jasper-sci.com

I learned an interesting technique at college yesterday, which is hot desking. Now, this term is also used for several staff using the same PC’s at work, but in this case it means something completely different. Hoy desking in jazz terms comes from the theatre, where it is used to learn more about the character you are playing, and in song terms its used in much the same way.

What we did is this: First we sang the song through once, then my tutor and fellow students asked questions of the sing about what the song meant, when did we feel we were singing the song, where were we (environment wise) and such. After this discussion we then sang the song through a second time.

Well, when it was first explained I thought this sounded a bit ‘new age hippy’ but it really helps you understand your personal feelings about a song. It was also interesting how the singer’s performance each time was dramatically different second time through. In 99% of cases they added more emotion and feeling which really made each song vibrate.

I’m not sure if I can use this technique elsewhere in my life, but it will certainly help my performances.

Jasper ;o)

Hi friends,

Sorry its been years since my last post but I hope you think its been worth it. I have been on a CSS course and have utilised these new skills to revamp the the site. Please let me know exactly what you like/dislike so I can improve it.

Jasper ;o)

A few weeks ago I was asked to sing a couple of songs at a friends gig.  Well, Sunday night was the night and I had a great time.  I received some very positive feedback, just waiting now for the chance to do it again! Ok, well here is a photo of me during my performance.

Hi friends,

OK, the subject of my personal rant today is car insurance. Now for most people car insurance is just another bloody bill that needs to be paid, and its up to you what level and type you take. There is also the practicalities of finding a car that does everything you want with a price of insurance you can afford. Trust me when I say that these variables are nothing to those faced by use disabled folk.

Because I have an adapted van, to allow access for my chair, this pushes the price of insurance higher. Add to that a need currently to insure it for anyone over 25, you can see the £ signs flutter out your wallet so quickly it hurts. I am lucky enough to have five years no claims, but with such a vehicle I’m still coughing up over £1,300 a year. My broker has managed to get me this deal, but it has taken a lot of hard work on his part to get this amount even. My situation is far from unique and it fears me with dread how many others are struggling to cope with such a hefty amount themselves.

I have discussed this with my care agency, my broker and several other disabled people, and all think its too high. My own opinion is the current situation with car insurance for the disabled community borders on the discriminatory, but I fear the facts are grey and misty to define. As with many things disability orientated, those who supply these products and services point to either a small market base, or high risks. While these are a valid point, I feel at the moment they are using these as a monopoly to charge a greater amount to those who are in a position who can least afford it.

There are those in the industry though who are fair and proved quality services and products, and when I find them, I publicize them on my website,go take a look.

OK, enough, I’m off to batter some orcs in World of Warcraft…

Jasper ;o)

Well the gig was a resounding success and everyone enjoyed themselves. Funny thing is that I’ve been shattered since the gig, it must have been the nerves. A friend of mine has put a few of her songs up on the internet, and that has given me the idea to do the same with some of my songs. This will take some planning so consider this an intention with no timescale as yet.

Jasper ;o)

Well, I have my first real gig on Friday night, and to be brutally honest I need about another two weeks practice! Its not that I’m uncomfortable with getting up and singing, its just that a fair few of my friends will be in the audience for the first time, and it is that fact that is making me agitated. Oh well, Friday will come and go, and I will give 100% as always.

I must apologies to those of you who have visited waiting on updates, but I think this blogging thing will always be a hit and miss affair for me. Be assured though I will be getting better at it, just not as often as my brother.

I’m not sure about you, but this time of year always confuses me. The end of winter and the coming of spring seems to throw my body-clock into a tail spin and I end up freezing cold one minute, then boiling hot the other. I don’t know if this is due to my injury, or just my body getting older. Either way I’m finding the transition each year more annoying and frustrating. I would welcome any thoughts you, my friends have on the subject.

Jasper ;o)

Well I have been busy, and I hope you find the new look on my site an improvement. It is now fully using cascading style sheets in its design, and for those not in the know, this is the best way to get cross-browser compatibility.

I have been having a personal look at the way I sing, and have come to the conclusion that I need to put a but more effort into it. By nature those who know me will tell you just how lazy I can be, but I love singing, and am a bit annoyed with myself at how little I have put in. Enough, I’m going to turn over a new leaf starting with this post!

Jasper ;o)

OK, the honest bit first. This is a requested experiment, but I’m not sure this blog thing is going to work for me, but I’m intrigued. I’d be interested for your thoughts though if you thing writing a blog would be of interest about how I go about my daily life.

Oh, and please DON’T expect this blog to be a daily thing, I’ll start by doing it once a week.

Jasper ;o)