Guns N Roses @ MindSay 
The results are in...
...and they are fabulous!! 
*****Be forewarned, semi-long post ahead!****
My speech went fucking great! Sorry I didn't record it, but I couldn't find my battery charger for my camera. But yeah, I did awesome! The class loved it, and I got a 90% A!! ^_^
I thought it was bullshit that she took off points for not citing my sources within my speech, though. I did cite them all, but her issue was that I "didn't name them specifically". Like, I said, "Slash wrote in his book that blah blah." And I should have said, "Slash wrote in his book [insert title] that blah blah." That I can see, but I swear I named everything else to the letter: the TV interview, the magazine interview, and Axl's quoted testimonial to a concert audience. So I really thought it was bullshit that she wouldn't give me the points, but whatever, I made an A, so I wasn't that motivated to argue.
Regardless of my lost points, I thought I did fantastic, especially in comparison to my first speech that I did in her class. I talk faster when I'm nervous, which I was both times, and I only made a minute and 30 seconds on my last speech, which was supposed to be three minutes. This time the limit was between 4:30 and 7:30, and I made 5:20. Much awesomeness.
I'm glad I went absolute last, contrary to what most people would recommend. I learned by watching everyone else's speech what to do and what not to do, so I had time to make improvements by the time it was my turn. That, and being last today meant I left the last impression on everybody, which is really cool cuz it's exactly what I wanted. I admit it, I wanted to be the best one, and thusly go last. :p
I made them all laugh because when I first got up, I started hopping around and dancing. I told Mrs. Rockenshou, "If I think my heart's racing because I just exercised, then I won't know it's because I'm nervous, and I'll do better." Everybody laughed, and she just gave me this strange look and said, "Ookaaay... I've never heard that one before. That's a new one. All right, go ahead." From way in the back I heard someone say, "I wish I'd thought of that!" :p
There was some truth to what I said, but really this was the deal: I knew for a fact that if I got up there and just stood, especially waiting for her to introduce me and say start, I was going to focus solely on my racing heart, and I was gonna freak out. I would be staring at the ground, my voice would be shaking, and I would be just like all the other people that freaked out and forgot everything they wanted to say. I was NOT about to have that. I had worked too hard, I knew the material too well, I LIKED the material too much to let myself blank out like that. So God damn it all, I was gonna dance. =P
And apparently I did dance, the whole time I was up there! Last time, Mrs. Rockenshou took off points because I kept my arms behind my back the whole time. This time I didn't keep them there, I used them to make gestures and emphasize my points. I knew I was moving the whole time, but I didn't realize I was swinging my arms when I wasn't using them. So she took off points for me not keeping my arms at my sides when I wasn't using them. What can I say, I can't keep still when I talk. That's not only boring, it's impossible. lol
There's this dude named Will that sits in the front row, and he's part of the reason I kept my nerve today. See, the thing about me (that some of you may already know) is I love to tell a story, and if it's a good story, I don't mind telling it to a group of people. But something about being up in front of the room freaks me out. I guess being told to speak is different for me than speaking spontaneously at my own discretion. I get nervous when I know people are expecting me to speak. I don't know how else to explain it. Anyway, one thing she took points off for last time was that I didn't make eye contact. I kept looking at the floor. So this time, I tried to fix that. At first I had imagined that my story characters I created were there in the empty seats, cheering me on, so I'd have something familiar to "make eye contact" with.
I started out doing that for a few seconds, but then I noticed Will. He, like everyone else, was focused on me, but he appeared truly interested and eager to hear what I had to say. So for a minute, I talked toward him, getting into my speech and once again excited about what I was saying. After that I glanced toward where my "people" were sitting, but when I did that, I noticed the rest of the class had the same look as Will -- excited and entertained, waiting to hear what I would say next. I was still nervous, but that right there reassured me that I was doing fine, and it gave me the confidence to go on. From that point on, I was ok with doing my jokes, my gestures, even my Axl impersonation. I was entertaining them, and I wanted to make them laugh instead of being laughed at. So I kept it up, and it paid off. They loved it. And I will forever love Will for sitting in the front row and caring about what I had to say. :)
I went to my next class after that, and since I was still in talk-mode, I contributed to the class discussion a little bit. Of course, it helped that we were talking about stuff that interested me and that I had shit to say about, but still. More talkative than I would have normally been, even with shit to say. I was on an adrenaline high. It was great. ^_^
After that, I went meet Daddy at his high school because one of his students had brought Rock Band for the class to play. So far I'd only played the demo on a horribly lagged TV at Best Buy, so my opinion of the game wasn't very good. I wanted to give it a proper chance, so I went to Daddy's office to play it.
As far as the guitar playing goes, I enjoyed it. I finally got to where I was mostly comfortable with the Stratocaster controller, but I really prefer the Les Paul that GH3 uses. So if/when I do get the game, I'll probably use my Les Paul more. The drums weren't there, but I had played the drum set before and it was pretty fun. I didn't sing, so I can't report on that, but I'll give that a shot at some point, when the opportunity presents itself. All in all, a fun game that I plan on getting eventually, but not top priority on my must-have games list. I'll probably wait and get it when it comes out on the Wii, otherwise I couldn't use my Les Paul.
Also, I couldn't figure out those fricking "finger tap" buttons way down near the strum bar. I tried using them during a solo, and it didn't do shit, so I just went back to the regular buttons. Maybe I was doing it wrong. I probably was doing it wrong. But oh well.
Anyways, I'm gonna go eat and maybe play some Guitar Hero, since it's too cold and semi-rainy to ride my bike today. Well, actually now the sun is out, but somehow I don't think that means it's warm enough to go ride, even with a jacket and gloves. I'll check, but I doubt it.
I'll see you guys later!! =D
~G~
*****Be forewarned, semi-long post ahead!****
My speech went fucking great! Sorry I didn't record it, but I couldn't find my battery charger for my camera. But yeah, I did awesome! The class loved it, and I got a 90% A!! ^_^
I thought it was bullshit that she took off points for not citing my sources within my speech, though. I did cite them all, but her issue was that I "didn't name them specifically". Like, I said, "Slash wrote in his book that blah blah." And I should have said, "Slash wrote in his book [insert title] that blah blah." That I can see, but I swear I named everything else to the letter: the TV interview, the magazine interview, and Axl's quoted testimonial to a concert audience. So I really thought it was bullshit that she wouldn't give me the points, but whatever, I made an A, so I wasn't that motivated to argue.
Regardless of my lost points, I thought I did fantastic, especially in comparison to my first speech that I did in her class. I talk faster when I'm nervous, which I was both times, and I only made a minute and 30 seconds on my last speech, which was supposed to be three minutes. This time the limit was between 4:30 and 7:30, and I made 5:20. Much awesomeness.
I'm glad I went absolute last, contrary to what most people would recommend. I learned by watching everyone else's speech what to do and what not to do, so I had time to make improvements by the time it was my turn. That, and being last today meant I left the last impression on everybody, which is really cool cuz it's exactly what I wanted. I admit it, I wanted to be the best one, and thusly go last. :p
I made them all laugh because when I first got up, I started hopping around and dancing. I told Mrs. Rockenshou, "If I think my heart's racing because I just exercised, then I won't know it's because I'm nervous, and I'll do better." Everybody laughed, and she just gave me this strange look and said, "Ookaaay... I've never heard that one before. That's a new one. All right, go ahead." From way in the back I heard someone say, "I wish I'd thought of that!" :p
There was some truth to what I said, but really this was the deal: I knew for a fact that if I got up there and just stood, especially waiting for her to introduce me and say start, I was going to focus solely on my racing heart, and I was gonna freak out. I would be staring at the ground, my voice would be shaking, and I would be just like all the other people that freaked out and forgot everything they wanted to say. I was NOT about to have that. I had worked too hard, I knew the material too well, I LIKED the material too much to let myself blank out like that. So God damn it all, I was gonna dance. =P
And apparently I did dance, the whole time I was up there! Last time, Mrs. Rockenshou took off points because I kept my arms behind my back the whole time. This time I didn't keep them there, I used them to make gestures and emphasize my points. I knew I was moving the whole time, but I didn't realize I was swinging my arms when I wasn't using them. So she took off points for me not keeping my arms at my sides when I wasn't using them. What can I say, I can't keep still when I talk. That's not only boring, it's impossible. lol
There's this dude named Will that sits in the front row, and he's part of the reason I kept my nerve today. See, the thing about me (that some of you may already know) is I love to tell a story, and if it's a good story, I don't mind telling it to a group of people. But something about being up in front of the room freaks me out. I guess being told to speak is different for me than speaking spontaneously at my own discretion. I get nervous when I know people are expecting me to speak. I don't know how else to explain it. Anyway, one thing she took points off for last time was that I didn't make eye contact. I kept looking at the floor. So this time, I tried to fix that. At first I had imagined that my story characters I created were there in the empty seats, cheering me on, so I'd have something familiar to "make eye contact" with.
I started out doing that for a few seconds, but then I noticed Will. He, like everyone else, was focused on me, but he appeared truly interested and eager to hear what I had to say. So for a minute, I talked toward him, getting into my speech and once again excited about what I was saying. After that I glanced toward where my "people" were sitting, but when I did that, I noticed the rest of the class had the same look as Will -- excited and entertained, waiting to hear what I would say next. I was still nervous, but that right there reassured me that I was doing fine, and it gave me the confidence to go on. From that point on, I was ok with doing my jokes, my gestures, even my Axl impersonation. I was entertaining them, and I wanted to make them laugh instead of being laughed at. So I kept it up, and it paid off. They loved it. And I will forever love Will for sitting in the front row and caring about what I had to say. :)
I went to my next class after that, and since I was still in talk-mode, I contributed to the class discussion a little bit. Of course, it helped that we were talking about stuff that interested me and that I had shit to say about, but still. More talkative than I would have normally been, even with shit to say. I was on an adrenaline high. It was great. ^_^
After that, I went meet Daddy at his high school because one of his students had brought Rock Band for the class to play. So far I'd only played the demo on a horribly lagged TV at Best Buy, so my opinion of the game wasn't very good. I wanted to give it a proper chance, so I went to Daddy's office to play it.
As far as the guitar playing goes, I enjoyed it. I finally got to where I was mostly comfortable with the Stratocaster controller, but I really prefer the Les Paul that GH3 uses. So if/when I do get the game, I'll probably use my Les Paul more. The drums weren't there, but I had played the drum set before and it was pretty fun. I didn't sing, so I can't report on that, but I'll give that a shot at some point, when the opportunity presents itself. All in all, a fun game that I plan on getting eventually, but not top priority on my must-have games list. I'll probably wait and get it when it comes out on the Wii, otherwise I couldn't use my Les Paul.
Also, I couldn't figure out those fricking "finger tap" buttons way down near the strum bar. I tried using them during a solo, and it didn't do shit, so I just went back to the regular buttons. Maybe I was doing it wrong. I probably was doing it wrong. But oh well.
Anyways, I'm gonna go eat and maybe play some Guitar Hero, since it's too cold and semi-rainy to ride my bike today. Well, actually now the sun is out, but somehow I don't think that means it's warm enough to go ride, even with a jacket and gloves. I'll check, but I doubt it.
I'll see you guys later!! =D
~G~
Speech Outline
*****This is NOT the entire speech, just the outline that my thoughts will stem outward from*****
INTRODUCTION
(1) Think for a moment what your favorite kind of music is. Myself, I like a little bit of everything, but mostly I’m into rock, metal, and all that sort of thing. One of my favorite groups right now is the original Guns N’ Roses.
(2) Today I’m going to inform you about three of their most famous songs, and the story about how they were written.
BODY
T.S. - In my opinion, some of the best songs ever written are the ones that happen by accident.
I. A great example of this is the first song I’m going to tell you about, “Sweet Child O’Mine”.
A. The song itself came from a combination of Slash goofing around on his guitar and a poem Axl Rose had written for his girlfriend.
B. Their producer liked the song, but he told them it needed to be longer, and that they should add a breakdown section.
T.S. - Some songs go through one or two revisions before the lyrics sound just right.
II. This was definitely the case with the next song I’m going to talk about, “Paradise City.”
A. Axl has said, “The verses are more about being in the jungle; the chorus is like being back in the Midwest or somewhere.”
B. Slash originally had an alternate take on the song’s chorus.
C. Slash has said that this is his favorite Guns N’ Roses song.
T.S. - Now we’re getting to my favorite Guns N’ Roses song.
III. The last song I want to talk about today is “Welcome to the Jungle”.
A. Axl Rose, originally from Seattle, WA, wrote the song about how the much bigger city of L.A. looked from his viewpoint.
B. The line Axl shouts in the breakdown section was inspired by an incident he and a friend had while hitchhiking through Queens, NY.
****At this point in my speech, I will describe the incident, which involves me shouting my best Axl Rose impersonation****
T.S. - Now that I’ve made a complete fool out of myself, I’m going to wrap this up.
CONCLUSION
(1) Today I’ve informed you about the story behind the three most famous Guns N’ Roses songs.
(2) I feel that knowing the story behind how your favorite song was written makes it much more enjoyable and meaningful when you listen to it. I think that no matter what kind of music you listen to, that’s one thing we could all agree on.
*******************************
So whaddya think?
~G~
INTRODUCTION
(1) Think for a moment what your favorite kind of music is. Myself, I like a little bit of everything, but mostly I’m into rock, metal, and all that sort of thing. One of my favorite groups right now is the original Guns N’ Roses.
(2) Today I’m going to inform you about three of their most famous songs, and the story about how they were written.
BODY
T.S. - In my opinion, some of the best songs ever written are the ones that happen by accident.
I. A great example of this is the first song I’m going to tell you about, “Sweet Child O’Mine”.
A. The song itself came from a combination of Slash goofing around on his guitar and a poem Axl Rose had written for his girlfriend.
B. Their producer liked the song, but he told them it needed to be longer, and that they should add a breakdown section.
T.S. - Some songs go through one or two revisions before the lyrics sound just right.
II. This was definitely the case with the next song I’m going to talk about, “Paradise City.”
A. Axl has said, “The verses are more about being in the jungle; the chorus is like being back in the Midwest or somewhere.”
B. Slash originally had an alternate take on the song’s chorus.
C. Slash has said that this is his favorite Guns N’ Roses song.
T.S. - Now we’re getting to my favorite Guns N’ Roses song.
III. The last song I want to talk about today is “Welcome to the Jungle”.
A. Axl Rose, originally from Seattle, WA, wrote the song about how the much bigger city of L.A. looked from his viewpoint.
B. The line Axl shouts in the breakdown section was inspired by an incident he and a friend had while hitchhiking through Queens, NY.
****At this point in my speech, I will describe the incident, which involves me shouting my best Axl Rose impersonation****
T.S. - Now that I’ve made a complete fool out of myself, I’m going to wrap this up.
CONCLUSION
(1) Today I’ve informed you about the story behind the three most famous Guns N’ Roses songs.
(2) I feel that knowing the story behind how your favorite song was written makes it much more enjoyable and meaningful when you listen to it. I think that no matter what kind of music you listen to, that’s one thing we could all agree on.
*******************************
So whaddya think?
~G~
Faster than a speeding bullet!!
Teacher not there today, speech postponed until Friday, still freaking out but not quite as bad, not gonna dress like Slash for lack of top hat and wig, still perfecting Axl impersonation, gotta leave now or I'll be late for work.
Byyyyyee!!!!! *whoosh*
~G~
Byyyyyee!!!!! *whoosh*
~G~
And I swear that I don't have a gun.
Anybody guess what song I have stuck in my head today? 
So I have to give an informative speech this week in my Communication Studies class. After much deliberation, I have decided my speech will be about Guns N' Roses three most famous songs and the story behind each one's creation. I will post an outline on here when I have it finished.
I plan on dressing, to the best of my abilities/resources, like Slash when I present my speech. I can use clothes I already have, and I bought the sunglasses last week. Now I just need a wig and a top hat. =P (I do have an electric guitar somewhat at my disposal, but I don't think I'll bring it, because I can't play at all. It would be useless to be holding it the whole time if I didn't know how to use it.)
If I have the balls to record myself giving my speech, I'll post it on here. I HATE watching/hearing myself on videos, but I give you my word that if I do record it, I'll post it. Don't get your hopes up too high, though. lol
Though I am comforted by the fact that I actually know the material I plan on presenting and am not likely to forget it, I am nervous as all hell. I hate public speaking. Of course, who doesn't? But I'm one of those that, if I let myself get worked up enough, I get those weird jitters. You know, the ones where you're not really laughing, crying, or shaking, but somehow you feel like you're doing all three at once? Yeah, that.
Thankfully, this time I think I'll be ok. I just...need to work on my Axl impersonation. Singing...shrieking...squeaking...sounding like a stoned chipmunk...Great, now I'm nervous again. -_-
Bah. I'll be fine. Sure wish my teacher would let me keep the sunglasses on during my whole speech, though. Of course I'm not even going to ask, I know the answer already. But perhaps I can just leave my real glasses off after I take off the sunglasses, that way I won't see anybody's face. Yeah, that might work. :p
Anyway, wow, this turned into a longer entry than I thought it would. And now it must end, for lunch is ready, and then I have to leave for work.
See ya!
~G~
P.S. -- My brother (and I, somewhat) decided that sunglasses are now "sun-jays". Spread the word, this will be the new hip slang around the world. Or not. Either way, that's what we're calling them. :p (Don't ask why, just smile and nod.)
So I have to give an informative speech this week in my Communication Studies class. After much deliberation, I have decided my speech will be about Guns N' Roses three most famous songs and the story behind each one's creation. I will post an outline on here when I have it finished.
I plan on dressing, to the best of my abilities/resources, like Slash when I present my speech. I can use clothes I already have, and I bought the sunglasses last week. Now I just need a wig and a top hat. =P (I do have an electric guitar somewhat at my disposal, but I don't think I'll bring it, because I can't play at all. It would be useless to be holding it the whole time if I didn't know how to use it.)
If I have the balls to record myself giving my speech, I'll post it on here. I HATE watching/hearing myself on videos, but I give you my word that if I do record it, I'll post it. Don't get your hopes up too high, though. lol
Though I am comforted by the fact that I actually know the material I plan on presenting and am not likely to forget it, I am nervous as all hell. I hate public speaking. Of course, who doesn't? But I'm one of those that, if I let myself get worked up enough, I get those weird jitters. You know, the ones where you're not really laughing, crying, or shaking, but somehow you feel like you're doing all three at once? Yeah, that.
Thankfully, this time I think I'll be ok. I just...need to work on my Axl impersonation. Singing...shrieking...squeaking...sounding like a stoned chipmunk...Great, now I'm nervous again. -_-
Bah. I'll be fine. Sure wish my teacher would let me keep the sunglasses on during my whole speech, though. Of course I'm not even going to ask, I know the answer already. But perhaps I can just leave my real glasses off after I take off the sunglasses, that way I won't see anybody's face. Yeah, that might work. :p
Anyway, wow, this turned into a longer entry than I thought it would. And now it must end, for lunch is ready, and then I have to leave for work.
See ya!
~G~
P.S. -- My brother (and I, somewhat) decided that sunglasses are now "sun-jays". Spread the word, this will be the new hip slang around the world. Or not. Either way, that's what we're calling them. :p (Don't ask why, just smile and nod.)
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