This beautiful graph, created from Stanford’s Palladio tool represents all the songs in the Record Task for “Group 7.” In this graph, we can see the student names EMMA PINDERA (myself), TYLER GRAHAM, and SZU CHUN WANG, the student names are all capitalized, and we can see the nodes connecting the names versus the ones that diverge from the norm.

Firstly, let’s analyze the number of nodes and find the songs that are missing from the Golden Record. There are only 18 nodes out of 27 possible songs on the record. The following songs are not represented in the graph:

1. Java, court gamelan, “Kinds of Flowers,” recorded by Robert Brown. 4:43
2. Zaire, Pygmy girls’ initiation song, recorded by Colin Turnbull. 0:56
3. New Guinea, men’s house song, recorded by Robert MacLennan. 1:20
4. Azerbaijan S.S.R., bagpipes, recorded by Radio Moscow. 2:30
5. Stravinsky, Rite of Spring, Sacrificial Dance, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Igor Stravinsky, conductor. 4:35
6. Bach, The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, Prelude and Fugue in C, No.1. Glenn Gould, piano. 4:48
7. Bulgaria, “Izlel je Delyo Hagdutin,” sung by Valya Balkanska. 4:59
8. Holborne, Paueans, Galliards, Almains and Other Short Aeirs, “The Fairie Round,” performed by David Munrow and the Early Music Consort of London. 1:17
9. Solomon Islands, panpipes, collected by the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Service. 1:12

In order to look at what songs unite us, as a group, we should also look at the 9 songs that we unanimously avoided. In order to get more insight as to why Tyler and Szu chose the songs they did, I read their blog entries.[1] In my blog entry, I stated that I wanted to focus most on a record that is diverse and represents the world’s many cultures. Whereas I noticed my classmates didn’t focus on a particular vision, rather they chose the songs that meant the most to them, or that they saw were important and valuable. In this case, why are the 9 tracks above unanimously deemed less valuable than the rest? Is it the bagpipes? Or did we unanimously agree that The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, Prelude and Fugue in C, No.1. was Bach’s worst composition? I am being facetious of course, but I think the question must be asked. What are the key factors that make us reject these tracks? The amount of classical songs included in the original record may have played a factor. In addition, trying to ensure that there was representation of music from all the continents before doubling up.

Secondly, let’s look at the songs that unanimously unite us. The following four tracks:

1. “Johnny B. Goode,” written and performed by Chuck Berry. 2:38
2. Beethoven, Fifth Symphony, First Movement, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer, conductor. 7:20
3. India, raga, “Jaat Kahan Ho,” sung by Surshri Kesar Bai Kerkar. 3:30
4. China, ch’in, “Flowing Streams,” performed by Kuan P’ing-hu. 7:37

In my blog post, I stated that I chose Johnny B Goode because of the popularity, message, and the revolution that is Rock and Roll. My classmate Tyler stated on his blog that he too, “love[s] rock and roll,” and references its use within the popular movie Back to the Future. The Beethoven Fifth Symphony was also unanimously chosen among us. I stated that this song makes me think of Fantasia, the musical Disney masterpiece in which it is featured. In comparison, Tyler references its similarity to the melody played during the movie Titanic (or perhaps he is referencing the historic event). I chose Jaat Kahan Ho because I think it is important to keep the capsule as multicultural as possible, and the amount of innovations and culture from India is immeasurable. To paraphrase, my classmate Tyler says he chose the Indian music because of its connection to George Harrison and the Beatles. Finally, Flowering Streams was chosen unanimously. Again, I chose it because of its reference to Chinese culture and my focus on being as multicultural as possible on the record. Tyler references the tones within the song the “microtones” which is distinctly Chinese.

Finally, I want to review the songs that are chosen only by one student in the group. These songs that “divide” us, or show our unique preferences. Out of all of the songs, I only had two that were only chosen by me out of the group, El Cascabel and Night Chant. As previously stated, I chose songs because “I wanted to ensure all voices were heard on this record.”[2] My focus is on diversity and accurately representing the diverse cultures on earth through our music. To compare Szu Chun Wang had 5 songs that she chose, I notice she has a better representation of classical music, so perhaps she believes that these elaborate compositions will be heard better by any alien life forms that hear this record. Tyler, like me, only had two songs that separated himself from the group, Dark was the Night and Morning Star Devil Bird. On his blog post, my interpretation is that he chose Dark was the Night because of the way they sound the “slide guitar” is “devastatingly beautiful” and Morning Star Devil Bird because the Indigenous music is so unique, which “speaks to the diversity of song that exists just on our planet.”[3] Perhaps what I find the most interesting, is that both Tyler and I chose Indigenous songs to be on the record for the reasons of being diverse and to show the diversity of music among cultures, however, we did choose different tracks.

My conclusion on the graph above is that there is far more that unites our choices than divides us. To generalize, we choose the songs to create a diverse selection, while also choosing songs that we recognize and mean something to us. We choose the tracks for their individual beauty and cultural importance. If aliens were to hear these tracks, I am unsure of how they would interpret them. As discussed on the podcast, it is difficult to know whether they will be able to “hear” at all, and if they do, will they hear only the high tones or the low tones? However, due to the wide variety of songs chosen by myself and my classmates, I am sure if the extraterrestrials do have any hearing they will be able to acquire some interpretation out of the record. Although these songs may be important to us, it will not necessarily have the same cultural or historical significance for our “new listeners.”

[1] NOTE: I had some trouble finding Szu Chun Wang’s Golden Record blog entry. I will add an edit to the above if I am able to gain access to her content, so I can add more context to the entry, instead of interpreting my own conclusions.

[2] Pindera, E. (2020). Golden Diversity. Retrieved from TECHNOLOGIES: THE CHANGING SPACES OF READING AND WRITING: https://blogs.ubc.ca/emmapindera/2020/07/03/golden-diversity/

[3] Graham, T. (2020). Golden Record. Retrieved from CECI N’EST PAS UN SITE: https://blogs.ubc.ca/monsieurgraham/golden-record/

What I appreciate most about the Voyager’s Golden Record is its focus on being multicultural. Therefore, when creating my compilation of 10 songs, I wanted to ensure I maintained that multicultural focus. I want to ensure that the Voyager shows all forms of music not just Eurocentric or with a Western Bias. I noticed that in the original there were 6 instances of classical music, 2 Bach, 2 Beethoven, 1 Stravinsky, and 1 Mozart. Now, perhaps I am uncultured, but I believe that 6 classical compositions from old white guys may not be the best way to show the variety of human life on earth today.

In the list below, I hope to explain my choices more thoroughly.

1. Mexico, “El Cascabel,” performed by Lorenzo Barcelata and the Mariachi México. This is the first song I want on my record because it is a great example of Latin music. It has a great rhythm that I can listen to and dance to. I have always enjoyed Zumba, which originated in Columbia and focuses heavily on music by South/Central American music.
2. “Johnny B. Goode,” written and performed by Chuck Berry. 2:38. Chuck Berry is a popular well-known African American singer in the late 50s. It has this focus on the south and the power of music to change lives. I also consider it one of the original Rock and Roll songs, which I think is important in order to show the range of music. Plus, on a personal note, I just love this song.
3. Japan, shakuhachi, “Tsuru No Sugomori” (“Crane’s Nest,”) performed by Goro Yamaguchi. 4:51. The beautiful whistle of the wind instrument here is incredibly breathtaking, reminding me of wind on a river. The nature of the “Crane’s Nest” and the connection of music with nature here is important. I think art is often created using nature as inspiration. Therefore, in keeping with the choices for diversity I have included this Japanese song.
4. Peru, panpipes, and drum, collected by Casa de la Cultura, Lima. 0:52. In my travels to South America, I have a great appreciation for Peruvian music. Therefore I have chosen the panpipes and drum, collected by Casa de la Cultura, Lima. This South American music sounds like it could have indigenous roots, and I want to ensure it is included in the record.
5. “Melancholy Blues,” performed by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Seven. 3:05. Blues descended from “camp meeting songs” from the “slavery period.” [1] This trumpet in this song is sorrowful and although there are no words, it encapsulates a period of time where self-expression and spiritual freedom was found through music.
6. Beethoven, Fifth Symphony, First Movement, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer, conductor. 7:20. In order to have one classical song to show the depth of music, I chose Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, First Movement. Not only do I love it because of the Disney Fantasia sketch, but I love it for the emotion within it. It is full of different sounds to mimic feelings. In addition, I wanted to ensure I had at least one disabled musician in the repertoire to mimic the diversity of humans on earth.
7. Navajo Indians, Night Chant, recorded by Willard Rhodes. 0:57. This mesmerizing chant has a fantastic rhythm and was created by the Navajo Nation. It is not made up of many instruments or complicated compositions, but its spirituality makes it an invaluable song to include on the record.

8. Peru, wedding song, recorded by John Cohen. 0:38. Although we have already included a song from Peru, I think this song is important to include because of its purpose. Songs are used at important events, including weddings, all over the world. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge and include that within the Golden Record.
9. China, ch’in, “Flowing Streams,” performed by Kuan P’ing-hu. 7:37. I can hear the string instruments in this song, it’s rhythm is slow, but the twang of the strings is clear and crisp. It evolves into this beautiful tune, which really makes me want to visit China.
10. India, raga, “Jaat Kahan Ho,” sung by Surshri Kesar Bai Kerkar. 3:30. India, like China, has a rich history and culture. I think it is important to include on the Golden Record. I may not understand the words of the song, but it sounds passionate and beautiful.

Similar to the original, my compilation wanted to highlight the diversity of our world. I wanted to amplify the voices of all those who may be victims of a capitalist, racist, colonialist world. Music has a way of unifying us.  Throughout all these cultures there is music. The songs may sound different, but the fact that everywhere there is music and art is an incredibly humbling and fulfilling thought. I want to clarify that I am not choosing diversity for the sake of it, rather I wanted to represent everyone in our world. The mere population within India, Japan, and China should entitle them to at least one song from their cultures. Furthermore, those with a smaller population are still equally entitled like those of the Navajo Nation. I wanted to ensure all voices were heard on this record.

[1] Hatch, D., & Millward, S. (1987). From blues to rock: An analytical history of pop music. Manchester University Press.

This 10 min video was created to elaborate on my original introduction of what is in my bag.

I took my original post, and changed it to a video using Camtasia. This video was not scripted, as I wanted to ensure I did not recreate the exact same post. Instead, I wanted to describe the bag again in a new way.

I first recorded my voice discussing the same image of my bag. Next, I wanted to add to the experience by ensuring that the same image could be viewed while listening. I ensured I added some helpful zoom-ins and other media to improve the visuals.

Over the past 10 years, there has been a significant “emoji-boom” as emojis were implemented on many widely used cell-phones and systems. Even before the official emoji was created, instant messaging and texting would include emoticons to get your message across. 🙂 😛 :/ . These colon faces are used to add a tone to a text, similar to emojis.

Below, you can review the emoji synopsis of a well-known script/novel. Please review, and comment below if you recognize it.

I relied on both the symbols and the words to interpret the script. I used unicorn to symbolize majestic, instead of meaning “unicorn.” Each character is symbolized by different emojis as well, and I tried my best to make it clear, without giving away any character names. I chose to start with the title because it gives people the clearest chance to try and guess what it is. With this being said, unlike “Blade Runner” my title was extremely complex to create using emojis. I tried to simplify it as much as I could, but, with long titles with fictional words and names, it posed a challenge.

I did not waste too much time debating on which work to choose. I knew for a while that I wanted to choose a piece of work I am familiar with. Furthermore, because this is a piece of work I am rereading at the moment it is fresh in my mind. It is a work I am very familiar with and had a good idea of how I wanted to capture it using emojis.

Every workplace needs some kind of compliance where it comes with ethics, violence and harassment.

Please review the scenarios to be compliant with The Company’s (fictitious company) policies.

Zipped HTML file: Ethics and Compliance Scenario

This is my diary, a Harry Potter, Slytherin House journal that I try to write in on a weekly basis. This specific journal entry as well as the other entries, describe the events going on in my life and my reflection. It gives me the opportunity to reflect on my week, and what my plans are going forward. I have kept a journal on and off since I was 6 years old. For a fun comparison, I have also attached an image of one of my childhood journal entries circa 2004, age 10.

Normally, on a day to day basis, the convenience of typing and texting is immeasurable. I type more often than I manually write. This is because there are far more opportunities to text and type than there are to write manually. When I was completing my undergraduate degree, I slowly changed from wanting to write everything in notebooks, to typing everything into OneNote. I was so happy to have all my notes all organized in one space, and include all my links to all my readings.

There are no notifications when you are writing manually. Therefore, you can be easily distracted when completing notes online. However, the ease of having notes organized on the cloud helped me write papers, study for tests, and stay organized on a daily basis.

When I make a mistake during manual writing, I typically cross it out and continue. However, for diary entries I usually just go with it. The purpose of the diary is to write down my thoughts. I rarely reference it later. It is a way for me to externalize all of my thoughts and to-dos. It is the brainstorming before the actual planning begins. For me, diaries and journals provide a way to verbalize your thoughts. Without them, you may feel stress, worry, or concern but be unable to figure out where these feelings originate from.

If I had typed this journal entry, I would have had spelling and grammar checkers picking apart my every word. In addition, I would have had a word counter, so I wouldn’t need to manually count to ensure I had written enough. However, with writing manually, I can enjoy the luxury of just continuing my tangent, without the need to go back and re-write. I noticed at the end of writing my entry, my hand hurt in that familiar way, reminding me of English exams. If you have ever manually written essays during an exam, you know the feeling.

The significant difference between writing by hand and mechanized forms of writing, is not just the process, but how it is used later. The convenience of computers and the cloud allow you to pull up notes, emails, documents, and so on easily. I have all my notes and tasks for this class saved in my OneDrive and can review them at my leisure. In addition, you can easily search online journals, for specific entries. For mechanized writing, there is a “paper trail.” There is a general warning message to be careful what you share online and how you use your words in mechanized communications. Therefore, in some ways there is a permanence and publicity to mechanized writing that doesn’t exist in manual.

In contrast, writing manually, to me, means you are verbalizing your thoughts, with the expectation that you may never read it again. With this being said, I can’t help but think of cards, letters, and postcards. I have saved many handwritten messages throughout the years. I can’t help but to compare these saved handwritten messages to emails. I would not save an email the same way I might frame a postcard or hang a card on my fridge. There is a sentimentality to the written word, and it shows a greater level of thought and effort being put into the message. In conclusion, there is a lasting power in manual writing because it is used for private, thoughtful, and emotive purposes, especially in the cases of diaries, letters, cards, and postcards.

My Rev.com experience shaped how I approached this challenge. Has anyone else spent any time on Rev.com? It is a site that gives people minimal amount of money to edit generated “Speech to Text.” I have made only about $30 before I stopped, the time spent trying to correct generated speech to text was not worth it.

In this challenge, I wanted to share the story of my travels to Ecuador, attached is the generated Speech to Text  result.

The text deviates very far from the conventions of written English, there is no formatting, and the entire story is missed. My favorite mistakes were:

• Quito to “Keatings”
• “highs and the lows” to “high school bowls”
• “approximately 20 hours of travel” to “proximately 2020 hours of troubled”
• “Equator” to “Quakers”
• “Or the kind of equivalent” to “a Buddy Kenneth of the quibble it”
• “Guest house within their…” to “gets tense week that bear”
• Teña to  Kenya
• “Um, no wifi, no nothing” to “bomb life I know nothing”

Overall, the text is illegible. For the sake of comparison, here is the audio used:

There were not many areas that turned out “right” but I was surprised that near the end, it captured the city Quito correctly. In addition, there were a few lines that were generated almost verbatim “of course there were cars back logged on the other side as well and that the very last..” and “do to make its satellite phone or something so that way if there was any issues during these periods of time that they’ve got to be able to contact somebody.”

I think the biggest learning lessons here is that I need to enunciate all of my words clearly and precisely. Another learning lesson, is that audio and speech to text will always turn out better when you have a script. This has always been my experience, and it is very difficult to enunciate clearly and tell a story, and keep on time, without one.

If I had scripted the story, the words may have come out clearer. I also would have created the transcript/captions differently because I already had created a script in which I can use. The script would have been formatted correctly, in full sentences. However, there would have been less laughs along the way, I’m sorry but, “bomb life I know nothing” is pure gold.

Oral story-telling is not scripted, therefore, in many ways it is imperfect and can be changed according to the story-teller. However, I like to think of oral story-telling as alive. There is the ability for it to fluctuate between teller to teller (if there is no written copy), but it gives the opportunity for people to share their own feelings and passions. Each story-teller can emphasize the details that are important to them, and listeners can feel the heart in the story. If my travel companion were to tell this story, it would have come out completely different. She was there for all of these experiences, however, her experience may have been completely different from mine.