybrid, and Rob's would be some kind of raccoon-fox. We are not furries though don't worry.
Rob and Sarah will be playing in Philly on the 5th and in Newark for our fund-rager on the 7th. To listen to their music or send them camping suggestions please find them on their myspace. Rob also has a solo side project called Sprained Ankles
Herewith for your reading pleasure is an interview I conducted with Sarah of Reading Rainbow for the now-on-hold iBook. Digi-publishing comes to the rescue when hard-copy publishing fails! Thank you internet!
Who/What/Where is Reading Rainbow?
Reading Rainbow is a lo-fi, no wave style band from West Philly. They are a duo. They also might be a little obsessed with LeVar Burton (but who isn't really?) Sergio suggested that we ask them to play for NASA's launch event. A good majority of us first listened to their stuff through myspace. I think what I like most about them, other then the songs Feral Kids and Oh Deer Lord, is how they co-opt vales from the television show to the way they work as a band. The feel of their music reminds me of a combination between the books Where the Wild Things Are and Lord of the Flies (…uh minus the violent hierarchy & replace with a collective utopia). Regardless, there's a zip of their songs for free available on their myspace, in addition to an 8$ CD, Songs to Sing to, purchasable through Paypal. The following is an e-mail interview done with RR’s Sarah.
Jamie: Who is Reading Rainbow?
Sarah: Rob Garcia and Sarah Everton
J: How did you come together?
S: We played music in another no wave style band, and came up with the idea for Reading Rainbow over a year ago. Then last April when we were supposed to play a show, our drummer couldn't make it, so we took it as an opportunity to finally do it. So basically, we wrote 8 songs, and I kind of learned how to play the drums in the 2 weeks before our first show. That's also when we recorded our cassette tape on a 4 track!
J:Who plays what? What do you use to make sounds?
S: Rob plays guitar, and keyboard/organ on the recordings, I play a snare, floor tom and symbol and we both sing. We also try to use as much tambourine as possible.
J:Where do you live now?
S: West Philly!
J:Is Reading Rainbow your first released album?
S: We never really named it, so I guess?
J:Are the voices on the album only yours?
S: Yes, except on the cassette our roommates at the time Caroline and Corey sang on 'Money and Prizes' with us!
J:Do you have a certain way you usually develop your songs?
S: Rob writes a lot of it, and I sometimes give input/write lyrics!
J:In addition to selling your album yourself though Paypal, your music is available for free on your myspace. Why?
S: Ultimately the point of making music is to share it. We want it to be accessible to anyone who wants it.
J:Can you tell me the lyrics to Feral Kids?
S: "Feral children! No future! Wild savage! We arreeee etc etc etc!"
J:How did you feel when LeVar Burton presented the character of Geordi La Forge on Reading Rainbow?
S: I loved the episode where they went behind the scenes of Star trek the Next Generation! I was a big fan of both shows! It was sweet when they showed how they used swirling glitter in water when they beam people up!! I was even Dr. Beverly Crusher for Halloween when I was 10!
J:Will you be going on tour?
S: As much as possible as soon as possible
J:Who influences you?
S: The Urinals, Velvet Underground, Half Japanese, Sun Ra, and The Magic Twig Community and all our other friends who we play with.
J:What other bands do you most often play with?
S: Eternal Summers (VA), Hologram (Brooklyn), Hermit Thrushes from here in Philly.
J:Who illustrated the fliers and album cover etc?
S: Me! I am in grad school right now for art actually. NO BIG DEAL.
J:Do you guys enjoy camping? If you do, can you recommend any sweet spots?
S: NO, which is lame! We really want to go camping! We have no camping cred. I hear the Pocono’s are nice though.
J:Hot dogs or marshmallows?
S: Turkey dogs and fish gelatin marshmallows!
J:What is success?
S: Putting out as much music we can on as many awesome small record labels as we can and being able to not work because we are too busy playing shows and doing art!!
J:(Sarah requested the following question:) What are your spirit animals?
S: I think mine would be a majestic grizzly-polar bear hybrid, and Rob's would be some kind of raccoon-fox. We are not furries though don't worry.
Rob and Sarah will be playing in Philly on the 5th and in Newark for our fund-rager on the 7th. To listen to their music or send them camping suggestions please find them on their myspace. Rob also has a solo side project called Sprained Ankles
How to Mount a Projector to Almost Anything
I just wrote this up. It will be an Instructable soon, but for now it can live here. This system for mounting projectors was taught to me by Chris Jordan. His website has several other great how to's for media artists. When getting the gear check out the B&H used section for better deals.
A Quasi Instructables for Mounting a Projector onto Almost Anything
You will need:
3/4inch Pipe Clamp - $10 to $15
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100132368&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=100132368&cm_mmc=1hd.com2froogle-_-product_feed-_-D25X-_-100132368
3/4inch aluminum conduit pipe - $10 for 11 feet.
The length will depend on what you plan on mounting your projector too.
Manfrotto Super Clamp with Stud - 27.50
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546356-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_035RL_035RL_Super_Clamp_with.html#specifications
Slik - Adjustable Tripod Head holds 9.9lbs - 29.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/221362-REG/Slik_615_300_Able_300DX_3_Way_Pan.html
OR
http://www.slik.com/bhe.html
Plus hardware:
1 steel plate
2-4 rubber spacers
2-4 special flat panel mounting screws - These are metric, just used for mounting flat panel TVs and very expensive ($1.oo per screw) Can be found at GOOD hardware stores.
1 locking washer
2 fender washers
1 tripod size screw - All tripods use the same exact size screw - 1/4" diameter, 20 threads per inch
1 tripod screw size hex nut barrel thing (sorry I dont know the proper name for this. It looks like a hex nut just 3/4 inch long and should fit on the tripod screw)
Tools:
1 $20 pipe cutter. You can get this at any hardware store, just ask to make sure it can cut 3/4 in aluminum conduit.
Dremel - metal sanding/grinding
Drill
2 sizes of metal/steel dril bit
wrench and pliers
A Stationary vice is very helpful
Safety goggles/glasses
gloves
vacuum
A General Explanation of Materials and Gear Used:
A pipe clamp is wonderful device that can be attached to any length of 3/4in pipe and turn it into a clamp/vice. Changing the length of pipe used allows it to clamp to anything from 1 inch table tops to rafters 1 ft thick or to columns 6 feet wide. The Manfrotto Super Clamp gets attached to the aluminum conduit in the pipe clamp.
A Manfrotto Super Clamp is a versitile piece of grip equipment that can attach to pipes or smaller square beams. I have been told by several people this is one of the best and more versitile pieces of grip gear out there and that Manfrotto is the best quality. You can probably get a cheaper brand but do you want to trust your projector with that? These are built to be interfaced with a wide range of photo, video, and lighting gear. In our case it connects to an Adjustable Tripod Head.
An Adjustable Tripod Head is just that. Its a tripod head that can be adjusted without the tripod part. After this is attached to the Super Clamp it allows you to position and adjust your projector for best results.
The tripod screw of the Adjustable Tripod Head gets screwed into the tripod size hex nut barrel thing that is mounted into a steel plate. The steel plate is mounted to the projector.
The How To:
Take the steel plate and use the dremel to sand and grind any sharp or rough edges so you dont cut yourself. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!!! This makes lots of sparks. Next measure out 4 holes of the right size and alignment to fit on the bottom of the projector (all projectors have 4 screw holes for mounting). Use the drill and metal drill bit to drill the 4 holes. Using a little bit of mineral spirits (Baby Oil) helps keep the bit from becoming dull or too hot. Also be very careful and clean up all metal shards with a vacuum as soon as you are done.
In the middle of plate with a tripod screw size metal drill bit drill a hole. Clean up when you are done.
Use the dremel or a steel brush get rid of any sharp bits or shards. Clean the plate with a damp paper towel and dry.
Take the tripod screw, put on a washer, and feed it through the middle hole in the steel plate. Then put a locking washer, a washer, and the 3/4inch long hex nut. Use the pliers and wrench or whatever else you have to lock that on there really really really tight. Get 4 rubber spacers and 4 mounting screws. On the bottom of the projector put the spacers down over the screw holes, then the steel plate (with the tripod screw in it), and then screw it in with the mounting screws to secure the plate.
Thats it for the projector. Now to explain the rest of the system.
The adjustable tripod head is attached to the projector using the tripod hex nut barrel thing. Just screw it in as tightly as you can.
The adjustable tripod head is then attached to the Manfrotto Super Clamp using the bolt that came with it.
The Manfrotto Super Clamp is them attached to the 3/4 inch aluminum conduit pipe of the pipe clamp.
Clamp the pipe clamp onto anything that can take the weight and you are done.
Good things to clamp to:
columns
rafters
architectural elements
Bad things to clamp to:
Non secured book shelves
chairs
puppies
flimsy lighting fixtures
Good luck!
A Quasi Instructables for Mounting a Projector onto Almost Anything
You will need:
3/4inch Pipe Clamp - $10 to $15
http://www.homedepot.com/
3/4inch aluminum conduit pipe - $10 for 11 feet.
The length will depend on what you plan on mounting your projector too.
Manfrotto Super Clamp with Stud - 27.50
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/
Slik - Adjustable Tripod Head holds 9.9lbs - 29.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/
OR
http://www.slik.com/bhe.html
Plus hardware:
1 steel plate
2-4 rubber spacers
2-4 special flat panel mounting screws - These are metric, just used for mounting flat panel TVs and very expensive ($1.oo per screw) Can be found at GOOD hardware stores.
1 locking washer
2 fender washers
1 tripod size screw - All tripods use the same exact size screw - 1/4" diameter, 20 threads per inch
1 tripod screw size hex nut barrel thing (sorry I dont know the proper name for this. It looks like a hex nut just 3/4 inch long and should fit on the tripod screw)
Tools:
1 $20 pipe cutter. You can get this at any hardware store, just ask to make sure it can cut 3/4 in aluminum conduit.
Dremel - metal sanding/grinding
Drill
2 sizes of metal/steel dril bit
wrench and pliers
A Stationary vice is very helpful
Safety goggles/glasses
gloves
vacuum
A General Explanation of Materials and Gear Used:
A pipe clamp is wonderful device that can be attached to any length of 3/4in pipe and turn it into a clamp/vice. Changing the length of pipe used allows it to clamp to anything from 1 inch table tops to rafters 1 ft thick or to columns 6 feet wide. The Manfrotto Super Clamp gets attached to the aluminum conduit in the pipe clamp.
A Manfrotto Super Clamp is a versitile piece of grip equipment that can attach to pipes or smaller square beams. I have been told by several people this is one of the best and more versitile pieces of grip gear out there and that Manfrotto is the best quality. You can probably get a cheaper brand but do you want to trust your projector with that? These are built to be interfaced with a wide range of photo, video, and lighting gear. In our case it connects to an Adjustable Tripod Head.
An Adjustable Tripod Head is just that. Its a tripod head that can be adjusted without the tripod part. After this is attached to the Super Clamp it allows you to position and adjust your projector for best results.
The tripod screw of the Adjustable Tripod Head gets screwed into the tripod size hex nut barrel thing that is mounted into a steel plate. The steel plate is mounted to the projector.
The How To:
Take the steel plate and use the dremel to sand and grind any sharp or rough edges so you dont cut yourself. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!!! This makes lots of sparks. Next measure out 4 holes of the right size and alignment to fit on the bottom of the projector (all projectors have 4 screw holes for mounting). Use the drill and metal drill bit to drill the 4 holes. Using a little bit of mineral spirits (Baby Oil) helps keep the bit from becoming dull or too hot. Also be very careful and clean up all metal shards with a vacuum as soon as you are done.
In the middle of plate with a tripod screw size metal drill bit drill a hole. Clean up when you are done.
Use the dremel or a steel brush get rid of any sharp bits or shards. Clean the plate with a damp paper towel and dry.
Take the tripod screw, put on a washer, and feed it through the middle hole in the steel plate. Then put a locking washer, a washer, and the 3/4inch long hex nut. Use the pliers and wrench or whatever else you have to lock that on there really really really tight. Get 4 rubber spacers and 4 mounting screws. On the bottom of the projector put the spacers down over the screw holes, then the steel plate (with the tripod screw in it), and then screw it in with the mounting screws to secure the plate.
Thats it for the projector. Now to explain the rest of the system.
The adjustable tripod head is attached to the projector using the tripod hex nut barrel thing. Just screw it in as tightly as you can.
The adjustable tripod head is then attached to the Manfrotto Super Clamp using the bolt that came with it.
The Manfrotto Super Clamp is them attached to the 3/4 inch aluminum conduit pipe of the pipe clamp.
Clamp the pipe clamp onto anything that can take the weight and you are done.
Good things to clamp to:
columns
rafters
architectural elements
Bad things to clamp to:
Non secured book shelves
chairs
puppies
flimsy lighting fixtures
Good luck!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe To NASA
Posts
All Comments