Cracking the Code

Ok, time to defuse a bomb. Let's see... wires... cut blue... wait- HTML?!?! I DON'T KNOW THI-- BOOM!!!!!! And that's why we should learn to code. Not really though. I personally think everyone should learn to code, because- let's face it- Technology is taking over. More and more technological stuff are being created right this second, and eventually, everyone will either know coding and know the stuff, or be hobos. (Not saying being a hobo is bad, but- I think it kinda sucks...)  Anyway, coding, once you learn it, it isn't so hard! And well, it may seem like that people who are like <Lol HAHA><span style="color: red;"></span> are NERDZ, but knowing coding WILL be nececary in the future for EVERYONE. (Don't believe me? Hop in a time machine and go 40 years in the future. OH WAIT- We don't HAVE a time machine because people haven't CODED IT YET!) My point exactly. In the future, people will need to be smart and able to code.

Flappy portal. Link Here

So, recently, we have done some practice coding, and although I had done coding before, it was still really fun. I think the first time I had ever coded anything ever was about 3-4 years ago, and it was pretty bad... Anyway, it wasn't too hard, because it was the simplest code EVAR. Like just When click, switch costume THEN, when click something else, do this and this and it's done! EZ PZ Lemon Slurpee. (I love those things. They're great.) A link of it is here... Don't judge me for it. I personally think it was a pretty bad attempt, but it, when you think about it, is kinda alright for the first thing ever programed ever... So, hate it don't hate it? (Kinda like sorry not sorry, but with not liking the project.)

Simple Game

Anyway... If I could design ANY program or game, I think I would create an EPIC game / AI thing where you get to pick, at first, what type of game you would like to play, (Such as open world, puzzle, adventure, platformer, FPS, etc.) And it would create a game for you where each level, based on how you did for the previous levels/ areas, and refit the game to your standards so it is always challenging, never exactly the same, always fun, and there is NO END! I think that would be extremely cool, and it could double as a teaching experience because every level challenges you at your level so you constantly get better. But be sure to leave your computer for food! Heh heh...

Programing and Inventing and Practice oh my!
-Linden

I did it! :)

My Humorous Monolouge

JohnsL_Comedy from Kapaa Middle School MEDIA on Vimeo.

These are my comedy grade results. Meh...

Well, Well, Well then, what do we have here... Oh, wait- It's NOT Hat Man... I was expecting him in my lair... (I've kidnapped his daughter, if you see him...) ANYWAY- In the comedy project, (Incase you were wondering, even though there is a GIANT COMEDY VIDEO RIGHT THERE! Wathc it if you haven't) I have learned a bundle of stuff. (Bushel? Barrel? Ton? Gallon? Cubic Centimeter? I'm not good at volume measurements.) I have learned how to make something actually funny! Yeah! I was not really able to do this before! I also learned how to trip convincingly, (Practice makes perfect!) fail at opening doors, and how to place some creative angles. (Leading lines, whatever, you know the drill. I think...) Oh, yeah, and do some very fast edits. I also earned how to properly deliver a comedic monologue, and all of the grade requirements. (I don't think I'll be using the latter...) (Wow! A lot of parentheses today!) That's pretty much it, since I already knew how to use IMovie, and how to use a camera better.

No one voted I had the funniest one :(

So, padding. No no no, not what you put on beds to make them fluffier, what you put on VIDEO CLIPS to make THEM fluffier. Wait- did I say fluffier? I meant softer. Softer? Safer? Whatever? Anyway, padding is basically a few seconds after you start and before you begin acting, and after you stop acting before you end. It's used because if you stop filming the second you stop acting, it will get a little cut off at the end/beginning. It also helps when editing, just in case you need ONE MORE SECOND! NRRGH! Uh- um- excuse me- gotta go- turning into hulk- bye now-

ANYWAY... A couple troubles I had with the filming was that I had to film at night, because I didn't have time in the day, so most of the shots were DARK  Well, not SUPER dark, but kinda dark. So I fixed that with a couple edits in IMovie. A couple things I did good were the monologue, except that first fuzzy part, and the trips. I don't know if anyone told you, but I apparently am the MASTER of tripping. Like, it seems real. (I may be over-exaggerating, but I think I did do well on those.) I also forgot to check out a camera several times... I think I could improve by getting a couple desk lamps when it's too dark, and perhaps my acting? I don't know about the acting thing though... Anyway, to discuss the results, Most people thought I did like epically well, a few thought I was good, and 2 people thought my video was bad. I guess I'll have to kidnap their daughters (if they have any) too, and hold them hostage with Hat Man's. No one thought mine was the funniest though. :( It's fine though. The pie chart shows percentile of anonymous percentile of other people's comedy skits, (In other words, blah blah blah, a lot of confusing words, blah blah blah.) 

Anyway, my plan is BELOW...
-Linden

Comedy Writing

Soooooo... Hello and welcome back to once again, for like the 15th time or something (I lost track) to a new project. This one has to do with comedy, (The only art I have trouble with, and this is a serious statement, unlike the usual sarcastic ones) but I won't bore you with the details just yet- I'll save it for later. Anyway, it is important to have a sense of humor because you can always make the most of a bad situation, or make a good situation even better. (wait- did I just jump to a different topic without explaining first? weird...) For example, say you get 3 cavities at the dentist or something, you could say "I knew I shouldn't have eaten that tooth-eating-mold!" (Wow that was the worst joke ever, but you get the point.) Or say things are going great, you could pop an awesome one-liner and leave everyone laughing their faces off. For example, my brother (who has a great sense of humor) popped a joke the other day while we were discussing random topics, and we all laughed a ton. I cannot write the joke unfortunately, because it is way better said then read. But it was good.

Anyway, I have created my very own "Joke", and just in case you find yourself in the same situation, here are:

Linden's 5 Tips on how to Make a Joke

So, tip number 1. If you are stuck on step one, you should just think of a random thing that happened that day, and exaggerate, poke fun at, or just generally make it funnier. Tip number 2! If you can't poke fun at something that happened that day, just make something up. Such as; "So, a funny thing happened the other day..." etc. Tip 3... If you can't make up something like that, just do a bunch of one liners, or some random stuff. Personally, I prefer the latter. Tip 4!? Make up your own ORIGINAL jokes! If you tell someone a joke based off of the internet, or a joke from the internet, chances are the've already heard a similar joke, and it's WAAAAY less funny. Tip 5! (Finally!) Punny isn't always funny! To make a joke based off of a pun, make sure it's either exaggerated, or actually funny. Test the joke out with friends or family before you tell it to other people.

HAHAHAHAHAHA.gif (Just a laugh GIF.)

Ok. So now here is my comedic monologue. (Or, "Joke", as I called it before...) It came as a stroke of inspiration during one of Mr. Sanderls' lectures. Basically it goes something like this. (A word-for-word copy of what's on my plan) :  I had the most persistent cousin ever. He was like Einstein's definition of insanity. I bet, if you looked it up, he would be there. Whenever he messed something up, he would just do it right over again exactly the same. (Trip!) “Ok let’s try that again” (Trip!) “I know how to do this!” (Trip! Trip! Trip!...) He was once stuck trying to go up a down escalator for 3 whole days! I don’t know how he does it. He never does anything differently than he does before, so whenever he does something right, it’s a big celebration and it’s the only thing we ever tell him to do. We once tried to take him to a therapist once, but the meeting went something like this: “So, why are you here.” “Because my family made me come here.” “But why?” “Because” “Why” “Because.” It went on for hours. Either the therapist had the same problem, or he was trying to use up our time... So there you have it. I think it's funny because, well, what sane person would try to keep doing something exactly the same and expect it to work that time?! (Answer: None. That's why I said he was like Einstein's definition of insanity.) Also, the visuals are funny because you see him (me) tripping, doing the same thing over and over again, and slamming into doors over and over. (Don't worry. It won't hurt. I hope...) Also, the last part is funny because a therapist's sessions are timed, so therapists sometimes do things like that (not exactly like that) to waste time, and this particular therapist saw the perfect opportunity. (BTW: I will play all of the parts.)

Well there you go,
-Linden

Ps: If you read a previous post, called "Ok, Who Spilled The Ink?" you should be able to read this.
Thumbs up to whoever can find this!

Motivational Poster

Welcome back! After like 7 days of not posting anything, (which in normal for this blog) a new post is underway! Remember the project I mentioned in the previous post? You SHOULD remember unless you totally skipped out on the previous blog post like a slacker. (Can you slack on something no one told you to do? I need to know.) If you did skip out, however, it's the Motivational Poster. You know, Blah Blah Blah, Just do it, etc.  Anyway, the requirements are 6 layers: Manifesto, a couple of Personal Quotes, Krazy Kerning (Of both text layers, all the way across the page), 4 Photos, (Three symbolic images, and MY FACE: A portrait...) and also a Triatic color scheme and blending options on my text layers, adjustment layers on my images, and Visual Balance.

Text layers, (without effects)
Top Left: Quotes. Rest: Manifesto.

Images, (without effects)

So, you're probably wondering how I made the poster, (bottom) I shall now tell you. First, I had to create the Manifesto, (Find in the previous blog post! Shameless self advertising FTW) and put it into a brand new Photoshop document. (You know the drill- file, new, 8.5 by 11 inches, etc.) Then I did the same with the personal quotes that I created myself, (On the poster, they are the gold text.) I then Kerned the text to fit the screen precisely, and fitted the Manifesto next to the personal quotes. After that was all said and done, I imported and arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner, the three Symbolic Images, (Once again found in the previous post- You know what? Why don't you just read it...) and a portrait of myself. (Taken by Jason Hoy) I then used layer modification techniques (AKA: a lot of long words that I just use to look smart ) on the text to make it gold, green, and blue, (My Triadic Color Scheme) using the outlines, glow, bevel and emboss, and other stuff to incorporate the scheme. Finally, I used adjustment layers (Above the photos, below the text) to make the photos fit with the color scheme and make them BLUE! Blue as a- a... um... a. . . a Blueberry? I don't know many things that blue. It's almost blinding... Well, anyway, then with a couple of touch-ups, it was done.

So, I'd say that the biggest challenge I had to face was being absent for about a day. When I came back we were supposed to be done kerning- but I hadn't even started. So I had to work really fast and come in for lunch to finish the kerning so it fit the entire screen. I think I did pretty well... What do you guys think? One of the hardest things with the kerning however, was getting the manifesto so it was on the side of the quotes. I manages it in the end by pressing enter when I ran out of room with the text. Otherwise it was pretty easy, probably because I had worked with photoshop before. If you would like to see the finished poster, it is blown up (not literally) at the bottom.

Adios Amigos
-Linden

Final Motivational Poster!!!

Personal Manifesto

Hello! And welcome to the new 2015-2016 school year! Our first project is to make a motivational poster, so let's get on it, but later. 2nd and 3rd paragraphs maybe? Anyway, since I've never actually posted some interesting facts about myself, that's what I'm gonna do right now. 5, to be precise. Ok, so all of you know my name, (I hope) If you don't and you're new to my blog, it's Linden Johns, but I won't count that as one of the 5 facts. Anyway, here they are: 1. My favorite activity is to cook and bake, (pastries, cake, etc.). 2. I am in G.T. media (which you should all know, evidence? G.T. portfolio) and Art class, which are my two favorite classes. 3. I have two cats, named Tigger and Olivia, but this DOES NOT mean that I don't love dogs too, because I do, so CHILL dog fans. 4. I am a ginger, so I have freckles and reddish blond hair EVERYWHERE. I'm kinda like a not-so-hairy smallfoot. (like bigfoot, except with smaller feet.) And 5. the most recent thing, I am in 7th grade! So yeah. those are 5 interesting things about me, and now onto the project.

So, in the poster, we need to add a few inspirational quotes, (Shia LaBeouf perhaps?) and a personal Manifesto. If you have no idea what that is, I have concealed a link in the underlined manifesto. You're welcome. Anyway, here is my personal Manifesto: Always approach work with ENERGY. Never believe that you will fail, or you will. Never have a NEGATIVE ATTITUDE when you do anything. Always be healthy, physically and emotionally. Healthy body means healthy soul and moods. Be nice to the people you meet and your acquaintances will grow. THE TIME IS NOW. Live your life with passion and inspiration, and always follow your dreams. DREAM BIG. Nothing is impossible if you put time and energy into it. So go be what you want. This is your life so go out there and make the most of it. 

So there you go. I just publicly declared my 2015-2016 personal Manifesto. I hope you learned something, and if you didn't and just skimmed it, then I'll just slap the main idea right here: believe in yourself, because if you do, and you actually TRY and do what you would like to do, THEN anything is possible. So yeah. It applies to YOU because some people (I won't point fingers) when they start something are like "Ugg... This? I'm never gonna be able to do this. I quit. Goodbye. nrrgh." You know... Those people. I hope you are (now) not one of them.

First blog post of the year hype!
-Linden

(PS. if you have no idea what the photos are, they all represent me in some way. figure it out.)

Music Videos Rock!!!

"Micah" working

Welp. It turned out to be the latter. Oh right- it's been a while. The latter of "It just might be the hardest thing I ever do ever." It may be an exaggeration, but not by much. Well, it's actually going pretty good, but you know, work is work. And we lost about half of our footage. So yeah. I think that I contributed pretty goodly, being A: an actor, B: a director, and C: a cameraman. But I can't take all of the spotlight. Micah helped to. He was A: an actor, and B: a slacker. JK. Jk. He was actually, A: an actor, B: the play writer, and C: a slacker. Still joking. He did his part. Either that, or he's really rich so he can hire someone to do it for him. I really don't care. At least the person he's paying is good at this stuff. Wait- or was he paying an actor to go to school for him too?!?!? AND EVERYWHERE FOR HIM!?!?!? Have I never known him???? CONSPIRACY ALERT!?!?!?!?!??!

Me working on RATED screen

Well, now that that conspiracy theory has been cleared up (Has it?) It's time for the OTHER conspiracy, what part will people like most. I believe that my audience will most enjoy the part when I smash Micah's face into the plate of tuna because I think that it's kinda expected, has a close up, and is still funny. Runner ups are: The credits, The RATED screen, and how Micah had a bowl on his face for half of the film. Also the air guitar. That was Rockin' awesome.

Me- Wait- AM I AN ACTOR TOO!?! 

In my opinion, Me and Micah's music video completely (well, some at least.) shows what we learned this year. Notice, for example, the sound effects we used. Also, we used SuperImposing and skill with the Quick Selection Tool for the RATED screen, and the "The Weirdos" screen. We also focused are shots, used special effects, and demonstrated correct (I mean incorrect. Stupid autocorrect. JK.) Camera usage. This is our final project of the school year, so I hope you enjoyed. I may not post any blog posts during the summer either. So...


Adios Amigos!
-Linden

Lyrical Livlihood

Hello and- Do I even need to do this anymore? Like, EVERY SINGLE TIME I post a new blog post It's just always THE SAME THING! Blah Blah Blah, new project, new team, new this, new that, Blah Blah Blah. The question is- why? Because reasons. There. I just answered my own question- DEAL WITH IT. Anyway, back on track, Blah Blah Blah, new project new team, new this, new that, Blah Blah Blah.

The new project is a MUSIC VIDEO. The new team is just me and Micah Miller. Click there to see his blog, and his version of this exact post. Anyway, so the video we're doing isn't exactly my FAVORITE song, but it's close. My (semi) favorite song, (I have a lot.) is "Hardware Store" from Weird Al Yankovic. Click the link to see the music video. It kinda makes me feel energetic and excited. It also gives me a strange, unquenchable desire to buy everything from ACE hardware and Home Depot combined... Jk Jk.

Plan part 1, Click to enlarge.

Plan part 2. Click to enlarge.

Anyway, onto the actual project. Our team, (And by that I mean me and Micah,) Decided (I forced him to) to pick "Just Eat It" By Weird Al Yankovic. We (I) chose this because I thought it would be easy and fun. I'll check up of that later... It may just actually be the hardest thing either one of us EVER DID. (May.) Plus, I LIKE FOOD. Also, it has a lot of weird lyrics that I thought we could visualize with a lot of different stuff. Our video is kinda gonna be a comedy, (sorta) With some stuff like me smashing Micah's face into a bowl of... Mush? Something. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Anyway, I got the better end of that deal. I am the smashER. not the smashEE. Why am I still talking about this? Whatever. The point is, It's a form of slapstick comedy.

There isn't really a story to "Just Eat It"; It's just kinda random, so we had to transfiddle the B-roll a little bit to figure it out. The story, now, is basically that there's always that ONE PERSON that eats AS SLOW AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE, preventing everyone else from proceeding to dessert. Micah is that person. Over time, however, he learns that what he's doing is bad, and he eats faster and stuff. Crazy story right?! At first, he's gonna eat REALLY slowly, and his company is asleep. Later, he wakes up, shoves micah's face into the bowl, and commence music. It's not violence, it's "Freely Expressing Discomfort".

New post in a few weeks,
-Linden