Tubular Videos #4

Here are my current favorite videos.  There are some fabulously inspirational gems here!!  For my educational followers, most of these could certainly be used in the classroom.  For everyone, each video offers its own meaningful message and entertainment value.

This is SOOOO GOOD!!  It visually illustrates a philosophy I truly believe in and try to follow – live in the moment!!  To live in the moment means to appreciate the here and now while not dwelling over the past nor anxiously worrying about the future.  Living in the moment means being truly present with what is going on around us presently.   Here is an invitation to be nourished by what each moment of our lives brings us:

(thank you to Michele Bueston for sharing this video)

This dance troupe is amazing.  As a former stage performer and current basement dancer (ah . . . if only the fly on the wall could talk!), I wholeheartedly appreciate this group’s feats →

When my daughter was little, I used to keep a bulletin board in our garage on which I’d post newspaper/journal/magazine articles of “good” things happening in the world.  This would definitely be something I would post; it’s a reminder of the sincere goodness within humankind.  About midway through the video, you’ll know what I’m talkig about.   It will make you smile →

I opened my speech class with this one day . . . after the goosebumps subsided, the students were inspired to begin composing their own presentations. →

If you are a fan of The Office and you are a teacher, you will truly appreciate this.  This is a funny parody on teaching technology in the classroom!! →

(thank you to Larry Ferlazzo for sharing this)

Speaking of teaching, here are The Top Ten Things They Don’t Teach you About Teaching.  These hit home!!! →

Conan’s farewell speech . . . an inspirational class act all the way! →

This is a little bit older but still just as relevantly inspiring . . . how one man traded a red paper clip for a house →

Not only are the pictures breathtaking, but the communication between this man and carnivore sea beast is fascinating →

Okay, I have to end with a just-for-fun one.  My daughter sent me this link . . . she knows I’m a hopeless romantic.  I have to admit, this is a SWEET video that will make you smile from ear to ear! If you haven’t seen this yet, you just may want to →

I have so many more videos I want to share . . . ’til next time!  GG

For more of GG’s favorite videos: Tubular Videos , Tubular Too, and More Tubular Videos

Share on Facebook

January New Year Cardio Playlist

Check out the New 2012 Playlist here:  New 2012 Cardio Playlist!!!

Check out the 2011 Cardio Playlist here:  New 2011 Cardio Playlist!!!

It’s a new year in a new decade!!  It’s a time for renewing, trying new adventures and reaching new goals.  A motivating soundtrack to accompany the journey is not only a perk but a necessity along the way.  Here is Grading Girl’s FIRST cardio playlist of the decade!  Jumpstart those resolutions, charge those MP3s and get moving!!!

“Ring-a-Ling” by Black-Eyed Peas . . . a perfectly moderate tempo to ring in the new workouts

“Let Me Think About It” (Radio Edit) by Ida Corr vs. Feddie Le Grand . . . very infectious!!

“In My Arms” (Kaskade Radio Edit) by Plumb . . . It is as if I wrote this song!!  The lyrics hit home hard!  This faster, remixed version really gives the song an extra positive vibe.  It will make you step higher on the treadmil.

“Cho Dongho: The Ting Tings: That’s Not My Name” . . . I have two different versions of this song on previous playlists.  This group is nominated for Best New Artist this year with good reason.  Their upbeat songs are good, clean fun! Find this version for free on VSHolic – Victoria’s Secret supermodels strutted to this on the runway during last year’s fashion show.

“Untouched” (Listen Deep Remix) by The Veronicas . . . Just when you are starting to tire, this song’s tune makes you keep stepping!!

“Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon . . . This is the lesser-known, solid song by this band.  Try it – you’ll like it!

“Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon . . . Blends seamlessly with the previous song, and a perfect one to start your slowdown.  This song is rightfully nominated for this year’s Record of the Year.

“Dream” by Priscilla Ahn . . . a sweet song to end with.  Wonderful!!!!!

***If your workouts are longer than this list allows, try filling in the time with songs from the two Glee soundtracks.  Dare I say many are more fun versions than the originals?!?  You will undoubtedly feel happier listening to these songs – just be careful, you may find yourself singing along!!!

Share on Facebook

December Christmas Cardio Playlist

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!  It’s hard to be in a bad mood this month ~ I’m excited I can officially play the holiday playlist on my IPod.  To get in the holiday spirit, even on the winding treadmill, here’s seasonal music guaranteed to make your workout jollier.  This playlist serves as a nice break from the usual Top 40 tunes.  It was hard for me to narrow down this list!  I’ve included a balance of old classics, newer releases, and unique remixes to keep boredom at bay. Enjoy!

White Is In the Winter Night by Enya . . . a beautiful, happy, new modern classic and a perfect beginning to warm you up.

Jingle Bells (Robbie Hardkiss Remix) by Duke Ellington . . . this is the jazziest version of “Jingle Bells” I’ve ever heard!  I couldn’t find a decent video for this one; but, trust me, this one is definitely treadmill (and dance floor) worthy.  You can listen to a portion of it HERE. (remember, Duke Ellington version, not Nat King Cole’s)

Deck the Rooftop by Glee Cast . . . Fun and more fun!!

 

Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses . . . perfect beat for stepping/running and fun, fun storyline with a happy ending – what more do you need?!

All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey (the original) . . . a holiday playlist would not be complete without including this song.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by the John Mellencamp . . . my favorite version of this song!

I Saw Three Ships by Sting . . . such an awesome, awesome song.  Gotta love Sting!!

Joy to the World by Mannheim Steamrollers . . . I’ve always wanted to choreograph a large group dance to this.  After my success with my school’s flash mob, I just may do that!! (if you prefer, choose Mariah Carey’s Joy to the World instead – it was a toss up for me with this song!)

White Christmas (Ken Andrews Remix) by Bing Crosby . . . this unique version is electrified for moving.  It’s the middle of your workout; you need the pick-me-up.  No video for this one either . . . I found mine on ITunes.  You can listen to a portion of it HERE.

Sleigh Ride by Johnny Mathis . . . this classic (to offset the preceeding remix) makes me all warm and fuzzy, think of Grandma & Grandpa, and recall Christmases past!  This brings back that magical Christmas feeling!

Maybe This Christmas by Ron Sexsmith . . . I originally heard this on an old favorite show, The O.C.  The lyrics are beautiful . . . a soothing cooldown.

Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) by Trans-Siberian Orchestra . . . compilation worthy of goosebumps and inspiring cool downs. (double click to watch on YouTube)

Your email:

 

Share on Facebook

More Tubular Videos

I’m in the mood for videos lately.  I sometimes use videos as an opening or closing to class, as an enhancement to a lesson, and – of course – as my own edutainment tool.  Here are the most recent videos I’ve favorited.  Enjoy ~

This is sooooo adorable – a commercial to promote the love of reading fund.  Teachers, students and all other humans everywhere will appreciate this. ~

Will Smith is one of my favorites.  This video just adds to the reasons I like him.    Show this to students for reading inspiration. ~

Thank you to a colleague at another school in my district for this video that helps put the college application process in perspective.  Show this to juniors and seniors! ~

Another inspirational video for anyone who’s in a slump! ~

Thank you to Larryferlazzo for tweeting this.  There’s so many ways you can use this . . . in film class, as an ESL supplement, etc.  This is fabulous just to watch on its own!!! ~

Wow!!  I was in 5th grade the very first time I read The Diary of Anne Frank when my mother bought me the book.  I’ve been fascinated by her story ever since . . . this is a gem of a video. ~

This reinforces my belief that activities are more apt to be successful if they are fun.  I take the stairs over escalators EVERY time (ask anyone who’s been out with me.)  We NEED this in America!! ~

***********************************************************************************************************************

Completely and solely and utterly just-for-fun videos!!!

It pays to follow a few celebrities on Twitter.  This one was tweeted by Rainn Wilson.  Soooo funny!!

 

You may have seen this one already but it is adorably hysterical.  Watch his little legs kick to the song.  He’s really concentrating!!

 

Speaking of Put A Ring on It, this is a hysterical scene from my favorite new show, Glee!

Share on Facebook

November Cardio Playlist

This month I’m inspired by music that makes me want to jump off the cardio machines – and not because I’m sweating bullets but because I want to dance around the gym.  These are the songs that keep me in my “zones” to burn the right calories.  If you could hear the music coming out of my earbuds, this is what would be playing:

 

 

“She Wolf” by Shakira ~ A power song for the girls . . . to kick start the 30 – 45 minute stretch!

“Say Hey, I Love You” by Michael Franti ~ I want to hug everyone I care about when I hear this!!

“Bad Romance” by Lady GaGa ~ A fun song!

“Sexy Bitch” by David Guetta ~ As a fan of remixes, I’m a big fan of this re-mixer!

“Love Story Meets Viva La Vida” by Jon Schmidt ~ Yes, this is instrumental but it’s upbeat and serves as a pleasing reprieve from the beats of the previous songs . . . I can’t help but be in a good mood listening to this.

“Meet Me Halfway” by Black Eyed Peas ~ This keeps me motivated at the halfway point of my workout.

“Starry Eyed Surprise” by Paul Oakenfold ~ A favorite D.J.!  This is a little older but a great, happy goodie!

“Young Hearts Run Free” by Kym Mazelle ~ from the Romeo & Juliet soundtrack . . . if you can erase from your head the hysterical scene this song accompanies, the tune will keep your heart singing instead of panting.

“Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry (Manhattan Clique Remix) ~ I liked this song from the start, and the remix keeps it fresh!

“Forever” by Chris Brown ~ This makes me think of that Wedding Fun video on YouTube.  The video makes me laugh hysterically so this song makes me gleeful . . . a pleasing end to a productive sweatfest.

“Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam ~ This was recommended by someone close to me and it makes me cry too!  If you need a cool down, I dare you to use this one without tearing up.

Share on Facebook

Savvy Sites 2

I am continuously amazed at the resources on the web.  What did we do before we had information at our fingertips?!?  Here are practical, useful sites I stumbled upon this week – both for educational and personal use!

Sites Helpful In and Out of the Classroom

Outta Ray’s Head English Lesson Plans – this is an oldie but a goodie.  If you are an English, reading or Language Arts teacher and you haven’t already discovered this, click on this NOW – a plethora of literature and writing assignments:

http://home.cogeco.ca/~rayser3/`

American Rhetoric – this is a comprehensive collection of famous speeches by political figures and entertainment icons.  You can read and/or hear them:

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/

Neuroscience for Kids – Experiments and Activities . . . Very unique experiments and activities.  I’m using some for my communications class and some for my reading classes:

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/experi.html

This slightly scaringly illustrates how easily accessible our personal information is in this computerized society . . . I’ve used it when studying 1984:

http://www.aclu.org/pizza/images/screen.swf

These are great visualizations of what is ironic.  Take a peek at these for your enjoyment as well:

http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2009/09/signs_of_contra.html

A visual dictionary!  Watch the short clips that narrate the definition of words accompanied by still cartoons illustrating the meaning.  Great for visual and auditory learners who can’t grasp meaning just by reading it.  A more fun approach to SAT practice:

http://www.wordahead.com/Home/tabid/37/Default.aspx

A smattering of graphic organizers teachers can use in any content area and business leaders can use to plan meetings, to-do’s, etc:

http://my.hrw.com/nsmedia/intgos/html/igo.htm

JUST FOR FUN!

This will drive you nuts!!  The object of the game is to move the red block around without getting hit by the blue blocks or touching the black walls.  If you can go longer than 18 seconds you are phenomenal. It’s been said that the US Air Force uses this for fighter pilots.  Be careful . . . it’s addictive:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~pontipak/redsquare.html

Share on Facebook

Tubular Videos Too

As promised, here are my current favorite “for fun” videos!  Most of these have been around for a while, but their appeal is universal.

(See also the videos I’m currently using in the classroom:  Tubular Videos 1)

My Favorite Fun Videos

 

This is my very favorite ~ it is soooo fun!!!  I actually like this idea a lot!!!  The first time I discovered this, I watched it over & over:

Speaking of funny, this is from the cast of one of my favorite shows, The Office:

 

 

This is absolutely fabulous – a real life National Geographic:

If you need a mood booster, this is it!  Excuse me, there are people I need to go hug!:

 

I want to know how they did this!:

Watching the rehabilitated eagle fly solo is inspiring!:

There you have it – the videos that currently make me laugh or be inspired!!  Enjoy!

Share on Facebook

Tubular Videos 1

Some of my current favorite videos.  Stay tuned – On Wednesday, I’ll be posting my favorite “for fun” videos!!

Videos I’m using in the classroom RIGHT NOW

I show this to my seniors to put their academic efforts into perspective.  This is a fabulous eye-opener!!!:

This is a super easy-to-follow explanation of Google Docs . . . something I’d like my students to use to share their documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc.  This YouTube site has many other great tech demos as well:

This one works well as an introduction to a reading strategies class.  It’s funny in its delivery but it has some solid tips:

This one serves as a fun reading class opener or conclusion:

 

 

I always use performance-based techniques with Shakespeare as his work was not meant to be read sitting behind a desk.  This particular technique works very well:

I will use this in speech class during our advertising/media unit.  This spawns much discussion:

This is a controversial commercial that spawns heated discussion.  (Watch at your own risk – may cause tears):

I read excerpts of Randy Paush’s The Last Lecture with my sophomores.  This is the taping of his actual last lecture – very inspirational man:

Share on Facebook